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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 Southampton
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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 Southampton
Southampton is a busy port city, so you get a real mix of driving. City-centre one-way streets sit next to dual carriageways like the A33 and A335. Quiet practice can be found in Shirley and Portswood, then you can step up to faster roads. Match days near St Mary’s and cruise turnarounds by the docks can change traffic patterns fast.
Nearest Test Centre: Southampton
The nearest DVSA test centre is Southampton, about 2.4 miles from most central spots. It is a high-volume centre with city routes that often include The Avenue A33, Northam Bridge on the A3024, and Thomas Lewis Way A335. Expect multi-lane sections, clear lane discipline, and frequent speed limit changes. Allow time for pre-test warm-ups and watch for one-way systems near the centre.
Data source: DVSA (2024-2025)
Pass Rate Analysis
Southampton test centre recorded a 45.1% pass rate against a national average of 47.3. Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025. The split shows 47.7% for males and 42.6% for females. Data source: DVSA, 2024-2025. That puts the local picture slightly under the national figure, so solid preparation on city traffic and lane discipline helps.
Local Driving Tips
Practise lane choice on Mountbatten Way and Millbrook Road West on the A33, as the lanes split and merge near Westquay and the docks. The Itchen Bridge can be windy, and the toll approach tightens up, so keep your spacing steady. Redbridge roundabout at the end of the M271 sees lots of HGVs, so plan your approach speed and exit position early. Watch bus lanes and camera enforcement on the A3024 through Bitterne and on Thomas Lewis Way A335. The Avenue A33 switches speeds and has cameras, so read the signs, not the flow. Residential roads in Shirley and Portswood can be narrow with parked vans, so use slow pace and good peep-and-creep at junctions.
Choosing an Instructor in Southampton
Local route knowledge matters here, from Redbridge roundabout to The Avenue and the A335. With only 3 instructors listed to compare, book early to secure regular slots. Ask about dual carriageway practice, mock tests on city routes, and whether they cover pick-ups around Highfield or the city centre. Prices vary by transmission, lesson length, and time of day, so check what’s included.
Getting Started
Apply for your provisional licence, check your eyesight, then book your first lessons. Prepare for the theory test with the Highway Code, hazard perception practice, and mock questions. Once you pass theory, your instructor can help you pick a practical test date at the Southampton DVSA centre and plan focused practice. Bring your licence and be familiar with the car you test in, including show-me, tell-me questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last reviewed: February 2026
Guides for Southampton
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.