Do male and female pass rates differ at Exeter?

Yes. Male candidates passed at 50.8% and female candidates passed at 45.2% at Exeter in 2024-2025. Data source: DVSA (2024-2025).

How long will it take to learn to drive in Sidmouth?

Learning time varies by pupil, lesson frequency and prior experience. Regular weekly lessons and practice often speed progress, and doing a mock run to Exeter helps prepare you for the test route.

How much do lessons cost near Sidmouth?

Local lesson prices are not fixed and depend on instructor experience, vehicle, time of day and travel to the test centre. Ask instructors about block booking discounts and any extra fees for test runs to Exeter.

Should I practise on the A3052 before my test?

Yes, practising the A3052 is sensible because it is the main route between Sidmouth and Exeter and features on many test journeys. Include roundabout and dual-carriageway practice to build confidence.

Is Newton Abbot a better alternative for testing?

Newton Abbot shows a higher pass rate of 53.3% for 2024-2025, but it is farther away at about 19 miles. Choose a centre based on travel time, availability and where your instructor can realistically take you. Data source: DVSA (2024-2025).

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.

Find My Instructor Search

Find a driving instructor in Sidmouth without chasing people one by one.

Learning to drive in Sidmouth means coastal roads and a small town feel. Lessons often mix quiet residential streets with busier routes out to the A3052. Expect holiday traffic in summer and a lot of pedestrian activity near the esplanade. Local instructors know the hills and narrow lanes around the High Street.

Start free instructor search

You pay the instructor directly for lessons. We only charge a small booking fee of £18.99 to £34.99 if we secure you a real start date, and it is refunded if you do not start on the agreed date.

Covering Sidmouth

instructors we may be able to check for you

Manual coverage

Automatic coverage

What we confirm before any fee

Availability, lesson price, start date, and how you will pay the instructor directly.

Free to start

No upfront payment to submit your search. You pay the instructor directly for lessons, and we only charge a small booking fee if we secure a real start date.

Local proof, not guesswork

Local lesson prices currently range from £48 to £48 per hour, paid directly to your instructor.

You can prioritise a name

If a profile catches your eye, we can try that instructor first, then continue nearby if they are unavailable.

Area coverage

8 instructors

Typical price

£48 to £48/hr

Average rating

5.0 / 5

Nearest test centre

Exeter

Local instructor proof

We check availability so you do not have to chase.

These profiles help show the local instructor pool. Your main route is still to start a free search and let us confirm who can actually take you on.

Alan

Exeter

5.0

Manual

Alan Beckett is a fully qualified driving instructor in Exeter and runs Alan Beckett Driving Tuition. He's a member of the Dr...

Evenings Weekends

Check Alan first View profile

Fiona

Exmouth

5.0

Manual + automatic

Fiona's an experienced automatic driving instructor based in Exmouth, Devon. She's been teaching for over 14 years and has a ...

Nervous learners Motorway

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Andy

Sidmouth

Manual + automatic

Andy Stovell is a fully qualified DVSA Grade A driving instructor based in Sidmouth who specialises in automatic driving less...

Nervous learners

Check Andy first View profile

Simon

Budleigh Salterton

Manual From £48/hr

Hi, I'm Simon Manning. I'm an independent driving instructor based in Budleigh Salterton, East Devon. I've been teaching peop...

Motorway

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Passmore

Exmouth

Manual

Passmore runs Passmore School of Motoring, based in Exmouth and covering Exmouth, Weymouth, Dorchester, Bridport and the surr...

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Mark

Exmouth

Manual

Mark Rhodes is a friendly, patient driving instructor based in Exmouth, Devon. He's an Approved Driving Instructor with a ROS...

Nervous learners

Check Mark first View profile

How it works here

You tell us the shape of the lessons. We do the chasing.

Start with your postcode or town

Choose manual or automatic, tell us when you want to start, and add a preferred instructor if you already have one in mind.

We secure real availability

We only move forward with instructors who can cover your area and match the requirements you chose, including transmission and instructor preference where supplied.

You review the offer before paying

You see the confirmed lesson price, likely start date, and how you will pay the instructor directly. We only charge the small booking fee once you are happy to go ahead.

Local snapshot

Area covered: Sidmouth
Visible instructors: 8
Booking fee only: £18.99 to £34.99
Nearest test centre: Exeter

In Sidmouth

Local lesson prices currently range from £48 to £48 per hour, paid directly to your instructor.

The nearest test centre is Exeter with an overall pass rate of 47.9%.

Questions people ask

Finding a driving instructor in Sidmouth

How far is the nearest driving test centre from Sidmouth? +

The nearest DVSA test centre is in Exeter, about 12.2 miles from Sidmouth. You usually drive there via the A3052, so factor in travel time when booking a morning test.

What is Exeter test centre's pass rate? +

Exeter recorded a 47.9% pass rate for 2024-2025. Data source: DVSA (2024-2025).

How does Exeter's pass rate compare with the national average? +

Exeter's pass rate of 47.9% is very close to the national average of 47.3%. Data source: DVSA (2024-2025).

Are there many driving instructors in Sidmouth? +

There are four local driving instructors recorded for Sidmouth. That means slots can fill up, so contact instructors early to secure regular lessons.

Start in Sidmouth

Tell us what you need. We'll find the instructor.

Search is free to start. You pay the instructor directly for lessons, and we only charge the small booking fee after we have confirmed a real instructor, a start date, and the lesson details.

Start free instructor search

Booking fee if matched: £18.99 to £34.99. Lesson payments go directly to your instructor.

Find a driving instructor in Sidmouth without chasing people one by one.

We check availability so you do not have to chase.

Alan

Fiona

Andy

Simon

Passmore

Mark

You tell us the shape of the lessons. We do the chasing.

Start with your postcode or town

We secure real availability

You review the offer before paying

Finding a driving instructor in Sidmouth

Tell us what you need. We'll find the instructor.

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