Do I have to do 2 hour lessons?
Driving lessons are normally 2 hours long, and to ensure consistency in learning we recommend at least one 2 hour lesson each week. 2 hours at a time is definitely proven to be the most productive length of lesson, as it allows for more repetition of a topic if needed to consolidate learning, plus more topics and road types can be covered. A single hour will fly by, normally resulting in slower progress, as the skills are not consolidated, and need to be revisited next lesson. This often results in more lessons required in the long run, costing more. Some instructors may be willing and able to accommodate shorter lessons if you are unable to take 2 hours at a time for medical reasons, but it’s rare that 2 hours is a problem.
Could driving lessons be longer than two hours?
On the flip side, we don’t recommend more than 2 hours at a time, as concentration will start to drop, mistakes will be made, and it becomes counter productive. Also it’s beneficial for you to reflect upon your lessons, to process what went well, and what didn’t go so well, as set a plan with your instructor on how to develop your knowledge and skill. If you are looking to take accelerated lessons of multiple lessons in a week, maybe because you have a test booked soon, or have some limited time off work or college, then that will probably be beneficial, and we might be able to accommodate that if we have an instructor with the availability in their diary.
Are intensive driving courses worth it?
Intensive courses may be suitable for someone with a short time frame in which to learn, maybe due to time constraints or work commitments, but this is not something we endorse or provide. There are driving schools that specialise in these types of courses, ironically often referred to “Crash courses”. We do get a lot of learners that come to us having completed one of these courses, having either failed their test, or the instructor refused to take them to test as they were not ready. Everyone learns in a slightly different way, and at a different pace. Intensive learning don’t always allow for the learning process to be adapted as needed to consolidate learning, experience different road environments, and develop safe driving competencies. This is what is needs to be proven to an examiner on the day of your driving test, as they need to be satisfied that you are able to drive independently and safely. Plus, of course, you want to be confident in your own ability to drive safely on your own once you’ve passed your test. Poor preparation for the driving test is sadly reflected in the national pass rate being below 50%, plus the number of young and newly qualified drivers being killed or seriously injured in road traffic collisions is so high.
