Driving lessons in Ilford

The full guide to choosing a driving school, selecting your test centre and passing your driving test in Ilford.

How to choose a driving instructor in Ilford

You should have an instructor who:

  • Encourages you
  • Makes learning enjoyable
  • Won’t cost a fortune!

So definitely check up on these 4 things:

1. Compare reviews

Look at objective review sites to see what learners like you have said about the driving schools in Ilford. Don’t just rely on a driving school’s website for reviews as they normally only select their best ones.

2. Beware of terms and conditions

If you block book with certain schools in Ilford but aren’t able to complete all your lessons, you won’t be refunded. It's always important to look through the terms and conditions carefully to make sure you don’t get caught out by any hidden policies.

3. Check that you can switch instructors

There are schools in Ilford that can provide you with a new instructor immediately, but others may not be able to. You’ll want to make sure that your driving school will allow you to change instructors if needed.

4. Avoid long waiting times

Don't pay for lessons until you know how soon a driving school can get you on the road. Some driving schools in Ilford that won’t show their waiting times until you’ve begun to book your lessons. This means you could be waiting for much longer than you’d like to actually start learning to drive.

Choosing between manual and automatic

Have a think about whether you want manual or automatic driving lessons.

For those on a budget, a manual car would be better since they are cheaper to buy and maintain. Having a manual licence also gives you more choice when buying a car. This is because a manual licence lets you drive both manuals and automatics whereas an automatic licence doesn’t let you drive manuals.

However, automatic cars don’t have a clutch, making them simpler to drive and easier to learn. This is useful on congested roads in Ilford like the A123 because you won’t need to constantly find the biting point while you’re stop-starting in traffic.

It’s entirely your decision which one you go for, so make the right choice for you.

Choosing your test centre

Your instructor will help you practise the routes that are likely to come up in your driving test.

Test centre pass rates

Goodmayes
37.2%
Barking
34.2%

DVSA practical car test pass rates, 2018-2019.

Barking Test Centre | Pass rate: 34.2%

You’ll find Barking Test Centre in between a residential area and the A123. Barking is one of the hardest places in the country to pass your driving test, so you’re ready for anything if you pass here.

Address: 84 Tanner Street, Barking, Essex, Greater London, IG11 8QF

Goodmayes Test Centre | Pass rate: 37.2%

Goodmayes Test Centre is located on the B177 near Goodmayes’ train station. Get ready for some dual carriageways like the A406 and A12 if you take your test here.

Address: 98 Goodmayes Road, Ilford, Greater London, IG3 9UZ

Check out the DVSA page to find your nearest Driving Test Centre.

Test tips from Ilford instructors

1. Prepare for difficult traffic

One reason Barking Test Centre has one of the lowest pass rates in the UK is that learners encounter difficulties with high traffic and positioning, especially when they are instructed to drive towards Stratford, according to the Barking and Dagenham Post. Make sure you’re prepared for this by driving defensively and watching your speed.

2. Take a driving lesson beforehand

Just before your test, you could use a final driving lesson for some last-minute manoeuvre practice, or go over any roads you’re worried about. That way, you’ll have some bonus experience behind the wheel which should hopefully boost your confidence.

3. Keep calm on roundabouts

Some learners at Goodmayes Driving Centre get tripped up by the roundabouts, like the two right next to each other on Winston Way and London Road. Don't panic and make sure to watch your lane positioning.

4. Bring all you need

Make absolutely sure you take your provisional driver’s licence and your theory test pass certificate with you to your driving test. Without them, your test will be cancelled and you won't get refunded.

5. Watch out for parked cars

If you’re taking your test at Barking Test Centre, you’ll have a handful of narrow suburban roads with lots of parked cars, like Wilmington Gardens, Cecil Avenue and Priory Road. Take care on these roads by remembering your passing distances and watch out for any crossing pedestrians, as the cars may obscure them.

Driving lessons in Ilford

Some of the most popular areas in Ilford include:

Barking, Barkingside, Chigwell, Creekmouth, Debden, Fullwell Cross, Loughton, Newbury Park, Seven Kings, and Woodford.

Enter your postcode to check lesson pricing in your local area.