Is Newton Abbot a better test centre than Exeter?

Newton Abbot shows a higher recorded pass rate at 53.3% (Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025), but practical differences depend on your confidence on A-roads and roundabouts and on instructor support.

How long does it usually take to learn to drive in Exeter?

Learning time depends on previous experience, lesson frequency and natural aptitude. Regular lessons and practice on local roads like Marsh Barton and the A38 help speed progress, but individual timelines vary.

Are lessons expensive in Exeter?

Lesson prices vary by instructor experience, car and lesson length, and with only five local instructors availability can affect price. Ask about block bookings and what is included before you commit.

How many tests are run at Exeter test centre each year?

Exeter test centre administers around 5,675 tests a year, which reflects steady local demand and term-time peaks.

What local roads should I practise before my Exeter test?

Practise on the A377, approaches to M5 junction 30, Marsh Barton roundabout and narrow city-centre streets near Gandy Street. Also include slip-road joins and exits for the A38 to build confidence on faster sections.

Can I use my own car for the practical test at Exeter?

You can use a private car for your test if it meets DVSA safety and insurance requirements and the examiner can reach controls. Check your instructor or the DVSA guidance for the exact list of requirements before the 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 Exeter without chasing people one by one.

Learning to drive in Exeter mixes quiet residential streets with busy A-roads. You will practise on narrow city lanes near Gandy Street and on faster stretches by the M5 junction 30. Local driving has a riverside feel around Countess Wear and a mix of student traffic near the university. I know the local test routes well and they swing between Marsh Barton industrial roads and quieter suburbs.

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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 Exeter

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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 £39 to £48 per hour, paid directly to your instructor.

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Area coverage

12 instructors

Typical price

£39 to £48/hr

Average rating

4.9 / 5

Nearest test centre

Exeter

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.

Kevin

Exeter

5.0

Manual

Kevin is a driving instructor and trainer with Training Wheelz, a friendly local driving school covering Exeter, East Devon, ...

Evenings Weekends

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Alan

Exeter

5.0

Manual

Alan Beckett is a fully qualified driving instructor in Exeter and runs Alan Beckett Driving Tuition. He's a member of the Dr...

Evenings Weekends

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Fiona

Exmouth

5.0

Manual + automatic

Fiona's an experienced automatic driving instructor based in Exmouth, Devon. She's been teaching for over 14 years and has a ...

Nervous learners Motorway

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Adrian

Exeter

4.7

Manual From £39/hr

Adrian Burrows is an 'A' Grade Driving Instructor based in Exeter, offering quality and affordable driving lessons. He's been...

Evenings Nervous learners

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Nick

Exeter

Manual

Nick Capron runs Exeter Intensives, a well-known driving school based in Exeter. He has over 20 years of experience as a DVSA...

Weekends Intensive

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Julie

Devon

Manual

Hi, I'm Julie Coldwell. I've been a fully qualified driving instructor for over 17 years now, and I teach people to drive aro...

Nervous learners

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How it works here

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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.

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: Exeter
Visible instructors: 12
Booking fee only: £18.99 to £34.99
Nearest test centre: Exeter

In Exeter

Local lesson prices currently range from £39 to £48 per hour, paid directly to your instructor.

The nearest test centre is Exeter with an overall pass rate of 47.9%.

Questions people ask

Finding a driving instructor in Exeter

What is the pass rate at the Exeter DVSA test centre? +

Exeter test centre has a 47.9% pass rate (Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025).

How far is the Exeter test centre from the city? +

The nearest DVSA test centre is about 4.9 miles from central Exeter, so expect a short drive across the A377 or via local routes to reach it.

How many driving instructors are available in Exeter? +

There are five instructors listed in the local area, so you may need to book ahead to get preferred lesson times and instructors.

What are the male and female pass rates at Exeter test centre? +

At Exeter the male pass rate is 50.8% and the female pass rate is 45.2% (Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025).

Start in Exeter

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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.

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Booking fee if matched: £18.99 to £34.99. Lesson payments go directly to your instructor.

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

We check availability so you do not have to chase.

Kevin

Alan

Fiona

Adrian

Nick

Julie

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

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We secure real availability

You review the offer before paying

Finding a driving instructor in Exeter

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