Parents are spending an additional £138 on fuel and vehicle running costs while their test-ready teenagers wait for a practical driving test, new research suggests.
The study by Compare the Market found that teenagers wait an average of two months for a test slot, extending the period during which many continue to rely on their parents for journeys to college, work and social commitments.
Almost three in ten learner drivers surveyed waited three months or longer, while 8% faced waits of between five and six months.
Additional journeys add up
Parents reported driving an extra 31 miles each week while providing lifts, at an average cost of £69 per month. Over the typical two-month wait identified by the research, this amounts to £138 in additional fuel and vehicle running costs.
While 15% of parents already ask their teenagers to contribute towards these costs, a further 9% are considering doing so.
The driving test backlog is also affecting family routines:
- 40% said the extended wait made planning their personal time more difficult
- 34% experienced additional daily stress or frustration
- 26% reported arguments over lifts
- 18% had adjusted their working hours
Keeping learners prepared
For learners who are ready to take their test, a lengthy wait can create additional challenges. Regular private practice or professional tuition can help maintain skills and confidence, but families may also face the cost of extending insurance cover and paying for further lessons.
Driver trainers can support learners by planning how frequently they need lessons during the waiting period, identifying opportunities for safe private practice and ensuring their skills remain at the required standard.
Sam Wilson, car insurance expert at Compare the Market, said: “For parents, the driving test backlog can mean months of additional journeys that they may not have budgeted for. While an extra few trips each week might not seem significant, our research shows that these journeys can add up to £138 in fuel and vehicle running costs over the average waiting period.
“The impact isn’t purely financial either. With teenagers still relying on their parents to get to college, work and social commitments, families can find themselves having to reorganise their routines around lifts for much longer than expected.
“For teenagers who are waiting for their test, continuing to practice can help keep their driving skills fresh and build confidence behind the wheel. Parents should factor in the cost of regular practice and make sure the right learner driver insurance is in place. Comparing the cost of standalone learner driver cover with adding a learner to an existing policy can help families understand which option works for their circumstances, particularly when a test delay means that cover may be needed for longer than originally expected.”
The findings are based on a Censuswide survey of 2,000 UK parents of test-ready teenagers aged 17 to 19, conducted for Compare the Market between 9 and 16 September 2026.
