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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

how much does it cost to use instructor's car for test?

30 replies

puddingsforsandy · 09/12/2013 13:10

Mine is saying 3 hours worth of lessons!

the test is 45 mins (max 1 hour) at 8am.

I have agreed to it but something in the back of mind keeps thinking it can't be right.

Wouldn't it be 2 hours?

thanks

OP posts:
KatoPotatoHoHo · 09/12/2013 13:11

In my experience that includes a lesson just before the test?

CrohnicallySick · 09/12/2013 13:14

I paid for 2 hours- lesson before the test, then 45 minutes for the test.

However, the test was later in the morning and only 15 minutes drive away. If the instructor is expecting that driving you home after will take longer than that, and cut into his next lesson (preventing him from booking someone else) then I can see why he would want to charge you for 3.

Rikalaily · 09/12/2013 13:15

The instructor I had charges for 3 hours (£60), that inc the hour lesson before, drive to test center, test and drive back. Instructors are self employed and it takes around 3 hours of their time for a learners test factoring in that you will have a chat about the test afterwards etc. My instructor was consoling me for about 20 mins after I failed my first test!

Packupyourtroubles · 09/12/2013 13:18

Mine charged for 2 hours- so £40.

Original poster
puddingsforsandy · 09/12/2013 13:18

OK thanks. It will cost me £87. sigh.

I will have a quick lesson with him before the actual test (about half hour just to go through things), have the test and I will need to ask him if he will drive me home.

It's just so expensive.

OP posts:
KatoPotatoHoHo · 09/12/2013 13:20

My instructor as a rule drove you home whether you'd passed or failed! - He said I'd be too excited or depressed wither way!

FeastOfPhteven · 09/12/2013 13:22

£87 for 2 hours or three? It's normally 2 hours, your driving instructor is trying it on!

Rikalaily · 09/12/2013 13:35

Instructors should always drive you home, £87 for three hours is taking the piss, why only a 30 min pre test lesson? Is the test centre miles away from where you live?

Twoandtwomakeschaos · 09/12/2013 14:54

I paid for the two hours I had the car, I think, the hour lesson beforehand and the hour of the test.

NigellasLeftNostril · 09/12/2013 14:55

IME there was an hour lesson before and the hour for the test paid for as another hour of lessontime.

Scholes34 · 09/12/2013 15:06

Just make sure you pass. Fingers crossed for you!

livinginawinterwonderland · 09/12/2013 15:07

Mine charges for 2 hours. 1 hour lesson, test, and drive home, but I only live 5 minutes from the test centre. If you live further out, he'll charge you more because getting you back home will cut into future lesson times.

PeazlyPops · 09/12/2013 15:10

Mine charged for two hours - an hour lesson before the test, and an hour for the test.

WinterWinds · 09/12/2013 15:47

yep 2 hours, 1 hour lesson and 1 hour to cover test and drive home.

Sallystyle · 09/12/2013 15:48

I paid £40

That covered an hour before and the hour of the test and back.

So two hours.

ThoseArentSpiritFingers · 09/12/2013 15:50

The instructer always drives you home because once you pass your test, your not insured to drive the car. I think the insurance only covers learner drivers, and the named instructer.

Lottiedoubtie · 09/12/2013 16:06

Your instructor charges £29 a hour!? Shock

starofbethlehemfishmummy · 09/12/2013 16:41

I think I had a usual length lesson before the test but the instructor cut it short as I was so nervous! We sat and ate sweets!!

sparechange · 09/12/2013 17:27

ThoseArent
I had motorway lessons with the instructor after I passed my test, and I see frequent suggestions on here that nervous drivers book some lessons with an instructor to brush up, so they must be able to let people will full licences drive the cars...

Original poster
puddingsforsandy · 09/12/2013 19:05

Yes he charges 29 per hour. I have already had 70 hours with him in the last 7 months. I really hope I pass.

OP posts:
Friginilla · 09/12/2013 19:25

Mine was 2 hour lessons worth
£21 for the hour lesson before
£21 for the test and taking me home after the test = 1 hour

mrsmalcolmreynolds · 09/12/2013 19:27

70 hours seems quite a lot to be ready for a first test? Thinking back I think I had about 40 or 45 and I was certainly not the quickest learner ever. Have you been out with other people and what did they think of your driving?

valiumredhead · 09/12/2013 19:27

Mine was 2 hours which included lesson beforehand. You should be driven home whether you pass or fail as you'll be very excited either way! Good luckSmile

birdbrain21 · 09/12/2013 19:33

puddings good luck I also have a test coming up hope we both pass. I'm paying my instructor for 2 hours (that includes an hours lesson before) your instructor sound really expensive and 70 hours is a lot of lessons maybe he/she just isn't a great teacher and if you don't pass you should change instructors...
Is it your first test?!

Clargo55 · 09/12/2013 19:40

2 hours for me last summer at £50. Think DVLA recommended 42hours of lessons to pass first time.