How much do lessons cost in Plymouth?

Lesson prices vary by instructor experience, travel distance and lesson length. Expect higher charges if your instructor includes longer sessions to cover A38 junctions or to drive to the test centre.

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

Learning time varies with how often you take lessons and how quickly you pick up skills. Regular lessons that cover town centre driving, roundabouts like Marsh Mills and A38 slip-roads will get you ready sooner, but individual progress differs.

Is it better to take lessons in Plymouth or at nearby Launceston?

Launceston has a higher pass rate of 51.8% (Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025), but it is about 18.8 miles away. Choosing depends on whether you prefer test routes with lower traffic or the convenience of a nearer centre.

Can local instructors give mock tests on Plymouth test routes?

Many instructors will run mock tests that mimic local routes, including town centre sections, Marsh Mills roundabout and A38 approaches. Ask your instructor to confirm they cover the actual test routes used by the Plymouth centre.

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.

Driving Instructors in Plymouth | Compare & Book Lessons

Welcome to our Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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.

Top Rated Instructors

Best Driving Instructors in Plymouth

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

3.9 mi

Andi Green

Plymouth

5.0

6 reviews

Manual & Auto 60 min Evenings + Weekends

Andi Green is a friendly Grade A Approved Driving Instructor based in Plymouth with years of experience and a great record of first-time passes. He k…

Nervous Drivers Refresher Intensive

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0.3 mi

Angie Presland

Plymouth

5.0

1 review

Manual & Auto 60 min Evenings + Weekends

Hyundai i20 Premium Nav

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…

Nervous Drivers Refresher Intensive Motorway +1

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0.3 mi

Rob

Plymouth

Manual & Auto 60 min

Ford Fiesta

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…

Nervous Drivers Refresher

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0.3 mi

Bryan Whitney

Plymouth

Manual & Auto 60 min Evenings + Weekends

Volkswagen Golf

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…

Nervous Drivers Refresher Intensive Motorway +1

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1.2 mi

Martin Regan

Plymouth

Manual & Auto 60 min

Ford Focus

Martin Regan is a highly graded Driving Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) with over 20 years of experience, offering affordable and …

Nervous Drivers Refresher Pass Plus

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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.

44.8%

Overall Pass Rate

47.2%

Male Pass Rate

42.4%

Female Pass Rate

3.7 mi

Distance

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.

Lesson Costs in Plymouth

Lesson prices in Plymouth vary by instructor experience and travel distance to your meeting point. Expect higher costs for instructors who include longer on-road sessions to cover A38 junctions or to drive you to the test centre. Block bookings often reduce the hourly rate if you plan regular lessons.

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

The Plymouth DVSA test centre is about 3.7 miles from central Plymouth, typically reached via the A38 depending on traff...

The pass rate at the Plymouth test centre is 45.5% (Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025).

Plymouth's pass rate of 45.5% is slightly below the national average of 47.3% (Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025).

Yes, male learners at the Plymouth centre pass at 47.9% and female learners at 43.0% (Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025).

There are five local instructors listed for Plymouth, so popular lesson times can book up quickly.

Lesson prices vary by instructor experience, travel distance and lesson length.

Learning time varies with how often you take lessons and how quickly you pick up skills.

Launceston has a higher pass rate of 51.8% (Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025), but it is about 18.8 miles away.

Plymouth test centre conducts around 7,444 tests a year, so weekdays can be busy and popular slots fill fast.

Many instructors will run mock tests that mimic local routes, including town centre sections, Marsh Mills roundabout and A38 approaches.

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 Plymouth

Driving Lessons in London: Prices, Tips and What to Expect

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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Driving Instructors in Plymouth

Best Driving Instructors in Plymouth

Andi Green

Angie Presland

Rob

Bryan Whitney

Martin Regan

Learning to Drive in Plymouth

Nearest Test Centre: Plymouth LGV

Pass Rate Analysis

Local Driving Tips

Choosing an Instructor in Plymouth

Lesson Costs in Plymouth

Getting Started

Frequently Asked Questions

Guides for Plymouth

Driving Lessons in London: Prices, Tips and What to Expect

Nearby Areas

Also in South West

Browse Instructors by Region

Create a Free Account

Driving Instructors in Plymouth

Best Driving Instructors in Plymouth

Andi Green

Angie Presland

Rob

Bryan Whitney

Martin Regan

Learning to Drive in Plymouth

Nearest Test Centre: Plymouth LGV

Pass Rate Analysis

Local Driving Tips

Choosing an Instructor in Plymouth

Lesson Costs in Plymouth

Getting Started

Frequently Asked Questions

Guides for Plymouth

Driving Lessons in London: Prices, Tips and What to Expect

Nearby Areas

Also in South West

Browse Instructors by Region

Create a Free Account

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