The prospect of learning to drive is often exciting, and leads to thoughts of freedom and independence. However, people aren’t always aware how much this freedom and independence will cost. After numerous lessons, paying for your hazard perception test and practical test, there is the cost of the actual car, road tax and an insurance policy. In total, this could cost over £10,000.

Recently, changes have been made to the driving test, making it initially more stressful and expensive for the learner. The new test means that as well as taking the standard one hour theory test, a new 30 minute hazard perception test will be added, which will increase the price further. The learner will also have to complete a book of road achievements as well as pay for even more lessons- approximately 150 hours of driving lessons are needed which will near enough triple the overall cost of lessons. These changes have evolved after the number of road accidents has forced the government to create safer drivers.

With 17-21 year olds being the most at likely to cause accidents, and the same age bracket being the majority of those taking driving tests, the idea of the new test is to create safer drivers from as soon as they learn to drive, and in effect, reducing the number of road accidents. With the new test being more expensive, and in theory more effective, the price of car insurance for young people is being questioned; surely prices should be decreased if more training and expense is involved? Before this happens, insurers will need to see proof that numbers of road accidents are decreasing before they lower their insurance policies. This could take up to a number of years, so until then, young drivers will have no choice but to pay high insurance premiums, as well as the rising cost of driving tests.

There are a few things you can do to try to lower your car insurance policy. If you are aged in between 17-21, don’t be tempted to splash out on an expensive, high performance car. Although few young people could afford one anyway, those who are more fortunate may be swayed towards the more stylish model. However, if you choose a lower budget car (specifically second-hand), you will notice the drop in price immediately. Also, by joining your parents insurance, you are sure to get a lower price for your policy.

For cheap car insurance, it is crucial to shop around before you commit to a provider. Make sure you compare car insurance online to find the best companies, and always read the small print. The market for motor insurance has never been more competitive, so take advantage of companies who are trying to compete.