How far is the nearest test centre from Totnes?

The nearest DVSA test centre is Newton Abbot, about 7.7 miles from Totnes. Newton Abbot has a pass rate of 53.3% (Data source: DVSA 2024-2025) and runs roughly 6,028 tests a year, so it is a common choice for Totnes learners.

How many driving instructors are there in Totnes?

Totnes currently has four local driving instructors. With a small instructor pool you may need to book lessons in advance to secure preferred times and test preparation sessions.

What is the male and female pass rate split at Newton Abbot?

Male candidates at Newton Abbot have a pass rate of 57.6% and female candidates have a pass rate of 49.6% (Data source: DVSA 2024-2025). The figures show a gap but individual outcomes will depend on preparation and experience.

Should I expect to travel further for a test if Newton Abbot is full?

If Newton Abbot has no suitable slots you may need to consider Exeter, which is about 19.9 miles away. Exeter's pass rate is 47.9% (Data source: DVSA 2024-2025), so check both centres when booking to find the best date.

How much do lessons cost in Totnes?

Lesson prices vary by instructor, lesson length and time of day, and there is no single local average available. Expect prices to be influenced by instructor experience, block-book discounts and demand for evening or weekend slots.

How long does it usually take to learn to drive around Totnes?

Time to learn depends on how often you have lessons and any previous experience. Regular weekly lessons and focused practice on local streets, bridge approaches and nearby faster roads will shorten the learning curve, but exact times vary by learner.

What local roads should I practise before my test?

Spend time on Totnes High Street and approaches to Totnes Bridge to build low-speed control and observation. Also practise hill starts on the steeper residential streets in Bridgetown and the junctions you will use when heading out towards Newton Abbot.

Will instructors take me to the Newton Abbot centre for a mock test?

Many instructors offer or recommend a mock test at Newton Abbot to familiarise you with the centre and routes. Ask your instructor early if they include a trip to the test centre as part of their test-preparation package, and confirm any extra fees.

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 Totnes | Compare & Book Lessons

Welcome to our Totnes 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 Totnes 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.

Top Rated Instructors

Best Driving Instructors in Totnes

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

7.4 mi

Christine

Christine's School of Motoring is a friendly, local driving school in South Devon. It's run by Christine, an experienced instructor who loves helping…

Nervous Drivers Refresher Intensive Motorway +1

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7.4 mi

Phil

Newton Abbot

5.0

3 reviews

Manual & Auto 60 min Evenings + Weekends

Ice Driving School has been helping people learn to drive across South Devon since 1998. Lessons are with a friendly team of DVSA registered, DABS ch…

Nervous Drivers Refresher Intensive Motorway +1

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7.4 mi

Maxine

Torquay

Manual & Auto 60 min Evenings + Weekends

Maxine is a Grade A ADI with a Fleet/Car qualification and years of solid teaching experience. She offers all sorts of driving lessons to suit you, w…

Nervous Drivers Refresher Intensive Motorway +1

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7.5 mi

Adam Horrell

Newton Abbot

Manual & Auto 60 min Evenings + Weekends

Adam Horrell is a Grade A DVSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) who's known for making lessons relaxed, fun and still very focused. He uses modern t…

Nervous Drivers Refresher Motorway Pass Plus

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Learning to Drive in Totnes

Learning to drive in Totnes mixes narrow, historic streets with riverside roads. You will spend time on the High Street and across Totnes Bridge, and then move to faster roads when heading out of town. Lessons here suit learners who want town-centre practice and short drives to quieter country lanes. Local lessons often focus on observation, clutch control and dealing with pedestrians and cyclists.

Nearest Test Centre: Newton Abbot

The nearest DVSA test centre is Newton Abbot, about 7.7 miles from Totnes. Expect a busy centre with a steady flow of weekday and weekend tests and around 6,028 tests a year at this centre. Newton Abbot's pass rate is 53.3% (Data source: DVSA 2024-2025), which many locals find encouraging for booking practice runs there.

53.3%

Overall Pass Rate

57.6%

Male Pass Rate

49.6%

Female Pass Rate

7.7 mi

Distance

Data source: DVSA (2024-2025)

Pass Rate Analysis

Newton Abbot posts a pass rate of 53.3% (Data source: DVSA 2024-2025), above the national average of 47.3% (Data source: DVSA 2024-2025). Male candidates at Newton Abbot pass at 57.6% while female candidates pass at 49.6% (Data source: DVSA 2024-2025), showing a noticeable gap. Exeter test centre records a pass rate of 47.9% (Data source: DVSA 2024-2025), close to the national figure.

Local Driving Tips

Practice slow, controlled turns on Totnes High Street and be ready for pedestrians and cyclists around the bridge and riverside. Get comfortable with hill starts on the steeper residential streets in Bridgetown and nearby lanes. When you drive out of town, join faster roads carefully and build confidence merging with traffic towards Newton Abbot. Do extra practice on roundabouts and junctions you will meet on test routes, and rehearse clear, calm observation and signalling.

Choosing an Instructor in Totnes

There are four local instructors in Totnes, so availability can be limited and you should book early. Look for an instructor with local route knowledge and recent pass feedback from Newton Abbot candidates. Ask about lesson lengths, block-book discounts and whether they take you to the Newton Abbot centre for mock tests. Expect instructors to vary on experience and car type, so check reviews and ask to meet before committing.

Lesson Costs in Totnes

Lesson costs vary by instructor, car, and lesson length, and Totnes has a small pool of four instructors which can affect availability. Evening and weekend lessons often carry a premium, and block bookings usually reduce the hourly rate. Always confirm cancellation policies and any extra fees for test-day tuition.

Getting Started

Apply for your provisional driving licence before booking lessons or the theory test. Book and pass the theory test, then get regular practical lessons with a local instructor who knows Totnes and the Newton Abbot test routes. When your instructor feels you are ready, book the practical test at Newton Abbot or an alternative nearby centre, and take a few mock runs at the centre beforehand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last reviewed: February 2026

The nearest DVSA test centre is Newton Abbot, about 7.7 miles from Totnes.

Totnes currently has four local driving instructors.

Yes, Newton Abbot's pass rate is 53.3% (Data source: DVSA 2024-2025), which is higher than the national average of 47.3% (Data source: DVSA 2024-2025).

Male candidates at Newton Abbot have a pass rate of 57.6% and female candidates have a pass rate of 49.6% (Data source: DVSA 2024-2025).

If Newton Abbot has no suitable slots you may need to consider Exeter, which is about 19.9 miles away.

Lesson prices vary by instructor, lesson length and time of day, and there is no single local average available.

Time to learn depends on how often you have lessons and any previous experience.

Spend time on Totnes High Street and approaches to Totnes Bridge to build low-speed control and observation.

Many instructors offer or recommend a mock test at Newton Abbot to familiarise you with the centre and routes.

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 Totnes

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 Totnes

Best Driving Instructors in Totnes

Christine

Phil

Maxine

Adam Horrell

Learning to Drive in Totnes

Nearest Test Centre: Newton Abbot

Pass Rate Analysis

Local Driving Tips

Choosing an Instructor in Totnes

Lesson Costs in Totnes

Getting Started

Frequently Asked Questions

Guides for Totnes

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 Totnes

Best Driving Instructors in Totnes

Christine

Phil

Maxine

Adam Horrell

Learning to Drive in Totnes

Nearest Test Centre: Newton Abbot

Pass Rate Analysis

Local Driving Tips

Choosing an Instructor in Totnes

Lesson Costs in Totnes

Getting Started

Frequently Asked Questions

Guides for Totnes

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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