For many people, learning and getting their first car is a rite of passage and a ticket to independence. But new research has found that the cost of doing it has topped an eye-watering £11,000.
Experts at CarMats.co.uk have calculated that the average person needs £11,375 to learn to drive and purchase a car in 2023. It said that, according to the RAC, it will take the average learner 45 hours of driving lessons to pass their test.
At an average cost of £25 to £30 per hour-long lesson, the average learner in the UK is looking at the cost of £1,260. This cost excludes the theory and driving test payments, which are £23 and £62 respectively, and the cost of a provisional driving licence at £34. Car insurance, at £851 for the average 20 year old, according to Statista, is the largest payment associated with purchasing a car, aside from the car's price itself.
According to Confused.com, the Ford Fiesta Zetec was the most popular choice for first-time drivers, with a price tag from £995 used to £16,995 new, making the average cost for one of these hatchbacks as £8,995. Settling for a cheap car would bring the overall price down considerably, but could be more costly in terms of servicing and repairs.
The full Cost of Driving report can be found here.
