Is an intensive driving course a good option

OK so you want to pass your driving test as quickly as possible. Are intensive courses a good choice for you?
Let's look at the statistics first The Driving Standards Agency reports that the pass rate for the UK car test generally hovers around 40%. They don't report on intensive courses since they wouldn't know how a particular candidate had been learning. However having done many intensive courses myself, I can report that the pass rate is significantly higher (in 2010 my courses had a 74% success rate). Of course one can take my experience with a pinch of salt...But let's say that is is accepted, then why does it happen? My opinions are that:

• People who do an intensive course are more motivated, they generally have a particular reason to pass e.g. a job offer. Contract this with a person who has just turned 17 and a family member has paid for a few lessons - not necessarily very motivated.
• In the usual weekly lessons model, there a degree of "wasted" time where last week's lesson is recapped and re-learned. This doesn't affect an intensive learner so much, since should not have forgotten too much, from an hour earlier (say).
• It is customary for instructors to teach a learner using the DSA's standard test routes, once the pupil is competent. This is especially useful in an intensive course, at most centres I will be able to teach on all routes in the run up to a test. Because this is done in a short period, the pupil becomes very familiar with the difficult roundabouts, stop junctions etc.
  
  

Having passed your test, please, please carry on learning - I've been driving for 40 years and I still learn. Having said that the UK pass rate is relatively low c 40%, the accident rate amongst new drivers is very bad (check out the insurance premiums). So however you choose to learn, remember that it is a process that continues forever.
Pass quickly by taking an intensive driving course.

Independent driving, new driving test from 4th October 2010

Ok so the driving test is changing soon, is there anything to be concerned about? I'd say not. This is what will happen; at some point during your test the examiner will get you to stop on the left as normal advise you that he/she wants you to do some independent driving. They will explain that they either want you to follow a series of directions similar to the junctions shown here. Alternatively that you should follow signs for a location e.g. major town. Since it is always the second half of the test, you are bound to be driving back towards the test centre. So for example please follow signs for Lichfield or Sutton Coldfield. You may also be asked to do a combination both following a series of junction, then follow signs for wherever.

Important note: In the current test if the examiner asks you to turn left at the end of the road and you actually turn right, what happens? As long as you do it safely and commit no driving faults, the examiner will say "I actually asked you to turn left, but don't worry I will get us back onto the correct route." It doesn't matter at all, really, really it is fine. Similarly in the independent driving section of the new test, if you can't remember the route or get confused, this is what to do. Follow the route that you think is probably correct and do it safely (using you normal procedures). If there is time ask the examiner to clarify, but if in any doubt just carry on safely and the examiner will help with directions as necessary.
Independent driving is being used from October 4th 2010 and there will be one less reversing manoeuvre, you still have to be able to do all four, so keep practising.

If you looking for a good instructor, check out the websites.