Students often ask ‘how many driving lessons will I need’ to reach driving test standard. The time taken is different with each person; some learner drivers are co-ordinated and have a greater understanding of driving logic than others.
In answer to the question ‘how many driving lessons will I need’: On average it takes about 46 hours of professional driving lessons to pass the driving test and a considerable amount of private practice for a beginner to stand a chance of passing the Driving Test first time.
This is not surprising when you see the driving test syllabus. Driving looks easy watching other people behind the wheel. Often the number of driving lessons to pass a test and the amount of practice required to drive safely is underestimated.
Every one is different and I’ve had people with previous road experience pass their driving test with under 20 hours of training and others with no previous experience requiring 30 hours. This is well below the average number of driving lessons you need before test.
Some will always find it easier while others find learning to drive more difficult. It’s not always about student ability and some students had several professional driving lessons previously and say they weren’t being taught properly, going round in circles and getting nowhere.
Unfortunately the quality of tuition available isn’t always the same which can significantly affect how long it takes to pass the practical driving test and the amount of money spent on driving lessons. When booking your driving lessons ask your instructors experience, professional qualifications and involvement in the DVSA Continued Professional Development Program designed to raise standards and improve tuition. Once you’ve had an assessment driving lesson why not ask your instructor how many driving lessons you need. He or she should be able to give you an idea how many driving lessons on average you will need.
Most people learning to drive have a two hour driving lesson each week. When lessons are taken every week and the number of lessons required agree with the Driving Standards Agency recommendation of 46 hours of professional training, it takes 23 weeks to reach a standard to take the driving test. To take your driving test more quickly a course of intensive driving lessons spread over a few days or two or three weeks will be appropriate and enable you to sit the driving test sooner.
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 the law requires an accompanying driver is over 21 years of age and in possession of a full driving licence for 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 driving completely independently for extended periods without any instructor input? If the answer to that question is YES then you are probably ready, assuming that you’ve cracked the manoeuvres. 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’. The dangers and inconvenience to the examiner, instructor and general public should an incident occur are considerable. It will reduce your confidence, incur extra booking costs, risk damage to the instructors car and reduce an instructors reputation.
If you aren’t successful 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 of their second test. Although this may be a few weeks, often candidates still expect to pass. It is not possible to ‘wing it’ at the test centre. Only consistency, time on the road and total dedication will result in a PASS. If your question is ‘how many driving lessons will I need to pass the test’? Just get in touch via the form above.
After stop-starting driving lessons for almost two years I passed my test on the second try! Steve was always very encouraging and supportive and I couldn’t have asked for a better instructor – thanks a lot!
Clare Hillsmith
