Learning to drive is an exciting life moment. It suddenly unlocks all sorts of new possibilities in your work and social life. But it can be frustrating waiting to pass your test. Below, we explore how long it takes to learn to drive.
Why learn to drive?
Convenience
Public transport is great, but if you can’t drive then you’re relying on your local bus or train service to get around. This can make it inconvenient if you need to head out at short notice. By learning to drive, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want.
Confidence
By passing your theory and practical tests can give you a boost of confidence. Plus, there’s something about driving your own car around that gives you a lift. By learning to drive you can find yourself with higher self-esteem.
Career
Many jobs require you to travel and to hold a driver’s licence. When you’re searching for a job, you want to keep as many options open as possible. By learning to drive, you can give yourself a step ahead of the competition.
Socialising
Not all of your friends will live close by. Or maybe your friends are keen to go on a road trip somewhere. By learning to drive, you can bridge these gaps and boost your social life.
Independence
Learning to drive can also make you more independent. If you can’t drive then you might be reliant on other people to take you to social events or to help you with work. But when you get your licence, you’ll be able to take full control of your destiny.
How long will it take?
Driver training
One of the quickest ways to learn to drive is by paying for training. This is where you pay an instructor to teach you the theory and practical side of driving. During your training, you’ll be taught the best driving technique to promote safety and a smooth ride. Ideally, this should also help you reach the required standard to hold a licence quicker. Once you start making progress during your training, you can also take out learner driver insurance so that you can practice outside of your lessons with a responsible family member.
Timescale
The Driver Vehicle Standards Agency suggests that usually, it takes most people 45 hours of lessons and 22 hours of practice to learn to drive. But this can be shorter or longer depending on your natural competency.
Learning to drive can really improve your life. The added convenience and independence can unlock many new things. And by putting in hours of work in your lessons, you should soon be ready to enjoy the benefits.