Are male or female learners more likely to pass at Sunderland?

Male learners at Sunderland have a pass rate of 44.9% and female learners 38.5% (Data source: DVSA 2024-2025). These figures show a gap in the local data for that period.

Should I take lessons in Washington or in Newcastle or Gateshead?

Taking lessons in Washington keeps you close to the Sunderland test centre and local traffic conditions. Newcastle (Heaton) has a pass rate of 27.1% and is about 5.7 miles away, while Gateshead is 6.8 miles away with a pass rate of 42.7% (Data source: DVSA 2024-2025). Choose an instructor who knows the test routes you are likely to face.

Can a local instructor prepare me for the Sunderland test routes?

Yes, many Washington instructors will train on local routes and familiarise you with the roads used for Sunderland tests. Ask prospective instructors if they regularly take pupils to Sunderland for mock runs.

How long will it take me to learn to drive in Washington?

Learning time varies by learner and practice levels, so there is no fixed period. Regular lessons with a local instructor and consistent practice on the A1231 and A182 will usually speed progress.

Are there busy times to avoid for lessons or tests around Washington?

Rush hour towards Newcastle and Sunderland is busiest on the A1231 and A182 in the mornings and late afternoons. Avoid those times for early lessons if you need quieter roads to build confidence.

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 Washington without chasing people one by one.

Washington sits between Sunderland and Newcastle in the North East. It has a commuter feel, with quick access to the A1231 and A182 and links onto the A1(M). There are nine local driving instructors offering lessons at a typical price of £32 an hour. That mix makes Washington a practical place to learn if you want test routes nearby.

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 Washington

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 £25 to £40 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

12 instructors

Typical price

£25 to £40/hr

Average rating

4.9 / 5

Nearest test centre

Sunderland

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.

Susan

Newcastle

5.0

Manual From £25/hr

Susan Dobson has been running Breeze Driving since 2004, helping countless people become safe and confident drivers. She's kn...

Evenings Weekends

Check Susan first View profile

Cheryl

Marden

5.0

Manual

Cheryl Brett runs Turning Point Driving Tuition, an independent driving school in Kent that's been going strong since 2010. S...

Nervous learners Motorway

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Ian

North East England

5.0

Automatic

Ian is a highly experienced automatic driving instructor with DrewMatic, a leading automatic driving school in the North East...

Evenings Weekends

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Geoff

Durham

5.0

Manual

Geoff is a friendly, down to earth driving instructor based in Durham city centre, with over 8 years of experience helping pe...

Evenings Weekends

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Gary

Gateshead

5.0

Manual From £34/hr

Gary Greenup is a fully qualified Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) with 19 years of experience. In that time he's helped nea...

Evenings Weekends

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Tony

Chester-le-Street

5.0

Manual

Tony is the founder and lead instructor of Chester le Street Driver Training. He has a disciplined but friendly style and tea...

Evenings Weekends

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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: Washington
Visible instructors: 12
Booking fee only: £18.99 to £34.99
Nearest test centre: Sunderland

In Washington

Local lesson prices currently range from £25 to £40 per hour, paid directly to your instructor.

The nearest test centre is Sunderland with an overall pass rate of 41.6%.

Questions people ask

Finding a driving instructor in Washington

Where is the nearest DVSA test centre for Washington learners? +

The nearest test centre is Sunderland, roughly 5.5 miles from Washington. Sunderland handles about 8,458 tests a year and has a pass rate of 41.6% (Data source: DVSA 2024-2025).

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

Sunderland's pass rate is 41.6%, below the national average of 47.3% (Data source: DVSA 2024-2025). That gap suggests extra preparation on local main roads can help improve your chances.

How many driving instructors work in Washington and are they easy to book? +

There are nine driving instructors listed for Washington. Availability varies, so you should contact instructors early to check schedules and book a trial lesson.

What does a driving lesson cost in Washington? +

Average lesson cost in Washington is £32 per hour. Prices change with instructor experience, lesson length and whether you buy block bookings.

Start in Washington

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 Washington without chasing people one by one.

We check availability so you do not have to chase.

Susan

Cheryl

Ian

Geoff

Gary

Tony

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 Washington

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

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