Find & Compare Local Driving Instructors

Most driving lessons in the UK cost between £28 and £40 per hour, depending on where you live. In London and the South East, expect to pay around £5-10 more per hour than the national average. Automatic lessons tend to cost a couple of pounds more than manual because there are fewer automatic instructors. If you want to get the best deal, it's worth comparing a few local instructors rather than just going with the first one you find. MyInstructorFinder lets you do that for free.

According to DVSA data, the average learner needs around 45 hours of professional lessons combined with about 22 hours of private practice before they're ready to pass. That said, everyone's different. Some people pick it up quickly, while others need a bit more time, and that's completely normal. The key thing is consistency. Two lessons a week tends to work better than cramming everything into a short period, because it gives your brain time to process what you've learned between sessions.

The most important thing to look for is a green ADI badge on the windscreen, which means the instructor is fully qualified. A pink badge means they're still in training. Beyond that, read what other students have said in reviews, and don't be afraid to book a trial lesson before committing to a block. A good instructor should make you feel at ease and adapt their teaching to suit you. MyInstructorFinder lets you search by postcode and compare instructors on price, reviews, availability, and whether they teach manual or automatic.

In manual lessons you learn to use a clutch and gearstick, which gives you more control over the car. If you pass your test in a manual, your licence covers both manual and automatic vehicles. Automatic lessons are generally easier to pick up because you don't have to worry about gears, so you can focus on the road. The trade-off is that an automatic licence only lets you drive automatics. Around 40% of UK test passes are now in automatic cars, and that number is growing every year.

For most learners, it takes somewhere between 6 and 12 months from getting a provisional licence to passing the practical test. If you're having two lessons a week and doing some private practice on the side, you could realistically be test-ready in 4 to 5 months. Intensive courses can speed things up to just 1-2 weeks, but they work best for people who are already fairly confident behind the wheel. The honest answer is it depends on you, your instructor, and how often you practise.

No, you don't. You can start having practical driving lessons as soon as you've got your provisional licence, which you can apply for at 17. The theory test only needs to be passed before you book your practical test. That said, most instructors would recommend you start revising for your theory early on alongside your lessons. It covers hazard perception and road knowledge that'll actually help you out on the road, not just in the exam.

Yes, plenty of instructors offer evening and weekend slots, which is great if you're at school, university, or working during the day. On MyInstructorFinder you can filter your search to show only instructors who teach outside normal hours. Just keep in mind that evening and weekend times are popular, so they tend to get booked up quicker. It's worth getting in touch with an instructor sooner rather than later to secure the times that work for you.

You'll need your provisional driving licence photocard, so make sure you have it with you. Wear comfortable flat shoes with thin soles, because you need to be able to feel the pedals properly. If you wear glasses or contact lenses for driving, bring those too. Your instructor provides the car, insurance, and dual controls, so you don't need to worry about any of that. Just turn up feeling relaxed and ready to learn.

Yes, it's completely free. You can search for instructors in your area, compare their prices and reviews, and send enquiries without paying a penny. We contact instructors on your behalf, which saves you the hassle of calling around. There are no hidden charges and no sign-up fees for learners.

It's straightforward. Pop your postcode in and you'll see a list of verified driving instructors near you, along with their prices, reviews, availability, and whether they teach manual or automatic. When you find someone who looks like a good fit, send them an enquiry and we'll handle the rest, getting in touch with the instructor and helping arrange your first lesson. The whole process is free and usually takes just a couple of minutes.