Driving Lessons in Cheltenham

How to choose a driving instructor and pass your test faster in Cheltenham

Choosing a driving school in Cheltenham

When looking for a driving instructor; you need someone who:

  • Makes you feel confident
  • Makes the whole experience fun
  • Won’t cost an arm and a leg!

So here are 4 simple steps to make sure you find a top driving instructor in Cheltenham

1. Compare reviews

Reading reviews is a great way to anticipate what your experience will be like with the driving schools in Cheltenham. Just make sure that you read reviews collated by independent sources, like Google reviews.

2. Beware of terms and conditions

If you’re like most people, the chances are you usually tick the box to say you’ve read the terms and conditions even if you haven’t. But in this scenario, it’s important that you read them carefully. Some driving schools have hidden policies, like making your driving lessons expire if you don’t use them all within a short timeframe. Don’t get caught out!

3. Check that you can switch instructors

You don’t want to be stuck learning with someone you don’t get on with. So, the safest thing is to check that your driving school in Cheltenhamcan sort you out with someone new if you do need to swap. Some schools are too small to allow for this so it's worth checking up front.

4. Avoid long waiting times

The last thing you want is to book your driving lessons and then find out that you can’t get started for another few weeks! Many driving schools in Cheltenhamwon’t tell you their waiting times upfront unless you ask directly. So again, don’t get caught out!

Local driving test centres

If you're almost test ready, it may be time to check out local test centres.Your driving instructor in Cheltenham will give you a hand choosing the test centre that’s right for you, and then introduce you to the routes that could crop up on test day.

To see all of the DVSA test centres near you, check the DVSA website.

Top tips from instructors in Cheltenham

Local driving instructors in Cheltenham have shared thier insider tips for passing your test.

1. Brush up on rural road driving

Our instructors in Cheltenham say that rural roads can be difficult because usually, you’re permitted to drive on them at the national speed limit, but that’s not always an appropriate speed.

Make sure you practise judging what speed is sensible to drive at on country roads.

2. Drive defensively

When you’re driving in urban settings you need to be aware that not all drivers will drive well, or even follow the highway code! Make sure that you anticipate the behaviour of other drivers and adapt your own driving accordingly.

3. Directions aren’t the be all and end all.

You’ll receive directions from both the examiner and a sat nav at different points in your driving test. If you realise you’re in the wrong lane at the last minute, it might be dangerous to correct yourself. If that’s the case, it’s fine to make a wrong turn - it’s more important to drive safely than to follow directions accurately, and our local driving instructors say that you’re unlikely to be penalised.

Deciding on manual or automatic driving lessons

Are you ready to learn to drive? The first step is to choose between manual and automatic driving lessons.

With an automatic licence, you’re qualified to drive automatic cars, whereas with a manual driving licence, you’re qualified to drive both manuals and automatics. This gives you more flexibility in the long run.

Manual driving lessons are also cheaper, as there are more manual driving instructors available. A manual offers the driver a bit more control over the vehicle - especially on windy rural roads where a gear change can help you navigate twists, turns and hill climbs more effectively.

That said, automatic cars are easier to get your head around - there’s no clutch to get the hang of! This means you may be able to pass faster by taking automatic driving lessons. On top of this, the lack of a clutch pedal makes automatic cars easier to drive in heavy traffic, so it you’re going to be getting a car to run you around Cheltenhams busy roads, an automatic may be for you.

Both transmissions come with their pros and cons, so think carefully before making your decision!

Where we provide driving lessons in Cheltenham

No matter where you are in Cheltenhamor the surrounding areas, our top quality driving instructors can help get you on the road.

Enter your postcode to see prices for driving lesson near you.