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A question we are asked regularly, yet there are so many factors to consider. I've compiled this blog post to help you, the learner, answer the questions for yourself (client centered of course!).
YES. They can work - if delivered correctly. Especially if you're not wanting to spend months having weekly driving lessons, they are invaluable. At Podium, we offer intensive driving course packages - we are certainly not against them, however, we are aware of some courses out there that don't seem to do the job.
A few things to consider before you part with your hard-earned cash on Intensive Driving Lessons / Courses:
1.
What is an intensive driving course? (sometimes referred to as 'Crash Course' - without the crashing, of course).
In simple terms, it means you squeeze all the hours you would normally take to become safe and test ready, into a relatively short space of time. Sometimes within a week, sometimes over a number of weeks.
2.
Why are intensive courses more expensive?
Sometimes, courses are sold at a premium, and often this is because they are either being sold by a third party and then an instructor is found for you - meaning there is a need for two profit margins.
More commonly, its because the driving instructor (ADI) has moved his or her diary around to accommodate you in place of their regular learners. Therefore, your paying a premium for this service.
On the other hand, smaller schools or independent instructors may not charge anymore for intensive lessons as that is all they generally offer, and therefore have fewer students coming to them but rely on your course being completed within a very limited time frame. From our experience and feedback, this doesn't always work out for the learner. If you decide to use a school who charges a premium, it may be worth while asking what else is included in the package. For example; do they include the test fee too (just like us). This is approx. £62 depending on when you wish to take your test. You may also want to ask your school or instructor if they offer theory support or can they find you a test sooner than they can through the normal channels? It can be surprising what additional services driving schools can offer in addition to your practical lessons.
3.
What happens during an intensive driving course?
All of your training will be almost identical to that of anyone having the 'normal' weekly lessons. You will still receive 1-2-1 training (there are very few schools offering a discounted 2-2-1 course these days). The only thing that really changes is the frequency, you'll have them a lot more regularly.
4.
Will an intensive course work for me?
Great question! For some, this is great as they retain the information by repetition, for others, it can be overwhelming and actually have a negative impact on their learning.
Our advice is to take a few hours in the form of an assessment lesson. This will allow your instructor to asses your skills and ability as a learner. They will take note of how you receive information, retain it and of course recall / put it into practice. It's also important to remember that the driving instructor assigned to you, is right for you! We can't stress this enough - if you enjoy your lessons, you'll progress a lot faster, fact!
After your assessment lessons, your training will then be able to advise on roughly how many hours and what pack they advise you to go for, minimising the risk of you over spending. Also check with your driving school if you will receive a refund on any un-used hours, again reducing the worry of finances spiraling out of control.
Home-study outside of the tuition vehicle is a must! From our experience, those who take their driving courses seriously, progress a lot faster than those who don't put the effort in. Remember it's you that has to store the information and then use it again. So reflect at home, keep a log or diary of what you did today, and recap it tomorrow. Note down what you would like to get better at (even if it just moving slightly over to the left next time your passing McDonalds). Home study makes up approximately 30% of your learning, especially when your doing it intensively.
5.
How long is an intensive driving course?
How long is a piece of string? (sorry!). It really is down to the learner, as we mentioned above.
The DVSA say that on average it takes 47 hours of professional tuition and then an extra 20 private practice before they are ready to pass the practical driving test. Podium do regularly bring a successful result below these figures, however there are some learners who take a lot longer. It really does depend. Book an assessment and let the expert advise you.
Naturally, if you've had some driving lessons in the past and are now looking at finishing your lessons intensively, that changes things. However, remember you have a new instructor and possibly they have different methods, try to work with them and keep the communication open - you'll get things done quicker, we promise.
Consider a 10 hour crash course, use it as a bench mark - you'll know yourself in no time if you feel comfortable enough to drive solo.
6.
How much will an intensive driving course cost?
Ironically, although intensives seem on the front to cost more than the regular hour / 2 hour weekly lessons, they can work out to be cheaper in the long run. Consider your weekly bus fare or cab fees on top of your weekly lessons - doing an intensive course now could reduce or remove those costs sooner. Meaning over the duration of a year, you've saved thousands (at least in London they did for of our Students commuting to Sainsburys twice a day)
You can view our intensive driving courses and their prices here: https://www.drivepodium.co.uk/intensive
7.
Will I be guaranteed to pass my driving test if I complete an intensive course?
No-one should be guaranteeing a practical test pass. There are so many elements to the test that slight change in weather or anxiety kicks in, could cause anyone to do something they wouldn't normally.
However, your driving instructor will most certainly give you the skills and experience needed to be able to pass - We certainly wouldn't put anyone in for a test who we believe would fail!
8.
Conclusion... Do they work?
Well we hope you have enough information to be able to make that decision yourself now. However, if you have other questions that we haven't covered, please do give us a call or send us a message, we would be delighted to help out.
Telephone: 07831 488 558
