Should I take my test at Launceston or a different nearby centre?

Launceston is closest and has a pass rate of 51.8%, which compares well to nearby Bodmin at 51.9% and Barnstaple at 46.8%, (Data source: DVSA 2024-2025). Choose based on travel time, available dates, and which route you feel most confident on.

Does Launceston show differences between male and female pass rates?

Yes, male candidates at Launceston pass at 54.2% while female candidates pass at 49.7%, (Data source: DVSA 2024-2025). Those figures reflect the test outcomes for 2024-2025, not individual likelihood.

How long will it take to learn to drive in Bude?

Time to learn varies by person and practice. Expect several months of lessons and local practice, especially since there is only one instructor in town and you may need extra time for mock runs to Launceston.

Will I need to drive to Launceston for my test day?

Yes, the practical test will take place at Launceston if you book the nearest centre, which is 17.4 miles away. Plan for travel time on the day and consider a practice drive to the centre beforehand, (Data source: DVSA 2024-2025).

Are test dates easy to get at Launceston?

Launceston handled 2,614 tests in 2024-2025, which shows regular throughput, (Data source: DVSA 2024-2025). Availability depends on demand and season, so book early and consider cancellation slots.

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 Bude without chasing people one by one.

Learning to drive in Bude means practising on coastal roads and quiet residential streets. You will get used to the A3073 links toward Stratton and the A39 through the area, plus narrow lanes with stone walls near the coast. Summer traffic and holiday parking can change the feel of lessons, so you learn to handle variable conditions.

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You pay the instructor directly for lessons. We only charge a small booking fee of £18.99 to £34.99 if we secure you a real start date, and it is refunded if you do not start on the agreed date.

Covering Bude

instructors we may be able to check for you

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Availability, lesson price, start date, and how you will pay the instructor directly.

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No upfront payment to submit your search. You pay the instructor directly for lessons, and we only charge a small booking fee if we secure a real start date.

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Local lesson prices currently range from £45 to £45 per hour, paid directly to your instructor.

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If a profile catches your eye, we can try that instructor first, then continue nearby if they are unavailable.

Area coverage

1 instructors

Typical price

£45 to £45/hr

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Ratings shown where available

Nearest test centre

Launceston

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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.

Clive

Bude

Manual From £45/hr

Clive Humphreys is a DVSA-approved driving instructor with over 20 years of experience. He has been teaching since April 1997...

Check Clive first View profile

How it works here

You tell us the shape of the lessons. We do the chasing.

Start with your postcode or town

Choose manual or automatic, tell us when you want to start, and add a preferred instructor if you already have one in mind.

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We only move forward with instructors who can cover your area and match the requirements you chose, including transmission and instructor preference where supplied.

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You see the confirmed lesson price, likely start date, and how you will pay the instructor directly. We only charge the small booking fee once you are happy to go ahead.

Local snapshot

Area covered: Bude
Visible instructors: 1
Booking fee only: £18.99 to £34.99
Nearest test centre: Launceston

In Bude

Local lesson prices currently range from £45 to £45 per hour, paid directly to your instructor.

The nearest test centre is Launceston with an overall pass rate of 51.8%.

Questions people ask

Finding a driving instructor in Bude

How far is the nearest driving test centre from Bude? +

Launceston is the nearest practical test centre, about 17.4 miles from Bude. It's the usual choice for local candidates and runs a steady number of tests each year, (Data source: DVSA 2024-2025).

What is the pass rate at Launceston test centre? +

Launceston has a 51.8% pass rate for practical tests, which is above the national average, (Data source: DVSA 2024-2025). The centre recorded 2,614 tests in 2024-2025, which helps with appointment availability, (Data source: DVSA 2024-2025).

Are there many driving instructors in Bude? +

There is currently one local driving instructor listed in Bude. That means you may need to book lessons well in advance and be prepared to travel for additional lesson options.

How much do lessons cost in Bude? +

The local average lesson price is around £45 per hour. Costs can rise for intensive courses, instructor travel, or mock tests at the test centre, so check what is included.

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Search is free to start. You pay the instructor directly for lessons, and we only charge the small booking fee after we have confirmed a real instructor, a start date, and the lesson details.