Is an Intensive Driving Course Really the Fast Track to Success?
You’ve probably seen those ads promising “Get your licence in a week!” or “Weekend crash course – guaranteed pass!” Sounds tempting, right? So it’s no surprise when learners come to me and ask:
“Sylwia, how quickly can you teach me to drive? When can I take my test?”
And that’s when I usually smile and reply:
“Have you ever heard of intensive care?”
Because an intensive course is a bit like intensive care: everything happens fast, under pressure, without time for recovery or reflection. Sometimes it’s necessary — but it often comes with side effects.
What Can You Really Learn in a Few Days?
Of course, you can take a weekend or 5-day intensive course. But let’s be honest — in just a few days, will you really:
- develop consistent driving habits,
- understand why you do certain things behind the wheel,
- know how to react in different, unexpected situations, not just the ones you practised over the weekend?
My Responsibility as an Instructor
As a professional instructor, it’s my responsibility to adapt your training to your individual learning pace and abilities. You might feel confident and think, “I drive well already”, but my feedback could tell a different story — and that’s okay! It’s better to hear it from me than from an examiner.
I’ve met many learners who completed an “intensive course” elsewhere. Unfortunately, just like after intensive care, we had to start with rehabilitation — rebuilding habits, confidence, and awareness. We often began from scratch, this time focusing on understanding, not just repeating.
Learning to Drive Is Not a Race
Learning to drive isn’t a race. It’s an educational process — one that teaches you to analyse, anticipate, react, and make safe decisions under pressure.
Of course, there are natural talents — people who master car control and observation skills in no time. If you’re one of them, I’ll tell you straight away and help you book your test as soon as you’re ready. But if you need more time, that’s not a weakness — it’s part of real, lasting learning.
A good driving instructor doesn’t sell shortcuts. A good instructor guides you to success step by step, at your pace, with full understanding and care.
In Summary
An “intensive” course may sound like a shortcut to success — but it often leads to frustration and the need to start over. At Drive Croydon, we believe that effective learning is not about speed — it’s about building confidence, skill, and safety for life.
Your driving journey isn’t a sprint. It’s a road worth travelling — carefully, patiently, and with the right guide.
