It generally takes around 45 hours of professional driving lessons combined with about 20-22 hours of private practice to learn to drive to a level where most people can pass their driving test. This typically translates to about 3 to 6 months of learning, depending on the frequency and length of lessons. Some people may learn faster with intensive courses or more frequent practice, potentially taking as little as 2 months, while others may take 6 to 12 months or longer depending on individual factors and learning speed.
Factors Affecting Learning Time
- The amount of professional instruction and private practice.
- Individual learning speed and comfort behind the wheel.
- The type of driving environment (city traffic vs. quieter areas).
- Whether the car is manual or automatic, with automatic cars generally being easier to learn.
- Consistency and motivation of the learner.
Learning Duration Estimates
- Average learner: Around 67 hours total including lessons and private practice.
- Intensive courses: Can significantly reduce total learning time by concentrating practice into fewer days.
- Beginners with no prior experience generally need around 20-25 hours of professional instruction alone.
This combination of lessons and practice aims to ensure not just passing the test but also developing the confidence and skills needed to be a safe driver on the road.
