Do you have a query about Bristol Intensives? Below are some frequently asked questions!
Practical test booking changes in 2026
Can Bristol Intensives still book my practical test for me?
No. From 12 May 2026, learners need to book and manage their own practical car driving tests.
What should I do if I already have a practical test booked?
Please contact us before booking a course so we can confirm availability around your test date.
Can you still help me choose the right course?
Yes. Once your practical test is booked, we can help you choose a suitable course length and arrange the training around your date.
Can you still help with theory tests?
Yes. We can still guide you with theory-test arrangements.
About Bristol Intensives
What is Bristol Intensives?
Bristol Intensives is a driving school that will fast track you to taking your test, usually weeks or even months quicker than normal.
Where are you based and which areas do you cover?
Bristol Intensives is based in Filton, Bristol. Courses are available predominately in Bristol and selected surrounding areas, please contact us if the postcode you select is not available.
How do I get in touch with Bristol Intensives?
You can get in touch with Bristol Intensives by using any of the following:
• Telephone: 0743 467 2118. If you do not get through to someone straight away, please leave a message.
• Email us at info@bristolintensives.com
• Use our contact form
• Message us via our Facebook page
Will my course expire if I cannot start straight away?
Waiting times vary by test centre and can change quickly. We recommend booking your practical test as early as possible and then arranging your course around your confirmed date.
How long are current practical driving test waiting times?
Courses normally have a one-year validity period. If there are serious circumstances outside both your control and our control, please contact us and we will review your situation fairly.
Courses
What is an Intensive Course?
An intensive driving course is the quickest way to complete your driver training to gain your full driving licence. Bristol Intensive courses are usually five hours long and taken on consecutive days with the practical test on the final day, however, we can customize the courses for your specific requirements, tailoring your driving lessons to meet your personal circumstances. If the listed courses are not suitable, please contact us to discuss further.
We will always arrange pickup and drop off from your home or, by prior arrangement and agreement from the instructor, we can pick up and drop off in other locations. The course will always be on a 1-2-1 basis with a fully qualified DVSA Approved Driving Instructor.
It will also include the practical driving test, unless it is not required.
We have a wide range of courses to suit all learners, please click here to view them.
I don’t know how many hours I need; can I have an assessment?
Bristol Intensives offer a three-hour and a five-hour assessment course which can be used to assess your current ability level. Once you have completed this, the instructor will recommend a course for you.
What happens if my selected date is not available?
Bristol Intensives will endeavour to arrange the course and tests for the required dates, however, the date you select will be made available if the DVSA dates for driving tests are available. Having said this though, Bristol Intensives has an exceptional record of achieving the dates our customers select.
Will my course expire if I am not able to start straight away?
All courses have a one-year expiry date, however, expiry dates are not enforced where circumstances beyond our and your control prevent the course from being completed. i.e. The Corona Virus Pandemic.
Can I postpone my course?
Yes, once the course schedule is approved by you and the instructor you must give at least four weeks’ notice. If you are not able to give this notice you will lose your deposit and any other payments made.
What happens if I cancel a lesson?
If you cancel lessons during the intensive driving course you will forfeit the hours and no refund will be due.
What if I have some hours remaining after the test?
You shouldn’t have any hours spare as the course is designed to tailor to your requirements. The driving instructor will constantly review the lesson plan to accommodate your training needs.
Can I postpone the course once it has started?
Any course that has started must be concluded within the allocated time. Your driving test and course schedule will have already been confirmed.
Can I take my course hours in the evening and/or on the weekend and could weekly lessons or semi-intensive be possible?
Yes, please select these options when you are booking on the website.
Can I choose the number of hours I do per day?
Our courses are flexible. You can adjust your schedule together with your instructor and/or Bristol Intensives.
What is included within the course hours?
Within the course hours, the training and the practical test time is included. The return journey once you have finished the test is also included. Breaks are also included within the time frame of the session as they would be during any other type of training day.
Which car do I use for the test?
You will use the same car for the duration of the course and the driving test, this will be provided by the driving instructor.
Can I reduce the number of hours that I have already paid for?
It depends on the reasons why. Once the course is scheduled it forms part of your instructors working hours so it would have to be a valid reason and you would have to get agreement from the instructor.
Can I add more hours later?
Yes, if you feel you may need more hours please contact the office and we can discuss and arrange it for you.
I’m not sure if an intensive course is the correct choice for me as I am a very nervous driver.
The DVSA recommend a minimum of 45 hours tuition with a qualified driving instructor, plus another 45 hours of private practice with an experienced driver. A complete beginner should start with the 45 hour course. To calculate the hours required, deduct the amount of driving instructor hours you have had from 45 and then choose the course with appropriate amount of hours. For example: 10 hours driving experience with an instructor minus from 45 = a 35hr course.
Which course should I choose?
We welcome nervous drivers at Bristol Intensives. We will never rush you but instead, take the learning at a pace that suits you. Throughout your course, your instructor will pay careful attention to your progress, providing the guidance you need to help you become a safe and confident driver.
Do you guarantee a pass?
Bristol Intensives cannot offer a guaranteed pass, this is due to things like pupil nerves and pressure on the day of the test. Our instructors will ensure that you are fully confident and prepared for the test.
Cost & Payments
How much will it cost me?
Our course prices vary by length, transmission, and whether you choose to include a theory and/or practical test as part of your booking. For full details visit our prices page.
How do I pay for the Bristol Intensives course?
You can pay for your Bristol Intensives course with Credit card, Debit card, Bank Transfer or Cash.
Can I pay in instalments?
Unfortunately, this facility is not currently available. The deposit is paid when you book the course and the final balance is due 2 weeks prior to the course start date. If the course includes a theory test, the course balance will be due as soon as you have passed the theory. There are no hidden charges, the price stated on the website when you book the course is the price and is inclusive of VAT.
Theory Tests
Do you offer theory tuition?
Unfortunately, Bristol Intensives do not at the present time. Please click here to access free online training aids.
There are many apps for both Android and iOS smartphones for example: Driving Theory Test and Official Theory Test Kit.
Who books the theory test?
Bristol Intensives can book your theory test choosing a location and time that suits you for £35. We can find earlier test dates using our fast track service. Please note, you can book the theory test yourself for £23 on the Government website. Please click here to go to the website. If you do fail, you still have the option to book the test yourself or you can use Bristol Intensives’s fast tracking system for £35.
Can I book my theory test before I book the practical test?
Unfortunately not. You can book a Bristol Intensives course without having passed your theory. You must, however, have passed your theory test before you can book a practical test. Bristol Intensives can book your theory for you as part of your course for an additional cost of £35.
Practical Tests
Can I still take a Bristol Intensives crash course if I already have a test booked?
Yes you can, however we will have to check if any of our instructors are available to take you for that particular date and time.
We can also get you an earlier test using our fast tracking system.
I need a weekend test!
Not all test centres offer weekend tests so this may take some time to secure, please note that weekend tests cost £13 more than weekday tests.
How soon can you get me a test?
It’s usually possible to get you a test within just a few weeks depending on your availability. If you’re only free at very specific times, or you’re taking a very long course, then you may have to wait a little bit longer. During the pandemic, test waiting times are reaching up to 6 months so it may take a little longer than a few weeks right now.
Do the examiners provide a car for the test?
No! You’ll be taking your practical test in the same car you’ll take lessons in throughout your course.
What if I fail my test?
If you don’t pass Bristol Intensives can help to make sure you get your licence next time around. We have the 5-hour retest course with the free practical test offer you can take, we will also guarantee that you can take your new course with the same instructor and at the same test centre.
Will my instructor be fully qualified?
At Bristol Intensives, we only use driving instructors who are fully qualified to DVSA - UK Government Driver and Vehicle Standard Agency standards. We never use trainee driving instructors so you can have peace of mind that when you take your crash driving course, it will always be with a fully qualified instructor.