Learning to drive is essential today, but finally getting your own car and being able to drive wherever you like can be a costly experience. With driving lessons coming in at around $25 per hour, once you’ve had the recommended amount of driving time and paid for your test materials and the practical test, the total cost can easily exceed $900 unless you’re a very fast learner. Factor in any re-takes of your tests and additional driving qualifications such as the Pass Plus, and you could end up spending even more. Thankfully, there are a few ways to spend less on your driving instruction and hopefully pass the first time.
Free Theory Test Practice
When practicing for your theory test, you’ll soon find that there are many resources available such as books, a CD, or an app to choose from. Although these are all excellent resources which will certainly provide you with all the information that you need to pass your driving theory test with flying colors, they can be expensive to purchase – the app alone costs around £3! Instead, head over to toptests.co.uk, where you’ll find free driving theory practice tests and resources.
Block Bookings
Most driving instructors welcome block bookings, where you’ll book perhaps ten or even more lessons in advance. Although you’ll be paying more at once, paying upfront for the next ten lessons will be financially easier for you and you’ll also be able to save money, since many driving instructors offer a discount if you pay for multiple lessons at the same time. Saving up some money and booking all of your lessons at once might mean that you need to wait a little longer to save for your test, but on the up side, you’ll be able to spend less on your lessons and more on your car.
Free Driving Practice
In the UK, it’s legal for learner drivers to practice in almost any car as long as they have a provisional driving license and are provisionally insured to drive the vehicle. They must also be accompanied at all times by a passenger who is over the age of 21 and has held their full UK driving license for at least three years. Learner drivers cannot practice on motorways, but you will be free to drive on all other roads, which can be excellent practice in between lessons and a good way to build up your confidence at the wheel.
Deal With Test Nerves
Anxiety and nerves when it comes to taking your driving test could end up causing your whole learning to drive experience to be even more costly. Psychologists have found that people who suffer with anxiety or nerves in regards to taking tests are more likely to do badly or fail, even if it is a subject that they know well. Practicing meditation or self-hypnosis, breathing exercises, and using essential oils are all safe ways to calm your nerves before your driving test.