Learning to drive is an important milestone, and for many learner drivers, an intensive driving course can be a great way to gain their licence quickly.
Instead of taking weekly lessons over several months, an intensive course allows you to complete all your training within a short space of time.
This can be ideal for those who need to pass within a certain timeframe, such as for a new job, university, or other personal reasons.
At Rated Driving, we specialise in intensive courses for all types of learners. Whether you are a complete beginner or just need a final push before your test, we can tailor a course to suit your needs.
We also offer flexible payment options, allowing you to spread the cost interest-free using Buy Now, Pay Later services such as Klarna and Clearpay.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know about intensive driving courses, including how they work, who they are suitable for, and whether they are the right choice for you.
What Are Intensive Driving Courses?
An intensive driving course, sometimes referred to as a crash course or a fast-track driving course, is designed to teach you to drive in a much shorter period compared to traditional weekly lessons.
Instead of spreading lessons over several months, you take multiple hours of tuition each day or every other day, ensuring you build skills quickly and consistently.
The length of an intensive course varies depending on your experience and confidence behind the wheel. Some learners complete their training in just a few days, while others may take a few weeks or months to reach test standard.
The goal is to prepare you for your driving test as quickly as possible without compromising the quality of your learning.
See Intensive Course PricesHow Do Intensive Driving Courses Work?
An intensive driving course follows a structured plan to help you develop your driving skills in a short space of time. The way the course is structured will depend on your previous experience, learning speed, and availability.
At Rated Driving, our intensive courses include:
- One-to-one tuition with a qualified, experienced driving instructor.
- A tailored lesson plan based on your ability, ensuring you learn at the right pace.
- Lessons scheduled daily or every other day to maintain momentum and avoid long gaps between sessions.
- The option to take your driving test at the end of the course, provided a test slot is available.
- Support and guidance throughout the course, helping you to feel confident and prepared for your test.
The number of hours required to reach test standard varies from person to person. Some learners may need 20 to 25 hours if they have previous experience, while complete beginners may require 40 hours or more.
Who Are Intensive Driving Courses Aimed At?
Intensive courses are designed for learners who want to pass their driving test in a shorter timeframe than traditional lessons allow. They are suitable for a range of learners, including:
- Those who need to pass quickly for work, university, or other commitments.
- Learners who have had previous lessons but want to refresh their skills before a test.
- Nervous drivers who prefer continuous learning rather than having long breaks between lessons.
- Those who struggle to commit to weekly lessons due to a busy schedule and would prefer to complete their training in a shorter period.
- People who learn better through immersive, focused sessions rather than gradual weekly lessons.
Intensive courses require full concentration and commitment, so they may not be suitable for everyone. Some learners find it difficult to take in a large amount of information in a short time and prefer a slower, more gradual approach.
See Intensive Course PricesWhy Would a Learner Choose an Intensive Course?
There are several reasons why a learner might choose an intensive driving course instead of taking weekly lessons.
- Passing quickly means you do not have to wait months to get your licence. If you need to drive for work or personal reasons, an intensive course allows you to achieve your goal much sooner.
- Taking regular lessons over a short period helps you retain information better. Many learners find that with weekly driving lessons, they forget what they learned in the previous lesson, meaning they have to spend time recapping rather than progressing.
- Intensive courses offer a structured and focused learning approach, which can help some learners feel more confident behind the wheel.
- For those who feel nervous about driving, daily practice can help them gain confidence faster than spreading lessons over a long period.
- If you have been learning for a while but have not booked a test yet, an intensive course can be a great way to get your skills up to test standard quickly.
How Do Intensive Courses Compare to Weekly Driving Lessons?
Intensive driving courses differ from weekly lessons in several ways.
- Intensive courses are designed to be completed in a short period, often between one to six weeks, whereas traditional lessons can take several months or even a year.
- With an intensive course, you have lessons every day or every other day, keeping skills fresh, whereas weekly lessons often result in time spent recapping previous sessions.
- Learners who take an intensive course may have access to fast-tracked driving tests, helping them secure a test date sooner.
- The cost of an intensive course is usually paid upfront or in installments, while weekly lessons allow learners to spread costs over a longer time.
- Some learners find intensive courses challenging due to the fast pace, while others benefit from the focused learning style.
Are Intensive Courses More Expensive?
At first glance, intensive driving courses may seem more expensive because they require a larger upfront payment. However, they can often be more cost-effective in the long run.
Since you are learning in a condensed period, you may require fewer overall hours to reach test standard compared to spreading lessons out over several months.
At Rated Driving, we understand that the cost of an intensive course can be a significant investment. That’s why we offer Buy Now, Pay Later options with Klarna and Clearpay, allowing learners to spread the cost interest-free.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Intensive Courses?
Advantages of Intensive Courses
- The ability to pass your test quickly without months of lessons.
- Continuous practice ensures that skills stay fresh.
- A structured and focused learning approach tailored to your needs.
- A great option for learners who are confident and motivated.
- Ideal for those with deadlines, such as starting a new job or moving away.
Disadvantages of Intensive Courses
- The fast pace can be overwhelming for some learners.
- Requires full commitment and availability over a short period.
- Some learners may struggle with absorbing a large amount of information in a short time.
- Test availability can sometimes be a challenge, depending on your location.
- Requires a larger upfront cost, although Rated Driving offers flexible payment options.
Are Intensive Courses Harder Than Weekly Driving Lessons?
An intensive course is not necessarily harder than traditional driving lessons, but it does require a different mindset. You will need to absorb information quickly and be able to concentrate for extended periods. Some learners thrive in this environment, while others may find it overwhelming.
If you prefer to take your time and build confidence gradually, weekly lessons may be a better choice. However, if you are eager to learn quickly and are prepared to focus, an intensive course could be the best option for you.
Book Driving LessonsHow to Spread the Cost of Intensive Courses with Buy Now, Pay Later
To make intensive courses more accessible, Rated Driving offers interest-free payment plans with Klarna and Clearpay. These allow learners to split the cost into smaller payments, making it easier to budget for their driving lessons.
Is an Intensive Driving Course Right for You?
| Factor | Intensive Driving Course | Weekly Driving Lessons |
|---|
| Best for | Learners who want to pass quickly and are comfortable with a fast-paced learning environment. | Learners who prefer a slower, more gradual learning process. |
| Lesson Frequency | Daily or every other day to maintain progress. | Typically once or twice a week. |
| Learning Speed | Fast-paced, requiring focus and quick adaptation. | More relaxed, allowing time to absorb information over a longer period. |
| Test Readiness | Designed to prepare you for a test in a short timeframe. | Lessons spread out over weeks or months before reaching test standard. |
| Cost Structure | Larger upfront cost, but can be spread with Buy Now, Pay Later options. | Costs spread over time, paying for lessons individually. |
| Suitability | Ideal for motivated learners, those with a deadline, or those who want to avoid long gaps between lessons. | Suitable for those who prefer a flexible schedule or need more time to build confidence. |
| Availability Required | Requires full commitment for a few weeks to complete the course. | Fits around a busier schedule with fewer lessons per week. |
| Instructor Support | Focused, structured training with regular feedback. | Ongoing training with gradual progress over a longer period. |
| Overall Outcome | Faster results, but requires dedication and focus. | Slower progression but may suit learners who need more time to develop skills. |
Choosing between an intensive course and weekly lessons depends on your personal learning style, availability, and goals.
If you want to pass quickly and are confident in your ability to learn at a fast pace, an intensive course could be the perfect solution.
At Rated Driving, we offer tailored intensive driving courses to suit all learners. With experienced instructors, flexible scheduling, and the option to spread the cost, we make it easy for you to get your driving licence as quickly as possible.
If you are ready to get started, enquire today and take the fast track to passing your test.
Intensive Driving Course FAQ's
An intensive driving course is a structured programme designed to teach you to drive in a short period, often within 1 to 6 weeks, by taking frequent lessons.
The duration varies based on experience. Beginners may need 40+ hours over a few weeks, while experienced learners might complete a shorter course in a few days.
Yes, you must pass your theory test before booking a practical driving test. Some courses allow you to start lessons while preparing for the theory test.
Yes, intensive courses cater to complete beginners as well as learners with previous experience. The course structure is adjusted to suit your ability.
Yes, in most cases, you will have the same instructor, ensuring consistent learning and progress.
No course can guarantee a pass, but an intensive course gives you the focused training needed to be test-ready in a shorter time.
Prices vary based on location, course length, and experience level. At Rated Driving, we offer flexible payment options, including Buy Now, Pay Later services.
They are faster-paced, requiring more concentration, but they are not necessarily harder. Some learners find daily lessons more effective than weekly sessions.
If you struggle with long periods of learning, need more time to build confidence, or have a very limited schedule, weekly lessons may be a better option.
You can enquire online or contact us directly. Our team will assess your experience, discuss availability, and help you find the best course for your needs.
Yes, extra practice outside of lessons can be beneficial. You can drive with a family member or friend who meets the legal supervising driver requirements.
If you don’t have access to a learner-insured vehicle, you can use temporary learner driver insurance from providers like GoShorty, allowing you to practice in a family car without affecting their main insurance policy.
