AN L-DRIVER could save in the region of €200 by shopping around for driving lessons.

According to the new survey from the National Consumer Agency, there are huge discrepancies between the price of lessons around the country. As of last week, learners must complete at least 12 hours of tuition with an approved instructor before sitting their driving test.

The cost of an hour on the road with an instructor varies from €25 to €45 nationwide, while the average price is €33. The highest price was quoted in the Churchtown/Dundrum area of Dublin, while lessons for €25 were found in Galway City, Tralee, Limerick City and Waterford City.

If a learner is willing to do some serious shopping around, there is a saving of €240 to be made on a course of 12 lessons. However, even staying local there can be a massive difference in price. The NCA found that in the most expensive area of Churchtown/Dundrum there was a difference of €16 in the lowest and highest quotes given, meaning that a learner could save €192 with some simple research.

The survey found that most of the areas surveyed the variation between the highest and lowest quotes was €10, meaning a potential saving of €120.

The NCA also found that on average a discount of 10 per cent was offered on a bundle of lessons, although it varied from no discount to 25 per cent. Some instructors offered a lesson for free in lieu of a discount.

The National Consumer Agency researched the price of a one-hour lesson, and the cost of different bundles of lessons. 130 RSA-approved instructors were surveyed in 12 areas nationwide.