Fitting dual control pedals is one of those costs every new ADI and PDI has to budget for, and one where prices vary widely enough that it’s easy to either overpay or end up with the wrong system for your situation. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what actually affects the price, so you can budget properly and ask fitters the right questions.
The Two Main Types of System (And Why They’re Priced Differently)
Vehicle-specific dual control kits are engineered to match a particular make and model. Because they’re purpose-built for one car, they tend to sit at a more accessible price point for the kit itself, but they’re effectively “disposable” from a resale point of view: if you change your car, the old kit generally can’t be transferred to the new one, and you’ll need a fresh set.
Universal dual control systems are designed to be adaptable across a wider range of vehicles and, crucially, can typically be removed and refitted to your next car. They usually cost more upfront, but instructors who expect to change cars every few years often find the higher initial cost pays for itself by avoiding repeated purchases down the line.
What Affects the Fitting Price
- Vehicle make and model – some cars are extremely common conversions with well-established kits and fast fitting times, while less common models can take longer and cost more, or may not have an off-the-shelf kit at all.
- Transmission type – manual cars need a duplicate clutch as well as a brake, which typically means more parts and more labour than an automatic conversion, which usually only needs a duplicate brake.
- New vs used controls – used, reconditioned control sets can bring the cost down significantly compared with buying new, provided they’re properly inspected and warrantied by the fitter.
- Mobile vs workshop fitting – many fitters now offer mobile fitting at your home or workplace, which adds convenience but can carry a small premium over dropping the car at a fixed workshop.
- Removal of an old system – if you’re replacing an existing set of controls, factor in the time (and sometimes cost) of removing the old system before the new one goes in.
Roughly What to Expect
Costs vary a good deal by vehicle and fitter, but as a general guide: budget-friendly vehicle-specific kits can start from a couple of hundred pounds fitted, while some universal, transferable systems and more complex vehicle-specific installations run considerably higher, particularly for less common models. Rather than working from a single number, it’s worth getting quotes from two or three fitters for your exact vehicle, since prices genuinely do vary between installers for the same job.
Don’t Just Compare on Price
The cheapest quote isn’t automatically the best value here, given that this is safety equipment you’ll be relying on every working day. Ask about warranty on the parts and the fitting itself, how long the fitter has been doing this specific work, and whether they can show references from other instructors. A slightly higher price from a fitter with a strong reputation among local ADIs is often the better long-term decision.
Getting Multiple Quotes Properly
Because dual control fitting isn’t a heavily standardised service with fixed published pricing, the same job can genuinely cost noticeably different amounts depending on the fitter. When you request quotes, give each fitter the same information (your exact make, model and year, manual or automatic, and whether it’s a new or used control set you want fitting) so the quotes you get back are actually comparable. Vague enquiries tend to get vague, and sometimes optimistic, quotes back.
Mobile Fitting vs Workshop Fitting
Mobile fitters coming to your home or workplace save you the hassle of arranging a day without your car, which matters when every day off the road costs you lesson income. Workshop fitting can sometimes work out slightly cheaper and gives the fitter a fully equipped environment to work in, which occasionally matters for trickier vehicle-specific installations. Neither is universally better, it’s a genuine trade-off between convenience and, in some cases, a small saving.
Buying Used Controls to Save Money
If budget is tight, buying a good used set of dual controls, either separately or already fitted to a used instructor car, can meaningfully reduce your costs. Just make sure whoever is fitting them properly inspects the mechanism first, since a control system that’s been poorly maintained can end up costing more in repairs than the money you saved buying used. Our guide on buying second-hand dual control pedals covers exactly what to check before you commit.
Where to Compare Options
You can browse current dual control pedals for sale directly from other instructors, or read our full buying dual control pedals guide for a complete walkthrough of the decision. If you’d rather go straight to a trusted fitting partner, our driving instructor services page can point you in the right direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to fit dual controls to an automatic or manual car?
Generally automatic, since it usually only requires a duplicate brake rather than a duplicate brake and clutch.
Can I transfer dual controls to a new car myself?
With a universal system this is often possible, but it should still be done by a qualified fitter to make sure everything is correctly aligned and safe, rather than attempted as a DIY job.
Do I need to tell my insurer once dual controls are fitted?
Yes. Fitting dual controls is a vehicle modification, and your insurer needs to know so your policy properly covers their use during tuition.
How do I know if a fitter is reputable?
Look for experience specifically with dual control systems (not just general garage work), ask for references from other instructors, and check what warranty they offer on both parts and labour.