Driving lessons

For those who took driving lessons, how many lessons did you take before you were able to pass your road test?   My husband called to set up some lessons and the driving instructor came by the flat over the weekend to take my husband out in the car and see how many lessons he might need.  He said that my husband will need at least 10-12 lessons.  However, he said this before they went out in the car, so it wasn't based on my husband's driving skills.  Does this sound about right or more lessons than are necessary?  We don't know if the instructor is just trying to get a little more money out of us for extra lessons.  Thanks!

Well, two of the lessons will generally be a) right before he sits his practical exam b) the exam itself, which is generally taken in the instructor's car and is charged at lesson rate.

One other lesson will also be a mock up of the practical.

So there's three right there.

10-12 sounds about right for someone who already knows how to drive.

I started with a well-known company, they told me I needed 12 lessons. I refused to pay 19 pounds an hour for 12 hrs.  Been driving for almost 20 years in the US/ Europe. Manual and automatic.
Found a well-known local instructor, 15 pounds/hr- took 4 lessons and passed with flying colors the first time.
Check out local recommendations, that was my strategy.

I took no lessons. My son took maybe 10 and passed first time. (He did a lot of practice in our car). My ex, not sure but way more than 12.

All the Americans I work with did like me, read the book, asked a few questions then jumped right into the exam with out lessons and passed.

So a lot depends on the individual, how much 'wheel' time they get with SO's, mom/dad's cars, etc.

My personal feeling is the driving instructors (not all but some) will milk it. Witness my ex, she had lesson for years. I finally convinced her to change instructors and several lessons later, she was able to sit the test and passed. I think some are just there like babysitters for the car, others are a credit to their profession and actively teach.

My advice is

1. If you don't think your driving is improving with an instructor after x number of lessons, find a new one.

2. Get as much 'wheel' time as possible. Drive, drive, drive and then drive some more. Any time you go out in the family car - drive. An hour or two with an instructor only will take a long time to get experience.

3. There are 1 week intensive courses. I can't comment on price but they are about 30 hours+ of being the wheel.

As a comparison, the AA recommends 44 hours with a driving instructor PLUS another 22 hours private practice. I think this is way over the top as I can get my Private Pilot License with 32 hours of lessons, including 10 hours of solo flight!

I think he should play it by ear. If, after 7 or 8 lessons, he still doesn't feel comfortable driving in the UK, on the "wrong" side of the road, using UK driving habits, etc., then he needs more. On the other hand, he may feel completely at ease after only 2 or 3 lessons. I think there's a lot more to it than just teaching someone how to drive. It's the comfort level that's going to count in the long run, and not everyone's the same in that respect.

I took about 6 lessons I think.....and I probably could have done with less if I would have had a decent instructor.  I would think a confident driver that is familiar with the UK road systems and particulars would only need one or two to get some hints about the test.  However, I am glad I took my lessons, as I passed and I really needed to!  LOL

Thanks for the input!  I think my husband is going to start taking some lessons and see how it goes, like belindaloo suggested.  He's found a colleague with a car who's willing to let him get some practice in between lessons, which I think will help.

He said that my husband will need at least 10-12 lessons.  However, he said this before they went out in the car, so it wasn't based on my husband's driving skills. 

For somebody who already has a license and has been driving for years it sounds an excessively high number to me.    How he could even make such a "guestimate" without going on a run is puzzling too.     Maybe a couple of lessons to learn the supposed "proper" way to drive for the U.K. test, but surely then all that's needed is practice with those methods?   

i took my lessons with a good friend.  (who's a certified/official driving instructor).  i probably took about 10 or so lessons.  as i wasn't paying, i didn't count it up.

however the trick for me was to drive "proper" all the time.  or at least during those 2 months leading up to the test.  yes, it was annoying doing the push/pull steering wheel thing, checking mirrors so much my neck ached, signaling obsessively.  i also practiced my maneauvers whenever i got a chance.  make all these silly little bits part of your driving routine.  that way the test will seem like a breeze! (well almost)