Cost of Getting on the Road UK 2025 – What New Drivers Pay

Car Insurance Guides
November 14th, 2025
Cost of Getting on the Road UK 2025 – What New Drivers Pay

Content in this article

The reality of driving costs in 2025

Getting behind the wheel remains a rite of passage for young drivers, but the true cost of starting your driving journey has changed. The average total spend for a new driver in 2025 is around £6,100, including a provisional driving licence, lessons, tests, first car, learner driver insurance, tax, fuel and maintenance.

That figure is slightly lower than in 2024 thanks to stabilised insurance premiums and better availability of used cars. However, high demand for instructors and longer waiting times for a test date still make learning to drive an expensive process for many people taking their first step on the road.

The average cost of getting on the road in the UK 2025

Category Typical 2025 Cost Notes
Provisional driving licence & tests £150 – £180 Includes theory test costs and driving test costs
Professional lessons (45 hours average) £1,350 – £1,550 Based on £30–£35 per hour plus hours of practice
First used car or new car budget £3,000 – £4,000 Small hatchback such as a manual car Fiesta or Clio
First year insurance £1,200 – £1,600 Black box insurance helps young drivers save
Road tax & MOT £160 – £200 Car tax based on CO₂ band
Fuel or charging costs £1,000 – £1,200 Petrol vs EV rates compared below

Cost of learning to drive and getting your licence

The path from learner driver to holding a full driving licence can take several months. The cost of lessons remains the biggest factor after insurance.

  • Provisional driving licence: £34 online or £43 by post.
  • Driving theory test: £23 plus optional study materials or a driving theory app (~£10).
  • Hazard perception test: included with theory.
  • Practical driving test: £62 weekday / £75 weekend test fees.
  • Professional lessons: £1,400 average for about 45 hours of lessons in an instructor’s car.

Extra practice with a family member in your own car requires specialist learner driver insurance or short term cover for additional practice. Premiums start around £20 per day or £65 per month and provide peace of mind without affecting the main driver’s claims bonus.

Booking early and checking cancellation lists may secure an earlier test date, reducing the total number of lessons needed. The national pass rate currently sits at 48%, so budgeting for one retest is sensible.

Buying your first car – finance vs buying outright

A new car is out of reach for most first-timers, so used cars remain the preferred option. Finance can spread the cost but raises the true cost through monthly payments and interest. Comparing HP vs PCP on a comparison site helps calculate the standard rate and first year rate.

When buying, choose the cheapest cars in low insurance groups. A modest hatchback or hybrid often attracts lower premiums and fuel bills while still offering modern safety features and optional extras like air conditioning and Bluetooth.

Compare Car Insurance

Save up to £518* on your car insurance

Compare Quotes Retrieve Quote

Cost of first car insurance – still the biggest factor

Insurance remains the largest annual expense. The average cost of first car insurance UK is around £1,350 for comprehensive cover. Premiums are highest for young drivers under 25 but fall significantly with each claim-free year.

Saving tips:

  • Add a named driver (such as a parent) with experience to lower risk rating.
  • Use black box insurance to prove safe habits and build a claims bonus.
  • Pay annually if possible to avoid credit charges.
  • Compare regularly on a trusted comparison site.

Compare car insurance quotes to save on your first policy

Fuel and maintenance costs – what to expect per year

For a petrol car doing 8,000 miles, expect around £1,100 in fuel and £500 in servicing. Regular optional extras like oil changes, brake pads, and tyres add £400–£600 per year. A service history helps retain resale value and provides peace of mind.

Average MOT, tax and breakdown costs

The annual MOT fee is £54.85, and car tax for a small petrol vehicle averages £160. Electric cars remain tax-exempt until April 2025 under the standard rate structure. Most drivers add breakdown cover for £100 a year to avoid unexpected recovery charges.

How much does it cost to drive per mile UK?

Based on 2025 fuel and insurance data, the average true cost of driving is about 49 p per mile (£3,900 per year). EV owners spend around 30% less on energy but slightly more on insurance.

EV vs petrol – charging vs fuel costs compared

Charging an electric car at home costs 6–9 p per mile on off-peak tariffs, versus 14 p for petrol. EV drivers save £400–£500 annually on energy and maintenance but face higher purchase prices and insurance in the first year.

EV vs petrol – charging vs fuel costs compared

Are there extra costs for driving in London or other major UK cities in 2025?

Yes. Urban drivers face additional charges that raise their total cost of owning a car UK 2025. London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) covers most boroughs, charging £12.50 per day for older cars. Some city centres now charge parking and clean-air fees averaging £10–£15 per day. Insurance is also higher in urban postcodes due to theft risk and dense traffic. Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol show similar patterns though at lower rates.

Does the cost of getting on the road differ by region in 2025?

Regional price gaps remain noticeable. Northern England and Scotland report lower fuel and insurance bills, while London and the South East see higher vehicle prices and parking costs. A new driver in Leeds might spend £5,700 to get started, compared with £6,600 in London. Insurance for urban young drivers is typically 15% higher than the national average.

What is the average total spend now vs previous years?

In 2023 the average first-year driving cost was £6,400; in 2024 it fell to £6,200; 2025 now sits around £6,100. The main savings come from slightly cheaper used cars and falling insurance rates. Fuel and MOT costs remain broadly unchanged as inflation eases. Over the past couple of years, the price of learning to drive has risen modestly because of instructor shortages and high demand for tests.

What hidden or unexpected fees should new drivers watch for in 2025?

Common extras that increase the true cost of getting on the road include:

  • Rebooking fees if you miss your test date.
  • Extra charges for weekend lessons or automatic cars.
  • Optional study materials, mock tests and insurance add-ons.
  • Short term cover for borrowing a friend’s car before your licence arrives.
  • Finance arrangement fees and interest on monthly payments.
  • First-year servicing packages and dealer optional extras.

Checking all fees upfront and using a trusted comparison site for quotes prevents nasty surprises and keeps your budget realistic.

Compare Car Insurance

Save up to £518* on your car insurance

Compare Quotes Retrieve Quote

How to reduce your total cost of driving

To cut costs long-term: take professional lessons only when needed, book tests early, choose a fuel-efficient car, compare insurance annually and avoid debt where possible. Safe driving and a strong claims bonus help lower future premiums and make car ownership more sustainable.

Start comparing car insurance to cut your total cost of driving

FAQs about the cost of getting on the road in 2025

What’s the total cost of getting on the road in the UK 2025?

The average total cost of getting on the road UK 2025 is between £6,000 and £6,500, covering a provisional driving licence, theory and practical test fees, learner driver insurance, a first car, and one year of fuel, tax, and maintenance.

Why is insurance the biggest cost of driving?

Insurance remains the largest single cost because new and young drivers are viewed as higher risk. First-year premiums average £1,350, although black box insurance and adding a named driver can lower the price significantly.

How much does it cost to learn to drive in 2025?

Expect to spend around £1,400 to £1,700 for lessons and tests. That includes a provisional license, 40–45 hours of lessons with a qualified instructor, plus optional study materials or a driving theory app to prepare for your theory and hazard perception tests.

Do regional costs vary across the UK?

Yes. London and southern cities are the most expensive due to congestion charges, parking fees, and higher insurance rates. In contrast, northern England and Scotland offer cheaper learner driver lessons and own car insurance options.

Are there extra costs for driving in London or other major cities?

Urban drivers face extra costs such as ULEZ and Clean Air Zone fees, higher fuel prices, and increased parking charges. A London driver can spend £500 more per year than the UK average due to these charges.

What hidden or unexpected fees should new drivers watch for?

Be aware of added costs such as weekend test surcharges, optional extras on finance agreements, missed test date rebooking fees, or extended lesson packages. Short term cover or temporary insurance also adds up if you borrow a family member’s car for additional practice.

What’s the cheapest way to own a car in the UK?

Buying a small manual car outright and choosing learner insurance or a black box policy is typically cheapest. Paying annually and avoiding unnecessary add-ons further lowers the true cost.

How much does it cost to drive per mile in 2025?

The average total cost of driving per year UK is about 49 p per mile for petrol cars, including insurance, tax, and maintenance. Electric vehicles cost around 35 p per mile when charged at home.

How can I save money while learning to drive?

Practice in your own car or a family member’s car using learner driver insurance, book lessons during off-peak hours, and look for cancellations to secure an earlier test date. Avoid retests by studying carefully and taking mock exams.

What’s the average total spend now compared to previous years?

In 2023 it cost roughly £6,400 to get on the road. In 2024 that dropped to £6,200, and now in 2025 it’s around £6,100 — mainly due to lower insurance and stabilised used car prices.

How can I reduce my total cost of driving?

Compare quotes, maintain your car tax and servicing on time, and build your claims bonus each year. Choosing the cheapest cars in low insurance groups, driving efficiently, and planning routes can save hundreds annually.

How long does it take most people to learn to drive in the UK?

On average, learners take between six and nine months to pass their driving test after starting lessons. The DVSA estimates around 45 hours of professional lessons and 20 hours of additional practice with a family member. Booking your test date early can help avoid long waiting times in areas with high demand.

Is it cheaper to learn in a manual or automatic car?

Learning in a manual car is usually cheaper overall. Lessons for automatics can cost £2–£4 more per hour, and passing in an automatic restricts your full driving licence to automatic vehicles only. Manual cars are also cheaper to buy and insure, offering a more flexible long-term option.

Can learner drivers get temporary or short-term cover?

Yes. Learner driver insurance and short term cover policies let you practice in a family member’s car without affecting their claims bonus. They can run daily, weekly, or monthly and cost from about £20 for 24-hour cover — ideal for additional practice between professional lessons.

Does getting your licence reduce your insurance straight away?

It depends. Passing your test lets you switch from learner insurance to a full policy, but the first year rate is often higher because you have no independent driving record yet. Over time, a clean driving history helps reduce the premium.

Also Read Related Articles

Correct as of 04 November 2025

The Importance of Comparison Sites

Get Cheaper Car Insurance – Even with Points or Claims

We help you find policies that suit your situation and budget.

Get car insurance quotes
4000+ reviews