How much does it cost to get your driving licence

What is a Provisional Licence? How much does it cost?
On your first step towards getting behind the wheel, you will need to acquire a provisional licence. Simply explained, it's a small green card which permits you to learn to drive.
Without one, you cannot legally drive - whether that's driving lessons, or with a family member. So, make sure you apply for one before you intend to learn to drive, or take your theory test. To purchase one, you will need to be at least 15 years old and 9 months and be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away. But, please note that you will not be able to drive until you reach 17 years old.
You will need a few documents to confirm your identity, but the overall process is very quick - it costs £34 when you purchase it online, using the GOV.UK website. Alternatively, you can purchase your provisional licence by mail, but be wary, this method will cost you slightly more at £43.
If nothing goes wrong in your application process, you are likely to receive your physical green licence card within one week.

How much do driving lessons cost?
There is no simple answer to this question, as everybody takes different amounts of time to pass, but it takes most people, at least 45 hours of driving lessons and 22 hours of private practice driving before they are ready to pass their practical driving test.
That doesn't sound like a lot of time to master driving, and it's definitely not. You will continue to learn even after you have passed, but your lessons will provide you with a great basis, and give you the sufficient skills you need to start solo driving.
If you take longer, then don't worry, you are not alone. Try not to rush this step - feeling ready is one major part of the process, and you may create anxiety if you aren't ready to hit the road by yourself.
But back to the question at hand - cost of learning to drive. On average, you will be charged around £24 per hour for driving lessons. So, roughly speaking the overall cost of lessons, if you did the minimum recommended number of hours would cost you £1,128. However, if you do not have an adult over the age of 21 who has held a driving licence for three years, and does not have access to their own car, you may need more lessons with an instructor to get you up to speed.
But, you can often bargain with your instructor to purchase a bundle of lessons at a reduced rate, so this figure may be a little less in the end. If you are lucky enough to have an adult who fits the standards needed to teach, and is willing to help you learn to drive in their car, then it's vitally important that you first take out learner driver insurance before you even step foot in the car. Don't forget your L plates too!

Do I need to use a qualified driving instructor?

We would always recommend using a qualified driving instructor to help teach you the basics of driving - but there is no legal requirement for you to take driving lessons, or complete a set amount of practice driving.

With that said, driving isn't something you can just wing, and learn overnight. Driving lessons are a fundamental part of learning to drive, which arm you with the essential skills needed for solo driving. But, if you don't have the money to start taking lessons, is there an alternative way?

Well, yes. Because there is no legal requirement for you to take driving lessons, you can technically be taught by anyone over the age of 21, who has held a driving licence for 3, or more years. Although, you will need to have access to a car, learner driver insurance (Alternatively, you can simply be added to a regular insurance policy as an additional driver), and some L plates to stick on the front, and back of the car.

While this option may be appealing for some, and rightfully so - the teaching experience and in-depth knowledge of the DVSA requirements that a qualified instructor has will...