The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has issued a warning to all learner drivers, emphasising the importance of being fully prepared before taking their driving test. The agency's advice is posted on its Ready to Pass? section where the experts reveal that learners may need around 45 hours of lessons in total to pass, along with additional hours of private driving practice.
The DVSA explains on its website: "It might sound obvious, but if you're looking for an earlier driving test, you need to be ready to take it. With the driving test pass rate under 50%, it's clear that many people take the test before they're ready."
The agency advises against rushing into the test if you are not ready, urging learners to study more and cancel well in advance if necessary. If you proceed with the test without feeling confident of passing, you may not pass.
The DVSA warns: "That ends up wasting their time and money – and it makes driving test waiting times longer for everyone. "Remember, research shows that, on average, it takes people 45 hours of driving lessons with a driving instructor plus 22 hours of private practice to pass their test. So, if you’re thinking of looking for an earlier driving test, you need to be confident that you’re ready to pass."
You are likely ready to take your practical driving test and drive independently when you can consistently meet the following criteria:
They also urge people to make sure that you can also:
Listen to your driving instructor if they advise you are not ready for your test. Your instructor is a specially trained road safety expert with extensive driving experience and they know exactly what it takes to pass the driving test
