Raring to hit the road? It usually takes around 45 hours of driving experience to be test-ready. An intensive course packs all of this into a week or two, so you can get behind the wheel in no time.
Key Takeaways
- It's known as a 'crash course', but you'll actually learn how not to crash in a short space of time
- Different types of courses are available whether you're a complete beginner, or if you want to brush up before taking a practical test
- You'll need to do a bit of research to find the course that suits you best and ensure you don't book a scam
What is an intensive driving course?
As the name would suggest, it's an intensive practical course in learning how to drive spread over a week or two. Despite it being a 'crash course', instead, you'll learn not to in a much shorter span of time!
It generally takes around 45 hours of driving experience to be prepared for a practical test. If you only take one hour-long driving lesson a week, this might take you 45 weeks to be test-ready.
So, instead of taking nearly a year to pass your practical driving test, an intensive course can bring this down to just 2 weeks. Some providers claim you can go from a complete beginner to test-ready in under 2 weeks.
In reality, this is almost entirely dependent on your commitments and how you learn. An intensive course involves 5 to 7 hours of driving per day. So if you're considering an intensive driving course, you should be prepared for high-pressure driving for long periods of time.
Looking for tips on how to pass your practical driving test? Read our guide!
How much is an intensive driving course?
What you can expect to pay for an intensive driving course can vary significantly based on your location and experience.
- Beginner (40+ hours): Typically £1,500 to £2,500
- Intermediate (20 hours): Typically £800 to £1,200
- Refresher (5-10 hours): Typically £300 to £600
Intensive courses aren't necessarily cheap, but they're comparable to individual weekly hour-long lessons over the course of a year. You can expect to pay between £25 and £45 for an hour-long lesson with a driving instructor.
It's also worth bearing in mind that an intensive course is designed to get you prepared for a driving test much sooner.
Is a driving test included in the course?
Not always. If you're weighing up potential intensive driving courses, always check whether they include the practical test.
A driving test costs between £62 and £75 depending on what time and day of the week you choose. So it's worth bearing in mind when you compare prices and different providers.
When it comes to booking an intensive driving course, there are a couple of conditions and options to be aware of, such as:
A provisional licence must: You're legally required to have a provisional driving licence while you're learning to drive. So, you'll have to have this in place before you book a course.
The theory requirement: Most providers won't allow you to book a course until you've passed your theory test.
Fast-track tests: Many intensive providers specialise in finding "cancellation" practical driving test slots. This can enable you to undertake the test at the conclusion of the course.
How to find an intensive driving course near me
It's best not to immediately rush in to book a course. Ask friends or family for recommendations or search online for 'intensive driving courses near me' as a starting point.
If you find any local courses that pique your interest, always take a moment to read through reviews. It might also be worth asking providers for the layout of the course and how it's structured.
You should also consider these following points before booking:
Local vs residential: Most courses require you to commute to a driving centre or meet with an instructor. However, some residential courses offer accommodation or a B&B-style training holiday around the course. As you might expect, these courses tend to cost more compared to a standard intensive driving course.
Check for accreditation: Always look to book with an instructor rubber-stamped by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). It'll offer you confidence that you're learning from an experienced, qualified instructor that meets UK driving standards!
Instructor Availability: Intensive courses are, by their own nature, particularly time-consuming over a short period of time. So, it requires commitment from instructors to block out this time in their schedule. If you want to book a course for when it suits you, make sure you book several months in advance.
Pros and cons of intensive driving courses
Like with anything, choosing whether an intensive driving course is right for you is dependent on your situation.
Here's a rundown of the key pros and cons of this type of course to help you decide:
Pros to an intensive driving course
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The course is designed to advance your driving ability to the point you're ready to take a practical test, depending on the course you choose
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Need to pass in a hurry? The big selling point of a course is that it prepares you quickly. It's a major benefit if you need to learn to drive for a new job, for example
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You build momentum, retain driving skills and build your confidence quickly. It can be far more efficient compared to taking a driving lesson once every 2 weeks
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It could be a cheaper option if intensive learning suits you better and you don't need as many total hours to learn
Cons to an intensive driving course
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It's in the name, but the course is intensive and can be exhaustive. If you're not prepared for 5 hours + driving per day for a week, an intensive course might not be for you.
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It's a substantial amount of money to part with up front, especially compared to paying for weekly lessons
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Learning in the same location may prevent you from experiencing life behind the wheel in different weather conditions and different times of the day.
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This might not be the course for you if you'd prefer to learn at your own pace. Intensive driving courses can be full-on and a frustrating experience if you find you're struggling.
What to check before booking a crash course
So, here's what to check before you book:
- Check if the instructor is a fully qualified ADI (Approved Driving Instructor)
- Do your research. Always read through reviews and recommendations to avoid potential scam course bookings
- Ask about the refund policy, especially if you aren't ready for your test by the end of the week
- Confirm if the car used for the course is the same one you'll take the test in and that you're insured to drive it
- Create a realistic expectation by finding out the schedule and structure of different courses
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