What’s the quickest way to learn to 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. 

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. 

When can you learn to drive in the UK?

You can start learning to drive a car when you turn 17. However, you can begin at 16, if you receive the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). 

Before taking lessons, you must apply for a provisional driving licence. The quickest way to do this is online via the DVLA website. You can do this from the age of 15 years and 9 months.

How to start learning to drive

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.

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.

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’s the quickest way to pass your driving test?

When you’re a learner driver and first get your hands on the wheel, you just want to pass your driving test as quickly as possible. You’re determined to gain independence as you hit the road for the first time.

One way of passing your driving test quickly is to practise as much as possible in between your instructed lessons. Driving with a family member or friend is a good way of doing this. Not only will you gain extra experience, but you can practise everything you’ve learned with your instructor without spending more on lessons.

What are the advantages of learning how to drive quickly?

Learning to drive quickly means you can pass your test and travel independently sooner. It also means you avoid spending more money on lessons over time. 

Learning intensively means everything’s fresh for you, so you may retain skills more effectively than if you space lessons out over months. 

However, it’s important not to rush. Building confidence and safe driving habits are essential. 

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. 

How can you increase the chances of passing sooner?

Tips to help you quickly learn to drive

Here are just some of the ways that you can quickly learn to drive:

• Apply for your provisional licence as soon as you’re eligible
• Download the DVSA theory test app to get in plenty of theory practice
• Revise for your theory test as much as possible
• Book your theory test as soon as you feel ready
• Get as much time behind the wheel as possible
• Practise new parts of driving between lessons
• Only book your practical test once you feel ready

How can you find the right instructor for you?

• 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. 

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.

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.

How can you prepare for your first lesson?

Before your first lesson, ensure you have your provisional licence and brush up on the Highway Code, speed limits and road signs. Also: 

1. Wear comfortable shoes and wear any glasses or contact lenses you need. 
2. Expect to start in a quiet area where you’ll learn basic controls, such as clutch control and steering. 
3. Don’t worry about making mistakes – your instructor will guide you through everything.

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

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. 

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.

What is the best car insurance for a learner driver?

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 insurance, you can get an unlimited fine, be banned from driving, and get up to 8 penalty points on your licence.

The benefits of learner driver insurance

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.

What’s covered with Tempcover’s provisional insurance?

• Fully comprehensive insurance on policies ranging from 12 hours to 28 days  
• Accidental and malicious damage to your car  
• Cover for injury or damage to another person or their property  
• Driving in the UK

The learner driver must:

• Be aged 17-69 years old.
• Hold a UK provisional driving licence.
• Have been a permanent UK resident for the last 12 months.
• Not have any licence points or prosecution pending for any motoring convictions.
• Never have been disqualified from driving.
• Have never driven a vehicle that was involved in an accident that was considered your fault; whether partially or fully.
• Have no criminal convictions.
• Not have had a previous policy of insurance declared void by an insurer.

The driver supervising must:

• Be aged over 25 (please note this differs from the legal requirement of 21 years old).
• Have held their full UK Driving Licence for at least three years.
• Have been a permanent UK resident for a minimum of three years.
• Have not had any DR-coded motoring convictions in the past five years.

What’s the most suitable car insurance when learning to drive?

This will depend on how you’re planning to learn to drive, but for many learner drivers, learner driver insurance could be the ideal option. Let’s look at the pros and cons of this type of cover:

Pros

• Flexible cover as and when you need it from just 12 hours at a time up to 28 days.
• You only pay as and when you need it with no commitments or long-term contracts.
• No impact on the existing cover, it’s a separate standalone policy.
• No impact on parents’ No Claims Discount.
• Changing which parent you want to practise with? Just choose what car you want to practise in each time you get a policy.
• Fully comprehensive cover as standard on all temporary learner driver policies.

Cons

Once you pass your driving test, your policy will automatically end. You will then need to look for ongoing annual cover.

What happens if I pass my test while using learner insurance?

Once you pass your driving test, temporary learner insurance will no longer be valid. You’ll need to take out a new insurance policy as a fully qualified driver.

What are the benefits of learner driver insurance?

Temporary learner driver insurance gives you the flexibility to only pay for the time you need. Although Parents Insurance and Full Annual Cover also offer positives, the flexibility of temp learner insurance means it can be tailored to your exact needs.

Tempcover IT!

Please note learner driver insurance won’t cover you once you’ve passed your test.

Need to pick up a new car after passing your test? And are you in need of temporary car insurance before sorting your annual insurance? Why not request a quote for temporary car insurance from Tempcover?