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Some instructors covering Chester-le-street
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Susan
Susan Dobson has been running Breeze Driving since 2004, helping countless people become safe and confident drivers. She's known for being patient, f…
Geoff
Geoff is a friendly, down to earth driving instructor based in Durham city centre, with over 8 years of experience helping people become safe, confid…
Gary
Gary Greenup is a fully qualified Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) with 19 years of experience. In that time he's helped nearly 1,000 learners becom…
Tony
Tony is the founder and lead instructor of Chester le Street Driver Training. He has a disciplined but friendly style and teaches learners across Che…
Ian
Ian McQuillan is a fully qualified Grade A Approved Driving Instructor with over 19 years of experience, running his own driving school in County Dur…
Abi
Abi Sanders is an independent driving instructor based in Gateshead, offering flexible lessons across the local area. She runs Drive With Abi (ABIGAI…
Colin
Colin Mitcheson runs Enigma Driving, a friendly driving school based in Newcastle upon Tyne. He offers relaxed, one-to-one lessons for all levels, fr…
David
Hi, I'm David Evans. I run Passport Driving School, and I've been teaching people to drive around Newcastle and the North East for a good while now. …
Peter
Peter Edney is a fully qualified Government Approved Driving Instructor running his own independent LDC driving school in Newcastle Upon Tyne. He's b…
Neal
Neal Nonas is a friendly, fully qualified driving instructor based in Newcastle. He runs his own independent LDC driving school and has been speciall…
Learning to Drive in Chester-le-street
Learning to drive in Chester-le-Street means practising in a compact market town with a busy Front Street and quick on-ramps to the A167. Roads swing from slow high street traffic to faster dual carriageways and motorway slips, so you get a bit of everything in a short drive. Lessons suit learners who want frequent practice on roundabouts and merges rather than long rural stretches. Local instructors focus on test routes that usually head towards Durham and the A1(M).
Nearest Test Centre: Durham
The nearest DVSA test centre is in Durham, about 7.6 miles away, so expect a 15 to 25 minute drive depending on traffic. Test routes from Durham often include dual carriageway work and junctions leading to the A167 and A1(M). Durham has a pass rate of 60.1%, Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025. The centre ran 6,690 tests in 2024-2025, so bookings are steady throughout the year.
Data source: DVSA (2024-2025)
Pass Rate Analysis
Durham's pass rate of 60.1% compares favourably with the national average of 47.3%, Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025. Male candidates at Durham passed at 64.9% while female candidates passed at 56.2%, Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025. Nearby Gateshead had a pass rate of 42.7% and Newcastle (Heaton) was 27.1%, Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025. That spread suggests local test routes and centre demand affect outcomes as much as individual ability.
Local Driving Tips
Start lessons on Front Street so you get used to parked cars, narrow lanes and pedestrian crossings. Move on to the A167 for dual carriageway experience and practice merging onto A1(M) slips to build confidence at higher speeds. Work on roundabout technique at the town's northern junctions, and practice hill starts around residential streets off Station Road. Time lessons to avoid school pick-up and shift times when traffic and bus movement increase. Try a mock test that finishes at the Durham test centre so you know the route and parking there.
Choosing an Instructor in Chester-le-street
Choose an instructor whose teaching style, transmission, location and availability suit you. We ask suitable instructors for their current lesson terms and show the exact price in the offer before you decide.
Getting Started
Apply for your provisional driving licence online before you start lessons. Book and pass the theory test, then arrange regular lessons with a local instructor who knows Durham test routes. When your instructor feels you are ready, book a practical test at Durham and consider a mock test beforehand to familiarise yourself with the route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last reviewed: February 2026
Guides for Chester-le-street
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