Driving Instructors in Newtownards

Compare top-rated local instructors, read genuine reviews, and book lessons with DVSA approved ADIs. Completely free for learners.

Instructors
6
Avg Price
£40/hr
Nearest Test Centre
Belfast (Balmoral) (10.2 mi)
DVSA Approved Verified Reviews No Upfront Fees

There are 6 driving instructors in Newtownards. The average price is £40 per hour. The average rating is 5 stars from 49 reviews.

6
Instructors
£40/hr
Avg Price
5 / 5
49 Reviews
DVSA
Approved ADIs
Welcome to our Newtownards 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 Newtownards 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.
Top Rated Instructors

Best Driving Instructors in Newtownards

Compare verified, top-rated instructors with genuine reviews from real students

John Gribbon
9.6 mi

John Gribbon

Belfast
5.0
27 reviews
Manual & Auto 60 min Evenings + Weekends

John Gribbon has over 25 years of experience teaching people to drive in Belfast. He is a DOE-approved ADI and an award-winning instructor. John has …

Nervous Drivers Refresher
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Des
9.6 mi

Des

Belfast
5.0
22 reviews
Manual & Auto 60 min Evenings + Weekends

Des has helped over 400 students pass their driving test, many of them first-timers. Based in Belfast, he's known for being calm, patient, and genuin…

Nervous Drivers Refresher
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David
9.3 mi

David

Belfast
Manual & Auto 60 min Evenings + Weekends
Seat Leon

David is a fully qualified driving instructor based in East Belfast, part of Greater Belfast. He runs David's School of Motoring and is approved by t…

Nervous Drivers Refresher Intensive Motorway +1
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Lloyd Walker
9.6 mi

Lloyd Walker

Belfast
Automatic 60 min

Lloyd Walker is the founder and owner of Lloyds School of Motoring, a commercial driver training company that has been running since 2008. Based in C…

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David Craig
9.6 mi

David Craig

Larne
Manual & Auto 60 min

David Craig is a very experienced driving instructor and a former Driving Examiner in Northern Ireland. He has over 10 years of experience as an inst…

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Glenn
9.6 mi

Glenn

Belfast
Manual & Auto 60 min Evenings

Glenn is a DOE Approved Driving Instructor based in Belfast. His lessons are structured but relaxed and flexible, so you can build real confidence an…

Nervous Drivers Refresher Intensive Motorway
£40 /hour
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View All Instructors in Newtownards

Learning to Drive in Newtownards

Learning to drive in Newtownards means practicing on a mix of town streets and coastal roads. You will use Main Street and Movilla Road for town manoeuvres, and Bangor Road (A20) for faster dual carriageway work. The town has a relaxed pace but can be busy at school run times. Lessons here suit people who want quick access to Belfast and Bangor for test centres and extra practice.

Nearest Test Centre: Belfast (Balmoral)

Nearest DVSA test centre is Belfast (Balmoral), about 10.2 miles away from Newtownards. Expect to travel into Belfast for your practical test and to book well in advance if you want a specific date. Belfast (Boucher Road) is another option at roughly 10.7 miles. Stranraer is further away, around 34 miles, and is listed with a higher pass rate in the provided data.

Pass Rate Analysis

National average pass rate in the supplied data is 47.3% (Data source: DVSA, data period: not provided). No pass-rate figures are provided for Belfast (Balmoral) or Belfast (Boucher Road) in the supplied data, so local comparison is not possible for those centres. Stranraer shows a pass rate of 56.6% (Data source: DVSA, data period: not provided), though it is considerably farther from Newtownards. Male and female split figures were not supplied for the local centres.

Local Driving Tips

Start lessons on quieter side streets off Main Street before moving onto Movilla Road for junction practice. Use Bangor Road (A20) to get used to higher speeds and dual carriageway overtaking. Watch for strong coastal winds when driving near the lough, they can affect light vehicles. Expect school traffic around town centres in the mornings and afternoons, so practise hill starts and controlled stops. Check parking restrictions on Main Street and practise pulling out from minor roads into busier junctions.

Choosing an Instructor in Newtownards

There are five local instructors listed for Newtownards, so availability can vary at peak times. Look for an instructor who offers lessons at times that suit your work or study schedule and who uses a dual-control car. Expect to pay around the local average of £40 per hour, and ask about block-booking discounts or intensive-course options. Check whether they cover test routes around Newtownards and Belfast.

Lesson Costs in Newtownards

Average lesson price in the provided data is £40 per hour. Prices can rise for evening or weekend lessons, longer drives to reach test centres, or instructors with specialist intensive-course services.

Getting Started

Apply for a provisional driving licence before taking lessons, then book and pass your theory test including hazard perception. Take regular lessons with a qualified instructor and practise on Main Street and Bangor Road to build confidence. When you and your instructor agree you are ready, book a practical test at Belfast (Balmoral) or another nearby centre.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last reviewed: February 2026

There are five instructors listed for Newtownards in the supplied data.
Belfast (Balmoral) is the nearest test centre at 10.2 miles from Newtownards.
The supplied national average pass rate is 47.3% (Data source: DVSA, data period: not provided).
Stranraer is listed at 34 miles away with a pass rate of 56.6% (Data source: DVSA, data period: not provided).
The average lesson rate supplied is £40 per hour.
Time to learn varies by individual ability and lesson frequency.
Yes, many local learners practise in Newtownards and then take their practical test at Belfast (Balmoral) or Belfast (Boucher Road), both around 10 to 11 miles away.
Availability depends on each instructor, but five instructors in the area suggests some will offer evenings and weekends.
Practice junctions and roundabouts on Movilla Road and Main Street, dual carriageway work on Bangor Road (A20), and town parking manoeuvres.
The supplied data did not include pass rates for Belfast (Balmoral) or Belfast (Boucher Road).
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.

Guides for Newtownards

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Learning to drive in London is a different beast to most of the UK. Busy traffic, tricky junctions and long test waits mean you need a clear plan, a good instructor and a realistic budget. This guide breaks down typical lesson prices, London test centres and pass rates, what roads you are likely to practise on, and how to time your theory and practical tests so you are not stuck waiting months. Perfect if you are just starting to look at driving lessons in London.

Guide 12 min read
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Nearby Areas

Comber (4 mi) Dundonald (5 mi) Greyabbey (6 mi) Millisle (7 mi) Holywood (7 mi) Ballygowan (7 mi) Donaghadee (7 mi) Carryduff (9 mi)

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