How many driving lessons should a beginner have?

Nowadays driving a car is a skill that everyone needs to have, and driving lessons are essential for beginners. Before you get behind the wheel, you need driving lessons from a professional instructor who can show you how to do it safely, as well as give you some pointers about things like parking and driving in traffic. But how many driving lessons should a beginner have? I’ll explain below how you can calculate this for yourself.

Taking your first driving lesson

Your first lesson can be a daunting experience, but it doesn’t have to be. With the help of a professional driving instructor, you will soon be on your way to becoming a safe and confident driver. If you’re not sure how many driving lessons to take, 45 hours is a safe estimate that is recommended by the DVSA. This will take place over the space of many driving lessons.

Driving lessons will teach you all the basics of learning to drive, as well as any skills you’ll need to pass your practical driving test, from parallel parking to learning the car’s biting point.

Before you can start taking lessons, you’ll first need to gain a provisional driving licence. A provisional licence can be acquired once you’re 15 and 9 months old but you must be 17 before you can take your first driving lesson.

Inside of car, driving

The benefits of having more driving lessons

It may be your first instinct to want to rush out and start driving as soon as possible, especially if you’re worried about the money and costs involved. With more driving lessons, you will be able to practice your driving in different scenarios at your own pace until you feel confident enough to drive on your own. This is especially important as even if you pass your driving test, driving on your own for the first time can be very stressful. A driving instructor will help you to feel more relaxed behind the wheel and ease any driving anxieties that you may have, giving you a stress-free driving experience.

Even with 20 hours of driving lessons, it’s still normal for beginner drivers to feel nervous about driving in different road conditions and around other vehicles. With more practice, you will gradually become more comfortable and gain confidence in your driving

In short, the more driving lessons you have, the better driver you will become. Taking a few extra lessons may not seem like a big deal in the short term, but it could save you a lot of money and stress in the long run.

How to know when you’re ready for the test

Once you have completed your driving lessons and feel confident in your ability to drive, it’s time to book your practical driving test. The DVSA recommends that you have at least 45 hours of practice before taking your test, but this will vary depending on each individual driver.

You will need to pass the theory test before you book your practical driving test.

Who can teach driving lessons and what qualifications do they need?

In order to teach people to drive, instructors must be over the age of 21 and have held a full driving licence for at least three years. They must also be registered with the DVSA and display their ADI badge on their car.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is responsible for regulating the driving instructor industry in the UK. To become a driving instructor, you must pass 3 exams which are known as The Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) tests.

Where to find driving lesson providers in your area

There are lots of driving schools out there, and driving lessons can be expensive. If you’re looking for beginner driving lessons need an instructor near you, try looking on Gumtree or looking at your local yellow pages online. Alternatively, you could search for ‘local driving instructors‘ in Google and see if any results come up from a trusted driving school.

You can also contact your friends and family to find out if they know of anyone who offers beginner driving lessons and whether they would recommend them to you, everyone has taken their first driving lesson somewhere.

If you’re looking to drive a manual car, ensure that the instructor you’ve chosen is qualified to drive one too. Instructors who have only trained in automatic cars will only be able to provide lessons in an automatic car.

Star Drivers is a Somerset driving school that offers lessons across Shepton Mallet, Wells, Glastonbury, and Street. Book a lesson with a fully qualified, approved driving instructor today.

FAQ

Do I need car insurance if I’m learning to drive?

A qualified instructor will have their own insurance for their car, which will also cover you for the duration of the lesson. However, if you’re looking to practice driving with an experienced driver who is not qualified as a professional driving instructor, or in your own car, then you will need Learner Driver Insurance.

When is it safe to drive without a driving instructor?

Once you feel confident enough and ready for the test, and you’ve already passed your theory test, then it’s time to book a practical test. The driving instructor will advise you on when they feel you’re ready. Once you pass, you’ll need insurance in order to drive on your own.

How much do driving lessons cost?

The price will vary depending on which driving school you choose, where you live and how many hours of driving lessons you require.