Passing their driving test and getting some independence is a popular ambition among teenagers. However, the price can be somewhat off-putting, to say the very least! Given the recent economic climate, many families simply can’t afford to prioritise helping younger family members to get on the road. Apart from the up-front cost of lessons, there is tax and insurance for the starter vehicle once they’ve actually passed their test. If you have someone under twenty-one who is itching to get behind the wheel, here are five ways to get more young people driving.
Credits: Land Rover MENA
Incentivise
If you are able to afford to pay for some lessons, consider offering incentives. For example, if someone is studying for exams, consider offering a financial incentive to encourage them to work harder for better grades. In the case of someone sitting ten GCSEs, it might be a good idea to offer them a driving lesson for every C pass they get. If they achieve a B, they could have two lessons and three lessons for an A. Of course, you need to tot up the potential cost to you if you need to find the money for thirty lessons. Alternatively, offer match funding and pay for one lesson to match every lesson paid for by the would-be driver. This will encourage them to seek part-time work and learn to drive without draining your pockets too badly.
Turn Teacher
Providing that you are over twenty-one and have held a full driving licence for at least three years, you might want to provide driving lessons yourself. However, before opting for the do-it-yourself route, there are a number of issues to bear in mind. First, ensure that the vehicle you plan to use is roadworthy, with a valid tax disc and MOT. Second, check that you have the correct insurance to teach a learner driver. In most cases, you would already have secured one of the best cars for young drivers, so it’s worth checking this out well in advance of starting to give lessons.
Credits: Zach Dischner
Safety First
Safety is of paramount importance for both instructor and learner as you will not usually have the advantage of a dual-control vehicle that a professional instructor uses. Therefore, find somewhere quiet and traffic-free for first lessons, ideally in good weather and in daylight. Also make sure that you are always calm and collected in your approach. Try not to lose your temper since this will make the driver-to-be more nervous and more likely to have an accident.
Go Bargain Hunting
Of course, you will want to ensure that the learner driver has access to a safe, reliable and reputable instructor, but this doesn’t always mean paying top dollar for lessons. Ask about the neighbourhood for recommendations on good instructors and check the local paper for news of special offers. It is also worth signing up to well-known online voucher sites that often have special offers on driving lessons. Anyone who is a member of a union or staff incentive scheme should also check whether there are any discounts for learner drivers.
Buy in Bulk
Sometimes, newly qualified instructors will charge less than more established instructors as they try to build up their client base, or they may offer a loyalty reward scheme. If you’re able to pay in advance, ask what kind of discount you will get for block-booking, or whether you will get any lessons free. And watch out for intensive courses as these can sometimes be very cost-effective, especially for people who learn new skills quickly and who are keen to invest time and energy into learning to drive.
