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How many driving lessons do I need to pass?
The average learner needs 40-45 hours of professional driving lessons, plus 20-25 hours of private practice, to pass their driving test in the UK.
However, this varies significantly based on several factors:
- Age: Younger learners (17-25) often need fewer lessons as they typically pick up new skills faster
- Transmission type: Automatic lessons can reduce total hours by 20-30% as there's no clutch control to master
- Frequency: Having 2-3 lessons per week helps retain skills better than weekly lessons
- Private practice: Supplementing lessons with practice in a family car speeds up progress
40-45
Average hours (manual)
30-35
Average hours (automatic)
47%
UK first-time pass rate
Learning in an automatic car at Pass Plus S.O.M. means you can focus 100% on the road, traffic, and hazards - without worrying about stalling or gear changes.
Is automatic or manual easier to learn?
Yes, automatic cars are significantly easier to learn in. Without a clutch pedal or gear stick to manage, learners can focus entirely on steering, observations, and road awareness.
| Factor |
Automatic |
Manual |
| Clutch control |
Not needed ✅ |
Must master ❌ |
| Stalling risk |
Impossible ✅ |
Common for learners ❌ |
| Hill starts |
Simple ✅ |
Challenging ❌ |
| Lessons to pass |
30-35 hours ✅ |
40-45 hours ❌ |
| Focus on road |
100% ✅ |
Split with gears ❌ |
The 2025 reality: With 70% of new cars sold in the UK being automatic (including all electric vehicles), learning in an automatic makes more sense than ever.
How long does it take to pass your driving test?
Most learners take between 3-6 months to go from complete beginner to passing their driving test, assuming 1-2 lessons per week.
Here's a realistic timeline breakdown:
- Weeks 1-4: Car controls, moving off, stopping, steering basics
- Weeks 5-8: Junctions, roundabouts, traffic lights
- Weeks 9-12: Manoeuvres, independent driving, dual carriageways
- Weeks 13-16: Test routes, mock tests, building confidence
- Week 17+: Ready for test (depending on waiting times)
Intensive courses can get you test-ready in just 1-2 weeks, but you'll still need to factor in test centre waiting times when planning.
How much do driving lessons cost in Sussex?
In Sussex, driving lessons typically cost between £35-£45 per hour in 2025. Block bookings often offer savings of 10-15%.
| Lesson Type |
Price Range (2025) |
| Single lesson (1 hour) |
£35 - £45 |
| Block of 5 lessons |
£165 - £200 |
| Block of 10 lessons |
£320 - £400 |
| Intensive course (30 hrs) |
£900 - £1,200 |
Total cost to pass: Budget approximately £1,400 - £1,800 for lessons, plus £23 for theory test and £62 for practical test.
What are driving test waiting times in Sussex?
As of late 2025, driving test waiting times in Sussex range from 16-24 weeks depending on the test centre.
| Test Centre |
Approximate Wait |
| Crawley |
20-24 weeks |
| Burgess Hill |
20-24 weeks |
How to get an earlier test:
- Book your test as soon as you get your provisional licence
- Check for cancellations regularly on the DVSA website
- Be flexible with dates and times (early morning slots are less popular)
- Consider test centres slightly further away with shorter waits
We recommend booking your theory test and practical test date early, then working backwards to plan your lessons accordingly.
Are intensive driving courses worth it?
Intensive driving courses (crash courses) can be excellent value if you need to pass quickly and can commit to full-time learning. They're best suited to learners with some prior experience or naturally quick learners.
Intensive courses work best for:
- People who need to drive for a new job
- Those with previous driving experience
- Learners who can dedicate a full week
- Anyone who learns better with immersive practice
They may not suit:
- Complete beginners with no car experience
- Nervous learners who need time to build confidence
- Those who struggle with information overload
At Pass Plus S.O.M., we offer semi-intensive options (2-3 hours per day over 2-3 weeks) which give you the benefits of intensive learning with more time to absorb skills.
How do I overcome driving lesson anxiety?
Driving anxiety is extremely common - around 30% of learners experience significant nervousness. The key is finding a patient instructor, starting slowly, and building confidence gradually.
Practical tips for nervous learners:
- Tell your instructor: A good instructor will adapt their teaching style and pace
- Start in quiet areas: Empty car parks and quiet residential streets build confidence
- Take shorter lessons: 1-hour lessons can be less overwhelming than 2-hour sessions
- Learn in an automatic: Removing gear changes reduces cognitive load significantly
- Practice breathing: Deep breaths before and during lessons help manage physical symptoms
- Celebrate small wins: Each successful junction or manoeuvre builds evidence you can do this
Why automatic lessons help anxious learners: Without clutch control to worry about, you can focus on what really matters - the road ahead. Many nervous learners find automatic cars dramatically reduce their stress levels.
At Pass Plus S.O.M., we specialise in patient, calm instruction. We go at YOUR pace - no pressure, no judgement.
Can I take my test in an automatic car?
Yes, absolutely. You can take your driving test in an automatic car. If you pass, you'll receive an automatic-only licence (category B Auto), which allows you to drive any automatic vehicle.
Key points about automatic licences:
- You can drive any automatic car, including all electric vehicles
- If you later want to drive manual, you can take a manual test at any time
- Insurance costs are the same for automatic and manual licences
- With EVs becoming the norm, automatic-only licences are increasingly practical
The future is automatic: By 2030, most new cars will be electric (and therefore automatic). Learning automatic now future-proofs your driving.
Where are the driving test centres near me in Sussex?
Sussex has several DVSA driving test centres. The main ones we cover are Crawley and Burgess Hill.
| Test Centre |
Address |
Best For |
| Crawley |
Stephenson Way, RH10 1TN |
Crawley, Horsham, East Grinstead |
| Burgess Hill |
Victoria Road, RH15 9LH |
Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Lewes |
Pass Plus S.O.M. covers the Crawley and Burgess Hill test centre areas. We'll help you practice the specific routes and challenges for your chosen test centre.
What should I expect on my first driving lesson?
Your first driving lesson focuses on getting comfortable in the car. You'll learn the cockpit drill, basic controls, and usually start moving in a quiet area. Most people drive on their very first lesson!
What happens in lesson one:
- Meet your instructor: Quick chat about your goals and any concerns
- Cockpit drill: Adjusting seat, mirrors, steering wheel, seatbelt
- Controls explained: Accelerator, brake, handbrake, indicators, steering
- Moving off: Starting the car and pulling away safely
- Stopping: Using the brake smoothly and parking
- First drive: Usually around a quiet estate or car park
What to bring:
- Your provisional driving licence (you must have this!)
- Comfortable flat shoes (no flip-flops or high heels)
- Glasses or contacts if you need them for driving
Don't worry about making mistakes - that's what lessons are for! Your instructor controls the car with dual controls, so you're always safe.
Ready to Start Your Driving Journey?
Pass Plus S.O.M. offers automatic driving lessons across Sussex - Brighton, Hove, Crawley, Horsham, and Haywards Heath.
Book Your First Lesson →
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