How many driving lessons do you need?

It's the question every learner asks. The honest answer is: it depends on you. But there's a useful starting point.

#The average

DVSA's research suggests learners who pass take, on average, around 45 hours of professional lessons plus around 22 hours of private practice. That's an average across everyone, including people who take a long time and people who pick it up quickly.

#What makes it quicker

• Lessons close together. Two lessons a week builds skills faster than one every fortnight, because you don't forget as much in between.
• Longer lessons. Two hours on the road gives you time to warm up, learn something new and practise it.
• Private practice. Practising what you've learned with a family member or friend helps it stick. See practising with family and friends.
• Learning in an automatic. With no clutch or gears, many learners need fewer hours. See manual or automatic.
• Some experience already, for example from driving off-road, riding a moped or bike in traffic, or lessons in the past.

#What makes it slower

• Long gaps between lessons.
• Nerves, especially in heavy traffic. That's normal, and good instructors help you build confidence step by step.
• Booking your test too early, failing, and then waiting for another date.

#How progress works with us

After every lesson your instructor records how you did on each skill, from moving off and stopping to roundabouts, dual carriageways and manoeuvres. You can see your progress in the app, so you always know what you've mastered and what to work on next. When you're nearly there, your instructor gives you a mock test under test conditions.

#Signs you're ready for your test

• You can drive for 40 minutes without your instructor needing to help.
• You handle junctions, roundabouts and busy roads confidently on your own.
• You can follow directions or a sat nav while still driving safely.
• You can do every manoeuvre safely and under control.
• You're getting few or no faults in mock tests.

When you tick those boxes, book your practical driving test. Tests can be booked up some weeks ahead, so many learners book once their instructor says they're close.