How many driving lessons will I need?
The national average number of driving lessons taken to pass the driving test is quite high – it’s 45 hours with an ADI and 20 hours of private practice with a relative. But it’s high for a couple of reasons.
- Due to pressure from parents or employers, some people tend to book tests before they are ready for them
- Some people rely on private practice from friends or relatives rather than paying for professional tuition
- Some people get really nervous on the day of their tests
- Some people leave the Theory Test until quite late on in the process, slowing down their grasp of many aspects on the practical side
- Some people are not encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning
Let’s go through these issues one by one.
Pressure to Pass Your Test
It doesn’t matter how many lessons your Mum took before passing her test. That was probably a while ago, and there are far more cars on the road today, road layouts are far more complex, and the test requirements have been updated dramatically. Visit https://www.gov.uk/transport/car-driving-tests to learn more about the Car Driving Test.
As far as employers go, speak to them about your learning. You may be surprised at how understanding they are. If you’re going to be driving a company car, it’s in your employer’s interest that you are taught well and that you are fully confident in your own driving abilities.
Private Practice to Supplement Driving Lessons
Private practice is highly recommended by most ADIs (Approved Driving Instructors). But it should only be used to supplement the professional coaching and development that takes place on your driving lessons. Caledonian can supply an excellent book called “Live and Learn” by Neil Snow as part of our Caledonian Complete package, It’s specifically written for parents of new drivers, and can help with tips and techniques to help everyone get the best from their private practice.
Nerves on Your Driving Test
Nerves are perfectly natural and tests are something that most people have to go through at some point in their lives. However, ask any driving instructor about his qualification tests or his Standards Check, and you’ll realise that you’re not alone! You can reduce your susceptibility to nerves by knowing that you’ve prepared properly and that you haven’t taken any shortcuts. And get a good sleep the night before.
Start Your Theory Test Study Alongside Your Driving Lessons
A bit of a basic one, this. Read the books, practice the questions, increase your knowledge. Drive better. Your Instructor can’t do this one for you. And it leads quite nicely on to the last point.
Take Responsibility For Your Driving Lessons
Taking responsibility for your own learning involves reflecting on your lessons, thinking about what went well and what didn’t go so well. It means thinking about what you’d like to on your next lesson and putting in a bit of effort in the way of research. Therefore, if you don’t do any work in between your lessons, you’ll take longer to pass your test, spend more money on lessons, and run the risk of your driving lessons becoming a bit of a chore. So buckle up, get involved, and meet him half way. You’ll pass your test far quicker.
