Learners
How long does it take to learn to drive?
Getting your full driving licence
Ryan Barham
Last updated: 23/10/2025
Ryan Barham
Last updated: 23/10/2025
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.
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.
There are two parts to the theory test, and you need to pass both to take the practical test:
Make sure you have your provisional driving licence before you book your theory 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 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 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
There are a few factors that can have an impact on the learning process:
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.
Overcoming these challenges requires patience, practice, and sometimes additional instruction.
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.
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.
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Temporary Car InsuranceTo drive in the UK, you must be at least 17 and possess a valid UK passport or other ID. Additionally, you must demonstrate good eyesight by reading a number plate from 20 metres away. Meeting these requirements puts you on the path to securing a UK driver's licence.
Foreigners from non-designated countries can obtain a UK driving licence by applying for a provisional licence, passing theory and practical tests, and residing in Great Britain for at least 185 days. Those from designated countries may swap their licence for a UK one, bypassing tests. Check your country's status on GOV.UK, then submit proof of identity and possibly a National Insurance number.
The UK car theory test costs £23, irrespective of day or time. Lorry or bus driving tests are priced differently: multiple-choice (£26), hazard perception (£11), and case studies (£23). Aspiring driving instructors pay around £81 for the ADI Part 1 test, while taxi drivers pay £34. Book on the official GOV.UK website to avoid extra charges. A provisional licence is required for booking, and re-sits incur the full fee.
Typically, 2-4 weeks of regular study is sufficient to prepare for and pass your theory test. However, individual learning rates vary, so monitor your progress. Some have completed the full theory kit in a weekend under exceptional circumstances. The aim is to be thoroughly prepared and confident in your knowledge for the test.
To pass your practical driving test, understand the test format and assessment criteria. Practise extensively in varied conditions and locations, ensuring comfort with all manoeuvres. Utilise professional driving lessons for expert guidance. On test day, remain calm, heed the examiner's instructions, and don't let errors unsettle you. If unsure, request the examiner to repeat instructions. Thorough preparation, practice, and confidence are key - and remember, there is no guarantee of passing. If you fail, work on what went wrong and try to pass next time.
'Major faults' in a driving test are serious errors that can result in automatic failure. These include poor observation at junctions, ignoring traffic signs or signals, poor steering, or dangerous manoeuvres like cutting off drivers or losing control while parking. Whether it's one significant mistake or repeated minor errors, avoiding these pitfalls is crucial. Stay calm, focused, and always prioritise safety.
Learning to drive depends on individual pace, instruction quality, and practice. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) indicates most UK learners need approximately 45 hours of professional lessons and 22 hours of private practice. Prioritise building confidence, safe driving habits over counting hours. Intensive courses, frequent shorter lessons, and combining professional and private practice can accelerate learning.
Age is not a barrier to learning to drive; it's never too late to acquire this skill. Many people aged 25 or over successfully pass their driving test each year in the UK. Don't let age stereotypes deter you. Driving offers freedom and convenience, and success depends on determination, practice, and proper guidance. Start your journey to become a skilled driver today.
Considering an intensive driving course? Ideal for quick learners or those with prior experience, these courses can save time and money compared to weekly lessons. However, the fast pace may not suit complete beginners or those who struggle with condensed learning. Also, you may miss experiencing varied driving conditions. Carefully weigh these factors before deciding if an intensive course is suitable for you.
If you fail the driving test after your intensive course, there's no need to retake the entire course. Simply organise another test. Many individuals require multiple attempts to pass, so maintain a positive attitude and continue practising!
The average learner typically requires around 45 hours of professional driving instruction, influenced by factors such as learning speed, prior experience, instruction quality, and confidence. Combining lessons with private practice can enhance success. The focus should be on becoming a safe, competent driver rather than merely passing a test. While fast learners may be ready after 20 hours, most individuals will need over double this time.
Learning to drive typically requires around 45 hours of professional lessons, supplemented by approximately 20 hours of private practice. However, individual learning pace varies. The focus should be on becoming a safe, confident driver rather than rushing lessons. Temporary car insurance is a useful option for practice sessions in a friend or family member's car.
Learning to drive involves coordinating multiple skills like steering and monitoring the environment, and understanding road rules and traffic signs, which can be challenging. It's normal to feel anxious when learning this new skill, especially considering safety aspects. However, with patience, practice, and the added security of temporary car insurance, you can progressively develop competence and confidence in driving.
Learning to drive involves mastering various skills simultaneously, such as navigating roundabouts, observing other road users, positioning the car, and managing speed, mirrors, signals, brakes, and clutch control. This can initially feel overwhelming. However, with consistent practice and patience, these skills will become instinctive, reducing the stress associated with driving.
To attempt to pass your driving test quickly, practise regularly, focusing on challenging areas. Choose a seasoned instructor and heed their advice. Understand the test centre layout and take mock exams. Maintain composure during the test, driving as usual, treating it as another day on the road. An intensive course may expedite passing, but consider the initial cost and pressure of accelerated learning.
Yes, passing your driving test in two weeks is possible through an intensive course with daily lessons, given a solid foundation of prior learning. Success depends on your previous experience, speed of learning new skills, and dedicated practice time. Remember, safety is paramount, so ensure you've built a comprehensive foundation for lifelong safe driving.
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