How long does it usually take to learn to drive around Braintree?

Learning time varies by pupil, but expect to spend time on town streets, the A120 and nearby rural lanes. Regular lessons and targeted practice on dual carriageways speed progress.

How much do lessons cost in Braintree?

No average price is provided for Braintree, so lesson costs depend on the instructor, car type and lesson length. Ask any instructor for their hourly rate and block-booking discounts.

Do tests at Chelmsford use dual carriageways or mainly urban roads?

Tests from Chelmsford (Hanbury Road) commonly include both suburban roads and sections of faster A-roads or dual carriageways in the surrounding area. Practise on both types of road before your test.

Are test slots at Chelmsford easy to get?

Chelmsford ran about 1,167 tests in the latest year, so slots are available but can fill up during busy periods. Book early and contact your instructor about cancellations that might free up nearer dates. Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025.

How much do driving lessons cost?

Driving lesson prices vary by location and instructor, typically ranging from £30 to £45 per hour. Many instructors offer discounted rates for block bookings of 10 or more lessons. First lessons are often discounted to help you get started.

How many driving lessons will I need to pass?

Most learners need between 40 to 50 hours of professional tuition, plus around 20 hours of private practice. However, this varies based on your confidence, how quickly you learn, and how often you practice between lessons.

Should I learn in a manual or automatic car?

If you pass in an automatic, you can only drive automatic cars. Passing in a manual gives you the flexibility to drive both. Automatics are easier to learn in and becoming more popular, especially with electric vehicles on the rise.

How do I book my driving test?

You can book your practical driving test online through the DVSA website or by calling their booking line. You will need your provisional licence number and your theory test pass certificate number. Tests cost £62 on weekdays or £75 on evenings and weekends.

What should I look for in a driving instructor?

Look for a fully qualified ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) with good reviews. Consider their availability, the type of car they use, their teaching style, and whether they offer the lesson times you need. A good instructor should be patient, clear in their explanations, and make you feel comfortable.

Can I use my own car for driving lessons?

Most instructors prefer to use their own dual-controlled vehicles for safety reasons. However, some may offer lessons in your car for an additional fee. You would need to ensure your car is properly insured for learner driver use.

Find My Instructor Search

Find a driving instructor in Braintree without chasing people one by one.

Learning to drive in Braintree mixes quiet market-town streets with faster A-road stretches. Lessons often move from the town centre onto the A120 and A131, so you get a range of conditions early on. Weekend traffic can be light, while weekday peak times bring lorry traffic toward the industrial areas. You'll find a mix of residential turns and rural lanes to practise hazard awareness.

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Covering Braintree

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1 instructors

Typical price

Price confirmed before payment

Average rating

4.7 / 5

Nearest test centre

Chelmsford (Hanbury Road)

Local instructor proof

We check availability so you do not have to chase.

These profiles help show the local instructor pool. Your main route is still to start a free search and let us confirm who can actually take you on.

Jim

Braintree

4.7

Manual

Jim runs James School of Motoring, which has been teaching learners in the Braintree area since 1980, so you're getting over ...

Evenings Weekends

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Local snapshot

Area covered: Braintree
Visible instructors: 1
Booking fee only: £18.99 to £34.99
Nearest test centre: Chelmsford (Hanbury Road)

In Braintree

We confirm lesson price, start date, and how you will pay the instructor directly before any booking fee is charged.

The nearest test centre is Chelmsford (Hanbury Road) with an overall pass rate of 42.5%.

Questions people ask

Finding a driving instructor in Braintree

How far is the nearest test centre from Braintree? +

Chelmsford (Hanbury Road) is about 10.5 miles from Braintree by road. Travel time depends on traffic, so leave extra time for peak hours and roadworks.

What is the pass rate at Chelmsford (Hanbury Road)? +

Chelmsford (Hanbury Road) has a pass rate of 42.5% for the 2024-2025 period. Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025.

Are male or female candidates doing better at the local test centre? +

Male candidates at Chelmsford (Hanbury Road) pass at about 46.2%, while female candidates pass at about 39.4% for 2024-2025. Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025.

How many driving instructors are listed in Braintree? +

There is one listed driving instructor in the immediate Braintree area. That means you may need to travel out of town for more options.

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