Driving lessons have become a financial burden for many people in Great Britain, with the cost of passing the test increasing significantly since June 2023. According to a recent survey of over 5,000 approved driving instructors (ADIs), most charge between $36-$40 per hour. This is a significant increase from last year’s prices, making it harder for people to afford regular lessons.
Personal Struggles
Paige Williams is one individual struggling to afford driving lessons. She wants to pass her driving test to visit family and go on day trips more easily with her three-year-old son, who has meltdowns on public transport. However, she has had to cut back on spending for food, gas, and electricity to afford the $35-per-hour lessons.
Statistics on Lesson Costs
- The percentage of ADIs charging $35 or less per hour has halved from 62.2% to 31.5%.
- Those charging more than $40 per hour have nearly tripled.
For many people in Great Britain who commute by car as their primary mode of transportation—about two-thirds according to Department for Transport data—passing the driving test is essential. However, rising lesson costs are making it increasingly difficult for individuals like Faustina Kamara and Sandra Onuora.
Individual Experiences
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Faustina Kamara needs a driver’s license for her dream job as a runner in the media industry but cannot afford regular lessons, as each session costs about $60 instead of the $45 she would prefer. This has delayed her ability to pass the test.
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Sandra Onuora shared her experience: "I had difficulty affording £39-an-hour lessons." After saving enough money by cutting back elsewhere, she was able to buy new clothes instead of retaking lessons, ultimately passing her test on the first attempt after taking six buses every weekday morning.
Economic Impact
The rising cost of living crisis means that many people are struggling financially and having difficulty affording basic necessities such as food and housing, let alone luxuries like holidays or leisure activities. This situation may worsen if individuals cannot pass their practical tests until they can save enough money again.
Conclusion
The high cost of driving lesson fees poses significant challenges, especially during economic downturns where budgets are already stretched thin. This further exacerbates the difficulties faced by those seeking employment opportunities that require a driver’s license.
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