Frequently asked questions

You need to be at least 17 years old and hold a UK provisional driving licence. That’s it — we’ll take care of the rest.

Manual lessons are £88 for a two-hour lesson (£430 for a 10-hour block) and automatic lessons are £92 for a two-hour lesson (£450 for a 10-hour block). Two-hour lessons are how we teach — you make much faster progress than in single hours. Prices can vary slightly by area, so get in touch and we’ll talk you through the best option.

It varies from pupil to pupil, but the DVSA suggests it takes on average 45 hours of lessons plus 22 hours of private practice to be ready for your driving test.

We cover Newton Abbot, Kingsteignton, Torquay, Paignton, Teignmouth, Totnes, Exeter, Dawlish, Ashburton, Buckfastleigh and the surrounding areas. If you live nearby, get in touch and we’ll check if we can book you in.

Yes — automatic lessons are £92 for a two-hour lesson in a Mercedes A-Class plug-in hybrid. See our automatic driving lessons page for more information.

Yes, from a 12-hour Long Weekend to a 40-hour Fortnighter. See our intensive driving course page for options and prices.

Yes — if you’d feel more comfortable learning with a female instructor, just let us know when booking. See our female driving instructor page for more.

No, you can start driving lessons before passing your theory test. Your instructor will help with your theory practice, and you get free online theory practice as one of our extras.

You book your theory test on the government website at gov.uk/book-theory-test. Your instructor will tell you when you’re ready.

You book your practical test yourself with the DVSA at gov.uk/book-driving-test. Your instructor will tell you when you’re at test standard and advise on picking a sensible date.

Your instructor will introduce themselves, check your provisional licence and your eyesight (you must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres), then get you moving. If you’re brand new, you’ll cover the controls and moving off and stopping. If you have experience, they’ll assess your level and build your plan from there.

Your provisional driving licence, plus payment if you haven’t already paid. A bottle of water is a good idea too — nerves can give you a dry mouth!

Card payment, cash or bank transfer. All our instructors are self-employed, so once you’ve started you can agree the easiest option with them. Payment is due 48 hours before a lesson to confirm the booking.

Anything from 1.5 hours a week up to an intensive course. For weekly learning we recommend 1–2 lessons per week of 1.5–2 hours each — hour-long lessons make progress slow and usually cost more in the long run.

Not with us. We have lots of experience with anxious learners; every instructor is calm, patient and trained in techniques to settle nerves. You also get free access to an online course aimed at nervous drivers as one of our extras.

The practical driving test lasts around 35–40 minutes. We offer mock tests on real Newton Abbot test routes so you know exactly how it feels before the big day.

Yes — home, college or work is fine, as long as it’s within the area your instructor covers.

Yes, as long as your insurance covers driving lessons. Your instructor may want to do an assessment lesson in their car first.

Usually, yes. Most visitors can drive in the UK on a foreign licence for 12 months after becoming resident. EU/EEA licence holders can generally drive until age 70 (or for 3 years after becoming resident, if longer). Licences from designated countries (including Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa and others) can be exchanged for a UK licence without a test. Otherwise you’ll need a UK provisional licence and a UK test — we can help with the process. Check gov.uk for your specific situation as rules vary by country.

Yes — dual carriageways are an important part of learning. We’ll build your skills first so you’re ready for the higher speeds, then get plenty of practice on the A38 and A380.

Yes, but only with a driving instructor in a dual-controlled car — not on private practice. We incorporate motorway lessons and head onto the M5 near Exeter.

Yes — pass your test in a manual and you can drive both. Pass in an automatic and you’re licensed for automatics only.

Two years. You need to pass your practical test within two years of passing your theory, or you’ll have to take the theory again.

Apply on the government website at gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence. You can apply from age 15 years and 9 months.

Yes! Your instructor will answer questions and give pointers during lessons, and you get free online theory practice as one of our extras.