One of the most common questions that young drivers ask themselves is, How many driving lessons will I need before I take my practical test?

 

The number of driving lessons you need to take before passing your driving test depends on a variety of factors. It is often the desire of learners to pass their test with the least number of lessons necessary to save money. Taking intensive driving courses is costly, but can be a worthwhile investment, depending on the individual.

 

You won’t incur a loss of funds by having to retake your test if you spend enough money on lessons to get you to the correct standard. Your driving will also be much safer. 

 

What is the optimal number of lessons to take

Approximately 40-45 hours of professional lessons are needed to pass a driving test, as determined by the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Keeping in mind that we are all different, this is just an average.

 

In the case that you’re fortunate enough to use the car of a friend or family member, getting learner insurance and practising privately can make all the difference!

 

You may feel that 20-30 hours or even less will suffice, but the more driving lessons you take, the more proficient you will become. The more driving lessons you take each week, the faster you will pass your test. If your budget for this is upfront, you will save time and money subsequently.

 

An experienced driving instructor is the best person to help you determine how many driving lessons you should take. A first assessment lesson is usually offered at a discount or for free by some driving schools and instructors. This is a good opportunity to become acquainted with your instructor, for them to evaluate your skills, and for them to tell you how many driving hours you’ll need to become test-ready.

 

What is the required time for private practice?

It might sound cumbersome to conduct homework for learning to drive, but even the best driving lessons won’t guarantee that you’ll pass your driving test. Ideally, you should practice in the car with someone for about 25 hours throughout your driving lessons. To get more experience in different driving situations, it is a good idea to drive in a variety of locations.

 

If you would like to take driving lessons privately with a friend or family member, they must be at least 21 years old and have obtained their license at least three years ago. Do not let them assume the role of instructors; they should be helping you to apply what you were taught by the professionals.

 

What factors determine how many lessons I will require?

Your age

For young people, the official statistics show that you’ll probably need fewer hours of instruction before you pass your test. For each year of age over 16, learner drivers should take an additional two hours of driving lessons. You’re more likely to learn to drive quickly the younger you are.

Lessons scheduled frequently

What is the recommended number of driving lessons each week? Maintaining a consistent schedule is crucial. Driving more frequently is a good thing. Private driving lessons should ideally  more be between two and four hours each week. A two-hour intensive driving course a week means you will more likely to progress faster.

Adaptive learning style

Different people learn in different ways. Some people learn better verbally, while others develop their capabilities through visual and physical means. Regardless of how you learn, a good driving instructor can customize your lessons based on your individual needs.

Finances

It also depends on your ability to afford to book as many lessons as you want, since driving lessons can be expensive. Consider booking a block of lessons with your instructor or driving school to save money. Booking more lessons in advance can often result in a lower rate. In addition, you may qualify for student discounts with some driving schools.

 

The driving instructor you hired

The more you work with an experienced instructor, the more you progress. Your ability to progress will be hindered if you don’t trust your instructor. Make sure that you choose the right instructor the first time. How do you do that?

– Verify their level of experience

A pink or green license is required for all certified driving instructors. Ensure it is displayed on their windshield. Otherwise, consider finding another instructor instead.

 

• Green – Trained as a fully qualified instructor after passing all three DVSA exams
• Pink – indicates that they are trainee instructors. However, they will not be fully qualified until they have completed all 3 parts of the test. However they will have passed 2 elements of the tests and have conducted extensive training to get to this stage. There is nothing fundamentally problematic with this, except that they have fewer teaching experiences compared to a green license holder.

– Ask for a progress report

It is your instructor’s responsibility to keep track of your progress and inform you of what you have already learned and what needs to be learned. A copy of your Driver’s Record for Learner Drivers can also be downloaded and printed for free by visiting DVSA’s website.

 

If you want to pass your driving test, how often should you take lessons?

When it comes to taking driving lessons, another important factor to consider is how often you should do so. Even if you took a one hour lesson each week, you would need almost a year to prepare for the test. Spreading the cost could be advantageous, but it wouldn’t be beneficial for your learning. To maximize your learning and prevent lagging, either increase the length of your lessons or schedule them more often.

 

You can become a confident driver faster if you work on your driving at various times and in various places. Additionally, if you book in advance, you can sometimes get a discount on driving lessons, which can save you some money.

 

What are the best methods for choosing a driving instructor?

If you want to improve your driving skills, you must feel at ease with your instructor’s teaching style. As a student, you will spend a great deal of time with your instructors. If your instructor is not supportive, that will diminish your enthusiasm. In the end, you’ll waste your money and time if you do not advance through the lessons. It is alright to switch instructors if your progress is not satisfactory. Make sure your instructor crafts an individualized learning plan for you according to your progress.

 

A driving instructor’s job is to help you gain driving confidence to help you pass your practical driving test the first time.