Wondering how long it takes to learn to drive? If you’re thinking of taking lessons, this is a fair question to ask, especially if you’ve been dreaming of getting behind the wheel for a while.
However, everyone learns at their own pace. While there are some who pass first time after a handful of lessons, there are others who take a little longer to get their full driving licence.
Here’s what you need to know about the average timings, plus some insights into how you can get to the point where you’re ready to take your test.
Which tests need to be taken to get your UK driving licence?
There are two tests you need to pass before you can get a full UK driving licence: the theory and the practical driving test. Knowing what’s involved with each of these can help you gauge how long it will take for you to learn to drive.
Theory test
There are two parts to the theory test, and you need to pass both to take the practical test:
- Multiple choice: This section assesses your knowledge of the Highway Code, road signs, and essential driving practices.
- Hazard perception: This part of the theory test is designed to check your ability to identify potential hazards on the road. You watch a series of video clips and indicate where you see there could be a hazard in the scenario on the screen.
Make sure you have your provisional driving licence before you book your theory test.
Practical driving test
After passing the theory test, you can book the practical driving test. Here, you’re assessed by an examiner on your ability to drive safely in various traffic conditions. It includes an eyesight check, ‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions, general driving ability, reversing, and independent driving. The test typically lasts around 40 minutes.
How long does it typically take to learn to drive?
How long it takes to learn to drive varies. It all comes down to how you do with the theory test and how you process learning to drive the car safely. However, knowing the averages can give you a general idea.
- How long does it take to pass the theory test?
How long it takes to pass this part of the driving test can vary. It depends on how easily you can retain the information and accurately answer the questions. Most people tend to spend around 20 to 30 hours preparing over a month or two.
You can take the theory test before you start driving lessons, but it’s advisable to have hands-on driving experience first so you can apply this to your theory test.
- How many driving lessons do you generally need?
According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), most learners need around 45 hours of professional driving lessons. An average of around 22 additional hours of private practice without an instructor is also needed. These, of course, are average figures and everyone is different!
- How many months does it take to learn to drive?
A lot of learners choose to spread their training over several months. This means it usually takes six months to a year to get ready for the practical driving test. The timings for you will depend on factors such as how frequent your lessons are, your learning pace, and if you have any opportunities to practice between lessons.
- How long should each driving lesson be?
Most driving instructors offer one-hour lessons. However, some offer 90 minutes and others might provide double bookings in the run-up to your test so you can get as much practice as possible.
Should I choose an intensive course over weekly lessons?
Intensive driving courses can help you to learn quickly over a short period, while traditional lessons are generally spread out over a number of months. There are pros and cons to each.
Intensive courses can be ideal if you prefer immersive learning and have a short space of time to commit. They can lead to you being ready for the test much faster than with weekly lessons, meaning you could be qualified and out on the road in weeks rather than months.
But this quick turnaround can be overwhelming for some. You have to maintain focus for shorter, more intense bursts of time. Also, your experience may be limited as you’re not getting exposure to as many different road conditions. Intensive courses can be better suited to those who are experienced drivers who need the final push after taking weekly lessons.
As intensive courses require an upfront cost, as opposed to the spread-out cost of weekly lessons, you should make sure you can afford the immediate payment before you commit.
What factors affect how long it takes to learn to drive?
There are a few factors that can have an impact on the learning process:
- Personal learning style: How easily and quickly you grasp new skills and apply feedback affects how soon you progress.
- Confidence levels: Being confident behind the wheel can take time. If you’re feeling uncertain about your driving ability, this can impact how you handle learning.
- Practice frequency: Regular lessons help you boost skills and build confidence. Sticking to weekly lessons will help you increase your driving knowledge.
- Instructor quality: Finding a good match in your driving instructor can also make a huge difference to your learning. An experienced and patient instructor is an asset.
- Private practice: If you can build on your lessons with private practice, under the supervision of a qualified driver, this can help you grow in competence.
Other factors like the complexity of local roads and learning in areas with tricky road surfaces and traffic conditions also have an impact. For instance, if you’re driving in a rural area, you will need to be aware of farm animals crossing and oncoming traffic on narrow lanes.
The type of car can influence timings too. If you’re driving a manual transmission car, this could potentially take longer to understand than an automatic.
What are some of the greatest challenges people face while learning to drive?
- Nervousness: Feeling anxious can affect how you drive.
- Coordination: Managing vehicle controls smoothly takes practice.
- Traffic awareness: Developing the ability to anticipate other road users’ actions is crucial.
- Understanding road signs: Familiarity with the Highway Code is essential for safe driving. The theory test helps to prepare for this part of learning to drive.
Overcoming these challenges requires patience, practice, and sometimes additional instruction.
How can you improve your chances of passing your driving test sooner?
To enhance your likelihood of passing the driving test quickly, the key word is practice! You’ll need to make sure you allocate time for consistent driving practice so you feel comfortable in the car. Take practice tests for your theory and for your practical too. This will help you get used to test conditions and flag up any areas you need to focus on.
Studying the Highway Code is essential, not just for your test but it will also be important practical knowledge once you’ve passed.
But most importantly, keep calm. Managing test-day nerves can improve performance.
Get learner driver insurance with Tempcover
If you think learning to drive with a friend or family member is likely to make it easier – and potentially faster – for you, you’ll need to take out insurance. Choosing temporary cover for learner drivers means you have a policy in place without having to commit to long-term cover.
To find out more, get a quote online today. Alternatively, if you have any questions or need further advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help you get on the road.
