Students Should Revise These Simple Ways To Save Money Learning To Drive
For some teens, driving is one of those life goals that gets priority and sees them hopping behind the wheel as soon as the law allows them to. For others, driving feels like an ultimate goal that can wait until grades are high enough, or college acceptance sees them at their school of choice. The trouble is that, as soon as they get on campus, it’s not unusual for them to realize that driving has never been more desirable.
After all, typically long distances from home, and the need to get around a whole lot more without the help that they’re used to, can make student life stressful for teens relying on public transport. Unfortunately, student life is hardly famed for its financial influx, and most students find that when they do at last prioritize driving, their bank balances can in no way stretch to the standard 45-50 hours of practice needed.
This can see many students either failing to get home as often as they would like or missing classes because the subway isn’t running on time. Luckily, many manage to overcome these odds to get driving during their college years at last. And, we’ve got a few frugal pointers to help you afford the same.
Choose the right driving school
While they largely cover the same learning points, different driving schools have incredibly varied pricing structures, meaning that you’re going to want to shop around to find the best deal. While you will still need some cash to cover this, it’s a step that can make a huge difference to how quickly, and how often, you’re able to afford lessons.
Obviously, this isn’t to say that you should jump into the cheapest possible option if it doesn’t look like a good fit. However, taking the time to find a well-rated, affordable driving school is more than worth your while. In fact, this could be the difference between having to save for your entire college career before this goal is possible, or achieving your first lessons within a few months of setting your sights on the right option for you.
Save a lump sum for bulk lessons
Students who are used to living on the money they get from week to week often make the mistake of booking pay-as-you-go lessons whenever they have the cash to spare. While this is great at the time, it’s going to cost a whole lot more in the long run.
That’s because, like most companies, driving schools typically offer generous bulk packages that see you getting as many as two or three lessons free when you book in bulk, or even enjoying your first test free, etc. Offers like these are invaluable for better managing already-pushed budgets, even if that does mean getting into the habit of setting a certain amount aside for a few months first.
Take free learning opportunities where you can find them
While it is often best to get to grips with basic road rules when you have a trained instructor next to you, students far along in their learning journeys may also benefit from taking advantage of free learning opportunities if they can. Of course, you want to be wary of jumping in the car of your student friends, but spending time driving alongside trusted adults and family members can be incredibly beneficial.
Admittedly, you might want to avoid doing this with individuals who are likely to lose their temper or become panicked, as that could harm your learning overall. But, if you know calm, skilled drivers who would be willing, then using this technique alongside your lessons is always going to be a free plus. Do this often enough, and you might even find that you’re ready to book your test a whole lot sooner!
Save your test until you’re ready
While no student can forget the cost of driving lessons, test expenses often fall by the wayside. Worse, keen learners can be guilty of booking up before they’re ready because they’re so eager to finally get their freedom. Unfortunately, with many tests costing as much as a few lessons would, rushing here is a lot like paying for the privilege of failing.
It’s especially important to note that guidelines of around 50 practice hours of driving aren’t set in stone. Even if this is all you’ve budgeted for, then, take stock of where you are after this point, and save for a little longer if you think you could benefit from more learning. In the long run, this could save you from needing to spend on your test and future lessons.
Plus, increasing your chances of passing the first time saves you from being one of those learners who have to take their test countless times. Fall into that category, and even these money-saving tips won’t help you from racking up bills that almost outstrip your student debt!
Save money learning to drive: consider your future vehicle
Money spent on driving lessons is largely going to be wasted if you don’t also take steps to secure a car before you pass. As you can likely already guess, though, this is a goal that’s very much easier said than done when you’re already struggling to afford lessons in the first place.
In reality, the best possible thing to do here is to turn to support from your friends and family. After all, these are the people that best champion you, and they’ve likely followed your struggle to manage each of those all-important lessons.
Hence, you could set up a family-based GoFundMe page or something similar, with the stipulation that you don’t get that money until you pass your test. As well as being a great incentive to use your lessons wisely, even a few generous donations could then provide you with the car you need to ensure that the money you’ve spent here truly pays off.
Learning to drive isn’t cheap, but it can be transformative. Make sure you can afford the change by keeping these pointers in mind throughout your driving journey.
