Driving Lessons in Own Car

[HappyBook]

DD, 17 has just started learning to drive. We have bought her a little car for her to practice in and to last a few years once she’s passed her test. DH and I take her out in her own car and she has lessons with an instructor.

Her Instructor has suggested they start to use her car for lessons, but the cost will be the same as lessons in the instructors car. DD is keen to use her car as she prefers it, but will end us costing her more because she’ll use more petrol etc.

If you’ve had lessons in your own car, was it cheaper? I’d expect to pay less to be honest but I don’t know if this is the norm.

I had lessons in my instructors car and practiced in my own car. I wouldn't pay the same rate for the reasons you've said. Yes their time and expertise does count for a lot and should be paid for, but general car maintenance, petrol and insurance etc is also factored into their price and should be deducted (unsure how the insurance works actually)

I would not pay same price and I have been told examiners do not like testing in own car as no dual control.

TBF just because they don't like it doesn't mean you can't sit your test or you're more likely to fail.

I passed in my own car.

DS1 did this and paid less per lesson.

I did this many years ago and got a small deduction. The instructor still needs insurance, tax on his car, to come to your to pick up and drop off your daughter, so it’s literally just the petrol money and wear + tear.

I passed first time and I felt it really benefited me doing it all in the one car, as I wasn’t keep changing styles or techniques.

I’d directly suggest knocking a small amount off the cost and see what they say.

DH did this and passed in 10 lessons. He paid slightly more per lesson due to no dual control and it was his request but far less overall than his mates who took 20-60 lessons to pass. Thing to note is that Instructors don’t tend to offer doing this unless they trust the student - so she may well be test ready. If so then get her to book her tests and get the instructor to give you a deal for 1.5-2 hrs for the price of 1.

Paid the same. Petrol is minimal cost wise Much easier to use your own car

I did this and passed in my own car. Instructor had a big Focus estate and I had a little KA. Far easier using same car for lessons and practice. Lessons cost the same - no deductions for using my own car

My son had last few lessons in own car before doing his test in it. Cost the same but it worked well and he was happier in his car. Instructor provided necessary mirrors etc.

I wouldn't expect a deduction. The petrol and wear and tear is really minimal. Insurance you're both paying for anyway.

I passed first time in my own car and it’s rubbish that examiners don’t like you turning up for your test in your own car. As long as it’s roadworthy and all the requirements are met it’s absolutely fine, I passed first time with 2 minors & my examiner was lovely. I had my own insurance in place, have to ensure you’re covered for lessons & the test in it.

I was paying £37 p/h for instructor lessons, would absolutely expect a reduction as there’s no mileage, wear & tear on his vehicle nor petrol going in. You’re literally paying for their time & expertise.

Dd did it - got a small reduction and worked because I sat in the back seat and watched, she only had 7 lessons, driving instructor wouldn't give her anymore because of covid but wouldn't bother for ds - he can't drive as well so he needs dual control as my nerves couldn't take it.

My DD started lessons in instructors car but about 6 weeks before she took her test she decided wanted to do her lessons in own car,we asked but was no reduction in cost which was a bit annoying but she took her test in own car( instructor still took her) She only had 1 hour lesson a week but was practising so much inbetween that just made sense as she beacame more use to her car than instructors. Passed 1st time so was worth it.

I did lesson and took my test in my own car.
No reduction in price and didn’t even consider it to be honest.

Same price. The petrol is minimal, and not worth worrying about. She will be more confident in her own car and you will have the pleasure of also practicing with her!