1. Henley School of Motoring
City/Town: Reading
Postal Code: RG4 5ED
Street Address: 20 Hampden Rd
Country: England, UK
2. A.I.M Driving School
City/Town: Bradford
Postal Code: BD6 1ET
Street Address: 34 Cloverville Approach
Country: England, UK
3. 1st Choice Driving School
City/Town: Weymouth
Postal Code: DT4 9LJ
Street Address: 11 Southdown Rd
Country: England, UK
4. All Aspects Driving School
City/Town: Enfield
Postal Code: EN1 1PR
Street Address: 28 Cecil Avenue
Country: England, UK
5. Independence Driving School
City/Town: Newcastle Upon Tyne
Postal Code: NE15 7XN
Street Address: 10 Ormskirk Close
Country: England, UK
6. Castlecroft Driving School
City/Town: Wolverhampton
Postal Code: WV3 8LR
Street Address: 40 The Avenue
Country: England, UK
7. A&A Driving School
City/Town: Droitwich
Postal Code: WR9 7UA
Street Address: 9 Delmly Croft
Country: England, UK
8. Bayswater Driving School
City/Town: London
Postal Code: NW10 4DE
Street Address: 13 Drayton Rd
Country: England, UK
9. Ace Driving School
City/Town: East Cowes
Postal Code: PO32 6QD
Street Address: Vereker Drive
Country: England, UK
10. Gillians School of Motoring
City/Town: Bury St. Edmunds
Postal Code: IP30 9RY
Street Address: 5 Lanecroft
Country: England, UK
11. Artep Driving School
City/Town: Haverfordwest
Postal Code: SA61 2DJ
Street Address: 9 New Street
Country: England, UK
12. LOL Driving School
City/Town: Cupar
Postal Code: KY15 4LG
Street Address: 32 Bonnygate
Country: Scotland, UK
13. Pegasus Driving School
City/Town: Heywood
Postal Code: OL10 3HU
Street Address: 33 Bury Old Rd
Country: England, UK
14. BELT UP Driving School
City/Town: Preston
Postal Code: PR5 4TU
Street Address: 6 Wordsworth Place
Country: England, UK
15. CSC Driving School
City/Town: Birmingham
Postal Code: B44 8DR
Street Address: 22 Smithy Lane
Country: England, UK
16. Wee Driving School
City/Town: Whitley Bay
Postal Code: NE26 3RT
Street Address: 25 Green Lane
Country: England, UK
17. AB School of Driving
City/Town: Yarm
Postal Code: TS15 9AE
Street Address: 30 High Street
Country: England, UK
18. Paul’s Driving School
City/Town: Huntingdon
Postal Code: PE29 2AF
Street Address: The Huntingdon Boathaven, Bob the Boat
Country: England, UK
19. Regent Driving School
City/Town: Hartlepool
Postal Code: TS24 9SJ
Street Address: 18 Seaview Park Homes, Easington Rd
Country: England, UK
20. Dermot Faye Driving School
City/Town: Northallerton
Postal Code: DL6 2QP
Street Address: 4 Mill Hill Close
Country: England, UK
21. Dave Johnson Driver Training Ltd
City/Town: Morecambe
Postal Code: LA4 6TT
Street Address: 15 The Glade
Country: England, UK
22. JD Driving School
City/Town: Greenford
Postal Code: UB6 9EZ
Street Address: 18 Hurley Rd
Country: England, UK
23. Sky Driving School
City/Town: Ilford
Postal Code: IG3 8UL
Street Address: 23 Regent Gardens
Country: England, UK
24. Pass Master Driving School
City/Town: London
Postal Code: N20 9PU
Street Address: 13 Farnham Close
Country: England, UK
25. ABC Driving School
City/Town: Manchester
Postal Code: M19 2RA
Street Address: 15 Hillcrest Rd
Country: England, UK
26. Step Up Driving School
City/Town: Liverpool
Postal Code: L15 3JB
Street Address: 45 Ash Grove
Country: England, UK
27. G & C Driving School
City/Town: Grimsby
Postal Code: DN31 3TU
Street Address: 7 Larch Grove
Country: England, UK
28. Easy Pass Driving School
City/Town: Woking
Postal Code: GU21 5SN
Street Address: 17 Pinewood Close
Country: England, UK
29. Classic Driving School
City/Town: Nottingham
Postal Code: NG1 3AD
Street Address: 37 East Street
Country: England, UK
30. City Driving School
City/Town: Leicester
Postal Code: LE2 0PF
Street Address: 85 London Rd
Country: England, UK
31. Sunshine Driving School
City/Town: Reading
Postal Code: RG1 8DN
Street Address: 12 Sunset Close
Country: England, UK
32. ProDrive Driving School
City/Town: Bury
Postal Code: BL9 6ST
Street Address: 44 Main Rd
Country: England, UK
33. Gold Star Driving School
City/Town: Sheffield
Postal Code: S9 1QP
Street Address: 68 Meadowbank Rd
Country: England, UK
34. Elite Driving School
City/Town: Southampton
Postal Code: SO18 6LU
Street Address: 19 West End Rd
Country: England, UK
35. Smart Start Driving School
City/Town: Newcastle
Postal Code: NE1 3AA
Street Address: 24 Wellington St
Country: England, UK
36. Route 66 Driving School
City/Town: Sheffield
Postal Code: S9 4WZ
Street Address: 51 Parkway Ave
Country: England, UK
37. Apex Driving School
City/Town: Liverpool
Postal Code: L1 4BJ
Street Address: 14 Bridgewater St
Country: England, UK
38. SurePass Driving School
City/Town: Manchester
Postal Code: M4 1LW
Street Address: 78 Oldham St
Country: England, UK
39. Motorway Driving School
City/Town: Bristol
Postal Code: BS6 6DJ
Street Address: 3 Ranelagh Rd
Country: England, UK
40. All Round Driving School
City/Town: Luton
Postal Code: LU4 0SR
Street Address: 59 Woodside Ave
Country: England, UK
41. Secure Driving School
City/Town: Exeter
Postal Code: EX2 4HR
Street Address: 20 Riverside Rd
Country: England, UK
42. First Choice Driving
City/Town: York
Postal Code: YO1 6PG
Street Address: 27 Queen St
Country: England, UK
43. ABC Motor School
City/Town: Warrington
Postal Code: WA1 2AR
Street Address: 8 Station Rd
Country: England, UK
44. Flash Driving School
City/Town: Blackpool
Postal Code: FY1 1HR
Street Address: 30 Church St
Country: England, UK
45. Right Way Driving School
City/Town: Leeds
Postal Code: LS8 5AN
Street Address: 50 Roundhay Rd
Country: England, UK
46. Zoom Driving School
City/Town: Harrogate
Postal Code: HG1 5QY
Street Address: 1 Park Lane
Country: England, UK
47. Ace Pass Driving School
City/Town: Oxford
Postal Code: OX4 3AP
Street Address: 14 Claremont Rd
Country: England, UK
48. Crest Driving School
City/Town: Leeds
Postal Code: LS3 1JP
Street Address: 26 Southbank
Country: England, UK
49. Rise Driving School
City/Town: Nottingham
Postal Code: NG6 0AF
Street Address: 12 Glenwood Cres
Country: England, UK
50. Silver Lining Driving School
City/Town: Bristol
Postal Code: BS3 5LQ
Street Address: 4 Cotswold Dr
Country: England, UK
Learning to drive is an essential milestone for many individuals in the UK. In England, driving lessons are widely available and are often the first step toward obtaining a full driving license. Driving lessons are offered by both independent instructors and driving schools, and they are designed to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to drive safely on the road. This guide will explore the process of taking driving lessons in England, including the requirements, types of lessons available, how to choose an instructor, and the cost of learning to drive.
The Importance of Driving Lessons
Driving lessons provide crucial instruction on the rules of the road, the mechanics of operating a vehicle, and how to respond to various driving conditions. Not only do they teach students how to drive, but they also ensure that they understand the legal requirements and safety measures needed to drive responsibly. As a result, driving lessons play a fundamental role in reducing accidents and improving road safety.
In England, the government has set clear guidelines for learning to drive, which include passing both a theory and a practical test. These steps are essential in ensuring that all drivers are well-prepared for the responsibilities of being on the road.
Eligibility and Requirements for Learning to Drive in England
Before you start taking driving lessons, there are a few essential requirements you must meet:
- Minimum Age: You must be at least 17 years old to take driving lessons in England. However, you can apply for a provisional driving license at the age of 16 if you have a disability and want to learn to drive a specially adapted vehicle.
- Provisional Driving License: You must have a valid provisional driving license before you can begin taking driving lessons. This allows you to drive on public roads with an approved instructor. To apply for a provisional license, you must be able to prove your identity and pass an eyesight test.
- Health Requirements: You need to meet certain health standards to ensure you are fit to drive. This includes having adequate vision (e.g., being able to read a number plate from a distance of 20 meters). If you have any medical conditions, you may need to declare them to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
- Theory Test: Although not a requirement to begin lessons, you will need to pass the theory test before you can take the practical driving test. The theory test consists of two parts: a multiple-choice exam on road safety and traffic laws, and a hazard perception test that assesses your ability to identify and react to potential hazards on the road.
Types of Driving Lessons in England
Driving lessons in England vary depending on the individual’s needs, schedule, and goals. Here are the most common types of driving lessons available:
1. Standard Driving Lessons
Standard driving lessons are usually conducted in a manual or automatic car. These lessons are one-on-one, with an instructor guiding you through the various skills required to drive safely. You will typically learn:
- Vehicle control, including steering, braking, and accelerating
- Observational skills, such as checking mirrors and blind spots
- Basic road signs, lane positioning, and traffic laws
- Maneuvers, such as parallel parking, reversing around a corner, and hill starts
- Emergency stopping and hazard avoidance techniques
The duration of each lesson is typically around 1 to 2 hours, though this can vary depending on the instructor.
2. Intensive Driving Courses
For individuals who want to learn to drive quickly, intensive driving courses are available. These courses are designed for students who are committed to taking a series of lessons over a short period, such as one or two weeks. The idea is to provide immersive training, allowing students to pass their practical test in a shorter timeframe. Intensive courses typically involve multiple hours of lessons each day.
These courses are ideal for those who want to learn to drive quickly and efficiently but require a greater financial investment due to the intensity of the program.
3. Refresher Driving Lessons
Refresher courses are designed for people who may have held a license in the past but need to regain confidence or update their skills. This could include those who have not driven for several years, have recently passed their test but lack confidence, or want to improve specific aspects of their driving, such as motorway driving or parking.
Refresher lessons are also helpful for individuals who have had a bad driving experience or want to drive in more challenging conditions.
4. Pass Plus Course
The Pass Plus scheme is an optional course that can be taken after passing your practical test. This course aims to improve driving skills further by covering more advanced topics that are not typically part of the standard driving test. It includes modules on:
- Driving in different weather conditions (e.g., snow, rain)
- Night driving
- Driving on motorways
- Driving in rural areas and town centers
Although taking the Pass Plus course is not mandatory, completing it can help new drivers become more confident on the road and reduce the risk of accidents. Additionally, some insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who have completed the Pass Plus course.
Choosing a Driving Instructor
Choosing the right driving instructor is one of the most important decisions when learning to drive. A good instructor can help you learn quickly and confidently, while a bad experience can slow your progress. Here are some tips for finding the right instructor:
- Check Qualifications: All driving instructors in England must be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Look for instructors who are fully qualified and have a good track record.
- Experience and Reputation: Ask for recommendations from friends or family, or look for online reviews to get a sense of the instructor’s teaching style and effectiveness. A good instructor should be patient, clear, and able to tailor lessons to your learning pace.
- Car Type: If you’re learning to drive a manual transmission, ensure that your instructor uses a manual car. If you prefer an automatic, make sure they offer automatic driving lessons.
- Availability and Location: Consider the instructor’s availability and the location of lessons. Choose an instructor whose schedule aligns with yours and who operates in an area you’re comfortable driving in.
- Cost: The cost of driving lessons in England can vary depending on the location, instructor, and type of lessons. On average, you can expect to pay between £25 and £30 per hour for a standard driving lesson. Intensive courses or block bookings may cost more, but many instructors offer discounts for bulk bookings.
The Cost of Driving Lessons in England
The cost of driving lessons can vary based on several factors:
- Location: Driving lessons in larger cities, such as London, tend to be more expensive than in rural areas.
- Instructor Experience: Highly experienced instructors may charge higher rates.
- Type of Lesson: Intensive courses, automatic lessons, and Pass Plus courses may have higher fees than standard lessons.
On average, a learner can expect to pay:
- £25 to £30 per hour for a standard driving lesson
- £200 to £400 for an intensive course (depending on duration)
- £50 to £100 for the Pass Plus course (depending on location)
The Practical Driving Test
After completing your driving lessons and passing the theory test, the next step is to take the practical driving test. This test consists of a road test that lasts around 40 minutes, during which the examiner will assess your ability to drive safely and competently. The test includes:
- Basic vehicle control and handling
- Observing road signs and markings
- Performing specific maneuvers (e.g., parallel parking, reversing)
- Driving in a variety of traffic situations
If you pass the practical test, you will receive your full UK driving license, allowing you to drive independently.
Conclusion
Driving lessons in England are an essential part of becoming a competent and confident driver. With a wide range of options available—from standard lessons to intensive courses and refresher programs—there is something for every learner. Choosing the right instructor and understanding the costs involved will ensure that you receive the best possible education and guidance throughout your driving journey. Whether you’re learning to drive for the first time or refreshing your skills, taking driving lessons is an important step toward achieving road safety and independence.