What’s the quickest way to learn to drive?

How to start learning to drive

• Apply for your provisional licence as soon as you’re eligible - You'll have to be at least 15 years and 9 months old, although you can't drive a car until you're 17, even in private practice.
• Download the DVSA theory test app to get in plenty of theory practice - This will help you understand what's coming up, including the 'show me, tell me' driving test questions.
• Revise for your theory test as much as possible - Practice makes perfect and learning the theory will put you in good stead for when you get your hands behind the wheel.
• Book your theory test as soon as you feel ready - If you feel confident after all your revision, it's time to put your knowledge to the test.
• Get as much time behind the wheel as possible - Spend time driving with an instructor and take out learner driver insurance for extra practice with a qualified friend or family member.
• Practise new parts of driving between lessons - Spend this extra time mastering the driving test manoeuvres.
• Only book your practical test once you feel ready - Check with your instructor or loved ones for reassurance but remember it's ultimately your decision.

Your pre-driving lessons checklist

Before learning to drive, there are a few things you need to do: 

1. Get yourself a provisional licence

You need this to take your theory test and to start learning to drive. It costs £34 online or £43 by post. You can apply for your provisional driving licence on the UK government website.

2. Pass your theory test

There are two parts to the theory test: multiple choice, where you have to show that you understand the Highway Code, and hazard perception, where you must watch videos and flag where potential hazards are. 

3. Find a qualified driving instructor 

Research driving instructors who are local to you and book an initial lesson with them. Alternatively, ask a friend or family member to teach you how to drive. 

If you are planning to practice outside of your lessons, you’ll also ideally need access to a car owned by a friend or family member.

You should also check you meet the eyesight requirements ahead of taking lessons. You must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away. If you need glasses or contact lenses to do this, you must wear them whenever you drive.

Passing your driving test gives you the freedom to hop in the car and go where you want to go. But to reach that point, you’ll need to get comfortable behind the wheel and familiarise yourself with the road. 

To help you, here’s the complete guide to learning to drive. We’ll answer some of the top questions and explain what you need to know to learn how to drive safely.

How long does it take to learn how to drive?

How long it takes for you to learn to drive depends on several factors. These include how long it takes to pass the theory test, how often you have driving lessons or practice, and how confident you feel out on the road.  

You may find you only need a handful of lessons to pass or you need 90-minute lessons rather than hour-long ones. Every learner is different, but average timings can give you an idea of how long it will take. 

How many lessons does it take to learn to drive?

The Driving & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) found average driver needs around 47 hours of lessons with an instructor and a further 22 hours of practice with friends or family.

This means if you’re having one hour-long lesson each week with an instructor and two hours of practice outside of your lessons, you could be test-ready in around five months.

If you have the time, you could increase the amount of extra driving you do with parents or other family members. Upping your out-of-lesson practice time to just four hours a week could mean you’re ready for your test in three months.

What are the differences between intensive training courses and weekly lessons?

You might be thinking of swapping out weekly lessons for a course that will train you quickly. There are several differences between intensive training courses and weekly lessons: 

• Intensive courses involve taking lessons every day over a short period, while weekly lessons spread training out over months. 
• Intensive courses suit those who learn quickly or need to pass fast, but they can be exhausting. 
• Weekly lessons allow for gradual learning, which may suit those who need more time to develop confidence.
• Shorter courses could be ideal for confident drivers who have had weekly lessons and are ready to get to test level. 

Can you learn to drive or practise without an instructor?

Why practise driving with a friend or family member?

You might want to brush up on the skills you’ve learned from your instructor. You can practise with – or learn from – a family member or friend if they meet the legal requirements: 

• They must be over 21
• They need to have held a full UK licence for at least three years
• They should be qualified to drive the type of car you’re learning in

Most learners will need to do their extra driving practise in a parents’ or friend’s car. This can help speed up the learning-to-drive process. Whenever you and your parent or friend have some free time – even if it’s just an hour here or there – you can simply hop in the car. 

But if you are planning on practising with parents outside your lessons with a qualified instructor, you need to make sure you have learner driver insurance.

Why learn to drive with parents or friends?

You might not want to be taught by an instructor at all and there are a couple of reasons why learning with friends or family be a better fit: 

• The cost of driving lessons: These can vary depending on where you live and the service available. Therefore, getting parents or friends to help you practise can help you increase the number of hours on the road without having to increase the amount you spend on learning to drive. 
• Boost confidence and skill: You’re driving with someone you know, which can put you at ease. 

What are the rules for driving with a learner?

It’s important to make sure your parents or anyone else you want to practise with is eligible. As well as meeting the legal requirements, there are a couple of considerations to make: 

• Whoever is teaching you must be up to date with traffic laws and know what will be required for you to pass your test.
• If you’re learning with an instructor alongside learning to drive with parents, it is helpful for the parent to communicate openly with the instructor to ensure you pass as quickly as possible.

How do you know when you’re ready to book your driving tests?

This depends on how ready you feel to take the practical test. Are you consistently driving without intervention from your instructor? Can you handle test routes confidently? 

If your instructor believes you’re prepared, book your test at GOV.UK. Taking a mock test can help you judge whether you’re ready too.

When should you book your theory test?

It’s best to book your theory test as soon as you feel ready. Many learners take it early on so they can focus on learning to drive and getting ready for the practical test. The theory test costs £23 and you can book it through Gov.uk.

Tips for preparing for your theory test

• Use the official DVSA revision materials, including the Highway Code, practice tests, and hazard perception clips. 
• Apps and online courses are widely available and can come in handy. 
• Do your preparation regularly rather than cramming – you’re more likely to retain the information that way. 
• When preparing for the hazard perception section, watch official DVSA clips so you get used to how hazards develop on the road.

Do you have to pass your theory before driving lessons?

No. You can begin your driving lessons before you pass the theory test, although you might find it easier to pass first so you can put the theory into practice during your driving lessons.

Finding the right instructor

• A good instructor should explain things clearly, help you stay calm, and adapt lessons to your progress. So, finding someone who does all of this and makes you feel comfortable can make all the difference. 
• Begin by looking for a qualified, DVSA-approved instructor with good reviews. Some instructors specialise in teaching nervous drivers, while others offer intensive courses. Look for ones that specialise in areas that matter to you and see what other learners make of them. 
• Also, try a trial lesson before committing to a block booking. This allows you to see if they’re a good fit – after all, you’ll be spending the next few months learning from them, so you must gel with your instructor. 

Tips to improve your chances of passing your practical driving test

Want to improve your chances of passing first time? Follow these tips: 

• Take lessons regularly so you don’t lose progress between sessions. 
• Practise driving in different conditions, including at night and in bad weather. 
• Ask your instructor to carry out mock tests under exam conditions. 
• Learn the test routes in your area so you feel comfortable with local roads. 
• On test day, stay calm, focus on the road rather than the examiner, and don’t dwell on mistakes – one error won’t necessarily mean a fail.

Benefits of learning how to drive quickly

Tempcover’s learner insurance is a flexible option that means you only pay for cover when you need it – from 12 hours up to 28 days.

Perfect for using while learning to drive – or if you want to fit in some last-minute driving before the test – this is an affordable way of honing your driving skills. It also gives you the chance to:

• Get some extra hours on the road before the test, especially in a car and with people you feel comfortable with. Enjoy that crucial extra time behind the wheel with learner insurance.
• Make sure you check out our tips on how to pass your theory test.
• Protect the owner’s No Claims Discount – many family members can be nervous about letting a learner use their car. With short-term learner insurance, you get peace of mind because it does not affect any existing policy and there’s no danger of losing any No Claims Discount.
• Take your test in whatever car you want – whether you prefer your own car, or you’re more comfortable in Mum or Dad’s car rather than your instructor’s, learner driver insurance will let you do exactly this.

Is learning to drive hard?

For some, driving a car feels natural and they quickly pick up the skills needed to pass the practical test. For others, it takes longer to build confidence. 

It all depends on factors, such as coordination, if you have previous road experience, such as cycling, and how often you practice. Many learners struggle with multitasking at first. Checking mirrors, steering, and managing speed all at once can take getting used to, but that improves the more you do it. 

A good instructor will guide you through the parts of driving that you find tricky, whether that’s clutch control or dealing with busy junctions, until you know how to handle these situations.

What are the rules for driving with L plates?

L plates (or D plates in Wales) must be displayed clearly at the front and rear of the vehicle in a position that doesn’t obstruct the driver’s view. They should be removed when a full licence holder drives the car.

L plates must be the correct dimensions too. Failure to follow the rules can result in a fine or 6 points on your driving licence. 

It’s important to know why L plates are needed and the legal requirements around them.

Make sure you're insured when learning to drive

It’s a legal requirement to have insurance when practising driving with family or friends in the UK. If you’re lucky enough to be practising in a car you own, you’ll need your own insurance, and your family member or friend will usually be covered on this.

If, as is more likely, you’re practising in someone else’s car, you’ll need to either: 

• Make sure you’re covered by the car owner’s insurance policy as a learner driver.
• Take out your own insurance policy that covers you driving in the car as a learner driver.

If you don’t have learner driver insurance, you can get an unlimited fine, be banned from driving, and get up to 8 penalty points on your licence.