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To expect my dd to pay for her driving licence ?

406 replies

Firsttimemom3 · 07/03/2026 12:50

Did 18 years old is on her gap year. She has a good job well paid and saving for uni next year. We have given her a lump of money for her 18th, we do not charge her rent, we pay for food, phone and extras. We were meant to pay for her driving licence but we just had a massive vet bill, we are stretched. Am I unreasonable to expect her to pay her driving licence ?

OP posts:
Springisnearlyspring · 07/03/2026 13:08

It depends on what you have agreed re saving for uni. Lessons and test likely to be several thousand pounds so will impact her uni savings. Personally I think gap year is ideal time to learn if not done it in sixth form.
Are you topping her up to max loan next year or expecting her to earn the top up and save.

RvLl · 07/03/2026 13:06

Most people pay for the lessons and the test, despite what the voting suggests. I paid for both my kids to learn to drive.

MidnightPatrol · 07/03/2026 13:05

I think she’s probably going to be upset about it if you’ve previously told her you will pay for it.

How critical is having a car where you live? Does she urgently need to pass her test? It’s quite expensive.

metalbottle · 07/03/2026 13:03

Lessons are around £75 for 1.5 hours round here. Can she afford that? I see it as something for the parents to fund if they can.

Firsttimemom3 · 07/03/2026 12:59

The lessons and the exams - I’m sorry I’m not British so don’t know all the ramifications

OP posts:
metalbottle · 07/03/2026 12:53

Do you mean the one off fee to get the licence, or the lessons etc?

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