Quitting driving lessons

Hi there,
I’m 17, my birthday is in May I recently decided to start driving lessons in September. My instructor is honestly so calm and lovely, the lessons aren’t too tedious but I don’t really have any interest in learning to drive. I wanted to just ‘bash it out’ but it’s costing me a lot more than i expected as the hours I work have gone down since summer. The cost of lessons will mean that it’ll be pretty much the only thing I’ll spend my money on, including using money ive saved for my gap year/ festivals, and the fact that it’ll take me almost a year of this just really puts me off. I have plans for travelling on a gap year, festivals I want to go to, a tattoo to save up for as well as starting uni in 2026. I don’t have the need for a car atm- everything like sixth form, friends, etc. are walkable or I use public transport a lot. I didn’t intend to buy a car as well, I couldn’t afford it, I was just going to learn and pass when I could. But with year 13 pressures, coursework, employment and hanging out with my mates, it makes me stressed that my money is/ will be drained on something that could potentially take me 12 months or more. My dad told me not to start until I wanted to in the first place, and that I should live life whilst being young whereas my mum just said it was up to me. Stopping them feels awkward and like i’m lazy/ a failure but honestly I think it’s just a bit too much for me at the moment. Any help?? Anything is appreciated x

Hi there,
I’m 17, my birthday is in May I recently decided to start driving lessons in September. My instructor is honestly so calm and lovely, the lessons aren’t too tedious but I don’t really have any interest in learning to drive. I wanted to just ‘bash it out’ but it’s costing me a lot more than i expected as the hours I work have gone down since summer. The cost of lessons will mean that it’ll be pretty much the only thing I’ll spend my money on, including using money ive saved for my gap year/ festivals, and the fact that it’ll take me almost a year of this just really puts me off. I have plans for travelling on a gap year, festivals I want to go to, a tattoo to save up for as well as starting uni in 2026. I don’t have the need for a car atm- everything like sixth form, friends, etc. are walkable or I use public transport a lot. I didn’t intend to buy a car as well, I couldn’t afford it, I was just going to learn and pass when I could. But with year 13 pressures, coursework, employment and hanging out with my mates, it makes me stressed that my money is/ will be drained on something that could potentially take me 12 months or more. My dad told me not to start until I wanted to in the first place, and that I should live life whilst being young whereas my mum just said it was up to me. Stopping them feels awkward and like i’m lazy/ a failure but honestly I think it’s just a bit too much for me at the moment. Any help?? Anything is appreciated x

In contrast to what @Powersymphonia wrote, I would suggest that you stick with the lessons.

Picking up new skills like driving is easier to do when you're younger. And you'll be able to do regular lessons (i.e. the same time each week) now than when you're on your gap year going travelling. At uni you'll probably have less free cash for driving lessons. And it would be good to get your licence before you graduate as being able to drive will give you a lot more flexibility in finding employment. Squeezing in driving lessons when you have a full-time job is going to be awkward.

There's no rule that says you have to buy a car once you pass your test. And there's no requirement to drive regularly to maintain your entitlement to drive.