How long does it take to learn to drive?

To find a qualified driving instructor, you should check if they are approved by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in the UK.

Here are 7 steps to finding a qualified driving instructor in the UK:

1. Research Online: Begin by searching online directories or websites dedicated to driving schools and instructors in your locality. Many of these platforms feature reviews and ratings from former students, offering insights into the instructor’s teaching methods and effectiveness.
2. DVSA’s Official Database: The DVSA maintains a database of approved driving instructors (ADIs). You can search this list to ensure the instructor you’re considering is certified.
3. Recommendations: Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Personal referrals can often lead to finding instructors who have a proven track record of success.
4. Check Their Pass Rate: While it’s not the only indicator of an instructor’s quality, a high pass rate among their students can be a positive sign.
5. Meet in Person: Before committing, consider meeting with potential instructors to discuss their teaching style, experience, and to gauge your comfort level with them.
6. Vehicle Considerations: Ensure the instructor’s vehicle is suitable for you, in good condition, and has dual controls for safety.
7. Cost and Availability: Discuss lesson rates, package deals, and ensure their availability aligns with your schedule.

Remember, the right instructor can make a significant difference in your learning experience, so take the time to choose someone who aligns with your needs and comfort level.

On average, most people require 45 hours of driving lessons to be adequately prepared for the driving test, according to DVSA’s data.

No Legal Minimum

In the UK, there isn’t a set legal requirement for the number of lessons you must take before sitting for the driving test. However, considering the practical test’s cost of £62, it’s advisable to be thoroughly prepared before trying.

Instructor’s Recommendation

Trust in your driving instructor is crucial. With their extensive experience, instructors have a keen sense of when a student is test-ready. Most won’t suggest booking a test until they’re confident of the learner’s capabilities on the road.

Duration to Complete Lessons

If you’re taking one or two lessons a week, the average learner is expected to finish their lessons between six months to a year. Government data supports this, indicating that 67.7% of learners achieve their full licence within a year of starting with their provisional licence, while only 18.5% manage within six months.

Age Factor

Age can play a role in the learning process. Typically, older learners tend to progress and pass more quickly, whereas those under the age of 34 might take a tad longer.

Automatic vs. Manual Cars

The choice between learning in an automatic or a manual car can influence the pace of learning. Some find it more intuitive to learn in an automatic car. However, it’s essential to note that if you pass your test in an automatic car, you’ll be licensed to drive only automatic cars in the UK.

Each learner’s journey is unique, and while these guidelines provide a general framework, the number of lessons one needs can vary based on individual aptitude and circumstances.

The practical driving test typically lasts around 40 minutes. However, if you’re taking an extended driving test due to a previous driving ban, it will be approximately 70 minutes.

Standard Test Duration

The standard practical driving test is designed to assess your driving skills in various road and traffic conditions. It includes approximately 20 minutes of independent driving, where you’ll be asked to follow either traffic signs or directions from a sat nav. The entire test, including this independent driving segment, should take around 40 minutes.

Extended Driving Test

For those who have previously been banned from driving and are retaking the test, there’s an extended version. This test is longer to ensure that the driver has adequately improved their skills and is safe to return to the roads. The extended test lasts about 70 minutes.

Theory Test Duration

While the focus here is on the practical test, it’s worth noting the duration of the theory test for a comprehensive understanding. The theory test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, for which you have a maximum of 57 minutes. Following this, you’ll need to identify hazards in 14 one-minute videos. In total, the theory test can take up to one hour and 11 minutes, though some candidates might complete it faster.

Ensuring you’re well-prepared for both the practical and theory tests is crucial for success and for becoming a safe and confident driver on UK roads.

As a learner driver in the UK, you need provisional or learner driving insurance.

If you’re practising in a friend or family member’s car, ensure their insurance policy covers you as a learner driver; otherwise, you’ll need to take out your own separate learner insurance.

Types of Learner Insurance

1. Provisional or Learner Driving Insurance: This insurance is specifically designed for learners practising in their own car. It provides coverage while you’re learning to drive.
2. Short-Term Learner Insurance: Some insurance providers offer short-term learner driver insurance, which can range from a few hours to several days. This is ideal for learners who need insurance for a brief period or specific practice sessions.
3. Annual Learner Insurance: For those who anticipate a longer learning journey, some insurers offer annual learner insurance policies.

Using Someone Else’s Car

If you’re practising in a car owned by a friend or family member, it’s essential to check if their existing insurance policy covers learner drivers. If not, you’ll need to either add yourself to their policy or take out a separate learner driver insurance.

Transitioning to Full Insurance

Once you’ve passed your driving test and obtained a full driving licence, you’ll transition from learner insurance to standard car insurance. As a young or new driver, consider looking into telematics or “black box” insurance. This type of insurance uses a device to monitor your driving habits, and safe driving can lead to discounts on your policy.

It’s crucial to ensure you’re adequately insured while learning to drive. Not only is it a legal requirement, but it also provides peace of mind, knowing you’re covered in case of any incidents.