How Much Will Learning to Drive Cost in 2035?

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 future youth, estimating the costs in 2035 based on reported increases over the last ten years—likely making learning to drive a challenge for many.

The cost of learning to drive has surged by 88% since 2015. 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 learn 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 rising cost of vehicle tax and insurance premiums have been on the rise – especially for electric vehicles.

After 2035, new drivers cannot purchase a new petrol or diesel car, though these will remain available on the second-hand market. 

Although electric and zero-emission vehicles are currently exempt from road tax, the rules will change on 1 April 2025, introducing additional costs for EV drivers, who must pay £190 for tax.

The lesson cost is predicted to hit £48 per hour by 2035, moving from £1080 in 2015 to £2160 for 45 hours by 2035—an estimation based on increases reported over the previous ten 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. Insurance comparison experts revealed that average insurance costs now total over £2,500 for those aged 17-24, 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 that 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 that 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 helps 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 aretips 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 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 five years)
Average insurance estimate (17-24 year olds)	£1025	£2,532	£6254
Estimated total	£2224	£4181	£9133

 

Quotezone helps millions of UK drivers compare car insurance quotes yearly and find 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.