What a driving lesson looks like
The order of the stages is set by the state programme, not by the school. How many lessons each stage takes is the instructor's call: a path, not a timetable.
What the rules set
- One academic hour
- 45 minutes
- An instructor's lesson
- 60 or 90 minutes — depends on the instructor
- Maximum per day
- 2 academic hours (90 minutes)
- Minimum for category B
- 20 academic hours
- Where training starts
- On a closed area (training ground)
Six stages in the programme
First lesson: getting to know the car
The car barely moves. The first lesson is about how to sit, what the mirrors show and where the controls are. Nothing else works without that.
- Adjusting the seat, mirrors and steering wheel
- Seat belt and head restraint
- Pedals, gearbox, parking brake
- Lights, indicators, wipers
In the programme the stage is called: «Sagatavošanās braukšanai un transportlīdzekļa vadības ierīču darbība»
Closed area: the first metres
By law the initial training happens on a closed area. There you can make mistakes without consequences and repeat one movement until it becomes automatic.
- Starting and stopping
- Changing gear
- Reversing
- Turning around and parking
In the programme the stage is called: «Braukšanas uzsākšana un vienkāršākie manevri norobežotā laukumā»
Quiet streets
The first drive off the training ground. There is traffic, but little of it: there is time to think before each action.
- Joining and leaving traffic
- Intersections with light traffic
- Distance and speed
- Pedestrian crossings
In the programme the stage is called: «Braukšana zemas intensitātes satiksmē»
Heavy traffic
Here there is no time to think — the action has to be chosen at once. This stage usually takes the most lessons.
- Changing lanes in dense traffic
- Controlled and roundabout intersections
- What to do when someone breaks the rules
- Driving in the city centre
In the programme the stage is called: «Braukšana augstas intensitātes satiksmē»
Outside town
Higher speed, longer braking and a different kind of attention: the decision comes before the manoeuvre itself.
- Speed and safe distance on the highway
- Overtaking
- Joining and leaving the highway
- Animals and narrow roads
In the programme the stage is called: «Braukšana ārpus apdzīvotām vietām»
In the dark
A compulsory part of the programme. In the dark everything changes: distances, colours, oncoming headlights.
- Dipped and main beam
- Judging distance in the dark
- Pedestrians without a reflector
- Being dazzled
In the programme the stage is called: «Braukšana tumsā»
Source: MK noteikumi Nr. 358, checked 2026-11-01
The last lessons: the exam
The last lessons work towards what CSDD actually checks. Below is what the exam is made of.
A question about the car
The examiner asks you to show or explain one thing: tyres, pressure, fluid levels, changing a wheel or one of the car's systems.
Driving in traffic, about 40 minutes
The main part. They assess how you fit into traffic and whether you create dangerous situations.
At least 5 minutes of independent driving
The examiner names the destination; you choose the route yourself.
Special manoeuvres
- Parallel parking
- Perpendicular parking
- Distance control at an obstacle
- Three-point turn
- Emergency braking
In the exam you perform two of five — the computer picks which.
Source: csdd.lv — Vadīšanas eksāmens, checked 2026-11-01
How many driving hours you will need
20 academic hours (45 minutes each) for category B is the legal minimum, not a plan. An instructor's lesson lasts 60 or 90 minutes, so there will be fewer lessons than hours. Those who need more, drive more; that is why prices on this site are shown with «from».