Turning 17 and being able to book your first driving lesson is beyond exciting. As everyone is so keen to pass, and rightly so, almost every instructor will be asked the question: how many hours will it take? 

There is no set amount of hours or lessons that you legally need to have done to be able to pass. But, on average, a learner driver needs around 20 hours of practice and about 45 hours of driving lessons. 

Don’t quote us on those numbers though. Every single person learns at a different rate and we all pick things up at different speeds. It could take you 45 hours or it could take 90, it really doesn’t matter. 

The only thing that does matter is when the time does come, you are a safe and confident driver. 

Your instructor is there to help you. Be open with them and discuss your schedule. Do several shorter lessons a week suit you better than longer lessons less frequently? Talk about it together! Find out what works best for you.

There are things that you can do to speed the process up:

• Apply well in advance for your Provisional License so you’re not waiting around for it to arrive. This will slow you down from starting your lessons.
• Choose and contact a driving instructor in advance. Have someone secured ahead of your 17th birthday so you are organised. Because of high demand, instructors are incredibly busy, so getting on someone’s waiting list, sooner rather than later, could be smart.
• Start your theory revision early. The more you know about the rules of the road, the easier it will be to drive. You will need to start revision at some point anyway so you may as well start looking at it now. Why not download our App, The Complete Theory Test Kit?
• Know what to expect. Do your research on what you can expect in your Theory and Practical Test. Knowing what is coming will keep any hidden surprises under control. 

When you finally do get handed your Driving Test Certificate you will experience a whole new world of freedom. So stop asking questions that you have little control over. Start putting in the practice and reap the benefits in your own time.