Find a Driving Instructor in Howdon

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Instructors
12
Avg Price
£36/hr
Nearest Test Centre
Newcastle (Heaton) (3.7 mi)
Test Centre Pass Rate
27.1%
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There are 12 driving instructors in Howdon. Prices range from £30.00 to £40.00 per hour. The average rating is 5 stars from 15 reviews.

12
Instructors
£36/hr
Avg Price
5 / 5
15 Reviews
DVSA
Approved ADIs
Welcome to our Howdon 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 Howdon instructors offer a range of services including manual and automatic lessons, intensive courses, and flexible scheduling to fit around your commitments. Compare prices, read genuine student reviews, and find an instructor who matches your needs and budget.
Local Instructor Proof

Some instructors covering Howdon

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Cheryl Brett
3.5 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
5.5 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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Tony
9.4 mi

Tony

Chester-le-Street
5.0
1 review
Manual 60 min Evenings + Weekends

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…

Nervous Drivers Refresher Intensive Motorway +1
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John Michael
2.2 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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Mark Fleet
4 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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Dawn and Dave Evans
4.1 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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Brian English
4.5 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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Colin Mitcheson
5.5 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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David Evans
5.8 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
5.8 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
5.8 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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AS
5.8 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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Learning to Drive in Howdon

Learning to drive in Howdon mixes quiet residential streets with fast commuter routes into Newcastle. Lessons often cover Howdon Road and the A19 approaches, giving a mix of low-traffic and busy junction practice. Local character is practical and down-to-earth, with short runs to the River Tyne and quick access to urban test routes. That variety helps build confidence for both town driving and A-road stretches.

Nearest Test Centre: Newcastle (Heaton)

Newcastle (Heaton) is the nearest DVSA test centre, about 3.7 miles from Howdon. Expect urban test routes that include residential streets and busy junctions rather than long rural stretches. The centre's overall pass rate is 27.1%, which is lower than the national average. Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025.

27.1%
Overall Pass Rate
31.6%
Male Pass Rate
22.7%
Female Pass Rate
3.7 mi
Distance

Data source: DVSA (2024-2025)

Pass Rate Analysis

Pass rates at Newcastle (Heaton) are 27.1% compared with the national average of 47.3%, a clear gap for local learners. Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025. Male learners at Heaton pass at 31.6% while female learners pass at 22.7%. Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025. Nearby Sunderland and Newcastle (Gosforth) record higher pass rates of 41.6% and 42.9% respectively, which some learners consider when choosing a test centre. Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025.

Local Driving Tips

Start lessons on quieter residential streets to build basic control before tackling the A19 slips and roundabouts. Practice at peak and off-peak times so you can handle rush-hour traffic towards the Tyne Tunnel and into Newcastle. Pay close attention to junction positioning and lane discipline on approach to major junctions near Howdon Road. Practise reversing and bay parking in local car parks, since test routes from Heaton include short, urban manoeuvres.

Choosing an Instructor in Howdon

There are 9 instructors listed locally, so you can compare availability and teaching approach. Expect average single-lesson prices around £32, though rates vary with experience and lesson length. Pick an approved driving instructor who knows Newcastle (Heaton) test routes and A19 junctions. Ask about block booking discounts and typical pass rates for their pupils.

Lesson Costs in Howdon

Average local lesson cost is about £32 per hour, which matches the regional expectation. Prices vary with instructor experience, lesson length, weekday or weekend slots, and whether you book blocks of lessons. Intensive courses or motorway lessons usually add to the overall cost.

Getting Started

Apply for your provisional licence before booking lessons or tests. Book theory and hazard perception tests once you feel ready, then arrange regular lessons with a local instructor. When you're consistently passing mock tests with your instructor, book the practical at Newcastle (Heaton) or a nearby centre. Keep a few flexible lesson slots close to your test date to polish any weak areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last reviewed: February 2026

Newcastle (Heaton) is the closest DVSA test centre, about 3.7 miles from Howdon.
Newcastle (Heaton) has an overall pass rate of 27.1%.
The national average pass rate is 47.3%, while Newcastle (Heaton) is 27.1%, so Heaton is well below that national figure.
Yes, male learners at Newcastle (Heaton) pass at 31.6% and female learners pass at 22.7%.
Sunderland and Newcastle (Gosforth) have higher pass rates, 41.6% and 42.9% respectively, and are roughly 6 miles from Howdon.
There are 9 instructors listed locally in Howdon.
The average lesson price in Howdon is around £32 per hour.
Pass-rate differences reflect recorded outcomes and local test routes, traffic conditions and the mix of candidates.
Time to pass varies with previous experience, lesson frequency and how quickly you learn.
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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