For some, passing your driving test is a monumental rite of passage. In the UK, you must pass a two-part DVLA test, with the first section focused on driving theory and the second conducted on the road with an instructor.
Novice drivers tend to feel most concerned about their upcoming Practical Driving Theory Test. It requires you to take the initiative and gain practical experience with a driving instructor by your side. But how many driving lessons are enough?
If you’re wondering, ‘where should I be after 20 driving lessons?’ you’re not alone. Learning to drive can be an exciting but often lengthy process. Today, Ashley Neal driving instructors are here to clear things up.
We’ll tell you approximately how many driving lessons you need to pass your test and how to choose the right driving instructors to support your journey.
How many driving lessons do I need to pass my test?
The number of driving lessons required to pass a driving test varies depending on an individual’s experience, confidence, and learning style.
On the ‘Learning to Drive’ section of the DVSA website, the government states that ‘there’s no minimum number of lessons you must have or hours you must practise driving.’
However, many companies and instructors recommend 40-45 hours of practice before taking the practical theory test: this means that, in the UK, the average number of lessons required to pass a driving test is around 45 hours of professional instruction combined with 22 hours of private practice.
It’s crucial to note that this is just an average, and some people may require more or fewer lessons depending on personal circumstances. It’s true what they say about quality over quantity: how prepared you are for your driving test is not always down to the number of hours you put in, but the quality of instruction.
Spending 40-45 hours with an experienced, knowledgeable instructor will enable you to apply the skills you’ve learnt in your 22 hours of private practice.
Which things affect how many driving lessons you need to pass your test?
As we’ve mentioned, how many driving lessons you need to pass your test is not always as simple as the national average.
Every driver is different, with some individuals having more experience on the road and others whose learning style may clash with your instructor’s.
You mustn’t feel discouraged if you need more driving lessons than the national average: this is normal and will play a crucial role in making you a better driver. Below, we’ve listed several influences that could affect how many hours of practice and study you need:
Age
Younger learners may require more lessons as they are less experienced on the road. They might lack knowledge of theoretical aspects of driving, such as road signs or hazards.
However, many argue that younger learners absorb information more quickly than older drivers. Taking up these lessons earlier could even speed up your progress!
Experience
Learners who have some experience driving with family or friends may require fewer lessons than those who have never operated a vehicle. They may be more comfortable using mechanisms like the clutch, brake, accelerator and gear stick, making for a smoother ride.
Learning Style
Individuals have different learning styles, with some being more conducive to learning how to drive. For example, visual learners may require more visual aids or demonstrations to understand a particular skill or manoeuvre.
On the other hand, some may be more hands-on and require practical exercises to master reversing or parallel parking. That’s why working with a driving instructor who understands each student’s learning style and can adjust their teaching approach has a crucial impact on how they learn.
Confidence
Learners who lack confidence may require additional lessons to build their skills and overcome their fears. Extra practice with challenging manoeuvres and guidance from their driving instructor will help them feel more comfortable behind the wheel.
A good instructor should be patient and supportive, helping their student build confidence through positive reinforcement and constructive feedback.
Where should I be after 20 driving lessons?
With all the information we know, answering this question isn’t easy! However, there are some general skills that you should be able to perform after twenty driving lessons:
- Starting and stopping the car smoothly
- Steering and changing lanes
- Negotiating roundabouts and junctions
- Basic parking manoeuvres
You should also have a good understanding of traffic rules and regulations, being able to apply them while driving.
How do you choose the best driving instructor to pass your test?
Now that you know roughly where you should be after twenty driving lessons, how do you choose the best driving instructor?
Choosing an instructor who understands your learning style, is sympathetic to your concerns and provides you with constructive feedback is crucial to your success. Here are some tips for selecting the right instructors and why you should choose Ashley Neal:
Experience
Look for a driving instructor with extensive experience teaching learners of all ages and abilities. At Ashley Neal Driving Instructors, we have guided thousands of learner drivers like you towards passing their practical and theory tests.
Over our 20 years of experience, we have strived to provide one of the highest pass rates in the North West.
We design our courses with beginners and experienced drivers in mind so that, no matter your previous experience, you have the best chance of success with an Ashley Neal instructor.
Customer Reviews
Check online reviews and testimonials from other learners who have worked with the driving instructor. Positive reviews can indicate a driving academy’s teaching skills and the quality of its lessons.
Here at Ashley Neal, we have over 380 five-star reviews on TrustPilot, giving us an overall rating of 4.8/5 stars. Our customers specifically note our driver’s professional conduct, politeness and personal love of driving: this is clear in their dedication to helping learners succeed.
Choose Ashley Neal for your Driving Lessons!
Learning to drive is an important responsibility, and it’s essential to practice safe and responsible practices whenever you’re on the road. Whether you’ve yet to take a driving test or you’ve been learning for a while, Ashley Neal is here to assist.
We offer manual and automatic driving lessons for students across the North West. Control your sessions and choose between a male or female instructor for maximum ease. At Ashley Neal, we put the needs of our students first.
We wish you the best of luck with your driving lessons and test, and we hope you have a greater understanding of where you should be after twenty driving lessons.