How much will learning to drive cost in 2035?
27/09/2024
Brits are being warned the cost of learning to drive could skyrocket as predicted increases could reach over £9000 following the 2035 ban on selling new petrol or diesel cars.
Car insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk have revealed the predicted cost of learning to drive for the future youth, estimating what costs are likely to be in 2035 based on reported increases over the last 10 years – likely making learning to drive, a challenge for many.
Since 2015, the cost of learning to drive has surged by 88%, if costs continue to rise at the same rate, they could reach as high as £9133 by 2035.
Young motorists have been hit the hardest by soaring costs, which show no signs of slowing down, especially if the 2035 ban of new diesel and petrol cars means many may need to start learning to drive in an electric vehicle.
While the cost of a provisional licence and theory driving test have remained consistent, factors like driving lessons, the cost of vehicle tax and insurance premiums have been on the rise – especially for electric vehicles.
After 2035, new drivers will not have the option to purchase a new petrol or diesel car, though these will continue to be available on the second-hand market.
Although electric and zero-emission vehicles are currently exempt from road tax, the rules are set to change from 1st April 2025, introducing additional costs for EV drivers, when they will need to pay £190 for tax.
The cost of lessons is predicted to hit £48 per hour by 2035, moving from £1080 in 2015 to £2160 by 2035, for 45 hours – an estimation based on increases reported over the previous 10 years.
The surging rate of insurance, especially for young drivers, has not been kind over the last decade either, with the cost-of-living crisis spiking premiums. The insurance comparison experts revealed average insurance costs now total over £2,500 for those aged 17-24, that’s a 147% increase from 2015.
In total, results show learner drivers may have to pay as much as £9133 in 2035 to get their licence, if prices continue to escalate at this rate.
Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk said: “The cost of learning to drive has been escalating, and shows no signs of slowing down as we eye up the 2035 petrol and diesel new car ban.
“It is not just the initial cost of the lessons or the test which leaves young motorists out of pocket, but the cost of cars themselves, insurance and road tax – especially if they’re considering an electric vehicle. Our research indicates the price of learning to drive could cost young drivers as much as £9133 by 2035.
“A recent Quotezone survey showed that over a third (36%) of respondents said electric cars were too expensive – with the average family-sized electric car now nearly £10,000 more than its fossil fuel equivalent.
“We’ve had several unusual and quite dramatic years in terms of fluctuations in insurance premiums, 2024 is still high but is starting to show signs of settling, let’s hope the next 10 years see a stabilisation of costs that help make driving more affordable, especially for young drivers who are normally seen as the highest risk.
“We need to look at ways we can find savings for this next generation of motorists. There are tips to help create savings and looking at the safety of the vehicle in question is important, where is it parked overnight and what is it used for exactly.
“Even adding additional safety features could help reduce premiums such as dashcams and trackers – it’s sensible to do a quote with and without these extras to ensure it’s worth the investment.
“One of the most significant ways for young drivers to find savings is to add a more experienced driver to the policy but just be careful not to commit fraud, the main driver needs to be the person who drives the car the most.”
| Driving essentials for learners | Reported cost in 2015 | Cost in 2024 | 2035 Predictions |
| Provisional licence | £34 to apply online (or £43 by post) | £34 to apply online (or £43 by post) | £34 to apply online (or £43 by post) |
| Driving lessons | £1,080 (£24 per hour x 45 hours) | £1,530 (£34 per hour x 45 hours) | £2,160 (£48 per hour x 45 hours) |
| Theory driving test | £23 | £23 | £23 |
| Practical driving test | £62 weekday tests – £75 weekend tests | £62 weekday tests – £75 weekend tests | £62 weekday tests – £75 weekend tests |
| Electric vehicle tax | Not applicable in 2015 | £0 (changing 1.4.25) | £190 standard rate (subject to change – new electric cars £10 for year one) |
| Electric cars – Expensive car supplement (if car costs over £40k) | N/A for electric cars | N/A for electric cars | £410 (for 5 years) |
| Average insurance estimate (17-24 year olds) | £1025 | £2,532 | £6254 |
| Estimated total | £2224 | £4181 | £9133 |
Quotezone helps millions of UK drivers every year compare car insurance quotes and find real savings across all sorts of products including car insurance for learner drivers, affordable car insurance for new drivers and even temporary car insurance for one day.
References:
https://www.gov.uk/driving-test-cost
https://evolvedrivingschool.co.uk/cost-of-learning-to-drive/
This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.