Costs to Consider When You’ve Just Passed Your Driving Test

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Congratulations on passing your driving test. You’re now self-reliant and looking forward to a future of independent driving and freedom! However, passing your test is also a time for reflection and time to get serious about the incurring costs of finally getting your license. Funding your lessons and your test is one aspect you’ve
overcome, but the surprising cost of subsequently purchasing and running a vehicle along with all the other hidden extras might leave you in a financial quandary.

To give you some guidance and to help you limit your financial expectations, we’ve compiled a list of costs you should consider now you’ve passed your driving test in Australia.

Your insurance
Many new drivers are initially shocked at the price of their insurance premiums, which is why it’s always a good idea to shop around and compare online car insurance with Qantas. As the driver of a new vehicle, you’ll need to establish what kind of cover you think is best for your requirements –third party, fully comprehensive or third party fire and theft.

If you want the highest level of cover then fully comprehensive is probably best for you and it’s the type of cover that’s mostly recommended to new drivers. You may also want to look at ways you can reduce your premiums. Try not to be intimidated by all the jargon and specific terms that come with car insurance, conduct plenty of research and reach out to friends and family if you need guidance.
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Registration and licensing
Owning a car in Australia means that you need to have your vehicle registered with the Department of Transport in your territory or state. You’ll have to pay an upfront fee as well as ongoing costs which can be paid annually, every six months or quarterly. Depending on where your vehicle is registered the costs may vary greatly, as each state or territory has its own methods of calculating the costs. Cars in metropolitan areas could cost more than those in rural areas, while South and
Western Australia are cheapest overall.
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Repairs
Not everything goes to plan and even your brand new car could need some emergency repairs, or a replacement part. Your car needs to be in a roadworthy condition for your safety and to insure your car insurance is valid. So, bear in mind that the cost to repair a brand new vehicle may be more than repairs to one that is older. Repairs, VAT, the labour, parts, you may have to find other transport…all
of these costs quickly add up.

And finally, fuel
You won’t get far without it, and it’s not always budget-friendly. The amount you spend on fuel might surprise you, so always budget for it generously. The best way to save money on fuel is to shop around for it. Find out where has the cheapest gas and always try to fill up your tank there. Driving with efficiency in mind and ensuring your tires are always pumped up will also be kinder to your fuel tank.