Intensive Driving Courses: Are They Worth It?

Intensive driving courses have had their appeal to a wide audience for many years now, accelerating many future drivers quickly to be test-ready.

This method of learning to drive involves a large block of lessons within a short period of time, getting you ready to drive a lot quicker than the traditional way of booking driving lessons.

Given the expenses of sitting an intensive driving course, you should know if this route of getting to your test is worth it or not.

Therefore, it’s important to understand the factors of what goes in to sitting an intensive driving course and make an informed decision to sit one or not from there.

What is an intensive driving course?

An intensive driving course, also known as a driving crash course, is a fast-track way of learning to drive.

These fast-track courses involves the process of longer lessons per day at a more frequent basis, that can see learners be test-ready months quicker than those that are taking lessons the traditional way of around 1 lesson a week.

Taking an intensive driving course will typically require you to take daily lessons, lasting anywhere between 2 and 5 hours.

Of course, it’s situational and everyone is different, but some can pass their test after 1-2 weeks of an intensive driving course.

The idea of taking these lessons at such a fast rate is to get you closer to test-ready at an early stage.

What will I be expected to do during an intensive driving course?

To start with, you must be at least 17 years old and have a provisional driving license.

Lessons during an intensive driving course are the same as a traditional driving lesson.

The only difference between the conventional way of learning to drive and an intensive course is the length of lessons – as mentioned previously, the duration of an intensive driving lesson can take up to 5 hours in one day.

This will fast-track your learning and readiness for your practical driving test, with the method of hourly lessons taking considerably longer.

Does an intensive driving course include theory and practical test?

Some driving schools will offer the booking of both theory and practical tests, but it won’t cost any less or more to book through these organisations.

Looking to book your driving tests? Read our guide on booking driving test article today.

How much does an intensive driving course cost?

The cost of an intensive driving course will vary between what driving organisation you opt for in your area and how much hours you book to get you ready for your practical test.

On average, it can take around 40-45 hours of driving lessons to pass your driving test. However, some people may take quicker, with others needing more hours of lessons.

But based on the average hours needed to pass your test, here are some prices offered for a 45 hour block (Edinburgh based):

• Intensive Courses: £2,070 (includes DVSA practical test fee)
• All Pass Driving: £2,367 (includes DVSA practical test fee)
• Intensive Driving School: £2,242(includes DVSA practical test fee)
• Fast Pass (42 hours): £2,197

As mentioned, these are prices based in Edinburgh, but this list should give you a rough idea on how much you should expect to be charged for an intensive driving course. The average of each works out to £2,219.

Intensive driving courses will typically cost more than hourly lessons.

Does an intensive driving course guarantee I pass first time?

The short answer is no, it does not guarantee a first time pass.

It does, however, provide a fast-track way of learning how to drive much quicker than the conventional way of learning.

If a faster paced method of learning works for you, you’ll give yourself a great chance of passing your test first time with the correct amount of hours.

Is an intensive driving course worth it?

Whether an intensive driving course is worth it or not is purely subjective.

If you feel like you work better under a fast-paced environment, an intensive driving course may be the course of action to get you to your driving test.

Also, if by any chance you need a driver’s license as soon as possible and have the time and money to sit a driving crash course, this style of learning to drive is perfectly suitable.

However, if you're someone who prefers a more relaxed and gradual learning process, an intensive course might be too overwhelming and ultimately not worth the investment.

The high-pressure environment might hinder your learning rather than accelerate it.

Ultimately, the decision depends entirely on your individual learning style, financial situation, and how urgently you need your licence.