Driving instructors in Armagh city say they have been forced to make the difficult decision to increase pricing due to a set of unavoidable circumstances that have been driving up their overheads.
The changes come in response to rising motoring costs and wider cost-of-living pressures, with many instructors noting that prices have remained unchanged for several years.
Speaking to Armagh I, instructor Lynda Wright – who has been teaching for 27 years – explained that one of the most overriding factors for her has been the “horrendous” state of the roads.
“The main factor for me is the increased car costs, repairs and maintenance because of the potholes on the roads.”
Lynda said she was faced with a shocking £2,100 bill for work on her car after it took mechanics three days to repair.
“The cost of living has been going on, everything is costing more but we bit the bullet and we sat back but we just cannot anymore. But that’s just my opinion, everyone is different, everyone will charge accordingly,” she continued.
The war in the Middle East has also played its part significantly over the last number of weeks. No matter what, Lynda says, we could expect fuel prices to remain inflated for at least a year.
Effective from May 2026 lessons will now be priced in the region of £45 per hour with any Armagh city instructor.
It signals a price change of approximately £5 per hour for most instructors although pupils are advised to check directly with their individual instructor for specific pricing.
Each instructor operates independently and sets their own lesson fees.
Pupils are also reminded that most instructors require a minimum of 24 hours’ notice for cancellations.
