How much does it cost to learn to drive?

The official fees

These are the fixed government fees for learning to drive a car in England, Scotland and Wales.

Tests from 4.30pm onwards count as evening tests. Not every test centre offers evening or weekend slots.

Worked examples

Example 1: pass first time

• Provisional licence online: £34
• Theory test: £23
• Weekday driving test: £62
• Total fees: £119

With a weekend driving test instead, the total is £132.

Example 2: two attempts at each test

If you do not pass, you pay the full fee again to rebook.

• Provisional licence online: £34
• Theory test twice: 2 x £23 = £46
• Weekday driving test twice: 2 x £62 = £124
• Total fees: £204

These totals do not include lessons or insurance.

Costs the government does not set

• Driving lessons. Instructors set their own prices. There is no minimum or maximum. There is also no minimum number of lessons or hours of practice.
• Insurance. You need to be insured when you practise. If you practise in your own car, your family member or friend will usually be covered on your policy. In someone else's car, you need to be on their policy or get your own learner driver insurance.
• Insurance after you pass. You can drive on your own as soon as you pass, but only if your insurance covers you to drive without supervision.

Cutting costs safely

• Practise with family or friends. They must be over 21, have held a full licence for 3 years, and be qualified to drive that type of vehicle. You cannot pay them.
• Check your instructor. Anyone you pay must be an approved driving instructor (green badge) or a trainee instructor (pink badge).
• Change your test in time. For a car test, give 10 full working days' notice to change or cancel without losing your fee. Monday to Saturday count as working days. If you move to a cheaper weekday slot, you get the difference back.
• Short notice refunds. If you have to cancel for reasons such as illness, injury, bereavement or school exams, you can ask DVSA for a refund with evidence.

Breaking the supervision rules can mean a fine of up to £1,000 and up to 6 penalty points. Driving without insurance can mean an unlimited fine, a ban and up to 8 penalty points.

Order of steps

1. Get your provisional licence. You can apply from 15 years and 9 months, and most people can start driving at 17.
2. Take lessons and practise.
3. Pass your theory test. You must do this before you can book the driving test.
4. Book and pass your driving test.

If you live in Northern Ireland

The GOV.UK fees above are for England, Scotland and Wales. If you live in Northern Ireland, check nidirect for the fees and process there.

Related guides

• How do I get my first provisional driving licence?
• How do I book my theory test?
• What are the rules for learner drivers?
• How do I get a driving test cancellation?
• How many penalty points can a new driver get?

Where these figures come from

• Driving test cost
• Apply for your first provisional driving licence
• Book your theory test
• Learn to drive a car: step by step
• Taking driving lessons
• Practising with family or friends
• Change or cancel your driving test