Why One Lesson a Week Probably Isn’t Enough

Learning to drive can sometimes feel like an endless journey towards obtaining that prized driving licence. The process involves acquiring numerous skills, passing a theory test, and finally facing the practical test, all while hoping to conquer test day nerves. It’s undeniably a challenging undertaking.

• The traditional approach to learning to drive
• The surge of intensive driving courses
• The cost and efficiency of driving lessons
• Strengthen your learning process
• Discovering your ideal approach
• Is one driving lesson a week enough?

Fortunately, modern learners have access to a variety of driving tuition packages designed to expedite their journey from being a novice to becoming a qualified driver. These options include intensive courses, semi-intensive courses, one-week courses, and even residential programs.

Given the availability of these effective alternatives, sticking to the traditional approach of taking just one driving lesson per week seems less reasonable. In fact, prolonging the learning process can have adverse effects on progress for several reasons. Opting for a more accelerated approach tends to yield better results, resembling the strategy of the hare rather than the tortoise.

Uncertain about our stance? No worries! We’re about to present several compelling reasons why relying solely on one driving lesson a week might not be sufficient for optimal learning and progress.

The traditional approach to learning to drive

In the past, before driving school companies like Rated Driving came into existence, it was quite common for individuals to adopt a rather leisurely approach to learning to drive.

They would typically take just one driving lesson per week, often lasting only about an hour. Consequently, even those who learned quickly could expect to spend approximately six months before feeling ready to take the practical driving test.

Now, there’s nothing inherently wrong with this gradual and steady tactic. If it suits your learning style and you find it less stressful, then certainly, you can proceed with it.

However, we would advise considering the benefit of extending the length of your weekly lessons. Allocating 1.5 to 3 hours of tuition each week can significantly accelerate your learning process and help you grasp all the essential aspects of driving much more efficiently.

The surge of intensive driving courses

The demand for quick and efficient driving test success has led to the booming popularity of intensive driving courses.

Rather than spreading out lessons over several weeks, these courses structure learning with daily or weekly sessions lasting 2-5 hours. This concentrated approach allows learners to acquire all the necessary skills in a significantly shorter timeframe.

The frequent and closely spaced lessons also contribute to better retention of learned material, as there are smaller gaps between sessions. This increased continuity helps learners build upon their skills more effectively.

Furthermore, the intensive format offers another advantage: instructors can quickly assess a learner’s abilities and progress. This early evaluation enables them to suggest a feasible date for the practical test, bypassing the often lengthy waiting times imposed by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency).

As a result, learners can avoid unnecessary delays and plan their driving journey with greater certainty.

In contrast, the traditional one-hour-per-week approach lacks the same level of foresight, as progress can be slow and determining the overall timeframe becomes more challenging.

Embracing intensive courses has proven to be a practical solution for those seeking a faster path to obtaining their driving licence.

The Cost and Efficiency of Driving Lessons

One of the primary factors influencing the decision to stick to one driving lesson per week is financial constraints, as many learners can only afford to pay on a lesson-by-lesson basis.

If this payment approach suits your circumstances, it is entirely understandable to go with what works best for you. Ultimately, learning to drive is a valuable endeavour, regardless of the chosen method.

It is acknowledged that the price tags associated with intensive and semi-intensive courses can be daunting. Paying a lump sum upfront may appear more expensive than initially imagined.

However, for those who have the option to pay in advance or save up, intensive courses can actually turn out to be more cost-effective than traditional individual lessons. The rationale behind this is simple—intensive courses save a considerable amount of time, and as the saying goes, “time is money.”

In a broader perspective, considering the span of six months, a lot of life events and distractions can occur. With only one driving lesson per week, learners may find themselves getting side-tracked from the learning process by other commitments and activities.

Those who opt for the slow-paced approach might end up spending more money in the long run, as they may need to revisit certain topics each week, leading to a repetitive and inefficient learning process.

In contrast, intensive courses provide a more streamlined and efficient learning experience, minimising the need for revisiting previous material and maximising the overall progress made.

In summary, while the one-lesson-per-week approach is a valid choice for many due to financial considerations, those who can afford intensive courses may find it a more cost-effective and time-efficient option for mastering the art of driving.

Strengthen Your Learning Process

While the brain lacks actual muscles, its capacity to comprehend and retain information follows a specific pattern.

Continuity plays a crucial role in any learning journey. Consequently, if there are long intervals, such as the six-day gap between driving lessons, where the focus on the task at hand diminishes, it will significantly delay the mastery of the desired skill.

In essence, having just one driving lesson per week might not suffice for your brain to operate at its full potential. Despite numerous commitments beyond the lessons, it is essential to recognise that learning to drive demands considerable focus and determination. It’s best not to treat it as a part-time endeavour, even if that might be the reality.

In addition to regular lessons, incorporating extra practice hours behind the wheel can be highly beneficial. Especially for learners who are limited to one lesson per week, organising drives with friends and family is highly recommended.

These practice sessions provide a great opportunity to reinforce what your instructor has taught you and bolster your confidence on the road. Nevertheless, ensure that the person accompanying you is legally eligible to supervise a learner driver.

Discovering Your Ideal Approach

While we advocate for the effectiveness of more frequent lessons, we also recognise that each individual learns differently. When planning your driving lessons, it’s crucial to find the approach that best suits your learning style.

If the idea of an intensive course feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to opt for a pace that makes you feel comfortable.

Another essential factor to consider is your schedule and the time you can dedicate to the learning process. If you have limited availability, it might be worth delaying the course or arranging time off from work to fully commit to your driving lessons.

Even with a short course, learning to drive demands a considerable amount of time and energy. However, it is advisable to consult with your instructor or driving school before making any decisions regarding taking time off work.

While it remains a subject of debate, several other factors can impact the ease or difficulty of your learning experience. Elements such as age, anxiety levels, and prior experience with driving may play a role.

While the exact influence of these factors is not firmly established, it’s essential to take them into account and be mindful of how they might affect your driving journey.

Finding Balance in Your Approach

Absolutely! If an intensive course feels overwhelming, but you acknowledge that one lesson a week might not be sufficient, there is a middle ground to consider. Semi-intensive courses offer a balanced option that lies between the two extremes.

It allows you to have a more frequent learning schedule without the intensity of daily sessions. Moreover, once you begin a semi-intensive course, you might discover that you feel more comfortable gradually increasing the intensity.

In other words, you can start with a semi-intensive style course and, as you gain confidence and find it easier to concentrate for longer periods, you have the option to transition towards more intensive lessons.

This flexible approach allows you to tailor your learning journey according to your evolving abilities and preferences. By striking this balance, you can optimise your learning experience and progress at a pace that suits you best.

Is one driving lesson a week enough?

In our professional opinion at Rated Driving, opting for just one driving lesson per week is not the most effective or efficient approach to learning to drive. Rather than spending months gradually grasping the skills, there are faster and safer ways to achieve your driving goals in just weeks rather than months.

Embracing more frequent block lessons or considering intensive or semi-intensive courses can lead to quicker progress and prove advantageous for both your learning experience and your finances.

By dedicating a few hours per week to driving lessons, or even undertaking an intensive or semi-intensive course, you’ll get the best value for your investment.