9 things to know before booking driving lessons

1. How much will it cost to pass my driving test?

A provisional licence is currently £34 online or £43 by post. Driving lessons typically cost at least £25 an hour, but the price will vary depending where you live and you may get a discount if you make a block booking. On top of this, the theory test costs £23 and the practical car test costs up to £75.

2. Understand the driving test and learn the theory

The test is split into two parts – a theory test and a practical test – so it’s important to learn what to expect in each. The theory test involves both written and video (hazard perception) sections. It's a good idea to take lots of mock tests and make sure you’re constantly passing them before applying to take the theory test for real.

3. Can I take an intensive driving course?

You may be tempted to go for an intensive course which often takes place over five days. The DVSA has no statistics on pass rates for intensive course learners, and you may want to consider whether it's the best option for you. You'll have less time to build confidence and prepare for the actual test. 

4. How do I find the best driving instructor?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all driving instructor out there, each has their own style and methods and some may be more suited to you than others. You could book lessons with two or three different instructors or driving schools before settling on your preferred teacher. It's also worth asking your friends or siblings if they could recommend one.

5. Should I practise driving with my parents?

Getting out on the road between lessons to practise with an experienced family or friend is a step many learners take to help improve their chances of passing the test.

A lot has changed since previous generations took their tests. The Highway Code didn't include what to do if you encounter a crash, for example, and practical tests now focus on 'independent driving', where students are asked to follow signs to a specific location.

Maybe ask your instructor if mum or dad can travel in the back of the car during lessons. That way, they'll know what to concentrate on when they help you.

6. Do I need learner driver's insurance?

Yes, you need car insurance before heading out on the road - even as a learner driver. Generally, you’ll be covered by your driving school while taking lessons and the practical test, but if you practise between professional lessons in a car belonging to family or friends, you'll need extra cover.

7. Is it best to practise in car parks or on private land?

You may like to spend your very first lesson in a quiet car park to help you get used to the controls. But your driving test will be on the road, so it's important to spend as much time driving on the road as you can.

8. Should I practice in my parents' car?

If you're taking your test in a Vauxhall Corsa with manual gears, practising in your parents' automatic BMW isn’t ideal, but it's not the end of the world. Practice between lessons is mostly about learning what to expect on the road.

9. What else can I do to prepare for my driving test?

Get all your documents together and lay out your clothes for test day the night before so you can concentrate on the test itself, and maybe don’t tell your friends - it just adds to the pressure.

There's no secret to learning to drive but if you could sum it up in one word, it’s ‘preparation’ - give yourself plenty of time to feel prepared and plenty of experience on the road before taking your test.

If you don’t pass first time, don’t be disheartened: you can always take the test again and the instructor will take you through what went wrong the first time so you can avoid making the same mistakes.


Good luck with your test! When you’re ready to ditch the ‘L’ plates and get on the road with your 'P' plates, just make sure you've got your car insurance sorted.

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