There are many factors which affect how many driving lessons you need to take in order to pass your driving test. Learner drivers are often concerned about passing their test with the minimum amount of lessons possible in order to save money. They can be expensive, but you should consider driving lessons to be an investment. Spending on enough lessons to pass your test ensures that you won’t lose money having to resit your driving test and you will be a much safer driver too. So, how many driving lessons do you need to pass your test?
How many driving lessons do you need?
The average number of driving lessons you need to pass your test varies according to the source. The official government website states that there is no minimum number of driving lessons required to take the test, leaving it to you to know when you feel ready. That said, most sources agree that 35-50 hours of driving lessons is better.
The average amount of driving lessons should be 40-45 hours before taking your driving test. Some people decide that 20-30 hours or maybe even less is enough – but remember that the more lessons you take, the better you will become at driving. You’ll pass your test faster if you take multiple driving lessons each week. Budget for this in advance and it could save you money in the long run.
How many hours of private driving practice do you need?
Homework for learning to drive might sound like a chore, but driving lessons alone are not enough to prepare you for your driving test. It is recommended that you spend 22 hours of private practice with a relative or friend in their car. It is good to try driving a different car in different areas to get more practice in various driving environments.
To be able to help you practice driving privately, your relative or friend must be over 21 years old and have gained their licence at least 3 years previously. Just don’t let them try to take over as instructor – they’re supposed to be helping you practise what you’ve learned from the professionals.
Which things affect how many driving lessons you need to pass your test?
These are the common factors which can determine how many driving lessons you need:
- Your age
- How often you take driving lessons
- How much you practise privately
- Your finances
- The driving instructor
- Your learning style
The younger you are, the faster you are likely to learn to drive, so you should need fewer lessons. Another major factor is your finances, which determine how often you can take driving lessons and which driving instructor you choose, which in turn are very important.
How often do you need to have driving lessons to pass your test?
Another thing to consider is how often you should take driving lessons if you want to pass your driving test. Taking one lesson a week could take you almost a year before you are ready for the test. This could be better for spreading the cost, but it is not better for your learning. It is best to take either longer lessons or more frequent lessons to ensure that you’re getting the most out of each session and not falling out of practice in between your lessons.
Booking your lessons at different times and practising in different locations could help you to become a confident driver much faster. Sometimes you can also get discounts on driving lessons if you make block bookings in advance, so it could save money as well.
How do you choose the best driving instructor to pass your test?
You need to be comfortable with your driving instructor and their teaching style. You will be spending a lot of time with them, and negative attitudes can derail your motivation to learn. If you don’t progress from lesson to lesson then it will be a waste of your money and time. You can change instructors if you are not happy with your progress. Keep a progress record and ensure that your instructor tailors an individual learning plan for you.
It is their job to make you feel confident enough behind the wheel to take your driving test and pass on the first try. At Ashley Neal, we have some of the best instructors with years of experience helping students pass their driving tests. Get in touch with us today to learn more!