How Many Driving Lessons Do I Need?

Learning to drive is a skill. Like other skills, be it math, reading, or playing a musical instrument, different people learn at different rates. The same philosophy applies to driving!

What Does This Mean For Me?

To sum it up, it means there is no set number of driving lessons that will dictate when you can consider yourself a "good" driver and when you will be ready to pass the driving exam. Some students feel prepared after three lessons; others may feel more prepared after ten.

This being said, every state maintains its own requirements as to how many hours of behind-the-wheel training must be completed with a certified driving instructor. For instance, in California, any new driver wishing to take their road test before they turn 18 must complete six hours of driving lessons and 50 hours of additional driving practice. Other states, like Texas, require seven hours of behind-the-wheel lessons.

These requirements are in place for a reason. In general, these laws outline the minimum amount of time most experts feel is necessary to both pass a state driving test and gain the fundamental knowledge of what it means to be a safe and confident driver. (Remember, keeping up your driving skills is a life-long process!)

In that spirit, we recommend that drivers of any age take six to eight hours of professional driving lessons before considering taking their road test. Depending on the state, this usually comes out to three or four, two-hour lessons (or in some states, multiple one-hour lessons plus observation time).

How Fast Will I Learn?

As mentioned before, students will progress at different paces. Much of this progression can be linked back to practice in between lessons. This being said, some students will feel confident in the basics after two lessons, while others might take up to ten. In the end, the most important thing is for our students to learn those essential skills to be safe and confident drivers for life.

Because every student is different, we communicate honestly and directly about each student's progress. If our certified instructors feel that a student is prepared after the three-lesson minimum, we won't recommend further training, unless the student or parents asks for it. On the other hand, if our instructors feel like a student can benefit from additional training to reach that satisfactory level needed to pass the driving test, we will definitely recommend to doing so.

Be Honest!

The best way to help set your learning pace is to start your lesson with an honest conversation with your instructor about your progress. That's what our instructors are here for - to help you achieve your driving goals.

Ready to gain confidence and become a safe driver? Book your driving lesson today.