Our Shirley 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.
Some instructors covering Shirley
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Esan
Esan has helped over 10 students pass their driving test first time in just the last few months, with glowing reviews praising his calm and patient a…
Tim
Tim's been teaching people to drive around Winchester since 2007, and he's built a solid reputation for being patient, reliable and really good at wh…
Richard
Richard Chapman is a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) specialising in Category B car instruction. He is based in Chandler's Ford and offers dri…
Mahboub
Mahboub Hannan is an experienced automatic driving instructor at Hannan Driving School in Southampton. He has helped lots of learners pass and really…
Julie
Julie Kesby is a driving instructor based in Romsey. She's known for being really kind, patient, and encouraging with her students. If you're a nervo…
Angie
Hi, I'm Angie. I'm a friendly female driving instructor with 26 years of experience, and I teach around Eastleigh and Chandlers Ford. I've got a very…
Richard
Richard Gibbs has been a driving instructor for over 20 years, helping hundreds of learners pass their tests. Based in Southampton, he's known for hi…
Mark
Hi, I'm Mark. I've been teaching people to drive around Southampton since 2003, and I'm a fully qualified Grade A instructor. I run Mark's Driving Ac…
Ian
Hi, I'm Ian Sage. I've been teaching people to drive around Winchester and Eastleigh for a good while now, and I really enjoy helping new drivers get…
Learning to Drive in Shirley
Learning to drive in Shirley feels like learning in a suburban pocket of Southampton. I know the area well, with Shirley High Street and the A33 nearby, so you get a mix of quiet streets and busier dual carriageways. Lessons often include short stretches on the M27 if you want motorway practice. It suits learners who want quick access to test routes without long drives into central Southampton.
Nearest Test Centre: Southampton (Maybush)
The nearest DVSA test centre is Southampton (Maybush), about 1.3 miles from Shirley. Expect typical suburban test routes that use local A-roads and some dual carriageway sections, with the centre handling a busy schedule. Southampton (Maybush) has a pass rate of 46.3% (Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025), so allow time when booking. Many learners drive via the A33 to reach the centre.
Data source: DVSA (2024-2025)
Pass Rate Analysis
Southampton (Maybush) posts a pass rate of 46.3% (Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025), which is slightly below the national average of 47.3% (Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025). Male candidates at Maybush have a pass rate of 47.5% and female candidates 45% (Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025). Nearby Southampton centre reports 45.1% and Winchester 39.8%, both lower than the national figure (Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025). That spread means local test routes can be tougher for some learners, so practice on busy junctions and dual carriageways.
Local Driving Tips
Start lessons on Shirley High Street to build confidence with parked cars and pedestrian crossings. Move onto the A33 early for experience with faster traffic and lane discipline. Arrange at least one lesson that joins and leaves the M27 so you get comfortable with slip-roads and motorway speeds. Practice around local roundabouts and the Maybush approaches to get used to the test centre area. Time lessons to include rush-hour and quieter periods so you know what to expect on test day.
Choosing an Instructor in Shirley
Choose an instructor whose teaching style, transmission, location and availability suit you. We ask suitable instructors for their current lesson terms and show the exact price in the offer before you decide.
Getting Started
First apply for your provisional licence online or by post, then book your theory test before starting many lessons. Begin with local lessons on Shirley High Street and the A33, then add motorway practice as you progress. When your instructor and you agree you are ready, book the practical test at Southampton (Maybush), which is 1.3 miles away from Shirley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last reviewed: February 2026
Guides for Shirley
Intensive Driving Lessons in Weston-super-Mare: Timing Guide
This guide explains how to plan intensive driving lessons in Weston-super-Mare around real instructor availability and local test dates. Learn how Weston, Barry and Cardiff Llanishen test centres compare for distance and pass rates, and how to choose between fully intensive and semi-intensive formats that fit work or study. You will also see why timing your lessons across different times of day and road types in Weston can make a real difference on test day, plus how to use MyInstructorFinder tools to secure an instructor before local slots disappear.
Harrogate Driving Test Centre: Routes, Pass Rates & Prep
The Harrogate driving test centre sits close to the town centre and has a pass rate that is in line with the UK average, so solid preparation really matters. This guide explains Harrogate's test pass rate, how it compares with nearby centres like Knaresborough and Walton, and what typical routes and tricky spots look like on test day. You will also learn how to choose between centres, plan fast local practice, and find a Harrogate driving instructor with availability before you book or move your test date.
Manual Driving Lessons in Hemel Hempstead: Prices & Tips
Manual driving lessons in Hemel Hempstead are in high demand, especially around peak college, work and weekend slots. This guide explains how local test centre wait times in St Albans, Watford and Luton affect availability, what influences lesson prices and how to compare real instructor profiles on MyInstructorFinder. Learn how to choose a manual specialist who covers your preferred test routes, manage waiting lists and decide lesson frequency so you can secure a start date that fits both your budget and schedule.