How Many Driving Lessons Do I Need To Pass Driving Test

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Winterville Staff

Are you already taking a driving lesson and wondering how many hours you need to pass the driving test?

The total number of hours varies per person, from the time you start learning to drive to the time you take the car out on your own. It depends on how quickly you learn from the driving lessons.

Aside from your learning abilities, several factors may affect the number of hours of driving lessons, such as the instructor, practice, type of car, and your discipline in learning.

driving lessons

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Nevertheless, there is a typical range of how many driving lessons you need to officially drive a car on your own and pass the driving test.

Without further ado, let’s dive in and know the minimum number of classes you need to drive your car freely on the road.

In this quick guide, you will learn about the following topics:

  • How Many Driving Lessons Do I Need?
  • How Many Hours Should Each Driving Lesson Be?
  • What to Expect in a Driving Lesson
  • Tips When Taking a Driving Lesson
  • What Factors Can Influence the Number of Driving Lessons?

How Many Driving Lessons Do I Need?

If you think there is a direct answer to this question, think again. Unfortunately, there is no definite number of lessons as stated by the GOV.UK.

It all depends on how fast you learn and the consistency of learning.

Of course, if you only practise driving one hour a week or two lessons a month, there is a high chance you forget your lessons right away because of the long period of stagnation.

Somehow, the more you drive the more you remember your lessons and the more you gain confidence in driving.

According to DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency), most learners need 45 hours of driving lessons plus 22 hours of individual practice to learn how to drive properly.

Depending on experience and abilities, some people may only need 20 to 30 hours of total driving lessons.

How Many Hours Should Each Driving Lesson Be?

The number of hours per lesson depends on the learner’s schedule or free time, willingness to learn, capacity to absorb information, and prior experience.

It is recommended to take at least two hours of practice per lesson.

For some, it might be too exhausting and they won’t be able to grasp the new information they learn from the lessons.

If two hours per lesson is a bit long and draining, then it is advisable to go for one-hour lessons instead.

So is a two-hour lesson better than a one-hour lesson? There is no such difference in whether you take one-hour or two-hour lessons as it will all depend on consistency and frequency of lessons per week.

If you have two lessons per week for either one-hour or two-hour lessons, for example, then a two-hour lesson can polish your skills more quickly than a one-hour lesson.

What to Expect in a Driving Lesson

On your driving lesson, make sure you bring essential items for comfort such as comfy shoes and water for drinking.

Moreover, you need to make sure you wear your glasses and have your provisional licence with you.

first driving lesson

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If it is your first driving lesson, you can expect to be taught more of the basics of the car such as car control, clutch, break, mirror adjustment, adjust seats, wheel, wearing seatbelts, and many more.

The first few minutes are usually a walkthrough of requirements and rules and regulations.

After having a brief orientation, the remaining minutes of the lesson are usually used for driving practice.

The instructor will take you to less busy streets for practice and will only allow you to drive up to 30 mph or even less.

The first one-hour or two-hour lesson should be able to cover the basic controls and be able to teach you how to use the clutch, signal with the indicator, change gear, and stop the car.

These skills are further practice on your next  driving lessons.

The coverage of a lesson depends on the type of lesson you availed. The type of lessons you can expect from a driving lesson are:

  • Regular Driving Course – The most common type of course and usually covers the basics.
  • Refresher Driving Course – For those who already have a full driving licence but need more practice and guidance.
  • Intensive Driving Course – For people who want to learn fast, usually one to two weeks. You can go for this option if you have prior knowledge about driving and can give up to 6 hours a day to it.
  • Semi-Intensive Driving Course – It is a less intense form of intensive driving course and allows you to complete the driving lessons in 2 to 3 weeks. Each lesson lasts up to 3 hours and is best for those who cannot fully commit to an intensive course.
  • Defensive Driving Course – Teaches drivers ways to reduce the risk of accidents and aware them of the potential intentions of the other drivers on the road.
  • Driver Awareness Course – In case you have been in a serious accident before and you have been proven guilty, the court might ask you to take this course.
  • Advanced Driving Course – This course is taken by fully licensed drivers who wish to further refine their skills and be best in driving.
  • Pass Plus Driving Course – It is a 6-hour long training course that UK recommends to take for drivers looking to enhance their driving skills or for new drivers who have passed the test for a year already.

Tips When Taking a Driving Lesson

Know the Basics

Before you go for the driving lesson, it is important to first know the basics of a car.

Ask someone you are close to or watch Youtube tutorials to give you an introduction about every key part of the vehicle.

In this way, it is easier for you to understand when the instructor guides you on your first day. It will make quite an impression on your instructor.

Nevertheless, this is normally taught on your first day of driving lesson.

Choose the Right Type of the Vehicle

When you book a driving lesson, you have to choose between an automatic or manual driving lesson.

Even though manual cars are encouraged, not everyone is comfortable with them.

Keep in mind that automatic cars are more efficient and easier to learn which is why many choose to have an automatic driving licence status.

It is important to know that if your licence is valid for automatic cars only, you cannot drive a manual car legally.

Have a Private Practice

The utmost solution to pass your tests in one go is to practise privately under the supervision of a friend or family member who already has a full driving licence.

The more hours you practise on your own, the easier it will be on the day of your driving lesson with the instructor.

Wear Comfortable Clothes

Avoid clothes that are too tight or restrict air movement. The right shoe will make a remarkable difference.

Avoid heels and go for low-lying shoes. Make sure you take your glasses or contact lenses if you have weak eyesight.

Book Lessons Beforehand

Even though there is no fixed time for driving lessons, block booking the lessons will help you stick to a schedule and reach your goal early and easily.

You can choose the number of hours you like per week or per month.

Search for the Right Instructor

learning to drive

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When you book a driving lesson with quality driving schools that have passionate and knowledgeable instructors, you may not require longer hours of driving lessons since the instructor teaches well.

With a good teacher, you can easily absorb the information and learn fast based on the instructor’s teaching techniques.

On the other hand, if you book instructors who are not good at teaching, you may end up confused and not learn correctly. Thus, you may end up needing more hours of learning.

Question Instructor

It is normal to feel anxious and nervous in your driving lessons.

Try to relax and question your instructor about whatever you are confused about or have doubts about.

Each driving lesson will always have time for feedback, whether it is at the beginning of the hour or at the end.

What Factors Can Influence the Number of Driving Lessons?

Many factors can determine the number of lessons you need, whether you need more or less. Some factors worth mentioning include:

  • Age
  • Frequency of lessons you are taking per week or month
  • Budget
  • Instructor
  • Prior experience
  • Time spent on private practice
  • Dedication

Final Thoughts

The art of driving perfectly is not a piece of cake. Driving lessons are not just about steering wheels and changing gears as you also must know the road and traffic rules and regulations.

Thus, it is important not to rush and lessen the number of hours of your driving lesson.

The more hours you practise, the better it is for you and the other people on the road. What are your thoughts on this?

Do you have tips and recommendations for us? Share your thoughts below in the comments section.

If you want to learn more about driving lessons or driving in general, check out Winterville’s articles on the following topics:

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