Have you done an intensive driving course or know anyone who has?

[andanotherproblem]

My DP thinks it’s a waste of money and I’d be better off just doing normal lessons, I think it’s a better option for these reasons (FYI Only doing automatic)

I think it’s easier to arrange childcare for a week or two rather than an hour or two every week, or work around DP’s schedule

it would be a week or two and passed (hopefully) if not can always have more practice and try again (but it’s still fast)

From what I understand these courses have slots for driving tests available soon rather than having to wait 6+ months

looking for opinions pleas

Ds did intensive lessons as it was quicker to get a test/retest dates. He passed on the third try and it was 5 weeks between the first test and the third. The driving school have access to a site where they can get last minute cancellations or swap tests about.

He did have some lessons before the intesive course started so probably had a day less thab he would have but it was so much easier to just do it all in one hit.

I did my motorbike licence this way, which is generally the usual for motorbike lessons, but that was a million years ago.

I would definitely recommend intensive lessons for a car test now, if nothing else because of the backlog in getting test dates.

It worked out more expensive than doing an hour or two a week, as the intensive worked out at £42 ph instead of the £35 ph of one or two hours a week, but we and he felt it was worth the expense to get it done quicker.

Have you got your theory? If you don't have that you won't be able to book a course/test.

I considered an intensive course but I think I'm a better driver for having more experience over the period of lessons.

I think they are also more effective for people who have some experience of driving first so they don't need to spend too much time on the basics.

But if you're prepared that you may not pass at the end, at least you'll have a good chunk of experience fast forwarded and you may well be able to pass with a few lessons afterwards.

I did it. I had 10 lessons when I was 17 but couldn't afford to continue. When I was 19 I started driving my now DH's car to practice. Then I did an intensive course. Started on Monday morning, and tested on Friday morning. I did my Pass Plus in one day with the same instructor. It meant we could drive from Southampton to Staines and back, using all the road types.

I don't see how once a week makes you a better driver than an intensive course. What matters is hours behind the wheel.

I've taught my sister, daughter, son and nephew. 3 passed within two months (one within 30 days) and the other in three months. We drove as much a possible - not practising test routes but actually driving - several long drives (four or five hours with breaks) different areas and times of day.

I did, about 10 years ago now.

Before that, I was learning for about a year. Not getting anywhere. No real progress.

Did an intensive 5 day course, the guy just taught me the test routes, no other bollocks. It was fun and easy. Did the test at the end and passed.

My BIL has just done an intensive automatic course. I think that it works really well for 'adults' fitting it into life busy with work etc and would rather throw a little extra cash to just get it out of the way. He passed at the end of the week and was really pleased with the whole thing. He did say that it was an absolutely exhausting week though!

I did a million years ago BUT I'd been driving quite a while and practising and doing lessons. I was really frustrated at the lack of progress and wanted to get it over with. I don't know how how someone would go from zero to passing in a week. Maybe on an automatic though.

I did an intensive course over a week, like you say it was the only way to fit it all in around kids! It actually worked out cheaper too. Be careful which company you go with though, the first one I paid for and then they cancelled the day before and wouldn’t rebook for months! See if you can find a local personal recommendation. Good luck!

Yes. Wouldn't do it any other way - but make sure it's not "intensive with other participants" as you end up sitting in the back of a car listening to the instructor for 2/3rds of your paid time.

I had 1:1 for three/four hours a day. For five days.

I did, but 20+ years ago.
I had about 8 hours in total because the other people on the (residential) course were absolutely terrible drivers and the instructors concentrated on them.
I passed first time with the max of 14 minors.
The other 8 all failed.