How to Fix a Pothole in a Driveway
Bitumen and asphalt driveways, done once
To fix a pothole in a bitumen or asphalt driveway, sweep out the loose material, fill the hole with Asphalt in a Bag 7 or 10 Gauge, over-fill slightly and compact it firmly. The car can go back on the driveway as soon as you’ve finished.
By the Permanent Pothole Solutions team · Updated 26 October 2026
Driveways take a lot of punishment from tight turns, heavy vehicles and water running off roofs and lawns. Potholes usually start where water pools or where the edge has no support.
Choosing the gauge for a driveway
7 Gauge compacts to 17.5–28mm and suits shallow driveway holes and footpaths. 10 Gauge compacts to 25–40mm and suits most deeper potholes.
Step by step
- Clear the hole. Remove loose stones, dirt and broken asphalt. Standing water can stay — the mix displaces it as it’s compacted.
- Build up deep holes. Lay and compact a base course of sand and stone first.
- Pour. Tip Asphalt in a Bag straight from the bag and spread it evenly.
- Over-fill slightly. Leave the mix a little proud of the surface to allow for compaction.
- Compact, crown, compact again. Tamp firmly, shape a slight crown, then compact once more. Open to traffic immediately.
Finishing touches
Crown the patch slightly so water runs off it rather than pooling. If there are cracks around the hole, seal them with Rubberised Crack Filler to stop the next pothole forming. For broken edges, see fixing crumbling bitumen edges.
10 Gauge Mix
View product →DIY pothole repair guideHow to Fix a Pothole
Read the guide →The one step not to skip
Compaction is what makes a repair permanent. Curing is activated by impact, and a dense, tightly compacted patch keeps water out — the thing that caused the pothole in the first place. Over-fill slightly, compact firmly, crown the patch, then compact again.
Choosing the right gauge
| Mix | Compacted lift | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Gauge | 12.5–20mm | Shallow repairs and fine finishes (made to order) |
| 7 Gauge | 17.5–28mm | Driveways, footpaths, shallow potholes |
| 10 Gauge | 25–40mm | All-purpose pothole and road repairs |
| 14 Gauge | 35–56mm | Deeper potholes and heavy-duty repairs |
Coverage at a glance
- 15kg bag/bucket ≈ 0.13 m² at 50mm
- 20kg bag/bucket ≈ 0.17 m² at 50mm
- 1 tonne bulk bag ≈ 8.7 m² at 50mm
Need an exact number? Use the Asphalt Calculator.
Why Asphalt in a Bag
- Permanent. Expands and contracts with the road surface, so the patch moves with the pavement instead of breaking away.
- Cures on impact. Curing is activated by compaction — tamp it or roll it and it sets.
- Bonds to anything. Adheres to asphalt, concrete, steel and even wood.
- Any weather. Apply from -26°C to 49°C, in rain, or straight into a pothole full of water.
- No tack coat. No pre-coating or priming. Open, pour, compact.
- Traffic-ready. Application is up to five times faster, and it can take traffic immediately.
Related
How to Fix a Pothole in a Driveway FAQs
Do I need to dry the hole first?
What can I compact it with?
How deep should a pothole repair be?
Fix it once.
Fix it permanently.
Talk to our team about Asphalt in a Bag, Rubberised Crack Filler and bulk supply.