Frequently Asked Quetions

Frequently Asked Questions

This should answer any of your burning questions but if you can think of any others please use the contact form or 07584 190 543 to contact me by phone, text or WhatsApp.

How many lessons will it take to pass my test?

According to the DVSA (Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency) it takes a driver an average 45 hours of professional lessons and 22 hours of unpaid practice to get to a standard where you can pass the practical test. As this is an average this is not the same for everyone (to be an average some need to be more others less) so I like to put it normally takes people between 30 to 50 hours to learn to drive. (It is fairly easy after a few lessons to get a rough idea of the amount of lessons you might need, although this is still and eastimate as people can make faster than average progress in some areas and take more time in others).

Why is it best to spread my lessons over several months?

If you spread the learning over a longer period of time more of information will enter your long term memory so you will be better equipped to cope with the pace of modern traffic and roads.

Plus by spreading out lessons you are more likely to drive in different road conditions. Learning to drive in quitter, sunny months in the summer it can be quite a shock when October hits, the nights close in, the weather gets worse and the traffic gets heavier.

Spreading your lessons out can also help spread the cost, although really depends on how you're planning on paying for the lessons.

Can I take more than 2 hours a week?

Yes and its a good idea as you get closer to your practical test. However I would not advise doing more than a two hour lesson per week until you have passed your theory test.

How many hours should I do a week?

The optimum for a number of reasons is two hours a week, I find it best to take these hours in one, two hour lesson.

Why is it best to do two hours a week?

You could do enough hours in a week to get up to test standard and some people do this. Whilst intensive can work for some, have you ever left all your ever left all your revision to the last minute and must cram for an exam? How much of that information do you remember the day after? Now imagine you are using what you’ve learned for that exam in potentially life-threatening situations. If you spread the learning over a longer period of time more of information will enter your long term memory so you will be better equipped to cope with the pace of modern traffic and roads.

How long does it take to learn?

If we have an "average" learner that takes 40 hours, at 2 hours a week that means 20 weeks (about 5 months). it couls be possible to do it quicker by doing more hours of lessons per week . However what can dictate the pace of learning to drive are test waiting list times.

The theory test waiting list is normally between one and three weeks and the practical waiting list is normally between four to eight weeks. So, at best you will be waiting for five weeks and worst eleven. (It is possible to book and take your theory before you start lessons). Although it is possible to find earlier slots if people have for reason cancelled theirs.

How do I book my tests?

Click here to the test section on this site to find out more.

Dai Mathias Driving School