Booking the right amount of hours for an intensive driving course is crucial for ensuring you get the most out of your lessons. The amount of time you need depends on your current driving experience, how quickly you learn, and your comfort level behind the wheel. Below, we’ll break down recommendations for complete beginners, beginners, intermediate, and experienced drivers, based on DVSA statistics and industry standards.
Complete Beginners
If you have never driven before, you’re considered a complete beginner. The DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) suggests that it takes the average learner around 45 hours of lessons with an instructor and an additional 22 hours of private practice to reach the test standard. For a complete beginner looking to book an intensive course, it’s recommended to start with at least 40-45 hours of lessons. You may find that information here.
Recommendation:
Hours: 45-67 hours
Why: This time allows you to cover all aspects of driving, including the basics, complex manoeuvres, and safe driving practices.
Beginners
If you have a basic understanding of driving, such as knowing how to control a car and having some experience, but are far from test-ready, you fall into the beginner category. You may have had a few lessons or some driving experience, but you’re not yet confident on the road. For beginners, booking around 40-45 hours of intensive lessons is advisable.
Recommendation:
Hours: 40-45 hours
Why: This range gives you ample time to refine your basic skills and build confidence while progressing towards more advanced driving techniques.
Intermediate Learners
If you’ve had some lessons or private practice and are comfortable with the basics of driving, you’re likely at an intermediate level. You can control the car and navigate different driving situations, but you still need to polish your skills, especially in preparation for the driving test. For intermediate learners, 20-35 hours of intensive lessons should suffice.
Recommendation:
Hours: 20-35 hours
Why: You’re already familiar with driving, so these hours focus on perfecting your technique, building confidence, and preparing for the test.
Experienced Learners
Experienced learners are those who have substantial driving experience, perhaps have even attempted the driving test before, but need some fine-tuning. You’re comfortable with all aspects of driving but may need to work on specific areas, such as manoeuvres or driving in particular conditions. For experienced learners, booking 10-15 hours of lessons should be adequate.
Recommendation:
Hours: 10-15 hours
Why: This timeframe allows you to focus on refining specific skills and getting fully prepared for the driving test.
Advanced Drivers
Advanced drivers are those who have considerable driving experience, possibly with a foreign license, and are looking to adapt to UK driving standards or simply want to polish specific skills. If you fall into this category, you may only need a few hours of lessons to get accustomed to UK roads or to brush up on particular areas.
Recommendation:
Hours: 5-10 hours
Why: This is ideal for refining your skills, understanding UK-specific driving rules, or preparing for a UK driving test if you already hold a foreign license.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right amount of hours for your intensive driving course is essential to ensure you’re fully prepared for your driving test. The DVSA’s guideline of 45 hours with an instructor, supplemented by 22 hours of private practice, provides a useful benchmark. However, your current level of experience and confidence will ultimately determine how many hours you should book. Our Assessment Lessons accesses your skills to help choose the best course that fits your needs so as to give you the best chance of success.