How many driving lessons will I need to pass the test?

How many driving lessons will I need to pass the test?

Students often ask how many driving lessons will I need to pass the test and the average time taken to pass the driving test. Naturally the answer is every one is different. Some people are natural drivers and take quite easily to learning to driving while others’ find the whole process much more challenging. It also depends on previous car or motorcycle driving experience, and the quality of tuition you’ve received in the past. Another factor is also the number of driving lessons a week that you take. However long it takes, candidates must be fully independent in all driving conditions and traffic situations prior to taking the test. Check out these driving test tips to help you on your way.

THE DVSA RECOMMEND THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF DRIVING LESSONS FOR A 17 YEAR OLD IS 46 HOURS OF PROFESSIONAL DRIVER TRAINING AND 22 HOURS PRIVATE PRACTICE!

 

In answer to the question ‘How many driving lessons will I need to pass the test’: On average 46 hours of professional training with a driving instructor is needed and approximately 22 hours of private driving practice for a beginner to cover the DVSA driving test syllabus and have a good chance of passing test. It always seems easy when sat in the passenger seat watching what the driver is doing, and indeed much can be learned by watching other’s drive, but the amount of practice needed to reach test standard and drive confidently and safely is underestimated. Although very rare, some people with no previous road experience have passed their driving test with 20 hours behind the wheel while others requiring in excess of 40 hours and private practice on top of that.

The things can effect how many driving lessons you will need to pass the test. A student may already have had several lessons before and feel they are not being taught correctly. Perhaps didn’t like an instructors lack or interest or dedication to their progress. This can reduce student confidence and increase the amount of time needed and the number of driving lessons needed to pass.
Unfortunately the quality of lessons isn’t always the same which affects not only how long it takes to pass the test but the amount of money spent to achieve it. Sad to say that the quality of driving lessons is normally suggested by the price. Never be hesitant in asking an instructors about his/her experience, qualifications and reviews. Not doing so could increase the number of driving lesson needed to pass the driving test and increase the expense.

People generally have a two hour lesson each week, although some prefer just an hour. Assuming driving lessons are taken weekly and consistently, and assuming the number of 2 hour lessons required agree with the Driving Standards Agency recommendation totalling 46 training hours then it takes 23 weeks to reach driving test standard.

How To Reduce The Number Of Driving Lessons Needed To Pass The Test: Have Plenty Of Private Driving Practice

The more practice and road experience you get the better. Private practice enables you to improve and develop the skills gained during your driving lessons and gives you more exposure and experience in dealing with other traffic and changing road conditions. Please be aware anyone accompanying a learner driver must be over 21 years of age and held a full driving licence for no less than three years. It’s also important to make sure the full licence holder has been actively driving during the term of the licence. Motor insurance cover for learner drivers practicing in a family or friends car can cost as little as £1.65 per day. Private driving practice is only useful to you if you have a patient person to accompany you. It is always disappointing when a student goes out with a family member or friend who shouts or criticises. This is far from helpful, can destroy confidence and extend the learning process.

ARE YOU REALLY READY? Are you driving completely independently for extended periods without any instructor input? If the answer to that question is YES then you are probably ready, assuming of course that you’ve cracked the maneouvres. Taking your driving test before you are ready is dangerous to you, the examiner and other road users. Some people ask to take the test prematurely just for the experience – my answer is always a big ‘NO’ because of the dangers and inconvenience that will be caused to the examiner and instructor should an incident occur. It can also reduce your confidence, incur extra test booking costs, risk damage to the instructors car and reduce an instructors reputation at the test centre.

If you aren’t successful on your first attempt it is vital to continue practicing immediately so the standard of your driving improves rather deteriorates. Unfortunately, if unsuccessful on the first attempt, some people don’t drive until the day before their second test, which may be a few weeks, and still expect to pass. It is not possible to ‘wing it’ at the test centre so only consistency, time on the road and total dedication will result in a PASS. You may find The Official DVSA Car and Van Syllabus interesting. Downloadable as a PDF.