Are you ready to learn to drive? Whether you’ve just passed your theory test or you’ve already had a couple of driving lessons, you might be wondering how long it will take you to pass.
While everyone learns at their own pace, it can be helpful to have an idea of average timings, so you know what to expect when learning to drive.
How many lessons are needed to pass the practical driving test?
Officially, there is no legal minimum number of driving lessons you must have before you take your driving test. You might find it takes you no time at all to be test-ready or you need a little longer to master the manoeuvres. The total number of lessons you need, therefore, will depend on how you feel when you’re on the road and how quickly you learn the skills required to pass.
How many hours does it take to pass your driving test?
While there’s no minimum number of lessons needed or hours spent practising, it can be useful to know the average timings. According to the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), the average learner passes the test after around 45 hours of driving lessons, along with 22 hours of private practice without an instructor.
Knowing how many hours of driving lessons on average it can take before you’re ready for the test may be helpful for several reasons:
- Setting your expectations and checking progress: Knowing the averages will help you to form a realistic timeline. You can weigh up whether you’re on track or will need extra lessons and private practice.
- Boosting confidence: It can be easy to feel like you’re not where you want to be. But having an idea of how long it takes can reassure you that you’ll learn these new skills in time.
- Budgeting: You can work out how much it may cost to pass and plan your finances based on this.
How much practice time do I need to pass?
Although the average driving time with and without an instructor present is around 70 hours, the more time you can spend practising before your test, the better.
Research reveals that those who have 100 hours of driving lessons, plus practice that’s separate from those lessons, are safer on the roads after the test – and if you can combine your lessons with private practice, you’re more likely to pass the test.
Arranging practice time away from your lessons
Before you book your driving lessons, it’s worth asking a friend or relative if they will let you practise in their car. Just an hour or two a week spent driving around with your parent or a friend can boost the skills you’ve picked up with your instructor and give you the chance to experience different conditions on the road.
Whoever you learn with must meet a few legal requirements:
- They must be over 21
- They should have held a full UK licence for at least three years
- They’ll need to be qualified to drive the type of car you’re learning in
You also need to make sure you have learner driver insurance in place if you are planning on practising outside your lessons with your instructor.
How do intensive driving courses work?
If you want to try to speed up the learning process, intensive driving courses are available. These courses cram the training you need for your practical test into a shorter period compared to taking standard lessons.
Usually, you will have 60 to 90-minute lessons with an instructor each week over six months to a year – or longer, depending on how you fare. But with intensive courses, a typical programme will see you driving for around five hours each day for one to two weeks and then you’ll do a fast-tracked practical test at the end of the training.
There are options available. If you’ve driven before, you might want to do a two-day intensive course ahead of your test. Or courses up to eight weeks can provide you with a less intensive but still quicker-than-normal learning experience. There are residential courses where you spend up to a week focused on picking up the skills you need.
Will an intensive driving course help me pass quickly?
A key part of fast-track driving courses is there’s a practical test at the end of the training. So, if you decide to take this type of course and pass the practical test at the end of it, you will have passed faster than spreading your lessons over several months.
However, whether you pass the first time will depend on how you learn. If you work well when you’re focused and can quickly pick up necessary driving skills, you could be in a good position to pass the practical first time.
If you work better by gradually picking up skills, then weekly lessons along with private practice could be a better option.
How can I tell if I’ve had enough lessons to pass the test?
One of the key signs is you’ll drive without needing your instructor to tell you what to do. For instance, you’ll automatically know to check your mirrors and indicate before slowing the car to turn into a side road. Importantly, you’ll make these unprompted decisions when driving without making any major mistakes.
Additionally, if you’re passing mock tests and feel confident when you’re on the road, your driver will tell you they think you’re ready. Listen to them as they are professionals.
What factors can affect how many lessons I need to learn to drive?
There are a few factors that can affect how many driving lessons you need to learn to drive:
- Time: Being able to set aside the time to practice can impact how long it takes for you to pick up and retain key skills.
- Experience: If you’ve had lessons in the past or a family member has taught you to drive, you may not need as many lessons as you would if you were new to driving.
- Additional practice: Where you can drive outside of your formal, instructor-led lessons, it’s more likely you’ll pick up the skills quickly as you acclimatise to different driving conditions and get more hours on the road.
- Road conditions: Traffic, potholes and temporary roadworks are just some of the factors that can have an impact on your learning experience.
- Instructor: Finding the right instructor who can make you feel comfortable can mean that the information you’re being told sticks in your mind and becomes second nature.
- Confidence: It’s understandable to feel nervous when learning to drive. But if you can build confidence, you will feel more assured and require less instruction.
Do I need more lessons in the run-up to the test day?
You may find it helpful to book extra or longer lessons in the days before your test. This can help you to iron out concerns you still have or help you build confidence for key manoeuvres.
If possible, arrange additional lessons at around the same time as when your test will take place. This means you know what may crop up. For instance, if you’re being tested at 3pm, you’ll be aware that this is the end of the school day so you can expect there to be more cars doing the school run and children crossing roads. These hazards aren’t likely to be on the same roads if you’re additional lessons take place at midday.
The more practice you can book in, the better it will be for your performance during your practical test.
Get learner driver insurance with Tempcover
If you want to put in the extra practice around your lessons with a friend or family member, you’ll need to take out insurance. Choosing cover for learner drivers means you have a policy in place without having to commit to a long-term insurance policy.
To find out more, get a quote online today. If you have any questions or need further advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pass my practical driving test after 10 lessons?
For some, it is possible to learn to drive in well under the average number of lessons. While there is no legal minimum requirement in terms of the time you need to spend practising, you’ll increase your chances of passing your test if you’ve got more experience behind the wheel.
How long are waiting times for a driving test?
At the end of 2024, the average waiting times for a driving test were 13 weeks in Wales, over 15 weeks in Scotland and almost 21 weeks in England. Plans being introduced by the Government, such as recruiting more examiners, aim to reduce these lengthy waiting times.
Do I need to keep taking lessons while I wait?
You must keep driving in the lead-up to your test. It can be more cost-effective to drive for an hour or two with a family member and reduce the number of formal lessons you have. But continuing to have lessons means you will be able to maintain your driving at test standard.
