Crash courses, East and South East London
Intensive driving courses in East and South East London. Weeks, not months.
Daily lessons with one dedicated DVSA registered instructor, planned to finish at your test. From £220, across East and South East London: Stratford, Ilford, Canary Wharf, Romford, Greenwich, Bermondsey, Bexleyheath and more. Door to door pickup included.
The 40 hour course: 4 hours a day with the same instructor, test booked for the end. Shorter courses compress the same plan into fewer days.
Crash course or intensive course? Same thing.
A crash course in driving is the everyday name for an intensive driving course. Instead of one lesson a week for six months or more, you drive around 4 hours a day on consecutive days, planned so the course ends at your practical test. The total learning hours are the same. The calendar time is not.
It suits people with a deadline: a job that needs a licence, a university term starting, or simply the wish to get driving done. It is not the right choice for everyone, and we say so plainly further down this page.
How much is an intensive driving course?
Our intensive driving courses cost from £220 for 5 hours to £1,680 for 40 hours, from £44 an hour down to £42 an hour on the longest course. Every package includes door to door pickup, a DVSA registered instructor, and test booking support. The right size depends on how much driving you have already done. It costs more per hour than a weekly block of lessons because your instructor keeps whole days free for you and plans every lesson around getting you test-ready by your date.
How much driving have you done?
Pick one and we highlight the course that fits.
5 Hour Course
5 hours over 1-2 days
Ideal for: Test ready refresher
- 5 hours of lessons
- Flexible scheduling
- Test day support
10 Hour Course
10 hours over 2-3 days
Ideal for: 35+ hours previous experience
- 10 hours of lessons
- Flexible scheduling
- Test day support
- Theory test support
15 Hour Course
15 hours over 3-4 days
Ideal for: 30+ hours previous experience
- 15 hours of lessons
- 4-5 hours per day
- Test day support
- Theory test support
20 Hour Course
20 hours over 1 week
Ideal for: 20+ hours previous experience
- 20 hours of lessons
- 4 hours per day
- Test day support
- Theory test support
30 Hour Course
30 hours over 1.5 weeks
Ideal for: 10+ hours previous experience
- 30 hours of lessons
- 4 hours per day
- Test day support
- Theory test support
- Mock test
40 Hour Course
40 hours over 2 weeks
Ideal for: Complete beginners
- 40 hours of lessons
- 4 hours per day
- Test day support
- Theory test support
- 2 mock tests
- Highway Code book
Free to enquire. Once we match you with an instructor, a small refundable booking commitment of up to £30 secures your place. The remaining course balance is paid directly to your instructor.
How the course works
Book your course
Choose your package and preferred start date. We match you with an instructor who covers your postcode.
Pass your theory
If you have not already, pass your theory test before starting. We provide study materials when you book.
Train daily
4 hours of lessons a day with the same instructor, covering every skill and your local test routes.
Take your test
We plan the course so your practical test lands at the end, while everything is still fresh.
Is an intensive course right for you?
Intensive is not automatically better. It is better for a particular kind of learner.
Intensive fits if
- You have a deadline: a new job, university, or a life change coming up.
- You can clear 1 to 2 weeks for daily lessons.
- You want to avoid months of weekly lessons dragging on.
- You learn better with consistent, focused practice.
- You have passed your theory test, or can do so quickly.
Weekly lessons fit if
- You feel very anxious and need time to process between lessons.
- You cannot commit to 4 or more hours of driving a day.
- You have not passed your theory test and need time to study.
- Your budget works better spread over monthly payments.
- You prefer a slower, more relaxed pace.
Not sure? See nervous driver lessons, standard weekly lessons, or ask us for honest advice.
What a course day looks like
4 hours sounds like a lot. Structured properly, it is two focused sessions with a real break.
- 9:00
Pickup from your door
Your instructor arrives and you agree what today covers.
- 9:15
Session 1: skill building (2 hours)
New skills or areas that need work. Junctions, manoeuvres, or specific challenges.
- 11:15
Break (15 to 20 minutes)
Coffee, stretch your legs. Your brain needs the processing time.
- 11:30
Session 2: practice and routes (2 hours)
Apply what you learned on real test routes near your test centre.
- 13:30
Debrief and plan
Quick review of progress and the plan for tomorrow.
- 13:45
Dropped home
Rest. The learning keeps settling while you do.
Times are flexible. Some students prefer afternoons. We work around you.
Who takes intensive courses?
The career changer
Sarah landed a job that requires driving, with 3 weeks before her start date. She passed in 8 days.
The busy parent
James needed to drive for school runs but could not stretch lessons over months. He used a week of annual leave instead.
The student
Emma wanted her licence before university. She got it done in her summer break rather than dragging it through term time.
The returner
Michael drove abroad for years but never held a UK licence. A 20 hour refresher got him through the UK test format.
Myths about crash courses
“4 hours of driving a day is too exhausting”
We split it into two 1.5 hour sessions with a proper break. By day 3, muscle memory kicks in and most students are surprised how manageable it feels.
“Intensive courses are only for confident learners”
Many nervous learners prefer intensive courses. Concentrated practice means less time forgetting between sessions, so confidence builds faster than with weekly lessons.
“You cannot learn to drive properly in 1 to 2 weeks”
The total hours are the same as months of weekly lessons, just compressed. Focused, consistent practice tends to give better skill retention than lessons spread thin.
“The pass rate is lower for intensive courses”
The immersive format means your skills are at their freshest on test day, rather than half-remembered from a lesson two weeks ago.
Before you book
Make sure you meet these requirements:
- Hold a valid UK provisional driving licence
- Have passed your theory test, or book it before starting
- Be available for 4 or more hours of lessons per day
- Be able to commit to consecutive days of learning
- Have accommodation nearby if travelling from outside London
Passed fast, first time
“Really enjoyed my learning experience with Johur. He was very professional and patient with me, I passed from the first time. Definitely recommend!!”
Polina Jerofejeva
Google review
“My experience with DriveThru has been amazing!! Started driving lessons in May and passed my practical test first time! My instructor Johur was very patient and explained everything well. I am definitely recommending to my friends and family. Anyone looking for driving lessons don't hesitate to book lessons with DriveThru.”
Chantel S
Google review
“Had a excellent experience with DriveThruL. I had a brilliant instructor, who taught how to drice properly and safely. I will high recommend Abdul Qayum to thoses who are abou to learn how to drive, as his is a great instructor to learn with.”
Istihak Hosen Fahim
Google review
Intensive course questions
Is an intensive driving course the same as a crash course?
Yes. A crash course is the everyday name for an intensive driving course. Both mean the same thing: daily lessons that get you test ready in 1 to 2 weeks rather than months of weekly lessons.
How much does an intensive driving course cost?
Our intensive driving courses cost from £220 for 5 hours up to £1,680 for 40 hours, from £44 an hour down to £42 an hour on the longest course. The right course size depends on how much driving you have already done. Enquiring is free, and a small refundable booking commitment of up to £30 secures your place once we match you with an instructor.
Can I pass in one week?
If you already have around 20 hours of experience, yes. Our 20 hour course runs 4 hours a day across one week with the test at the end. Complete beginners usually need the 40 hour course over 2 weeks.
How quickly can I start an intensive course?
Usually within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on instructor availability. During busy periods like summer and school holidays, we recommend booking 2 to 3 weeks ahead.
Is the driving test included in the price?
No. The practical test fee is paid to DVSA when you book on GOV.UK: £62 on a weekday, £75 for evenings, weekends and bank holidays. Your course is planned around your test date so it finishes just before the test.
What if I fail my test at the end?
You can book a retest straight away on GOV.UK, for a date at least 10 working days later, and we provide additional lessons at a discounted rate to address whatever went wrong. Most people who fail just need a few more hours on specific areas.
Can I do an intensive course without having passed my theory test?
Yes, but we strongly recommend passing your theory first. You cannot book a practical test without it, and you will get more from your lessons if you already understand the Highway Code.
Is 4 hours of driving per day too much?
It sounds like a lot, but we break it into two sessions with a proper break in between. Most students find they prefer it to weekly lessons because they make faster progress and stay in driving mode rather than forgetting between sessions.
What if I need more hours than my package includes?
We will be honest with you about your progress. If you need extra hours, you can add them at our standard hourly rate. We would rather you pass than rush you through unprepared.
Do you guarantee I will pass?
No driving school can genuinely guarantee a pass. What we can guarantee is that you will be properly prepared. If we do not think you are ready, we will tell you honestly and work with you until you are.
Can I split my course over two separate weeks?
We do not recommend it, as you lose the benefit of consecutive practice. If you have unavoidable commitments, we can sometimes accommodate a short break. Discuss it with us when booking.
Intensive Driving Courses Across East London
We cover 50+ areas across East London, Redbridge, and Havering. Find your nearest instructor.
Two weeks from now, this is done.
From £220 for 5 hours. Instructor slots for intensive courses fill fast across East London, so tell us your dates early.