Is it permissible to combine the Dhuhr and Asr prayers due to driving lessons that extend from after Dhuhr until Maghrib?

The fundamental principle is that prayer must be performed within its prescribed time, and it is not permissible to delay it or combine it with another prayer except for a valid excuse, such as travel, rain, or fear. The majority of scholars do not permit combining two prayers for a need, whereas some scholars, like Ibn Taymiyyah, permitted it due to hardship and occupation, and Ibn Sirin permitted it on the condition that it not become a habit. Accordingly, it is permissible for you to combine the Asr prayer with the Dhuhr prayer if it is difficult to perform it at its due time because of your need to learn driving. However, if it is possible to perform it at its due time, then combining them is not permissible. It is important to note that it is not permissible to learn driving with a non-mahram male instructor to avoid the forbidden seclusion (khalwa) in Islamic law, and that you should be accompanied by one of your mahrams or some women during the training.