How long does it take to pass a driving test UK?
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7 Steps to get your UK driving licence fast
Want to pass your driving test as quickly as possible? You’re not alone. Every learner driver wants to know how long it takes to pass, how many lessons they’ll need, and what they can do to speed it all up.
Here’s the honest answer:
Most learners take around 4 to 5 months to pass, based on DVSA data for people who pass first time — usually after 45 hours of lessons and 20 hours of private practice.
But let’s be real: not everyone passes first time, and test wait times can be long in some areas. So, while 4–5 months is possible, many learners take longer — especially if they have to rebook a test.
This guide breaks down the 7 essential steps to pass your driving test fast in the UK — including tips, timelines, and mistakes to avoid.
Step 1: Apply for your provisional licence – ASAP
You can’t do anything until you’ve got your provisional licence — so this is where your journey starts.
Don’t wait — apply online today, even if you’re not quite ready to start lessons.
How long does it take?
- Usually 1 week, but it can take up to 3 weeks.
Apply online at: gov.uk
Avoid third-party websites – they often charge more for no benefit.
Step 2: Start revising for your theory test – before your licence even arrives
Start revising now. The sooner you pass your theory, the sooner you can book your practical test.
Many learners fail the theory test because they underestimate it or treat it like a school exam.
Failing means delays — sometimes weeks or even months.
What to revise:
| Part of the test | What it includes | Pass mark |
|---|---|---|
Multiple choice | £1,530 | £1,530 |
1-hour pre-test lesson and use of instructor's car. | £70 | £70 |
2. Start revising for your theory test
It’s never too early to start revising for your theory test.
Before your licence arrives, start cramming and be ready to take your test as soon as possible.
Having a grip on knowledge for the theory test can also help speed up practice for the practical driving test.
You’ll be more knowledgeable of the road rules, and your driving instructor will need to spend less time teaching you theory, giving you more time doing the actual driving.
3. Book your theory test online
Get your theory test booked as soon as your provisional licence arrives.
Find out more about booking your theory test.
You cannot book your practical driving test until you’ve passed the theory.
4. Book your driving lessons
Selecting the right driving instructor is crucial to passing your test quickly. Find someone who understands your intentions and ensure they have the time available. You and your instructor should work together as a team with a common goal.
You can find out more about selecting the right driving instructor.
How many hours to pass the driving test?
The DVSA says that the average time to pass driving test UK for people who pass the first time is around 45 hours of lessons with a driving instructor, supplemented by 20 hours of supervised practice with family or friends.
Most learners’ average time to pass driving test is around four to five months. If you don’t have time for that? No problem. Taking two 2–hour lessons each week will see you hit the 45-hour mark in just eleven weeks. And should be coupled with two one-hour parent supervised sessions a week.
Two-hour lessons can make a big difference. You get more time on the road, drive greater distances and encounter more road types and driving conditions. The extra driving also helps increase your awareness and confidence as you become more comfortable behind the wheel.
And don’t forget the more hours you have driving before your test the greater your chance of passing.
Intensive driving courses
Another option – although quite stressful – is an intensive one-week-long driving course that condenses all your driving lessons into seven days.
It’s not the ideal way to learn and can be very tiring. However, it can be the quickest way to pass your driving test. Of course, you’ll need to pay upfront and have already passed your theory test. But it is certainly a quick way to get the hours under your belt!
Be Aware!
Don’t be fooled into paying for your provisional licence through a third party website. There’s no benefit, and they could charge you up to three times the original price. Learning to drive is expensive enough already!
5. Supervised driving practice with parents or a friend
Supervised driving sessions can be critical factors that affect your chance of success. According to the DVSA, learners who pass their test the first time usually have around 20 hours of supervised driving with family members or friends. But, if you can have more, then take them! The more time you spend driving, the higher your likelihood of passing.
Before you start, though, we strongly recommend having a few lessons with your qualified driving instructor first.
Don’t forget! Every minute you’re in a car as a passenger is also a learning opportunity. Observe what others do and ask questions. (But be careful not to be too critical – no one likes a backseat driver!)
Learner driver insurance for driving in someone else's car
To go out with a family member or friend in their car, you’ll need to make sure you have insurance cover. You can either be added as an additional driver on the car owner’s existing insurance policy or get learner driver insurance. Learner driver insurance enables you to receive additional driving practice from a family member or friend on top of driving lessons.
Some car owners will happily put you on their insurance whilst supervising you, but the owner may prefer you to take out learner driver insurance in your name. There are many pros to taking out learner driver insurance. If the car does receive a knock while you are driving, the owner’s no-claims bonus will not be affected.
A note of precaution! The legal age for someone to supervise you is 21, and they must have held a full licence for at least three years. However, many learner driver insurance companies will require that person to be 25 plus. Not a problem if it’s mum or dad supervising
6. Book the practical driving test
Book practical driving test as soon as you pass your driving theory test. Ideally, you should book the test at your local driving test centre as you’ll be familiar with the roads. However, you could always look at other driving test centres if the wait times are too long. It could be risky, though, as you’ll be in unfamiliar territory.
Top tip! Driving test slots often become available because of cancellations. If you’ve already booked your place, continue to check with the driving test centre because an earlier test might come up.
7. Pass your driving test
When your driving instructor believes you are ready for the practical! Go for it, and best of luck. See our tips on passing the test and coping with driving test nerves to help you achieve your goal.
Best of luck!
How long does it take to pass a driving test?
You can’t avoid learning to drive, but what’s the quickest way to pass the UK driving test?
The 7 Steps are:
1. Apply for your provisional licence NOW!
2. Start “Swotting” for the theory test before your licence arrives!
3. Book theory test when the licence arrives and pass theory at the first attempt.
4. Start driving lessons as soon as the provisional arrives.
5. Start supervised driving practice with parents or friends after a few driving lessons. Don’t forget learner driver insurance to protect the no-claims bonus of the person’s car you are using.
6. Book practical test as soon as you pass the theory.
7. Pass your driving test the first time.
Now you know the quickest way to pass the driving test, read on to see what you need to do in detail.