Intensive driving courses in Kent: prices, test booking and the small print
What a crash course costs in Kent, how national course sellers compare with local schools, and what "test included" or "fast-track test" can mean now that only the learner can book a car test.
Short answer
A 30-hour intensive course costs £1,080 to £1,815 on published Kent prices. Local schools charge about £36 to £46 an hour; the national course sellers we checked charge £47 to £61 an hour for the same 30 hours.
Since 12 May 2026 only the learner can book a car test. So a course "with a fast-tracked test" can now only mean help finding a cancellation: you'll book the test yourself, and nobody can guarantee a date. Check the deposit and refund terms before you pay.
30-hour courses compared
Manual, published prices. Some prices depend on your postcode; we've noted the one used.
| Provider | Type | 30 hours | Per hour | Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topclass Driving School | Local or regional school | £1,080 | £36 | Not stated |
| Start and Go Driving School | Local or regional school | £1,080 | £36 | Not included; you book it |
| Smart Drive UK | Local or regional school | £1,170 | £39 | Not stated |
| Kinetic Driving School | Local or regional school | £1,172 | £39 | £62 test fee included |
| LDC Driving Schools — sold by Kent LDC instructorsSemi-intensive, Maidstone (ME15) postcode | Local or regional school | £1,370 | £46 | Not included; you book it |
| PassMeFast"From" price, national | National course seller | £1,410 | £47 | Sold as including a test or test help |
| Intensive LessonsPrice for a Maidstone (ME15) postcode | National course seller | £1,699 | £57 | Sold as including a test or test help |
| Crash Courses Driving School | National course seller | £1,815 | £61 | Sold as including a test or test help |
"Test included" after the May 2026 rules
Since 12 May 2026, only the learner can book, change or cancel a car driving test, and nobody else may book one for you. Here's how the course sellers we checked describe the test now:
- PassMeFast says it can't book your test for you, and offers alerts and advice on when to look for one. Its first payment of £375 is non-refundable.
- Intensive Lessons still sells courses "including fast-tracked test", but its terms say that from 12 May you'll have to make the booking change yourself. Its £175 online deposit is non-refundable.
- Crash Courses Driving School still advertises a fast-track test booking service included in the price. Deposits are £296 to £549 depending on the course.
- Local schools such as Start and Go, LDC instructors and John Harvey say plainly that you book your own theory and practical tests on GOV.UK.
Before you pay for a course sold with a test, ask: who books it, what happens to the course if no test date is available, and whether you get money back for unused hours.
Is an intensive course right for you?
- It suits people who already have some experience, can take a week or two off, and have a test date booked or a realistic chance of one.
- It's risky for complete beginners: 30 hours in a week or two is tiring, and if you aren't ready by the test you'll need more lessons anyway.
- A semi-intensive course with a local school, spread over a few weeks, often costs less per hour and fits around a booked test date.
- Book your test first, then plan the course around it. Waits at Kent centres were about 5 to 15 weeks in September 2026. Kent test centres.
Protect your money
- Read the deposit and cancellation terms before you pay. Several national sellers make deposits non-refundable.
- Pay by credit card where you can: Section 75 covers purchases over £100.
- Never pay anyone who offers to book or sell you a test slot. Scams to watch for.
Common questions
How much is an intensive driving course in Kent?
A 30-hour course costs £1,080 to £1,815 on published prices. Local schools charge about £36 to £46 an hour; national course sellers £47 to £61.
Can an intensive course company book my driving test?
No. Since 12 May 2026 only the learner can book, change or cancel a car driving test. A course company can at most help you look for cancellations.
Are intensive driving course deposits refundable?
Often not. Several national course sellers make their deposit or first payment non-refundable, so read the terms before you pay.