How many lessons to pass test, is it getting harder?

[gshughes]

In another thread, a driving instructor stated the following?
"... the average learner has 45 professional lessons ..."

This seems a lot, back in the day, my Dad taught me to drive, I had my first outing on my 17th birthday in the family Metro. After about 5 months of driving when on family outings etc, I took 6 lessons to learn how to pass the test, and passed it about a month later. If I remember correctly I felt ready for the test after about 4 lessons, but couldn't get a date for the test straight away, so had a couple more. I enjoy driving, but don't think I am an amazing driver. Has it really got so much harder since 1989? Would be interested to hear how many lessons it took others.

[Sycamore]

I passed my test two years ago today. I took my mums car for a few drives around a car park (NEVER take driving lessons from your Mum), and then took professional lessons. I think I took 8 lessons in total, a few of which were 2 hour lessons as opposed to the usual 1 hour.

Passed my test first time (only just..) and I'm by no means an exceptional driver.

[paranoid airbag]

The prevailing attitude today is that it's definitely best to supplement professional instruction with home instruction, rather than the other way around; I think the test is indeed harder, or rather easier to fail, so it's best to do most of the learning from someone who hasn't picked up bad habits.