We will help guide you through whether intensive driving courses are the best option for learner drivers

 

When growing up, age doesn’t really seem a big deal – that is until you hit your 17^th birthday.

Some of your friends may be taking lessons, others may have already passed, but if you’re amongst the youngest in your year group, it may seem like an agonizing wait until you can get behind the wheel.

So, naturally you’re likely to want to catch up, and pass your driving test in the quickest possible timeframe (trust us, we’ve been there too). But what options are available?

That’s where we can help – we will talk you through whether a driving crash course can help you pass quicker, what it involves, and hopefully give you some good pieces of advice you can take away and consider.

 

What is a driving crash course?

You may be wondering what a driving crash course is, or perhaps you’ve already done a little bit of research into the subject.

Either way, it’s important to explain exactly what it is, what it entails, and whether it’s the right fit for you (Don’t worry – we’ll cover this a little later).

Essentially, you will be cramming in all the training you require to make the grade and (fingers crossed) pass your driving test. This normally involves a much shorter timeframe than normal, and will typically be offered by specialists in this area.

Whether you are starting from scratch, or simply want to hone in your already-established learner driver skills before your test, this could be an option for you.

It’s worth pointing out that this option isn’t for everyone. We would personally recommend gaining a fair few hours behind the wheel as a provisional driver before taking your test, over a period of time – but we understand that your specific scenario may mean that you need to pass in a quicker fashion.

 

What are the benefits of taking an intensive driving course?

Without stating the obvious – driving crash courses can provide an alternative method of taking driving lessons that can help provisional drivers learn the teachings they need to take their driving test, in a quicker, and more condensed fashion.

Also, in some cases, taking this type, of course, may actually be more cost-effective than traditional driving lessons, and this simply comes down to the structure of these courses, with set amounts of lessons, and a definitive test date that you can aim for.

On top of this, it’s not uncommon for driving instructors to be immensely busy, with perhaps less time than you would like, in order to meet your individual needs.

This can be especially true if you have already taken lessons, and have clear knowledge and experience behind the wheel of a car –needing just that little bit of help to get you over the line. Intensive driving courses can certainly prove beneficial if you fall within this bracket, and may even see you get there that bit quicker (due to the intense lesson structure).

But we can’t just look at one side of the story when it comes to driving crash courses…

 

What are the cons of taking an intensive driving course?

Well, relatively speaking, these courses are designed to get you to test standards in the quickest possible timeframe.

But, with this intense nature of these lessons, comes an inexperience in weather and road conditions. Whether you have previously taken lessons, or are brand-new to driving, taking lessons in this fashion will not give you the same exposure, and tools you need for driving in adverse conditions.

For example – if you have never practiced in the rain, would you be confident getting behind the wheel on your own, and dealing with it, without an instructor to help you out? Probably not.

Similarly, there is a chance you could be taught how to pass your test, and not how to drive – that may sound strange, but by condensing lessons down into a matter of days or weeks, you will likely only have time to briefly touch on points you need to pass your driving test.

However, the most important point of all of this has to be your experience at the wheel of a car. Cramming slots in over a short time period could mean that you don’t get the right amount of time behind the wheel for you to feel comfortable, and ready to hit the road on your own.

Driving from scratch can be confusing, bewildering, and even a little scary at times, so we recommend easing yourself into lessons, and taking it at a pace you are comfortable with. But, if you insist on getting behind the wheel a little quicker, we’ve got some great tips for passing your driving test quickly.

 

What are other methods of passing your driving test quickly?

Don’t be fooled, an intensive driving course isn’t the only option to pass quickly. They can help teach you what you need to know in a condensed fashion, but there are things you can do outside your lessons to improve your chances of passing quickly.

Just to make sure it’s clear – a driving crash course doesn’t mean you’re necessarily going to pass your driving test. So, how can you help improve your chances as a learner driver?

• Drive outside of lesson time

If you have access to a car, and an adult aged 21 or over, who has held their driving licence for over 3 years, who is willing to teach you how to drive, then this can be great time solidifying your driving knowledge, and getting you one step closer to passing.

But, it’s important that you don’t forget about your L plates, and of course, car insurance. Take a look at our telematics car insurance offering, to see how you could be rewarded for safe driving. (Button)

• Get organised

We understand that being organised does not come naturally for everybody – that’s fine. But, when it comes to you wanting to pass your test quicker, you’ve got to be on the ball.

That means, applying for your provisional licence at the earliest possible date, taking your theory test quickly, and doing your research on potential driving instructors in your area (who have the availability for your driving needs), so that you don’t have to wait unnecessarily.

• Use online resources

Sure, you can’t beat the experience of being at the helm of your car – especially when it comes to developing your skills. But, familiarising yourself with the rules and regulations before you even step foot in a car, can give you that competitive edge when it comes to taking your first lesson.

To find out more about the fastest way to pass your driving test, take a look at our blog.

 

 

We British are infamous for our queuing, and our unmatched ability to wait for our turn – but when it comes to learning to drive, all etiquette goes out the window.

Nobody wants to unnecessarily delay their journey from a provisional licence holder to a fully-qualified driver – so an intensive driving course can seem like the obvious option.

They can be a great alternative for some, who require a licence quickly (either for employment or mobility), but for the rest of us, choosing traditional driving lessons can provide a great basis for taking an approach which combines experience, and exposure to more driving conditions, that can ultimately help you when it comes to driving on your own.

Whichever method you choose – best of luck passing your driving test. For more resources to help, why not visit our blog now.