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Costs Explained

How Much Do Driving Lessons Cost in Northampton?

Real prices, every fee listed, and an honest total for learning to drive from scratch.

DriveCraft hourly rate
£40
per hour · manual or automatic · pick-up included

Lesson prices

Blocks reduce the hourly rate. Nothing expires and nothing is non-refundable.

Single lesson (2 hours)
£80
£40/hr

Pay as you go. No commitment.

10-hour block
£400
£40/hr

Spreads the cost, keeps momentum.

20-hour block
£740
£37/hr

Our most popular — works out at £37/hr.

Complete Driver — 40 hours
£1440
£36/hr

Close to the DVSA's recommended 45 hours.

The other costs

These aren't ours — most go to the DVSA or DVLA. Listed so nothing catches you out.

Theory test (DVSA)
Paid to the DVSA
£23
Practical test — weekday (DVSA)
Paid to the DVSA
£62
Practical test — evening/weekend (DVSA)
Paid to the DVSA
£75
Provisional licence (DVLA, online)
Paid to the DVLA
£34
Mock practical test
DriveCraft — optional
£62
Pass Plus course
DriveCraft — optional, after passing
£270

A realistic total

45 hours of lessons (DVSA recommended)£1800
Provisional licence (DVLA)£34
Theory test (DVSA)£23
Practical test, weekday (DVSA)£62
Total£1919

Spread over five to six months, and lower with block booking or regular private practice. Plenty of people need fewer than 45 hours — see how many lessons you actually need.

What we don't charge for

Joining or registration fee
Pick-up and drop-off
Booking or admin fees
Cancelling with 48 hours' notice

Common questions

How much is a driving lesson in Northampton?

DriveCraft lessons are £40 per hour. Most pupils take two-hour lessons, so a typical lesson is £80. Block booking brings the hourly rate down — our 20-hour block works out at £37 per hour.

How much does it cost to learn to drive in total?

The DVSA recommends 45 hours of lessons. At £40 an hour that's £1800, or less with block booking. Add the DVLA provisional licence (£34), the theory test (£23) and the practical test (£62 on a weekday) and a realistic all-in figure is around £1919. You pay it across several months, not up front.

Do you charge a joining fee?

No. There's no joining fee, no registration fee and no booking fee. You pay for lessons and nothing else.

Is pick-up and drop-off included?

Yes. Your instructor collects you from home, work or college within their covered area at no extra cost, and the lesson time starts when you get in the car.

Are automatic lessons more expensive than manual?

Not with us — automatic and manual lessons are the same hourly rate. Automatic learners often need fewer hours overall, so the total can work out lower.

Can I pay per lesson instead of buying a block?

Yes. Blocks are cheaper per hour, but there's no obligation to buy one. Plenty of pupils pay lesson by lesson, and you can switch to a block later.

Sources: DVSA and DVLA fees from gov.uk and correct at the time of writing — always check gov.uk for the current fee before booking. DriveCraft prices are our own published rates.

No joining fee. Start with one lesson.

Northampton, Kettering, Brackley and Wellingborough. Manual and automatic.

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