For many young people, the summer break provides a much-needed pause from academic pressures. Whether you are in sixth form, college, or university, the summer holidays offer a unique opportunity to focus on personal development, and for many, that can include learning to drive. With longer days, clearer weather, and more free time, it is no surprise that this season is one of the most popular times to start learning how to drive.
In this blog, we will explore why summer is a wonderful time to begin or continue your driving journey. We will also offer practical tips to help you make the most of your summer when learning to drive, so you can maximise your progress and move closer to passing your test.
The summer months are a popular time for learners to hit the road. The combination of longer daylight hours and more flexible schedules makes it easier to fit in regular driving lessons and private practice sessions. Additionally, driving in dry, warm weather conditions can help build confidence, especially for new or inexperienced drivers who may be nervous about getting behind the wheel.
However, it’s important to use this time wisely. While the conditions may be ideal, success still depends on a structured approach to learning. Let’s look at why summer offers such a strong advantage, and how you can capitalise on it.
A summer break offers several benefits for learner drivers. From improved visibility to a more relaxed mindset, here are some of the main reasons why the summertime is a great time to either start or continue with your driving lessons.
One of the biggest benefits of learning to drive in summer is the extended daylight hours. More natural light means more available time to fit in driving lessons and practice sessions, especially in the evening or even early morning. Driving in daylight also provides better visibility, making it easier to spot road signs, pedestrians, and potential hazards.
For those still in education, summer can bring a welcome break from the classroom. Without the stress of exams or coursework, you have time to focus on non-academic and more personal and practical skills, such as learning to drive.
Summer driving typically means dry roads, minimal fog, and fewer unpredictable weather conditions. These factors can make it easier to control the vehicle and respond to traffic, especially for nervous learners or those lacking in confidence. While it’s still important to experience driving in different weather conditions, starting in summer can offer a smoother introduction to the road.
If you are planning to use your summer break to focus on learning to drive, a few smart strategies can help you stay on track and potentially progress faster. Here are five ways to make the most of this valuable time.
Summer can be one of the busier times for driving instructors, so it is essential to plan. If you can, try to secure a regular weekly slot with a qualified driving instructor early in the break to avoid disappointment. A consistent schedule can help you build momentum and retain what you have learned from one lesson to the next.
If you have access to a car and a legal supervising driver, supplementing your professional lessons with private driving practice can potentially improve your confidence and skills. Summer evenings are ideal for short, safe driving sessions that build familiarity with the road.
At Collingwood, we provide learner driver insurance which allows learner drivers to privately practice driving, either in their own or someone else’s car, with a supervisor who meets the legal requirements. We provide both short-term learner insurance with cover starting at 28 days, however we also provide annual learner insurance, with up to 12 months cover available.
Use your break strategically by setting clear learning goals. Whether it’s mastering roundabouts, improving clutch control, or preparing for your theory test, having defined objectives helps you stay focused. You can even ask your instructor to tailor lessons around specific skills to meet those targets.
If you have chosen a local test centre, consider using the summer to drive around the area and become familiar with potential test routes. Understanding local road layouts, tricky junctions, and common traffic patterns can help you navigate the roads when it comes to your practical driving test
Do not let the practical side of driving overshadow the theory. Use your spare summer hours to revise the Highway Code, practise hazard perception clips, and take mock theory tests online. The theory test is a vital step in your journey, and summer gives you the time to properly prepare.
The summer break presents an ideal window for learner drivers to accelerate their progress. With longer days, better driving conditions, and time away from academic pressures, it’s the perfect season to focus on mastering the road. Whether you’re just getting started or preparing for your test, taking a structured approach to learning to drive in summer will give you the best chance of success. Book your lessons early, practise regularly, and stay focused, and you’ll be in a great position to make the most of this time of year.
Commonly asked questions about summer driving
Many learners find summer ideal due to better weather, more daylight, and free time during school or university holidays.
Absolutely. If you have learner driver insurance and are accompanied by a qualified supervisor, private driving practice in summer is a fantastic way to gain extra experience.
This can vary but 1–2 lessons per week, combined with private practice, is a good target to make solid progress over a typical 6–8 week break.
The DVSA’s Ready To Pass Campaign suggests that learner drivers need 45 hours of professional driving lessons and 22 hours of private practice to become test ready. However, the exact time varies based on individual learning pace, prior experience, and driving conditions.
You may improve your confidence when driving over the summer break. As you will have better weather, more free-time, and longer hours to practice can all help potentially build confidence.
Set clear goals, track your progress, and celebrate small wins, using your summer productively can be both rewarding and motivating.
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