How much do they cost? Do they really work? Find out all you need to know about intensive driving courses.
What is an intensive driving course?
Whether you’ve had a sudden change in circumstances that require the need to drive, or you simply want to speed up the learning process, intensive driving courses are the best way to pass your driving test in a shorter period of time. They provide all the required tuition in a smaller length of time.
Intensive driving courses vary in length, price, and therefore effectiveness – so find a course that works best for you.
How long does an intensive driving course take?
Week-long intensive courses are the most popular as they allow for one full-time week of lessons during a week of annual leave or a college half-term.
There are intensive courses that aren’t quite so time strained, too. They vary in length and allow busier learners to spread the learning hours out over a longer period of time.
Is an intensive driving course easier?
The short answer is no, they aren’t.
You’re still doing exactly the same course you would be doing if you were doing 2 hours a week, and exactly the same test at the end of it.
If anything, you have less time to mentally prepare yourself. However, you’re probably more likely to get a good grasp of techniques by learning more hours at a time.
It comes down to what type of learner you are. If you struggle under pressure, maybe an intensive course is not for you. Others find the fast-paced learning stimulating and beneficial.
What is the pass rate for intensive driving courses?
Pass rates vary between schools.
With an intensive course, you’re guaranteed to have your test booked in at the end of it. It’s very possible that you could not yet be prepared when that test comes around.
With weekly driving lessons, pass rates are higher because you book the test when you and your instructor feel you’re primed and ready.
The UK pass rate for driving tests in 2018-2019 was 45.7% (38.8% in an automatic).
So, are intensive driving courses really worth it?
To help you decide which course is right for you, we’ve compiled some concise pros and cons. There may be a few more cons, but the pros are arguably much stronger. Check them out:
Pros:
- Intensive courses provide the opportunity to get a driver out onto the roads faster. A good example is if new employment requires a driving license.
- In some cases, an intensive course can be more cost-effective. The definite test at the end of your cost means you can’t put it off. On the contrary, it’s easy to add a few extra lessons to your weekly courses before booking your test. Maybe you’re not feeling mentally prepared. Maybe you’re battling your nerves.
Cons:
- Failing the test at the end of the intensive course may lead you to feel like it’s money wasted. As mentioned, weekly lessons allow you to wait until you’re confident of passing before booking the test.
- There is a debate into how safe intensive courses really are. Fewer hours of on-road experience have led some road safety organisations to criticise how equipped a learner would be for solo driving.
- A condensed period of learning may result in the learner not facing varied road and weather conditions. If you have a week of dry weather, it’s possible you could face slippery conditions for the first time during your test or even pass the test without ever having experienced said conditions. You may pass faster, but you may not be a truly well-rounded driver.
We recommend that before you make your decision, you book a preliminary assessment driving lesson with a professional driving instructor. This will help determine which course length is right for you before you commit to anything.
How much is an intensive driving course?
The exact amount you pay will depend on your instructor or chosen driving school prices. It is usually based on the cost of the full course as opposed to an hourly rate.
An intensive course is unlikely to work out as a cheaper option, so don’t make your choice based on financial motive. In fact, choosing a specialist intensive driving course school could see you paying a premium for the privilege.
Another point worth noting is that a compressed intensive course does not allow time for private practice between lessons, so you’ll be paying for every minute of your learning experience.
Topping up your intensive driving course
You may or may not be aware that there is also the opportunity to upgrade your intensive driving course to enhance your on-road experience with a pass-plus course.
The pass-plus course allows you to boost your driving skills and experience different road and weather conditions, resulting in a fully developed, well-rounded driver.
WeTrust is a nationwide community of hand-picked, trusted driving instructors. Book your first lesson with WeTrust Driving Lessons now.