How many hours do I need to pass my driving test?

One of the more frequent questions we get asked is ‘how many hours do I need to pass my driving test?. It is also probably the most difficult question to give an accurate answer to as well.

There are many factors that will affect how long it takes you to acquire all the skills required to pass your driving test. However, at Training Wheelz we prefer to focus less on the test itself and more on making dure you become a safe, independent driver. Someone who can think for themselves whenever an unexpected and unusual situation occurs on the road.

So does this mean we will try and make you take as many lessons as possible? No! There is a myth around in some circles that a professional driving instructor will try and prolong your driving lessons for as long as they can in order to squeeze as much money out of you as possible. We can’t speak for everyone of course, but at Training Wheelz we most certainly do not take this (rather unethical) view. We would refer you to our many customer reviews which will bear testimony to both the quality of lessons with our instructors as well as the value for money we give.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency advice states that you will probably need around 45 hours of professional lessons (plus around 20 hours of private practice) in order to reach test standard. Our experience suggests it is likely to be considerably less than this. If you are starting from scratch we would expect most people to reach test standard within 30-40 hours with us. Of course, this is just an average and some people will take quite a bit longer – but also, we sometimes get someone who really just ‘clicks’ with driving and is ready in less hours.

Our answer to this is that it is certainly useful but not essential. We have many learners who do not have the chance of private practice with either a parent or friend and have gone on to pass their driving test without any private practice. But if you are able to go out with a full licence holder to gain additional experience then this can only be of help to you. We will also be preparing some advice for parents and friends so they can support you in the correct way to help you gain your full driving licence at the earliest possible opportunity.

Is private practice important?

Our answer to this is that it is certainly useful but not essential. We have many learners who do not have the chance of private practice with either a parent or friend and have gone on to pass their driving test without any private practice. But if you are able to go out with a full licence holder to gain additional experience then this can only be of help to you. We will also be preparing some advice for parents and friends so they can support you in the correct way to help you gain your full driving licence at the earliest possible opportunity.

“My friend passed after only 10 hours”

I’m sure we have all heard this statement. The likelihood is it is not true! But what if they have? What does that have to do with how you learn or how many lessons you need? Do you juyst want to pass your test (I’m sure you do!) or do you also want to be someone who feels comfortable and, more importantly, safe on the road and able to think for yourself and make good, safe decisions?

So I am afraid we will not be giving an answer to the question of how many hours do I need. Rather we will give you an idea of how long it might take once we see you driving and see how you are getting along with your lessons.