Find a Driving Instructor in Dorchester

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Instructors
12
Avg Price
£36/hr
Nearest Test Centre
Gosforth (1.5 mi)
Test Centre Pass Rate
42.9%
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There are 12 driving instructors in Dorchester. Prices range from £30.00 to £40.00 per hour. The average rating is 5 stars from 14 reviews.

12
Instructors
£36/hr
Avg Price
5 / 5
14 Reviews
DVSA
Approved ADIs
Welcome to our Dorchester driving instructor directory. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, we can help you find the right instructor.

Our platform makes it easy to compare driving instructors in Dorchester and the surrounding areas. Browse profiles, check availability, read genuine reviews from past students, and send enquiries directly to instructors.

All instructors listed are fully qualified ADIs (Approved Driving Instructors) registered with the DVSA. Start your search today and take the first step towards getting on the road.
Local Instructor Proof

Some instructors covering Dorchester

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Cheryl Brett
8.6 mi

Cheryl

Marden
5.0
11 reviews
Manual 90 min

Cheryl Brett runs Turning Point Driving Tuition, an independent driving school in Kent that's been going strong since 2010. She's an Approved Driving…

Nervous Drivers Refresher Motorway
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Gary Greenup
4.9 mi

Gary

Gateshead
5.0
3 reviews
Manual 60 min Evenings + Weekends
Ford Fiesta

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…

Nervous Drivers Refresher Intensive Motorway +1
£34 /hour
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David Evans
3.6 mi

David

Newcastle
Manual & Auto 60 min Evenings + Weekends

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. …

Nervous Drivers Refresher Intensive Motorway +1
£30 /hour
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Peter Edney
3.6 mi

Peter

Newcastle Upon Tyne
Manual 60 min Weekends

Peter Edney is a fully qualified Government Approved Driving Instructor running his own independent LDC driving school in Newcastle Upon Tyne. He's b…

Intensive
£40 /hour
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Neal Nonas
3.6 mi

Neal

Newcastle
Manual 60 min Weekends

Neal Nonas is a friendly, fully qualified driving instructor based in Newcastle. He runs his own independent LDC driving school and has been speciall…

Intensive Pass Plus
£40 /hour
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Colin Mitcheson
3.7 mi

Colin

Newcastle upon Tyne
Manual 60 min Evenings + Weekends

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…

Refresher Pass Plus
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Dawn and Dave Evans
4.3 mi

Dawn

Newcastle upon Tyne
Manual & Auto 60 min Evenings + Weekends

Dawn and Dave Evans run Apollo School of Motoring, a trusted driving school in the North East. They've been teaching for over 30 years and have helpe…

Nervous Drivers Refresher Intensive Motorway +1
£37 /hour
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AS
4.3 mi

Abi

Gateshead
Manual & Auto 60 min Evenings + Weekends
Mini

Abi Sanders is an independent driving instructor based in Gateshead, offering flexible lessons across the local area. She runs Drive With Abi (ABIGAI…

Nervous Drivers Refresher Intensive Motorway +1
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Mark Fleet
6.1 mi

Mark

Manual 60 min
BMW Mini

Mark Fleet has been teaching people to drive for over 20 years and really knows his stuff. He set up Fleet School of Motoring in 2004 and since then …

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Ashley
8.1 mi

Ashley

North East
Manual & Auto 60 min

Ashley runs a driving school in the North East, offering manual and automatic lessons. He's got a team of qualified male and female instructors who f…

Refresher Motorway Pass Plus
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Brian English
8.8 mi

Brian

Whitley Bay
Manual 60 min

Brian English has been teaching people to drive for over 33 years. He qualified as a DSA Approved Driving Instructor in 1986 and since then he's help…

Nervous Drivers
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John Michael
8.9 mi

John

North Shields
Manual 60 min Evenings + Weekends

Hi, I'm John Michael. I've been running my driving school in North Shields since 2012, and I love helping people get on the road. I take a no-nonsens…

Nervous Drivers Refresher Motorway Pass Plus
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Learning to Drive in Dorchester

Learning to drive in Dorchester mixes quiet local streets with quick trips onto busier Newcastle roads. Lessons here tend to be local and focused, with just seven instructors working in the area. You will get plenty of practice on Gosforth High Street and the A167 when preparing for your test. Expect short drives to the nearest test centre and lessons that concentrate on junctions and roundabouts common to the North East.

Nearest Test Centre: Gosforth

Gosforth test centre is about 1.5 miles from Dorchester, so travel time is short for practical tests. The centre runs around 1,067 tests a year, so appointments are regular. Gosforth's pass rate is 42.9% (Data source: DVSA 2024-2025), with male and female splits of 46.8% and 39.4% respectively (Data source: DVSA 2024-2025). Expect local routes that use the Great North Road and the A167 during your test.

42.9%
Overall Pass Rate
46.8%
Male Pass Rate
39.4%
Female Pass Rate
1.5 mi
Distance

Data source: DVSA (2024-2025)

Pass Rate Analysis

Gosforth's pass rate of 42.9% sits below the national average of 47.3% (Data source: DVSA 2024-2025). Male learners pass at 46.8% while female learners pass at 39.4% at Gosforth (Data source: DVSA 2024-2025). Nearby centres like Gateshead show similar figures, with Gateshead at 42.7% and Newcastle (Gosforth) listed at 42.9% (Data source: DVSA 2024-2025). These numbers suggest you should prepare for town driving and junction work when aiming to pass.

Local Driving Tips

Start lessons on quiet residential streets around Dorchester to build basic control and confidence. Move on to Gosforth High Street to get used to parked cars, bus lanes and short signal-controlled junctions. Spend time practising on the A167 and sections of the A1 if your instructor takes you onto faster roads. Work on roundabout technique at the A167 junction near Gosforth and practise lane discipline on the A1058 when it's quieter. Remember to rehearse independent driving using local signage and the Great North Road so you recognise common test routes.

Choosing an Instructor in Dorchester

Pick an instructor who knows the Gosforth and Newcastle test routes well and who can explain junctions simply. With seven instructors in Dorchester, availability can be limited at peak times, so book early. Expect to pay around £32 per hour on average, and ask about block-booking discounts or intensive course options. Look for a calm, patient approach and recent DVSA registration.

Lesson Costs in Dorchester

Local lessons average £32 per hour. Prices vary with instructor experience, car size and whether you choose block bookings or one-off sessions.

Getting Started

Apply for your provisional licence and then book the theory test before too many lessons. Take regular lessons with a local instructor so you build experience on Gosforth and surrounding roads. Once you and your instructor are ready, book your practical at Gosforth, which is a short journey from Dorchester.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last reviewed: February 2026

Gosforth test centre is about 1.5 miles from Dorchester, a short drive for your practical test.
Gosforth has a pass rate of 42.9% (Data source: DVSA 2024-2025).
Gosforth's pass rate is 42.9%, below the national average of 47.3% (Data source: DVSA 2024-2025).
Yes, male learners pass at 46.8% and female learners pass at 39.4% at Gosforth (Data source: DVSA 2024-2025).
There are seven driving instructors listed in Dorchester.
Lessons in Dorchester average £32 per hour.
Learning time varies by learner and practice frequency, so there is no set length.
Gosforth runs about 1,067 tests a year, which gives a steady number of slots.
Expect practice on Gosforth High Street, the A167 and sections of the Great North Road, plus residential streets in Dorchester.
Intensive courses can work if you have time to practise between sessions.
Driving lesson prices vary by location and instructor, typically ranging from £30 to £45 per hour.
Most learners need between 40 to 50 hours of professional tuition, plus around 20 hours of private practice.
If you pass in an automatic, you can only drive automatic cars.
You can book your practical driving test online through the DVSA website or by calling their booking line.
Look for a fully qualified ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) with good reviews.
Most instructors prefer to use their own dual-controlled vehicles for safety reasons.

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