Intensive driving courses are an alternative to traditional driving lessons.

An intensive driving course, also referred to as a 'crash course’, offers a fast-track approach to learning to drive, designed to let you get your licence in a much shorter period.

Intensive driving courses can be worth it as they save time, boost confidence, improve retention and provide structured learning – helping learners pass their test faster.

So how do they work? Intensive driving courses involve taking a large number of lessons over a short period of time – typically a week or two. This can include several hours of driving each day, covering all aspects from basic car control to advanced manoeuvres.

Pros and cons of intensive driving courses

While intensive driving courses are a fast-track way to getting your licence, there are several factors to consider before booking. Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide.

Pros:

• Get on the road faster: The biggest advantage of intensive driving courses is getting on the road quickly. You could potentially go from learner to licensed driver in a matter of weeks, rather than months with traditional lessons.
• Concentrated learning: The nature of the course can help you absorb and retain information more efficiently. By practising your driving skills consistently, you can build confidence quickly. The continuous practice can help you avoid forgetting what you've learned between lessons, a common issue with the traditional approach.
• Potentially more cost effective: While the upfront cost may seem higher, you may actually need fewer lessons in the long run – this could save you money overall.

Cons:

• Information overload: The sheer volume of driving and learning in a short period can be very demanding. It requires a high level of concentration, stamina, and commitment. You’ll find that some people learn better at a more relaxed pace.
• Nothing is guaranteed: It's important to be realistic about your learning style. Intensive courses are not a guaranteed pass. If you struggle with learning or are nervous, the pressure and fast pace might be counterproductive.
• Risk of rushing: Some worry that intensive courses might lead to rushing the learning process, potentially compromising long-term driving skills and safety. A good instructor will ensure you're truly ready, but the pressure to move quickly can be a factor.

Different types of intensive driving courses

It's important to research different types of courses and choose the one that best suits your learning style, availability, and budget. Consider factors like the number of lessons included, the instructor's experience, and the pass rate of previous students!

Here are the types of courses you can choose from:

Residential courses: These are fully immersive courses where you live at a training center for the duration of the course. All lessons and even meals are often included. This format offers the most focused learning environment, minimising distractions.

Semi-intensive courses: This is a more common option, allowing you to learn intensively while still living at home. You'll typically take several hours of lessons per day, but your evenings and weekends are free. This offers a balance between focused learning and personal commitments.

One-week intensive courses: These courses aim to get you test-ready within a single week. They can be very demanding and require a high level of commitment. These courses are best suited for learners who are already fairly confident and just need to polish their skills.

Flexible intensive courses: Some teachers offer more flexible intensive courses, allowing you to spread the lessons over a slightly longer period, such as two or three weeks. This can be helpful if you have other commitments or if you prefer a slightly less intense pace.

Pass Plus courses: While not strictly intensive driving courses in the same way, Pass Plus courses are often taken intensively after passing the driving test. They focus on specific driving situations and can help new drivers improve their skills and potentially reduce insurance costs.

How much do intensive driving courses cost?

The price of courses can vary depending on where you live, and can often be more expensive in cities like London, Manchester and Birmingham, compared to rural areas.

On average, one day refresher courses can cost from £200 upwards, while a five-day, semi-intensive course can cost you from £1,000 up. For those looking for a two-week full beginners course, be prepared to pay approximately £2,000 plus.

In comparison, traditional lessons can cost from £24 per hour, with most learners needing 47 hours of practice.

It’s also worth bearing in mind additional costs that might pop up. For example, some courses include the practical test fee, while others don't. It costs £62 on weekdays and £75 on weekends and bank holidays for the practical exam. You'll also need to pass your theory test before you can take your practical test, and this costs £23.

Other costs may include an eye test to ensure you meet the vision requirements for driving, and the time of year you take your test will affect costs. Peak seasons or times, like weekends, might have higher prices, and different driving schools have different pricing structures.

Do intensive driving courses work?

Intensive driving courses can be a very effective way to learn to drive, but they aren't a magic bullet. Whether they can work for you or not depends on several factors.

Intensive courses tend to be the most successful for those who grasp new concepts easily. You also have to be motivated to learn things in a short space of time, as the concentrated nature of the course requires you to be dedicated. The fast-paced learning and the pressure of the upcoming test can be daunting, and so learners who are generally confident and handle pressure well are better suited to this format.

The potential downsides are that you may get limited night driving experience, the pressure and stress, higher upfront costs, and it not actually being a guarantee that you will pass.

Depending on the time of year and structure of the course, you might not get a lot of experience driving at night or in challenging weather conditions. Plus, the fast pace and the looming test can create a lot of pressure, which can be counterproductive for some learners.

Intensive courses can also be a significant upfront investment. While they can be cost-effective in the long run, the initial outlay can be a barrier for some.

While driving schools often publish their pass rates for intensive courses, it's important to interpret them carefully. For example, high pass rates doesn’t mean the course is easy. It could simply mean the school is selective about who they accept onto the course, choosing only those they believe are most likely to succeed.

Do intensive driving courses guarantee a pass?

Unfortunately, undertaking an intensive driving course doesn’t guarantee that you will pass, and it's crucial to understand this upfront.

Driving schools can provide excellent instruction and prepare you thoroughly for the test, but they cannot control the outcome. The driving test is an independent assessment of your abilities, and ultimately, it's up to you to demonstrate that you meet the required standard. Promises of a guaranteed pass should be a huge red flag – reputable driving schools will never make such claims.

The DVSA's independent testing process:

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is the government organisation responsible for conducting driving tests in the UK. They are completely independent of driving schools. This independence is vital to ensure the integrity of the testing process.

Setting the standards: The DVSA establishes the standards for driving tests, outlining the skills and knowledge required to pass. These standards are comprehensive and cover various aspects of driving, from basic vehicle control to handling complex traffic situations.

Training and employing examiners: The DVSA trains and employs driving examiners who are responsible for conducting the practical driving tests. These examiners undergo rigorous training to ensure they can assess candidates objectively and consistently against established standards.

Designing test routes: The DVSA designs driving test routes that include a variety of road types and traffic conditions. This allows examiners to assess candidates' ability to handle different driving scenarios.

Conducting the test: On the day of the test, the examiner will guide the candidate through the test route, providing instructions and observing their driving performance.

Evaluating performance: Throughout the test, the examiner will make notes of any driving faults the candidate commits. At the end of the test, the examiner will provide feedback to the candidate, explaining any faults they committed and providing advice on how to improve their driving.

Overall, the DVSA's independent testing process is a crucial component of road safety in the UK. By setting high standards, training impartial examiners, and conducting thorough assessments, the DVSA ensures that new drivers are competent and safe on the roads.

Where can you take an intensive driving course?

Many established driving schools offer intensive courses alongside their traditional lessons. Some popular options include RED Driving School, BSM and AA Driving School.

Some companies, like PassMeFast and One Week Driving Course, specialise solely in intensive driving courses. These providers often have a strong focus on fast-track learning and may offer different course formats to suit various needs. Examples include:

When choosing an intensive driving course provider, consider their location, experience and qualifications, course structure and content, pass rate and reviews, and cost and payment options.

Final verdict: Are intensive driving courses worth it?

Intensive driving courses offer a fast-track to getting your licence, condensing months of learning into a week or two. They can be a great option if you're a quick learner, highly motivated, and have the time to dedicate to an intensive schedule. However, they can be expensive and the pressure isn't for everyone.

Ultimately, whether they're ‘worth it’ depends on your individual learning style, needs, and budget. Research different providers, consider the pros and cons, and choose wisely!

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