If you have just got your provisional driving licence and are starting your driving lessons, you are more than likely wondering how long it will take you to pass your driving test.
Learning to drive can be a thrill for many people, whilst other drivers are a little more apprehensive to take to the road.
Whatever, you are feeling, you are still hoping that you will pass your practical driving test and walk out of that test centre happy with the driving skills you showed.
Whilst you may be chomping at the bit to get to your practical test, there is no sense in rushing your way through it just to get to your test day as you may find that you end up with a fail or make a mistake that could be serious.
There are ways that you can speed up the process safely, for example, by taking an intensive driving course, but there are still important steps that need to be taken. So, without delay, how long does it take to learn to drive? Let’s answer that today.
How Many Driving Lessons Do You Need?
Your driving lessons are really important, your driving instructor will help you learn the rules of the road (the highway code), and teach you how to drive as safely as possible so you can be a good driver on the road.
On average, it will take between 30-40 hours of lessons to reach practical driving test standard, so if you decide to do 2 lessons a week at 1 and a half hours, you should be able to take your driving test in 3 months, but, that will depend on your ability to drive and your confidence.
How Many Lessons With Extra Help?
If you are only able to do around 1 lesson per week at 1 to 2 hours, then you are looking at longer, so if you have the means for private practice with a family member or legal friend (must be over 21 and be driving for 3 years as well as have a full driving licence), then that could bump up your time.
Car Insurance
You are required to make sure that you have learner driver insurance so you can drive whichever car you are using, otherwise, it is illegal and you could find yourself in hot water before you even get a chance to be on the road, plus you could cause issues for the person teaching you.
Taking Intensive Courses
If you plan on taking a semi-intensive driving course, then those can range from 2-8 weeks with a practical test at the end. If you opt for the full-time course, then you can get it done within the week.
Semi-intensive is for those who want to speed things up but can’t fully commit to intensive. However, they will need to take time off to get this done, so intensive may be easier for those who can book a week free and just get it completed within that time frame. It all depends on needs and cost.
Taking Your Driving Theory Test
Before you take your practical driving test, you have to take your theory test. Your theory test is very important for you to pass. It will help you be a better driver on the road and understand why the highway code is needed.
It is not something that you should look over and see as an addition to your driving, it goes hand-in-hand with being on the road.
Learning traffic signs and road markings, as well as what to do in an emergency is very important, and with an approved driving instructor you will be able to learn these rules as you drive as they should be making you aware of all aspects of driving, not just the practical side.
Quickest Ways to Pass Your Driving Test
Whilst you need to make sure you take everything in, there are ways to speed up the process so you are not hanging about for ages and taking too much time to pass.
Here are some tips that might be able to help you out so you can get to your practical test as fast as possible.
Get Your Provisional Driving Licence
If you are about to turn 17, apply for it now. You can apply 3 months before you turn 17, so it comes in plenty of enough time for you to take to the road.
During this time you should look up driving instructors and get recommendations from people to see what they say. This will help you find someone good in plenty of enough time without hurrying.
Book Your Theory Test
Once you have turned 17 (and when you have your provisional licence) you are allowed to book your theory test. You can study for your theory test early when you apply for your provisional so that instead of waiting around until your licence comes through, you can get ahead and be ready to take your theory test as soon as possible.
Book Your Driving Test
After you have passed your theory test, you are allowed to book your driving test. There are many different waiting times around the country, so this will vary a lot. Cities are known to take longer as they are high-population areas.
Some driving instructors may wish to book your driving test themselves if you haven’t, especially as you will be needing their car if you don’t have another option available.
So if you do want to take your driving instructor’s car, then you might have to wait for them to book it, however, if you are able to take a family member’s car or even your own car that you are learning in, then booking it ahead of time is possible.
Look For Test Cancellations
If you are ready to take your test but your actual day is a bit far off, then you may want to check out test cancellations to see if you are able to get in even earlier.
Cancellations do happen a lot, so you need to be quick on your feet and check each day if able. If you have reached test standards and your driving instructor is happy with your progress, then going for cancellations may be the right thing to do.
However, you have to make sure that you have your instructor’s car handy and that they agree, as cancellations are at short notice, they may not be able to, always check with them first to be sure.
Look at Alternative Test Centres
You may find that you are able to get a shorter waiting time with another test centre. But, whilst that may fit in with your timeline, you will be doing routes that you might have not done before so this could throw you off.
If you want to switch to another instructor that is on this route, you will need to see if that is available to you and works with your timeframe. There are upsides but this could prove stressful if you are doing it all in a short period of time.
Conclusion
Now that you know how long it takes to learn to drive, you hopefully, have a better idea of what you are up against and how you can achieve that so you are confident in what you do.
Driving lessons can be nerve-wracking and your first time on the road is not going to be seamless. Just keep at it and know that you are doing the best you can at being a safe driver. Good luck!
