What Are Intensive Driving Lessons?

Intensive driving lessons are lessons scheduled close together, several a week instead of one, so new skills stick between sessions. They can suit:

• adults with a deadline, such as a new job that needs a license
• licensed drivers from other countries who need to learn New York rules
• students preparing to retake a road test

How Fast Can You Get a License in NY?

Lessons can be intensive, but the DMV steps still come in order:

1. Get your learner permit. You need it before you drive on the road.
2. Complete the 5-hour pre-licensing course. You can take it any time before you book your road test. Our 5-hour pre-licensing course is $50.
3. If you are under 18, wait at least six months after getting your permit and complete 50 hours of supervised practice, including 15 after sunset.
4. Book your road test. The DMV says the earliest date is usually within 3 to 5 weeks, and up to 10 weeks at peak times.

Need a date sooner? Read how to get a road test date sooner with our Rush and Super Rush options.

Building an Intensive Lesson Plan

Every student is different, but a typical intensive plan moves through these stages:

1. Quiet streets: controls, starting, stopping and steering.
2. Turns, stops and right-of-way at intersections.
3. Busier traffic: lane changes, mirrors and scanning.
4. Parking: parallel parking, three-point turns and backing up.
5. Highway driving, if you need it, with our highway driving lessons.
6. Road test practice: a full mock test with feedback.

Intensive Lesson Bundles and Prices

Bundles and longer lessons help you practice more in less time. Prices vary by location. Here are our Queens prices as an example:

See every location on our lesson bundles and packages page. If you are starting from zero, our beginner driving lessons include packages with the 5-hour course and a road test with a car. You can also add our road test service with a car.

Is an Intensive Course Right for You?

Intensive lessons help most when you can practice often and have time to rest between sessions. If you feel overwhelmed, spacing lessons out a little is fine. Not sure how much practice you need? Read how many driving lessons you need.

Intensive Driving Lessons FAQ

How long does an intensive driving course take?

It depends on your experience and on the DMV steps above, including the wait for a road test date.

Can I take intensive lessons without a learner permit?

No. You need a valid learner permit to drive on the road.

How much do intensive driving lessons cost?

In Queens, a single 90-minute lesson is $125, a 10 Lesson Bundle is $630 and a 20 Lesson Bundle is $1,210. Prices vary by location.

Can I get a road test date faster?

Yes. Our Rush road test appointment (within 3 to 4 weeks) is $100 and Super Rush (within 7 business days) is $150. See road test services.

What if I fail my road test?

The DMV says you must wait at least 14 days to take the test again. If you booked a road test with a car through us, a reschedule fee may apply.

Intensive driving lessons in NYC can help you get road-ready sooner. Pick a bundle, book your first lesson and keep practicing.

Reviewed by

Michael, Professional Driving Instructor at Drive Rite Academy.

How we made this guide

We checked the DMV rules in this guide on the official New York pages listed below in October 2026. Rules can change, so check the linked pages before you go. If you spot something out of date, let us know and we will fix it.

Sources: NY DMV, Schedule and Take a Road Test; NY DMV, Complete Pre-Licensing Requirements.