Pick How You Want To Learn To Drive
Learning to drive is an exciting adventure and an essential skill that will benefit you for a lifetime. Before you hit the road, here’s some important information to prepare you for the journey ahead.
Essential Information for New Drivers: Age, Lessons, Practice, and Costs
01
How old do I need to be to learn to drive?
You'll need to be 17 or older and hold a valid provisional licence.
If you get or have applied for, the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you can begin driving lessons when you're 16.
02
How many lessons do I need to take before I take my driving test?
The most common question. The DVSA says that most learners require 45 hours of driving lessons, in addition to around 20 hours of practice with a friend or family member.
Many of our pupils pass their practical after taking between 25-30 driving lessons.
03
Can I book a ‘crash course’?
iDrive do offer intensive courses. We recommend that you take our two hour assessment lessons first to ensure the intensive course is for you.
We do prefer you get ready for the test at your own pace. You can book lessons in advance or even do more hours a week to help you progress faster through the key driving skills.
So rather than rushing to your test within one week we prefer to help you become a safe driver for life with skills and experience that you would need.
04
Can I practice my driving outside of my lessons?
Yes, additional practice away from your lessons is a great way to gain more experience, it is proven that learner drivers who gain experience of various situations and conditions before taking their practical test generally perform better on their test.
If you choose to practice your driving with a friend or family member you must ensure that:
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They’re over 21
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They’re qualified to drive the type of vehicle you want to learn in e.g. they must hold a manual licence if they’re supervising you in a manual vehicle
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They’ve held their licence for a minimum of 3 years
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You hold an applicable learner driver insurance policy – some insurers may stipulate that the person supervising you is over the age of 25.
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L plates visible on the front and rear of your vehicle, a D plate can be used in wales
05
Can I supervise a learner driver without being an instructor?
Yes, you can if you’re over 21 and have held your licence for over 3 years.
If you're supervising a learner driver, you have the same legal responsibilities as if you were driving the car.
As the qualified driver, you're deemed to be the person in control of the vehicle.
Remember:
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It is illegal for you to use a mobile phone or be under the influence of alcohol while supervising.
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Stay alert - don't assume the learner driver knows what they're doing.
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Build up the length of time spent practicing so that everyone remains positive and looks forward to the next session. And take as many breaks as you both required.
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Be clear and concise, give the learner driver plenty of notice when you're giving instructions.
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Choose routes carefully and avoid motorways as learner drivers can only go on them with an approved driving instructor who has dual controls.
06
What is the average cost of driving lessons?
The price of lessons differs from area to area with prices starting from £30 per hour*
The cost of driving lessons varies from learner to learner and is dependent on several factors. Your instructor will work with you to ensure you get up to test standard as quickly as possible, which will save you money.