Learners
How many lessons does it take to pass your driving test?
Arrange private practice for extra time ahead of your test
Ryan Barham
Last updated: 21/10/2025
Ryan Barham
Last updated: 21/10/2025
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
There are a few factors that can affect how many driving lessons you need to learn to drive:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fast learners may be test-ready after 20 driving lessons, but the average learner typically requires 45 hours of professional instruction and private practice. This can vary based on personal learning speed, previous driving experience, instruction quality, and confidence. Don't rush; safe driving extends beyond passing a test. If considering 20 lessons, be prepared to potentially need more for full road readiness.
A practical driving test lasts around 40 minutes, comprising an eyesight check, 'show me, tell me' questions, and two 20-minute driving sections: general and independent. The latter involves following a sat-nav or road signs, with safe wrong turns permitted. Including check-in and feedback, expect to be at the test centre for about an hour. An extended test post-ban lasts approximately 70 minutes.
In the UK, driving lessons usually cost between £25 and £45 per hour. Some instructors offer discounts for lesson bundles. Learners typically need around 45 hours of professional instruction to be adequately prepared for the driving test.
Research indicates approximately 45 hours of driving lessons and an extra 22 hours of private practice are needed to pass a driving test. However, those who accumulate at least 100 hours of combined lessons and practice generally prove to be safer drivers after the test.
Common reasons for failing a driving test include unsafe starts, incorrect positioning when turning right, poor steering control, and incorrect responses to traffic lights. Focused practice on these areas can enhance your chances of passing. The goal is to exhibit safe, competent driving, boosting your confidence on the road.
An intensive driving course, also known as a 'crash course', is a condensed programme teaching driving skills within one to two weeks. It involves daily concentrated training sessions, typically concluding with a practical driving test. This efficient method quickly develops driving proficiency but demands significant time and focus. Consider your learning style and schedule before choosing this route.
Yes, you can fail an intensive driving course, which ends with a DVSA test. Failure can result from too many faults or one serious fault. Intensive courses provide concentrated learning but don't guarantee success. The test day performance determines the outcome. If failed, another practical test can be booked, possibly with extra lessons for repeated faults. Intensive courses, while fast, may lack the real-world experience longer courses offer.
This will depend on who you take the course with, RED's Intensive driving lessons can range from a daily two-hour lesson to consecutive days of back-to-back lessons so please check with them.
An intensive driving course doesn't guarantee a pass; success depends on handling its fast pace. If you're nervous or struggle with learning, the quick tempo may hinder more than help. There's a risk that the rapid pace could result in rushed learning, potentially affecting long-term driving skills and safety. It's crucial to learn at a pace that suits you and guarantees full competence behind the wheel.
If you fail your driving test post-intensive course, don't fret. There's no obligation to redo the entire course; you can simply book another test. This allows you to improve on weak areas before retesting. Remember, initial failure is common and doesn't reflect on your future driving competence. With further practice, you'll soon be road-ready.
Intensive driving courses, or crash courses, aim to prepare you for your driving test within 2 days to 2 weeks. These courses typically involve daily driving lessons lasting 2 to 5 hours, offering a focused method to swiftly gain the necessary skills for obtaining your driving licence.
On average, preparing for a UK driving test requires about 45 hours of professional lessons and 20-22 hours of private practice. However, this is a guideline; the aim is to become a safe, confident driver. Factors such as individual ability, previous experience, driving conditions, and lesson regularity can affect preparation time. Focus on competence, not just passing the test.
There's no set legal requirement for driving lessons before a test, with typical learners needing 40-50 hours. However, quick learners may only require 20-30 hours. The number of lessons varies greatly among individuals, as it's about personal confidence and competence on the road. Therefore, focus on your individual progress and readiness.
Learning to drive depends on individual pace, practice, and instruction quality. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) indicates most UK learners require about 45 hours of professional instruction and 22 hours of private practice to pass their test. The focus should be on building confidence and safe driving habits, not just accumulating hours. Methods like intensive courses or regular, shorter lessons could accelerate learning.
The number of driving lessons before a test varies, depending on individual pace and confidence. Typically, learners take around 45 hours of professional lessons and 20-22 hours of private practice. Your instructor will advise when you're test-ready. It's not a competition; focus on your own progress. Ensure you're insured for private practice.
Absolutely, you can use your own car for your driving test, especially if it makes you feel more comfortable and confident. However, there are specific guidelines to follow. Let's explore these rules and answer any questions you may have about this process.
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