- 1 Fecitt Road, BB2 6EF, Granville Road Blackburn, UK
- info@acornsom.co.uk
- 07912 229133
Understanding the full cost of the driving test in the UK is an important first step for anyone beginning their driving journey. Whether you’re a first-time learner, someone returning after years off the road, or a nervous driver seeking refresher lessons, being clear about pricing and preparation is essential. At Acorn School of Motoring, we work with learners of all levels—especially beginners and refresher drivers—offering both manual and automatic lessons to suit your needs and budget.
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Are you a passionate and qualified driving instructor looking for a rewarding opportunity? Join Acorn School of Motoring and become part of one of the region’s most trusted names in driver training. We offer safe and secure franchise opportunities for ADI (Approved Driving Instructors) and PDI (Potential Driving Instructors) who want to grow their careers with full support and flexibility.
You’ll benefit from a steady stream of learners, competitive earning potential, and the chance to help shape safe, confident drivers across Blackburn, Darwen, Accrington, Rishton, Preston, Burnley, Chorley, Luton, Great Harwood, and surrounding areas. Take the next step in your driving instructor career—join Acorn School of Motoring today and drive your success forward.
Your driving success is our mission. We're here, always ready to assist and guide you on your journey to confidence and expertise.
The cost of the UK driving test remains the same for both manual and automatic learners. The theory test fee is currently £38, and the practical driving test costs £76 for weekday slots or £610 for evenings and weekends. These official prices are set by the DVSA and apply regardless of which type of car you choose to drive. However, what truly influences your overall expense is the number of lessons you need and how efficiently you prepare
In addition to the test fees, the biggest cost associated with learning to drive is your training. Lessons are essential—not just for passing the test but for becoming a safe and confident driver. At AcornSOM, we offer lessons at competitive rates: £38 per hour, £76 for two hours, and a 10-hour package for just £350. Whether you’re learning automatic or manual, these prices apply equally. Pairing your test booking with a lesson plan is the smartest way to approach your driving goals, especially if you’re on a budget.
For beginners, the journey to becoming test-ready typically takes 30 to 40 hours of professional instruction, depending on confidence and learning speed. If you multiply that by an average lesson price, you’re looking at an overall cost of approximately £1,520 to £1,640, including test fees. That might sound like a lot, but bundling your lessons with discounted block packages can significantly lower your hourly cost. At AcornSOM, we offer these deals to help new learners access professional training without financial strain.
The cost of learning to drive doesn’t change based on the vehicle type when you train with us. Both automatic and manual lessons are priced equally. However, your personal progress might influence the overall investment. Some learners find automatic cars easier to control and therefore need fewer lessons. Others prefer manual cars for flexibility and long-term value. We guide you based on your goals—whether that’s speed, convenience, or long-term driving freedom—while keeping pricing consistent and fair across both lesson types.
Refresher lessons are designed for drivers who have already passed their test in the past or had previous driving experience but lack confidence or haven’t driven in a while. At AcornSOM, our team specialises in helping nervous drivers, returning learners, and older adults rebuild their driving confidence. These sessions focus on practical scenarios, modern test standards, and building back the skills needed for today’s roads. Whether you’re preparing for a retest, moving from an international licence, or just want to feel safer, refresher lessons are tailored to your pace and comfort.
Choosing between automatic and manual lessons depends on the type of licence you want and how you feel behind the wheel. Manual driving lessons give you the freedom to drive both manual and automatic cars after you pass, but they require mastering gear changes and clutch control. For some, especially nervous or older learners, this can be overwhelming. That’s where automatic lessons shine—they’re easier to learn and can help you pass the test more quickly. Although the cost of lessons is the same at AcornSOM, automatic learners often need fewer hours, making them a cost-effective option for those eager to pass quickly.
The best way to prepare for your driving test is through structured, consistent, and local training. Our instructors offer in-depth driving lessons that cover every test requirement, including hazard perception, manoeuvres, emergency stops, roundabouts, and mock tests. We operate in familiar areas across Blackburn, Preston, Accrington, and Darwen, so you can practice on the very roads where your test might take place. We recommend booking 2-hour sessions for deeper learning and opting for block lessons to save money while building confidence more efficiently.
To support learners with different needs, we’ve developed flexible lesson bundles that help reduce overall test costs. New learners benefit from our 10-hour packages, which allow focused, progressive learning at a discounted rate. Returning or refresher learners can book shorter or tailored sessions, focusing on specific weaknesses or test re-preparation. All lesson bundles—manual or automatic—are priced with value in mind and come with full instructor support, local test centre knowledge, and flexible scheduling.
Getting test-ready doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With the right training provider, you can build your driving skills in a way that suits your schedule and budget. At Acorn School of Motoring, we offer affordable and expert-led Manual and Automatic driving lessons that focus on helping you pass your test the first time. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone returning to the road, our instructors ensure that every lesson is meaningful, practical, and progress-driven. Our goal is to help you save time, reduce costs, and become a safe, confident driver for life.