Learning to drive is an exciting journey, but for many learner drivers in the UK, it’s also filled with questions and uncertainty, especially around how much driving practice is actually needed to pass the practical driving test. A commonly asked question by learner drivers is “how many hours of driving do I need to pass my driving test?” with the answer not always being straightforward. Every learner progresses differently, depending on their confidence, experience, and ability, not to mention their frequency of practice. That being said, there are official guidelines and industry insights that can help set expectations.
In this blog, we’ll explore how many driving lessons and private practice hours are typically needed to be test-ready, what DVSA research recommends, what driving instructors say, and key factors that influence learner progression.
When we refer to “hours of practice,” we’re talking about the total time you spend behind the wheel learning how to drive. This includes both professional instruction and any additional driving experience you gain with a friend, family member or guardian, who meets the legal requirements.
The more driving hours you accumulate, particularly across a range of road conditions and scenarios, the more competent and confident you will potentially feel when it comes to your test.
Here are the two main types of driving you can do when learning to drive:
Both forms of driving practice are crucial. While driving lessons provide expert guidance, combining them with private practice gives you extra real-world experience, and according to official data, that combination can significantly boost your chances of passing the test.
The number of driving lessons you need to be driving test ready very much depends on your individual learning pace and your progression. According to the DVSA’s (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) ‘Ready To Pass’ campaign, on average it takes learner drivers 45 hours of driving lessons, in addition to 22 hours of private practice, to be test ready. The DVSA research also states that those who manage 100 hours of combined driving lessons and private practice, make for much safer drivers once they have passed their test. The research went on to state those that do combine driving lessons with private practice are 50% more likely to pass their practical driving test.
Earlier this year, we conducted a survey where 117 Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) from our network told us how many hours their learners typically need. From this data, the ADIs we surveyed gave us unique insights on the average number of lessons they recommend, how they assess learner readiness, and which factors they believe influence success. Please see some of the results below to get an insight into what professional ADIs think about private practice:
From the above graph, we can see that from the ADIs we surveyed, a significant majority of almost 60%, stated that it would take on average 6-12 months to be ready to pass their test.
From the graph above, we can see that over 92% of the ADIs we surveyed would also encourage pupils to take up private practice, outside of their lessons.
Not all learners progress at the same pace. Your driving journey depends on a mix of personal, practical, and environmental factors.
Here are some of the most common elements that can impact how quickly you’re ready for your driving test:
| Factor | Description |
| Frequency of lessons | Regular weekly lessons can potentially speed up progression. |
| Private practice availability | Access to a car and a supervising driver allows more hands-on experience. |
| Confidence behind the wheel | Nervous drivers may take longer to build up necessary skills and awareness. |
| Quality of instruction | Experienced instructors with good communication skills can enhance learning. |
| Complexity of driving conditions | Learning in busy cities may present more challenges than quieter rural areas. |
Before locking in that all-important practical test date, it’s vital to ensure you’re truly ready. Here are five things to think about:
You must pass your theory test before booking your practical driving test and it must still be in date on the day of your practical test. Theory test passes are valid for 2 years, so double-check the expiry date which can be found the top right hand corner of your theory test certificate.
Driving test availability in the UK is still affected by backlogs in some areas. Be sure to book well in advance and keep checking the DVSA booking portal for cancellations.
The time and day you choose can impact test conditions. For example, mid-morning weekday slots often avoid school runs and rush hours. For more info, check out our blog on the best time to take your driving test.
4. Have You Had Enough Mock Test Practice?
Mock tests help simulate the real exam and give you a clearer idea of what to expect. Completing one (or several) under exam conditions can help potentially reduce nerves and boost confidence.
Your driving instructor is the best judge of whether you’re truly test-ready. If they advise against booking just yet, it’s worth listening as passing the test is much easier when you’re fully prepared.
While there’s no universal number that guarantees success, the data is clear. Learner drivers who complete around 45 hours of lessons and 22 hours of private practice are typically well-prepared for the UK driving test. Even better, those who reach 100 total hours of learning to drive tend to be safer, more confident drivers, according to DVSA data.
Combining structured instruction with supervised private practice is not only a smart strategy, but it can also help to significantly improve your chances of passing your test and becoming a safe, independent driver once you do pass your test. Make sure to build in plenty of consistent practice and take your time as getting it right now can pay off for years to come.
Commonly asked questions about how many hours of practice you need to be test ready
On average, learners need around 45 hours of professional driving lessons, according to DVSA research.
It’s recommended that learners complete at least 22 hours of private practice in addition to lessons.
Some learners may pass with fewer lessons, but it depends on confidence, experience, and driving ability. Cutting corners is not advised.
Private practice isn’t mandatory at all, however learners who combine lessons with private practice are 50% more likely to pass than those who don’t.
Yes, you need specific learner driver insurance to legally practice outside of driving lessons along with a supervisor who meets the legal requirements. Insurance offers both short-term and annual learner driver insurance, giving learner drivers plenty of options when it comes to private practice.
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