Driving Lessons in Harrow

Your guide to learning to drive in Harrow

How to choose a driving instructor in Harrow

You need an instructor who:

• Raises your confidence
• Makes learning fun

• Won’t cost the earth!

That's why you should do these 4 things:

1. Compare reviews

Go to an objective review site to see what others have said about the driving school you’re considering. Don’t just rely on the school’s website for reviews as most driving schools in Harrow only select their best reviews to show.

2. Beware of terms and conditions

Make sure to look through the driving school’s terms and conditions so you’re not caught out by any hidden policies you weren’t aware of. For example, some schools in Harrow won’t refund unused hours if you block book lessons and don’t finish them.

3. Check that you can switch instructors

If you need to change instructors for whatever reason, you’ll want a driving school that will let you. Some schools in Harrow can provide you with a new instructor immediately, but others may not be able to and will only refund you.

4. Avoid long waiting times

It's a good idea to not commit to lessons until you know when the driving school will let you start. There are driving schools in Harrow that won’t reveal their waiting times until after you have begun your booking process. This means you could be waiting for much longer than you’d like to get on the road.

Choosing between manual and automatic

Consider whether you want manual or automatic driving lessons before booking your first driving lesson.

Automatic cars are simpler to learn in as don’t have a clutch pedal, just one for braking and one for accelerating.

Harrow’s roads are considered 21 times safer than Central London, according to The Telegraph. However, it still gets its fair share of congestion on main roads like the A404. So an automatic would be easier as you wouldn’t have to constantly change gears in queues.

However, automatic cars cost more than manual cars, not only to buy but to maintain as well. Manuals also give you a better feeling of control over your car which will be useful if you’re driving down long roads like the B466 on your test.

Finally, remember that an automatic licence only lets you drive automatic cars, whereas a manual licence lets you drive both manuals and automatics. So it’s up to you to decide which one you’d prefer to get.

Choosing your test centre

Your instructor will help you practise the routes that are likely to come up in your driving test. There is only one test centre in the Harrow postcode:

Pinner Test Centre | Pass rates: 41.4%

Pinner has a pass rate lower than the UK national average. Maintaining a moderately low speed is important here as the nearby High Road Eastcote features speedbumps that can catch learners out. There’s also a handful of crossroads and mini roundabouts to look out for.

Address: 221 Tolcarne Drive, Pinner, Greater London, HA5 2DZ

This pass rate is from 2018-2019. Check out the DVSA page to find your nearest Driving Test Centre.

Test tips from Harrow instructors

1. Arrive early

It's beneficial to get there early to make sure you’re prepared. As there won’t be parking available, do check out the area beforehand to park your car as close to the centre as you can.

2. Be careful around parked cars

Harrow will have lots of parked cars along the roads near the test centre like Tolcarne Drive. So make sure you maintain a safe passing distance between you and the parked cars.

3. Bring everything you need

Bring your provisional driver’s licence and your theory test pass certificate on the day of the test. Otherwise, your test will be cancelled and you won’t be refunded.

4. Watch out for pedestrians

You'll definitely come across lots of pedestrians on your test, especially if you drive down Pembroke Road and Elm Avenue which run parallel alongside 3 London Underground stations: Ruislip, Ruislip Manor and Eastcote. So make sure to keep an eye out for pedestrians throughout your driving test.

5. Take a driving lesson beforehand

Arrange another driving lesson before your practical test if you need a bit more confidence. You can use the time to go over anything you’re uncertain of, or any roads you want more practice on.