By Fast Pass Admin 
Intensive driving courses, also often referred to as ‘crash driving courses’ have been
a part of my life for around 15 years. In the early 2010’s, it was a commonly held
belief that to do an intensive course, you had to go to Blackpool. Why, I hear you
ask? Honestly, I’ve absolutely no idea! But lots of driving schools specifically
advertised passing your driving test in a week, with a 5 night stay at a local bed and
breakfast. Intensive driving courses advertised with Blackpool Tower and the famous
‘Big One’ rollercoaster in the background. Book a crash driving course in Blackpool!
To this day, I’ve still no clue why. One of life’s eternal mysteries.
Blackpool, London, New York, Peckham!
It didn’t take long for driving schools and driving instructors to realise that actually,
anyone, anywhere, could offer a quick pass solution to learner drivers wanting to
pass their driving test quickly. And so a number of companies jumped on the
intensive driving courses bandwagon and Blackpool was no longer the only option.
Promises to deliver fast pass courses in your home town – ‘pass in a week’ without
needing to travel anywhere to do it.
There are lots of reasons for learners needing to pass their driving test quickly. From
a lack of time due to work commitments, to needing a full UK driving licence for a job
promotion, intensive driving courses have remained consistently popular to this day.
And being able to do the course with the driving instructor picking you up at home,
college or work – it soon became a more accessible solution for any learner driver
needing to pass quickly.
Can anyone do an intensive driving course?
In theory, absolutely yes. A crash driving course should be available for any learner
looking to pass their driving test quickly. Although, it’s fair to say that the level of
concentration required for 5-6 hours of driving tuition per day isn’t necessarily
suitable for every learner driver. And the same applies to driving instructors. Having
delivered many intensive courses over the years, I can confirm they are hard work
for both the pupil AND the instructor. But the intensity of the training can bring really
positive results. No time to forget what you’ve learnt on previous lessons. The
opportunity to practice new skills for extended periods rather than the traditional
hourly lesson. A practical driving test at the end of the intensive driving course,
rather than a lengthy delay. A real chance to put your newly acquired driving skills to
test – all done within a week. A perfect solution for those with busy lives or a work-
related necessity to drive.
Do driving instructors enjoy delivering intensive driving courses?
From personal experience, I can confirm that yes, we definitely do! Not every
instructor will want to offer intensive lessons and it is of course their personal choice.
But if you book an intensive driving course, you’re going to be allocated an instructor
with experience at delivering fast pass courses. If they didn’t enjoy doing it, they
wouldn’t be offering the service!
What can a learner expect when booking an intensive driving course?
Every driving instructor has one main aim in their professional life – and that is to
ensure their learners are taught safe driving for life. So many learner drivers ask
‘Can you teach me to pass my driving test?’. Absolutely not, is the only sensible
answer to that question. What, I hear you cry? No, really! We don’t teach learner
drivers to pass their driving test. We teach them how to drive safely. And if we teach
you how to drive safely, whether that’s an intensive driving course, or weekly driving
lessons, then you’re more likely to pass your driving test. See? One thing naturally
leads to the other! A weekly driving course, or an intensive driving course – whatever
your choice of description, the main goal is the same as if you take one hour weekly
lessons over 6-12 months. We just want you to be able to drive safely and continue
to develop your driving skills even after you pass your driving test. All those good
habits we form when learning to drive – they’re not just for your driving test! Good
steering control, effective mirror checking, planning ahead, road awareness,
consideration for other road users. When undertaking an intensive driving course, all
those things are condensed into a shorter learner period – but remain just as
important. Thinking about it logically, a ‘crash driving course’ is a truly terrible
description!
But do they actually work?
Of course they do! Intensive driving courses remain as popular as ever. Yes, there
are still learner drivers who want to do weekly lessons and there are driving
instructors who gladly offer that service. But doing a weekly ‘crash driving course’
can really be an ideal way to fast track the process.
Intensive versus semi-intensive
What if you want to pass quickly, but the thought of a weekly crash course is just too
overwhelming? Then a semi-intensive course is the answer. You can always
structure the training to suit your own requirements – maybe you’d complete the
course over a few weeks, or even a couple of months. A real compromise for those
learner drivers still wanting a fast pass solution, without the added pressure of a
weekly intensive course.
What about the theory test?
If you’re thinking of doing an intensive driving course, then it’s strongly
recommended that you pass your driving theory test first. Otherwise, it kind of
defeats the idea of intensive learning, if you can’t take a practical test at the end of
the crash course. Remember, your theory test certificate is valid for 2 years, so
there’s plenty of time to arrange the driving course.
https://www.theorytestpro.co.uk – if you feel you need some assistance with your
theory test, this is a fantastic website to help you prepare for the test.
To book or not to book?
I have been a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructor
since 2006. Over those years, I have had the pleasure of delivering many intensive
driving courses to a wide range of pupils of all ages. It’s not just 17 year olds who
want to do a crash driving course! If you want to pass fast and can commit to an
intensive driving course, then definitely go for it. Fast Pass Driving Courses have UK
coverage for both manual and automatic intensive and semi-intensive driving
courses. You can find out more here: https://fastpassdrivingcourses.co.uk
Happy (and always safe!) driving!