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Local reviews and lesson fit

Compare driving instructors in Polegate

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Published reviews

Ranked instructors covering Polegate

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#1 in Polegate
JH

Driving instructor in Eastbourne

Jackie Hewess

Strong My Instructor Finder Ranking
66/100
30 published reviews

highly recommend my instructor to anyone.

Published review
4.5 miles away Manual
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#2 in Polegate
Adrian Bailey

Driving instructor in Eastbourne

Adrian Bailey

Established My Instructor Finder Ranking
54/100
3 published reviews

excellent teacher, very knowledgeable, patient and understanding, and I always looked forward to our lessons.

Published review
4.1 miles away Manual + automatic
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#3 in Polegate
John Whyte

Driving instructor in Eastbourne

John Whyte

Profile building My Instructor Finder Ranking
49/100
No published reviews yet

Hi, I'm John Whyte. I've been a driving instructor for over 30 years now, and I'm a Grade A instructor. I teach people to drive around Eastbourne, Hastings, and Bexhill in East Susse...

4.1 miles away Manual
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#4 in Polegate
Gary

Driving instructor in Seaford

Gary

Profile building My Instructor Finder Ranking
49/100
No published reviews yet

Gary runs GB Driving Lessons, offering automatic driving lessons in the Seaford and Newhaven area. He's an instructor who really focuses on making you feel comfortable and confident ...

5.9 miles away Automatic
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#5 in Polegate
Bob Bray

Driving instructor in Seaford

Bob Bray

Profile building My Instructor Finder Ranking
48/100
No published reviews yet

Bob Bray is a fully qualified Government Approved Driving Instructor who runs his own independent LDC driving school. He's been specially trained by LDC in their unique LD System and...

7.1 miles away Manual
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#6 in Polegate
Alison

Driving instructor in Bexhill

Alison

Profile building My Instructor Finder Ranking
47/100
No published reviews yet

Alison is an experienced Approved Driving Instructor with over 10 years of teaching in the Bexhill area. She keeps lessons flexible and adapts to how you learn, so you get the suppor...

9.9 miles away Manual
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Local learner guide

Driving and test information for Polegate

Open the sections that matter to your learning plan. The local information remains available without forcing it between you and the instructor comparison.

About learning locally
Compare instructor profiles, published reviews, lesson types and teaching details for Polegate. Open the profiles that suit you, then contact your preferred instructor directly.
Learning to drive in Polegate
Polegate sits close to Eastbourne on the South East coast, with a small local feel and good links into the seaside town. Lessons here often cover quiet residential streets and short stretches of A-road, so you get a mix of calm practice and busier junctions. There are only four local instructors, so lessons can fill up quickly. Many learners use Eastbourne for their practical tests because it is under four miles away.
Eastbourne test centre

The nearest practical test centre in our local data is Eastbourne, 3.9 miles from Polegate. Its DVSA published overall pass rate is 49.5% for 2024-2025.

49.5%overall pass rate
52.3%male pass rate
46.9%female pass rate
3.9 mifrom Polegate

Source: DVSA, 2024-2025

Understanding local pass rates
DVSA reports an overall pass rate of 49.5% at Eastbourne for 2024-2025. This describes recorded tests at the centre and does not predict an individual learner's result.
Local driving conditions and tips
Start lessons on quiet residential roads near Polegate station before moving onto the A27 approaches and the roundabout by the station. Practise hill starts on any short inclines you find on Hailsham Road and work on junction observations at the B2191 junctions. Busy periods on the A27 and A22 need patient lane discipline and clear signalling. Watch for cyclists and pedestrians around the town centre and on routes into Eastbourne. Get a few mock tests that finish at Eastbourne test centre to get used to the final manoeuvres and parking areas.
How to choose an instructor
Compare published reviews, transmission, teaching approach, areas covered and lesson details. Open each full profile, then contact the instructor you prefer directly.
Getting started
Start with a provisional licence, prepare for the theory test and compare local instructors before arranging lessons. Choose the instructor whose teaching approach and lesson type suit the way you learn.

Questions learners ask about Polegate

Last reviewed: February 2026

Which practical test centre is closest to Polegate?
Eastbourne is the nearest centre in our local data, 3.9 miles from Polegate.
What is the pass rate at Eastbourne?
DVSA reports an overall pass rate of 49.5% at Eastbourne for 2024-2025. Pass rates describe all recorded tests and do not predict an individual result.
How many driving instructors are available in Polegate?
MyInstructorFinder currently lists 8 driving instructor profiles covering Polegate. Compare published reviews, lesson types and teaching details before choosing who to contact.
What is the typical lesson price in Polegate?
MyInstructorFinder does not compare lesson prices. Check an instructor's own website or contact them directly before booking to ask about lesson costs.
How long will it take to learn to drive in Polegate?
Time to reach test standard varies with experience and practice frequency. With regular weekly lessons many learners are ready within several months, but individual needs differ.
Do instructors in Polegate offer mock tests at Eastbourne?
Many instructors will run mock tests that finish at Eastbourne to familiarise you with test routes and arrival procedures. Ask your instructor to include at least one mock test before you book.
How much do driving lessons cost?
MyInstructorFinder does not compare lesson prices. Check an instructor's own website or contact them directly before booking to ask about lesson costs.
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 clear published reviews, the right transmission, teaching experience, lesson details and areas covered. Read the full profile and compare several instructors before choosing who to contact.
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.

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Nearby Areas

Hailsham (3 mi) Eastbourne (5 mi) Herstmonceux (5 mi) Seaford (7 mi) Newhaven (8 mi) Ringmer (9 mi) Punnetts Town (9 mi) Waldron (9 mi)

Also in South East

Abingdon-on-Thames Alton Arundel Ash Ash Vale Ashford Bagshot Bearsted

Find Instructors by Region

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