The Christmas holidays are often associated with relaxation, festive cheer, and spending time with loved ones. But if you’ve got a driving test coming up – or you’re aiming to book one early in the new year – this quieter period can be the perfect opportunity to get ahead with your preparation. With fewer day-to-day commitments like school, university or work, you’re more likely to have the time and headspace to focus on your driving.

At Surrey Driving Force, we find that December is one of the most productive times for learner drivers. Whether you’re working towards your first attempt or trying to boost your confidence before a re-test, the festive break offers valuable time to concentrate on your skills and polish up your weaker areas.

Book Lessons While Availability Lasts

Although it’s a great time to learn, lesson availability can become limited as the Christmas period approaches. Many instructors take some time off, and test centre closures over the holidays mean demand for pre-Christmas driving slots can increase. It’s important to get your lessons booked in early, especially if you want to maintain momentum or take advantage of quieter roads.

At Surrey Driving Force, our instructors work with you to arrange a flexible schedule throughout December and early January, ensuring you get the practice you need during this crucial time.

Use the Holidays to Target Specific Skills

If you’ve already had several lessons or are approaching test standard, now is the time to focus on the skills you feel less confident with. Whether it’s parallel parking, hill starts, roundabouts or clutch control, the Christmas break is ideal for booking targeted lessons to refine your technique. Use your time wisely by setting goals with your instructor and working on the areas that might otherwise cost you a pass.

You could also request a mock test under real conditions – this is something we strongly recommend at Surrey Driving Force, as it helps identify both technical and mental blocks before the actual exam.

Practise with a Supervisor, If Possible

For learners who have access to a family member or friend who meets the DVSA’s supervision requirements (over 21 years old and holding a full UK driving licence for 3+ years), the holidays can be a good opportunity for private practice. Less traffic on the roads and more flexible schedules mean you can build confidence in real-world settings and reinforce what you’ve learned in lessons.

Be sure to use a vehicle insured for learner drivers and always display L plates. If you’re unsure what’s permitted, your instructor can guide you on safe and legal private practice.

Don’t Forget the Theory

Your practical test preparation should go hand in hand with theory revision – especially if you’ve not yet passed your theory test. Use the downtime during the holidays to complete practice tests, focus on the Highway Code, and work on your hazard perception skills. There are several DVSA-approved apps and online resources that make it easy to learn from the comfort of home.

If you’ve already passed the theory but are feeling rusty, it’s still worth refreshing your memory. A strong grasp of road rules and signs will help boost your confidence during lessons and ensure your practical driving reflects good decision-making.

Take Weather and Daylight into Account

December presents its own set of challenges, from icy roads to limited daylight. But instead of avoiding these conditions, view them as opportunities to prepare for your test under more demanding circumstances. If you can drive confidently in winter, you’ll be more than ready for test day – whatever the weather.

Make sure you attend lessons at different times of the day if possible – early morning and late afternoon light levels vary significantly in December, and it’s a good idea to get used to different levels of visibility. Your instructor at Surrey Driving Force will help you adjust your driving accordingly and teach you how to use your vehicle’s lights effectively.

Don’t Let Nerves Build Up Over the Holidays

It’s natural to feel nervous before a driving test – especially when you’ve got a bit of a gap over Christmas. But don’t let this break shake your confidence. Stay positive, and continue thinking like a driver even when you’re not in the car. Watch others on the road, visualise how you would react in certain situations, and stay mentally engaged with what you’ve learnt.

If your test is scheduled for early January, we suggest booking a final refresher lesson just before test day. This can help calm your nerves, warm up your skills, and put you in the best mindset to succeed.

Stay Healthy and Well-Rested

With so much going on during Christmas, it’s easy to forget about looking after yourself. But good sleep, hydration, and a healthy diet can have a big impact on your driving ability and focus. Avoid turning up to a lesson or test feeling groggy or distracted – especially after a big night out. You’ll perform best when you’re alert and well-rested.

Taking care of your wellbeing over the festive period ensures you stay sharp behind the wheel and ready to take on any challenges.

In Summary

Preparing for your driving test during the Christmas holidays can be a smart and effective use of your time. From quieter roads and flexible scheduling to targeted practice and valuable winter experience, there are many reasons to take advantage of this festive window. Whether you’re aiming to pass your test early in the new year or just looking to build confidence, Surrey Driving Force is here to support you every step of the way.

To book your driving lessons this December, contact our friendly team today – and take the next step towards passing with confidence in 2026.