Getting your driving license is somewhat of a rite of passage. Whether you pass as a fresh-faced 17-year-old or you decide to take the plunge much later in life, there is something fulfilling about saying goodbye to the provisional and joining the more than 32 million British drivers.
How Long Does It Take on Average to Pass a Driving Test?
Becoming a proud carrier of a full UK license is not something that happens overnight. The average UK learner takes around three months to pass their practical test, racking up 30 and 50 hours of lessons. That time frame does not suit everyone, but luckily, there is an alternative.
What Is an Intensive Driving Course?
Intensive driving courses condense all the necessary learning and practice required to pass a test into just one or two weeks. It certainly lives up to its name; it is intense. Learners may take anything between two to six hours of lessons a day, depending on the type of course. Add in the studying for the theory test (if you haven’t already sat it), and that is a busy schedule.
Different companies offer variations ranging from semi-intensive to a full-on boot camp level crash course. There are pros and cons to this approach to learning. It doesn’t work for everyone. Here are some things to think about to help you decide if it is right for you or not.
Pros of an Intensive Driving Course
⦁ Get that coveted license much faster
⦁ All admin and paperwork are handled for you as part of the course
⦁ One-off payment upfront, so you know how much you can expect to pay
⦁ Great for people who have had lessons before and want to wrap things up quickly
⦁ Some courses allow for a free re-sit if you fail the first attempt
Cons of an Intensive Driving Course
⦁ Too much information too fast is harder to absorb
⦁ Long hours spent driving can lead to a lack of concentration and fatigue
⦁ You run the risk of not being able to cope with the intensity and failing the test
⦁ High costs
⦁ Lower success rate than the normal learning period
Summary
If you are a fast learner with a high concentration level and the willpower to commit to such a demanding course, this could work for you. On the other hand, if you are not confident about driving and don’t usually cope well with high-pressure situations, you may find it a bit too much.
Intensive driving courses are readily available in the UK, so make sure you do your research before making a decision.