An important turn to independently move around Uk for living is automatic learning to drive! But it’s also a considerable financial commitment, especially in the UK. With the average cost of a driving lesson now standing at £24, learners can expect to invest a substantial amount in their journey toward obtaining a driving license. When considering automatic driving lessons, the costs can be even higher, making it essential for prospective drivers to understand what they are getting into financially.
The Basic Costs of Learning to Drive Automatic
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) recommends that learners should undertake 47 hours of tuition under the supervision of a professional instructor. This recommendation is based on the belief that this amount of instruction provides a solid foundation for safe driving practices. For manual drivers, this equates to a total cost of £1,128 for the lessons alone.
However, for those opting to learn to drive automatic cars, the costs can be even steeper. The total expenditure for lessons can rise to £1,320 due to the increased demand for automatic vehicles and the specialized training they require.
Learning to drive automatic may appear to be more straightforward than learning in a manual vehicle, primarily due to the absence of gear changes and clutch control. However, this perceived simplicity does not necessarily translate into fewer lessons. The average number of lessons it takes for UK learners to pass their automatic driving test is around 40 hours. This figure, though slightly lower than the DSA’s recommendation, still represents a significant investment of time and money.
Understanding the Cost Breakdown For Learn to Drive Automatic UK
When considering the financial implications of learning to drive in the UK, it’s crucial to factor in all related expenses. The £24 per hour cost covers the tuition itself, but learners must also budget for other essential elements, including:
- Provisional Driving License: Before you can begin lessons, you’ll need to obtain a provisional driving license, which currently costs £34 when applied for online.
- Theory Test: The theory test fee is £23, and it’s a mandatory requirement before you can take the practical driving test.
- Practical Driving Test: The practical test costs £62 for weekdays and £75 for evenings, weekends, and bank holidays. If you need to retake the test, you’ll need to budget for these additional costs as well.
- Insurance: Learner driver insurance is another expense to consider, especially if you plan to practice driving outside of lessons.
These additional costs can add up quickly, making the total cost of learning to drive automatic in the UK even higher than initially anticipated.
The Pace of Learning automatic drive in the UK
It’s essential to remember that everyone progresses at their own pace when learning to drive. While the average number of lessons needed to pass the automatic driving test is around 40 hours, some learners may require more time to feel confident and competent behind the wheel. This could mean additional lessons and, consequently, higher costs. Conversely, some learners may progress more quickly, reducing the number of lessons needed and saving money in the process.
Regardless of whether you’re learning to drive a manual or an automatic vehicle, it’s crucial to focus on the quality of instruction rather than just the quantity of lessons. At Flex Driving Academy, recognized as the best driving school in Sutton, best driving school in London, and best driving school in Carshalton, we emphasize not only teaching you the mechanics of driving but also instilling safe driving habits that will serve you well throughout your life.
Is Learning Automatic Worth the Extra Cost?
The decision to learn to drive automatic rather than manual ultimately comes down to personal preference and driving needs. Automatic cars are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, especially in urban areas where stop-start traffic is common. However, it’s worth noting that an automatic-only driving licence Uk limits you to driving automatic vehicles. If you wish to drive a manual car in the future, you’ll need to retake your driving test in a manual vehicle.
For many, the convenience of driving an automatic car outweighs the potential downsides, and the extra cost of lessons is seen as a worthwhile investment. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, with electric vehicles (most of which are automatic) becoming more prevalent, the demand for automatic driving licences is likely to increase.
Flex Driving Academy Is Your Partner in Learning
At Flex Driving Academy, we understand the financial commitment involved in learning to drive. As the best driving school in Morden, Sutton, London, Wallington, Carshalton, and Beddington, we offer competitive rates for automatic driving lessons, ensuring that you receive the best possible instruction at a price that fits your budget. Contact us now to start your journey toward becoming a confident and competent driver!