Most driving lessons in the UK last one or two hours. There is no official length, so the right one depends on how confident you are, how you learn and how soon you want to take your test. At Astra Driving School in Manchester, lessons start at £35 an hour.
1-hour driving lessons
A one-hour lesson is the usual starting point. It is long enough to cover a new skill, such as moving off or a roundabout, without leaving you tired. It suits complete beginners, nervous learners and anyone fitting lessons around work or study.
- Easier on your concentration when everything is new
- Lower cost each time you book
- Good for weekly lessons that you practise between
2-hour driving lessons
A two-hour lesson gives you time to leave the quiet streets and drive real routes. You can practise a manoeuvre properly, then use it on a longer drive. Many learners move to two hours once they can control the car and want to build towards their test.
- Time to drive test routes and busier roads
- Less time spent setting off and finishing, more time driving
- Useful for motorway, dual carriageway and night driving
Which length should you choose?
| If you are | Try |
|---|---|
| A complete beginner or nervous | 1-hour lessons |
| Had some lessons and building confidence | 1 or 2 hours |
| Close to your test | 2-hour lessons |
| On a fast track course | Longer daily sessions |
Your instructor will tell you honestly when to move up or down. Tiredness makes learners drive worse, so longer is not always better.
How long is the driving test?
For comparison, the practical driving test lasts about 40 minutes. A two-hour lesson therefore gives you a good feel for staying focused for the whole test.
Ready to book?
See our standard driving lessons, save with a block booking, or look at our fast track courses if you want to pass quickly. Learning in Sale or Stretford? See driving lessons in Sale.
