Learners
What’s the quickest way to learn to drive?
What do you need to learn to drive?
Last updated: 15/10/2025
Last updated: 15/10/2025
Passing your driving test gives you the freedom to hop in the car and go where you want to go. But to reach that point, you’ll need to get comfortable behind the wheel and familiarise yourself with the road.
To help you, here’s the complete guide to learning to drive. We’ll answer some of the top questions and explain what you need to know to learn how to drive safely.
For some, driving a car feels natural and they quickly pick up the skills needed to pass the practical test. For others, it takes longer to build confidence.
It all depends on factors, such as coordination, if you have previous road experience, such as cycling, and how often you practice. Many learners struggle with multitasking at first. Checking mirrors, steering, and managing speed all at once can take getting used to, but that improves the more you do it.
A good instructor will guide you through the parts of driving that you find tricky, whether that’s clutch control or dealing with busy junctions, until you know how to handle these situations.
You can start learning to drive a car when you turn 17. However, you can begin at 16, if you receive the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Before taking lessons, you must apply for a provisional driving licence. The quickest way to do this is online via the DVLA website. You can do this from the age of 15 years and 9 months.
Before learning to drive, there are a few things you need to do:
1. Get yourself a provisional licence
You need this to take your theory test and to start learning to drive. It costs £34 online or £43 by post. You can apply for your provisional driving licence on the UK government website.
2. Pass your theory test
There are two parts to the theory test: multiple choice, where you have to show that you understand the Highway Code, and hazard perception, where you must watch videos and flag where potential hazards are.
3. Find a qualified driving instructor
Research driving instructors who are local to you and book an initial lesson with them. Alternatively, ask a friend or family member to teach you how to drive.
If you are planning to practice outside of your lessons, you’ll also ideally need access to a car owned by a friend or family member.
You should also check you meet the eyesight requirements ahead of taking lessons. You must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away. If you need glasses or contact lenses to do this, you must wear them whenever you drive.
It’s best to book your theory test as soon as you feel ready. Many learners take it early on so they can focus on learning to drive and getting ready for the practical test. The theory test costs £23 and you can book it through Gov.uk.
No. You can begin your driving lessons before you pass the theory test, although you might find it easier to pass first so you can put the theory into practice during your driving lessons.
How long it takes for you to learn to drive depends on several factors. These include how long it takes to pass the theory test, how often you have driving lessons or practice, and how confident you feel out on the road.
You may find you only need a handful of lessons to pass or you need 90-minute lessons rather than hour-long ones. Every learner is different, but average timings can give you an idea of how long it will take.
The Driving & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) found average driver needs around 47 hours of lessons with an instructor and a further 22 hours of practice with friends or family.
This means if you’re having one hour-long lesson each week with an instructor and two hours of practice outside of your lessons, you could be test-ready in around five months. If you have the time, you could increase the amount of extra driving you do with parents or other family members. Upping your out-of-lesson practice time to just four hours a week could mean you’re ready for your test in three months.
When you’re a learner driver and first get your hands on the wheel, you just want to pass your driving test as quickly as possible. You’re determined to gain independence as you hit the road for the first time.
One way of passing your driving test quickly is to practise as much as possible in between your instructed lessons. Driving with a family member or friend is a good way of doing this. Not only will you gain extra experience, but you can practise everything you’ve learned with your instructor without spending more on lessons.
Learning to drive quickly means you can pass your test and travel independently sooner. It also means you avoid spending more money on lessons over time.
Learning intensively means everything’s fresh for you, so you may retain skills more effectively than if you space lessons out over months.
However, it’s important not to rush. Building confidence and safe driving habits are essential.
You might be thinking of swapping out weekly lessons for a course that will train you quickly. There are several differences between intensive training courses and weekly lessons:
Here are just some of the ways that you can quickly learn to drive:
You might want to brush up on the skills you’ve learned from your instructor. You can practise with – or learn from – a family member or friend if they meet the legal requirements:
Most learners will need to do their extra driving practise in a parents’ or friend’s car. This can help speed up the learning-to-drive process. Whenever you and your parent or friend have some free time – even if it’s just an hour here or there – you can simply hop in the car.
But if you are planning on practising with parents outside your lessons with a qualified instructor, you need to make sure you have learner driver insurance.
You might not want to be taught by an instructor at all and there are a couple of reasons why learning with friends or family be a better fit:
It’s important to make sure your parents or anyone else you want to practise with is eligible. As well as meeting the legal requirements, there are a couple of considerations to make:
L plates (or D plates in Wales) must be displayed clearly at the front and rear of the vehicle in a position that doesn’t obstruct the driver’s view. They should be removed when a full licence holder drives the car. L plates must be the correct dimensions too. Failure to follow the rules can result in a fine or 6 points on your driving licence.
It’s important to know why L plates are needed and the legal requirements around them.
Before your first lesson, ensure you have your provisional licence and brush up on the Highway Code, speed limits and road signs. Also:
This depends on how ready you feel to take the practical test. Are you consistently driving without intervention from your instructor? Can you handle test routes confidently?
If your instructor believes you’re prepared, book your test at GOV.UK. Taking a mock test can help you judge whether you’re ready too.
Want to improve your chances of passing first time? Follow these tips:
It’s a legal requirement to have insurance when practising driving with family or friends in the UK. If you’re lucky enough to be practising in a car you own, you’ll need your own insurance, and your family member or friend will usually be covered on this.
If, as is more likely, you’re practising in someone else’s car, you’ll need to either:
If you don’t have insurance, you can get an unlimited fine, be banned from driving, and get up to 8 penalty points on your licence.
Tempcover’s learner insurance is a flexible option that means you only pay for cover when you need it – from 12 hours up to 28 days.
Perfect for using while learning to drive – or if you want to fit in some last-minute driving before the test – this is an affordable way of honing your driving skills. It also gives you the chance to:
The learner driver must:
The driver supervising must:
This will depend on how you’re planning to learn to drive, but for many learner drivers, learner driver insurance could be the ideal option. Let’s look at the pros and cons of this type of cover:
Once you pass your driving test, your policy will automatically end. You will then need to look for ongoing annual cover.
Once you pass your driving test, temporary learner insurance will no longer be valid. You’ll need to take out a new insurance policy as a fully qualified driver.
Temporary learner driver insurance gives you the flexibility to only pay for the time you need. Although Parents Insurance and Full Annual Cover also offer positives, the flexibility of temp learner insurance means it can be tailored to your exact needs.
Please note learner driver insurance won’t cover you once you’ve passed your test.
Need to pick up a new car after passing your test? And are you in need of temporary car insurance before sorting your annual insurance? Why not request a quote for temporary car insurance from Tempcover?
Related tags:
Learner DriverLearner Driver InsuranceIn the UK, there's no upper age limit for obtaining a driving licence, proving age isn't a barrier to learning to drive. Many successfully learn in their 40s, 50s, or beyond. With appropriate guidance and practice, you can acquire the necessary skills to become a safe, confident driver, regardless of your age.
Driving anxiety, common among beginners, can stem from the responsibility of controlling a vehicle, accident risks, and triggers like adverse weather or busy roads. This fear can develop into a driving phobia, causing distress and avoidance. To combat this, practise in safe environments, drive with a supportive partner, and familiarise yourself with your car and driving techniques. If fear becomes overwhelming, seek professional help.
In the UK, the standard age to commence driving lessons is 17, unless receiving the enhanced rate of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) mobility component, which permits lessons from 16. A valid provisional driving licence is required before starting.
At 16, you can take a moped theory test, but must be 17 for a standard car theory test, unless receiving the higher rate of PIP or DLA, which allows you to take it at 16. A valid provisional licence, applicable three months before turning 17, is required to book and take the test.
In the UK, 16-year-olds with ADHD can drive if they receive the higher Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or enhanced Personal Independence Payment (PIP) mobility component, allowing them to apply for a provisional licence. However, they must inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if ADHD or related medication affects their driving. Consultation with a doctor is advised to understand the condition's impact on safe driving.
Start your driving journey by acquiring a provisional licence and enrolling in a reputable driving school. Familiarise yourself with the Highway Code to comprehend traffic rules and vehicle safety. Prioritise building confidence and skills over speed, staying aware of your surroundings. Remember, driving is a responsibility; focus on safety and competence, not impressing others.
To overcome driving fear, gradually increase exposure, starting with short, quiet routes and progressing to complex ones as confidence grows. Manage anxiety through relaxation techniques and positivity. Maintain a clean car, plan routes, and familiarise yourself with your vehicle. For severe anxiety, consider professional help like cognitive behavioural therapy or virtual reality exposure therapy. Progress may vary, so patience and celebrating small victories are crucial.
Start your driving journey by understanding the basics and choosing the right transmission. Begin theory study early and consider an intensive course for focused training. Partner with a seasoned instructor and practice between lessons to reinforce skills. Learn from mistakes and persevere, remembering that quick learning requires intensive effort.
You can book your UK driving theory test up to six weeks in advance through the official GOV.UK service. Availability varies between centres, so book as soon as you're ready and monitor for cancellations. You'll need your provisional licence number, a payment card, and an email address. If your chosen centre is full, check other nearby centres. Only book when you're sufficiently prepared to pass.
Book a driving theory test on the DVSA page of GOV.UK. Use auto-book features or cancellation apps to find earlier dates and consider broadening your location preferences. Services like Theory Test Cancellations 4 All and Driving Theory Cancellations can expedite the process. Regularly check your GOV.UK account for available slots and consult your driving instructor for potential slot swaps. Persistence is crucial.
Age doesn't hinder learning to drive, even in your 30s. It's a common occurrence and offers advantages such as increased responsibility, improved focus, and a better understanding of road rules compared to younger learners. If you're over 30, don't hesitate - it's an ideal time to start driving.
To pass the driver's test, gain a thorough understanding of your car's operation and acquire ample practical driving experience. Master fundamentals such as road observation, speed maintenance, and gentle braking. Exercise caution at traffic lights and stop signs, ensuring a complete halt where required. This blend of knowledge and practice greatly enhances your chances of passing the test.
The most challenging aspects of a driving test often include handling complex junctions and manoeuvres like parallel parking. Common mistakes stem from inadequate observation, misjudging speed or distance, and failing to anticipate other road users' actions. Nerves can exacerbate these issues. To succeed, remain calm, observe carefully, stay aware of your surroundings, and practice frequently. Don't rush; safety should always be prioritised.
Increase your chances of passing your driving test by understanding common failure reasons, familiarising yourself with test routes and the centre. Utilise mock tests with your instructor and consider a lesson before your practical test for final review. Practise manoeuvres until they're instinctive, always mirror, signal, manoeuvre. Diligent preparation can enhance your likelihood of first-time success.
Learning to drive offers the freedom of independent travel, marking a significant step towards adulthood. It encourages a proactive mindset, teaching valuable skills like time management, journey planning, and informed decision-making on the road. This boosts confidence and enhances responsibility. So, prepare to navigate your way to independence!
In the UK, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) suggests an average of 45 hours of professional driving lessons and 22 hours of private practice to learn to drive. However, the actual time varies depending on your learning pace, experience, and practice level. The number of lessons isn't fixed; readiness for the test depends on your ability, practice, instructor guidance, and willingness to take tests.
Choosing between a crash course and regular driving lessons depends on your learning style, timeframe, and driving experience. A crash course suits quick learners with tight deadlines, offering rapid, potentially cost-effective instruction. Regular lessons provide a relaxed pace, ideal for anxious learners, gradually building confidence and varied driving experience. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, so consider factors like brain fatigue, cost, and test availability when deciding.
Your intensive driving course instructor provides the skills and knowledge for your practical test, but won't conduct the test. An independent government examiner will assess your driving abilities, ensuring a completely impartial evaluation on the day of the test.
To pass your driving test quickly, practice extensively with a certified instructor and master all manoeuvres. Book regular lessons to build confidence and choose a competent approved driving instructor (ADI). Familiarise yourself with common test routes and understand the theory alongside the Highway Code. On test day, arrive early, well-rested, and eat lightly.
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Learner DriverLearner Driver Insurance