How many lessons do you need?
The honest answer: it varies. But with the right approach and a realistic starting point, you can get your driving licence faster and more affordably than you might think.
An average of 30 to 40 hours — but you are not average
Most students at Rijschool Denhaag pass their driving test after 30 to 40 hours of lessons. That is the national average, and it is fairly accurate. But it says little about your specific situation. Someone who has been riding a moped for years, has strong spatial awareness and takes regular lessons might finish in 25 hours. Someone who gets nervous in busy traffic and has limited time for lessons may need 50 hours.
Factors that influence the number of lessons include: prior driving experience, lesson frequency, age, ability to concentrate and the complexity of the driving environment. In The Hague, Delft and Zoetermeer we drive through busy urban traffic — that is excellent for learning, but it does require more practice than lessons in a rural area.
Why more lessons can sometimes be the smarter choice
Rushing through lessons to save money tends to backfire. If you take your exam too early, you increase the chance of failing — and a resit costs around €120 to €130 extra at the CBR, plus additional lessons. Your instructor at Rijschool Denhaag will be honest about when you are ready for the exam. We will not send you out if we have doubts.
A good rule of thumb: schedule your lessons at least once a week. Leaving too long between lessons causes you to lose skills and you end up paying more in the long run. Twice a week is ideal if you want to get your licence quickly.
- Start with a trial lesson for an honest assessment of your level
- Book lessons at least weekly for the best progress
- Two lessons a week speeds up the process considerably
- Ask your instructor for an honest final recommendation before the exam
- Always factor exam costs into your overall budget
