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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.
Some instructors covering Plymouth
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Emma
Emma Downing runs Streets Ahead Driving School in Plymouth. She's a friendly, patient instructor who teaches in a manual Vauxhall Corsa with dual con…
Angie
Angie Presland owns and runs Belt Up Driving School, one of the top three driving schools in Plymouth. She is a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor with…
Rob
Rob is a fully qualified Approved Driving Instructor with over 18 years of teaching experience in Plymouth and the surrounding areas. He works with e…
Chris
Chris Piper runs Top Gear Driving School as an independent business in Plymouth. He's a fully qualified instructor who's been recognised with a 'Top …
Mark
Mark Lane is a friendly, professional driving instructor based in Plymouth. He's been teaching for over 15 years and has an excellent pass rate. Mark…
Steve
Steve Andrews has a 100% pass rate since January 2025, with most of his students passing first time. Based in Plymouth, he's been a fully qualified A…
Tommy
Tommy Baker is a friendly, fully qualified driving instructor based in Plymouth. He runs his own independent LDC driving school, offering lessons and…
Luci
Luci McGlynn is a fully qualified female Approved Driving Instructor running her own independent LDC driving school in Plymouth. She's been specially…
Bryan
Bryan Whitney is a DVSA registered Grade A approved driving instructor working in and around Plymouth. He runs Bryan's School Of Motoring as an indep…
Martin
Martin Regan is a highly graded Driving Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) with over 20 years of experience, offering affordable and …
Nick
Nick Allgood has been a DVSA approved driving instructor for over 18 years, helping students across Plymouth, Ivybridge, and Brixton become confident…
Learning to Drive in Plymouth
Learning to drive in Plymouth means mixing coastal streets with busy A-road approaches. You will spend time on A38 slip-roads and around Marsh Mills and Manadon roundabouts, then quieter lanes out towards Plympton and Saltash. I live here and many local routes include steep hills near The Hoe and narrow residential streets around Mutley Plain. There are only five local instructors listed, so availability can be tight on popular times.
Nearest Test Centre: Plymouth LGV
Plymouth DVSA test centre is about 3.7 miles from central Plymouth, a short drive along A38 depending on traffic. Expect a mix of urban and suburban routes on the practical test, often including Marsh Mills roundabout and some town centre manoeuvres. The centre's pass rate is 45.5% (Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025), and it handles around 7,444 tests a year so slots fill up on weekdays.
Data source: DVSA (2024-2025)
Pass Rate Analysis
Local pass rate at Plymouth is 45.5%, slightly under the national average of 47.3% (Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025). Male candidates at the Plymouth centre pass at 47.9% while female candidates pass at 43.0% (Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025). Nearby Launceston shows a higher pass rate of 51.8% and Plymouth LGV records 44.8% (Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025). These differences often reflect test routes and local traffic rather than learner ability.
Local Driving Tips
Practice busy roundabouts like Marsh Mills and Manadon until lane choices feel natural. Town centre sessions should include Drake Circus, out-of-town junctions and tight parking near the Barbican. Expect short, steep climbs around The Hoe and narrow streets in Stoke and Mutley Plain where parked cars force quick decisions. Try mock tests that start from Plympton Road and include A38 slip-road entries to mirror the real routes.
Choosing an Instructor in Plymouth
Look for an instructor who knows Plymouth test routes, including Marsh Mills and A38 junctions, and who offers mock tests that mimic local routes. With only five local instructors listed, expect to book earlier than in larger cities. Check recent pupil reviews and ask about pass-focused practice on the busy A38 approaches. Prices vary by experience and how far an instructor has to travel to reach you.
Getting Started
Apply for a provisional licence, then book your theory test and start lessons with a qualified instructor. Aim to cover town driving, dual carriageways around A38, and parking near The Hoe before attempting a practical test at Plymouth test centre 3.7 miles away. Plymouth centre runs about 7,444 tests a year, so book early to secure a convenient date. When you pass, you will send your pass certificate and provisional licence to get your full licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last reviewed: February 2026