How Many Driving Lessons?


How Many Lessons Will I Need?

Well, you probably guessed, there is no set answer for everyone because everyone is different.  But it is understandable that you want a rough idea of what you are taking on when you embark on a course of driving lessons, so here are a few guidelines.

The DSA recommend 40-45 hours - plus plenty of private practice!  This is based on the actual results which show that, on average, candidates passing the test had 45 hours of professional lessons plus 22 hours private practice.
 
That is an awful lot more than it used to be but, with ever increasing speeds, traffic volumes and road complexity, it should not be so surprising.  The driving test is always being made tougher to match these conditions with the perfectly reasonable aim of trying to reduce the horrendous accident rates for new drivers.  Yes, passing quickly is desirable but not at the expense of writing off your car (and maybe a lot worse) within weeks of getting that precious piece of paper.


Having said that, many learners can reach test standard in about half that time.  Learning takes longer as you get older so it helps a lot if you are still in your teens but, whatever your age, what is needed is aptitude, eagerness to learn, a positive attitude and commitment.  Repeatedly missing lessons or “taking a break” is a surefire way of setting back your progress, increasing the total number of lessons required and postponing the day when you earn your full driving licence.

Not every driver is lucky enough to be able to get practice between lessons.  Great if you can, it will be a big help, but it is not by any means essential and, if you have the above attributes, it may be possible to become proficient in half the recommended number of hours.

On the other hand, everyone is different and many will progress at a slower rate, yet go on to pass first time and become excellent drivers.  I treat everyone as an individual, go at the pace which suits them and get them to test standard just as soon as they are capable.  I will never hold you back and, conversely, I will not rush you to take on new things faster than suits you. 

Pass Rate and Similar Stats

Well, I used to publish accurate stats but I just don't have time to keep them up to date these days.  However, the last time I worked it out, my pass rate was 66%, 90% of my pupils passed either 1st or 2nd time and 67% of all my passes had four or fewer minor faults.

I am happy to maintain a rate of around 2 passes to every 1 fail (against a national pass rate of less than 50%).

 
 

Pass rate can always be improved by insisting on more lessons and near perfection before putting a pupil up for test but I believe my current ratio represents a fair trade-off of chances of success versus costs to pupil in terms of time and additional lessons.  But I will happily vary this approach according to your individual requirements, with the proviso that I will never put you up for test before I am confident you are safe to drive on your own.


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