COST GUIDES

Drive Over Lights: Cost breakdown 2026

Updated 04/26

Drive over lights cost guide

Blog>Cost Guides>Drive Over Lights: Cost breakdown 2026

Floor lighting offers a practical solution for illuminating exterior space but it can also add a stylish effect at the same time. In this guide, we look at the average drive over lights cost that you can expect to pay in the UK.

The easier way to book quality trades
Verified estimator
Download app
This article can help you understand
  • Driveway and garden lighting ideas

  • The cost to install per light

  • Installation costs

  • Additional factors to consider

  • Hidden costs to avoid

  • Where to find the right tradesperson

The average cost of drive over lights in the UK is currently around £40 per light, with variations depending on the light specification, the number of lights installed, and the complexity of the installation.

Keep reading to learn more about the costs of installing drive over lights…

How much do drive over lights cost in 2026?

Below are some average estimated costs of installing driveway lights in the UK:

Cost itemRange - LowRange - HighAverage cost
Drive over lights (per light)£15£140£40
Soffit style walk over lights installation--£400
Last updated: April 2026
Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now

Typically, the cost to install driveway lights in the UK is in the region of £15 - £140 per light.

The higher the quality and the more advanced the features, the higher the price will be for the drive over lights.

driveway floor lighting

How much does driveway lighting installation cost?

The average cost to install a series of soffit-style drive over lights is around £400, which usually includes:

  • Cabling

  • Installation

  • Testing

Installing drive over lights into a brick or asphalt driveway will usually cost more, as the process is more complex and takes longer to complete.

To get accurate quotes for driveway lighting installation in the UK, speak to checked driveway lighting installers who operate in your local area.

Data verified by our professional estimators

Estimators are CIOB & RICS members

Factors affecting the cost of installing driveway lighting

Here are some of the key factors that will affect the cost of your drive over lights:

  • Number of lights being installed

  • Type of lights (LED, solar, low-voltage, etc.)

  • Quality of light fittings used

  • Driveway surface material

  • Access to existing power supply (installing brand new electrics will add to the cost)

  • Need for any groundwork or re-paving

  • Smart features or lighting controls (timers, sensors, app control)

  • Complexity of the installation

Ready to get started? Reach out to outdoor electricians who cover your area to get accurate quotes for the job.

Wondering where to start with your driveway project? Whether it's with finding costs, understanding planning and regulations, or sourcing ideas, at Checkatrade, we're here to help.

Checkatrade electrician who can quote for electric car charger installation costs

Hidden costs to watch out for

When planning the installation of in-ground driveway lights, there are several costs that you’ll want to factor into your budget, including:

  • Upgrading outdoor electrics – Your existing circuit may not be suitable

  • Additional groundwork or resurfacing – Cutting into tarmac or brick adds cost

  • Drainage or waterproofing extras – Proper water management may require extra materials

  • Hiring multiple trades – You might need both an electrician and a landscaper

To get accurate costs to install driveway lights, enter your postcode below and browse a list of Checkatrade tradespeople to get quotes from:

Find a drive over lights expert near you

Cost of hiring a driveway lighting installer vs DIY

When it comes to installing drive over lights, as with any home improvement involving electrical work, it’s essential to hire a qualified electrician.

This ensures the installation is:

  • Carried out safely

  • Put in efficiently

  • In full compliance with current UK wiring regulations

Electrical tasks should never be attempted unless you’re fully certified.

Unsure where to start? Check out our handy driveway planning guide for installing a new driveway, with plenty of ideas and inspiration for your next project.

Four ways to improve your driveway

All you need to know about improving your driveway

Whether you’re refreshing tired concrete, stabilising gravel, or rethinking lighting and planting, here, you'll discover what’s involved in these driveway improvements before you begin.

Learn more

What are installation costs per day for drive over lights?

When hiring an outdoor electrician to install in-ground driveway lights, you’ll often be quoted using their day rate.

The average day rate for a drive over lights installation project is around £400 per day.

uplight outdoor driveway flooring

Find an outdoor lighting contractor near me

Find a qualified outdoor lighting contractor on Checkatrade. Compare quotes, read reviews & book with confidence.

Learn more
uplight outdoor driveway flooring

Walk-over lights cost calculator

To estimate the cost of walk-over lights, consider:

  • How many fittings you’ll need

  • Where they’ll go

  • The type of lights you want

Once you have a rough plan, get quotes from local exterior lighting contractors for accurate quotes in your area.

The more lights you install and the more complex the job, the higher the total cost is likely to be.

Why not try our estimator to give you a rough idea of what to expect?

Job Estimate Calculator

Job Estimate Calculator
Step 0/3

Drive over lights cost checklist

There are a few things to consider when you want drive over lights for your driveway or path.

  • Drive over lights add stylish, practical lighting to your outdoor space

  • The installation cost depends on the quantity and complexity of the setup

  • Get multiple quotes from checked tradespeople for a job done right

  • Make sure your installer is a qualified electrician

Make sure you can answer the following - as they will help a tradesperson provide the most accurate quote.

Checkatrade

Considerations for drive over lights

Find a tradesperson for supplying drive over lights

Enter your postcode to find a top tradesperson near you

  • JRG Electrical Logo

    JRG Electrical

    10.00

    (146 reviews)
    Services & skills
    Electrician
    Garden Lighting
    Lighting Design
    Electric Gate Wiring
    House Rewiring
    Call
  • London Live Electrical Logo

    London Live Electrical

    10.00

    (18 reviews)
    Services & skills
    Electrician
    Garden Lighting
    Electric Range Cookers
    Electrical Under Floor Heating Installation
    Electric Stoves
    Call
  • Glow-bell Ltd Logo

    Glow-bell Ltd

    10.00

    (52 reviews)
    Services & skills
    Electrician
    Garden Lighting
    Electric Showers
    Storage Heating
    Electric Vehicle Charger Installation
    Call
  • Services & skills
    Electrician
    Garden Lighting
    Smoke Alarms
    Electrical Installation Condition Report - Safety Checks - EICR
    Storage Heating
    Call
  • Services & skills
    Electrician
    Garden Lighting
    Electrical Under Floor Heating Installation
    LED Lighting
    Electrical Contractors
    Call
  • Services & skills
    Electrician
    Garden Lighting
    Electric Stoves
    Fault Finding
    Electrical Contractors
    Call

Drive over lights: FAQs

Do I need an electrician to install an outside light?

Yes, if the installation job involves new wiring or connecting to the mains, it’s safest and legally recommended to use a qualified electrician. They’ll ensure the work meets UK electrical safety standards.

Are outdoor lights expensive to run?

Outdoor lights are generally cheap to run, especially if you use LED bulbs. If you want to reduce your energy usage, you might want to use motion sensors or timers.

How long does it take to install drive over lights?

Installing drive over lights usually takes about 1–2 hours per light, depending on access, wiring needed, and the surface. If any groundwork is required then it may take longer.

What types of drive over light are there?

You can choose from LED, solar-powered, recessed, and RGB colour-changing lights. Each type suits different functions – whether for security, decoration, or driveway guidance.

Checkatrade

Follow us
driveway

Share this article:

See the tradespeople we've checked for your job