Why is Durham's pass rate higher than Darlington and Gateshead?

Durham's pass rate is 60.1%, while Darlington is 46% and Gateshead is 42.7%, Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025. Differences can reflect the mix of test routes, candidate preparation and local testing conditions.

Will my driving test in Durham include rural roads near Cockfield?

Test routes at Durham cover both urban and rural areas, so you may encounter narrow lanes similar to those around Cockfield. Train on local B-roads and city streets to prepare for the variety you'll face.

Do male and female pass rates differ at Durham?

Yes, at Durham male candidates pass at 64.9% and female candidates pass at 56.2%, Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025. These are the reported figures for the 2024-2025 data year.

How long will it take me to learn to drive in this area?

Learning time varies a lot by individual, how often you practise and how you respond to lessons. Regular weekly lessons plus private practice on local lanes and A-roads will speed progress, but there is no fixed timetable for everyone.

Should I choose Durham or Darlington for my test?

Durham is closer at 10.7 miles and has a higher pass rate at 60.1%, Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025. Darlington is further and reports a 46% pass rate, Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025, so consider which centre's routes match your training.

Will my instructor drive me to the test centre in Durham on test day?

Many instructors offer to drive pupils to the test centre, but you must check with your instructor first. Since Cockfield has only one listed instructor, confirm any extra charges and pickup arrangements well before your test.

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 Cockfield without chasing people one by one.

Learning to drive in Cockfield means a lot of quiet, rural practice before you head into busier roads. Lessons mix narrow country lanes with short runs on the A1(M) and A690 when you need experience on faster roads. Local driving has a village feel, with farm traffic and undulating terrain to get used to. Most learners take their tests in Durham, so expect lessons that prepare you for both rural and city conditions.

Start free instructor search

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 Cockfield

instructors we may be able to check for you

Manual coverage

Automatic coverage

What we confirm before any fee

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

Free to start

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.

Local proof, not guesswork

Local lesson prices currently range from £39 to £39 per hour, paid directly to your instructor.

You can prioritise a name

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

£39 to £39/hr

Average rating

5.0 / 5

Nearest test centre

Durham

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.

Andy

Bishop Auckland

5.0

Manual + automatic From £39/hr

Andy McDonald is a very experienced DVSA-recognised top-tier driving instructor and co-leads The Driving Academy in Bishop Au...

Evenings Weekends

Check Andy 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.

We secure real availability

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

You review the offer before paying

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: Cockfield
Visible instructors: 1
Booking fee only: £18.99 to £34.99
Nearest test centre: Durham

In Cockfield

Local lesson prices currently range from £39 to £39 per hour, paid directly to your instructor.

The nearest test centre is Durham with an overall pass rate of 60.1%.

Questions people ask

Finding a driving instructor in Cockfield

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

The nearest DVSA test centre is Durham, about 10.7 miles from Cockfield. Expect a drive via the A1(M) and A690 and allow extra time on test day.

What is the pass rate at Durham test centre? +

Durham has a 60.1% pass rate for the 2024-2025 data year, Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025. That is higher than the national average of 47.3%, Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025.

Are there many instructors in Cockfield? +

Cockfield currently lists one instructor, so availability can be limited. Book lessons early and check whether that instructor can take you to Durham for your test.

How much do lessons cost around Cockfield? +

Average lesson cost in the area is about £39 per hour. Prices can vary by instructor experience, block-booking discounts, and any charges for lengthy travel to a test centre.

Start in Cockfield

Tell us what you need. We'll find the instructor.

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.