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Driving School

Driving Lessons in Castle-Cary, Somerset

driving instructor teaching student learner driver

5 Hour Starter

Save up to 25% with Our 5 hour Driving Lessons Starter Package.

Student on wheel of car in driving lesson with her teacher learning to drive

10 hours Package

Save up to 10% by booking 10 hours of Driving Lessons or more.

Driving school - driving instructor and student drivers look at a tempo thirty Road sign, in the background are traffic signs

Motorway Driving Lessons

Motorway confidence building lessons from £28 per hour.

Welcome to Smart Drive UK driving school in Castle-Cary. In the years we have been in business, we have transformed many people from learners into highly skilled drivers.

It can be a herculean task to pick a driving school to work with in the UK, due to the sheer number of options available to you. However, with Smart Drive UK, you are guaranteed qualified and highly-skilled instructors, who will put you through your paces and get you ready for your driving test, as well as making sure you become a skilled and perfect driver in the process. If you are searching for a driving school with reliable driving instructors, this is the place to be. When you work with us, you can be certain of exceptional service, as all our instructors are DVSA approved.

Smart Drive UK

Awards

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Smart Drive UK Driving School – Awarded 2018/2019/2020

Most Trusted Non-Commercial Driver Trainer School 2020

Driving School of the Year 2019

Best for Class B Driver Training Services 2018 & Best for Promoting Road Safety by Influencing Driver Behaviour

Google Reviews

Is it possible to pick me up from one place and drop me off at another?

If convenience and flexibility is your major criteria for choosing a driving school, you will love our service. One of the things that sets us apart from the crowd is the fact that our instructors have no problem with picking you up for classes from anywhere you want, and will also drop you off at any location of your choosing. For instance, if you need an arrangement where you will be picked up at a certain location and dropped at home at the end of the day, we can help. Want to find out more about this great value service? Click here to find out what makes us special.

Confidence building

There is nothing wrong with feeling scared the first time you get behind the wheel. Even the most experienced drivers still feel slightly nervous once in a while. The fact that a lot of things can lead to a driving experience going south quickly means that you have a lot of valid reasons to feel anxious. This is why our driving lessons, here at Smart Drive UK, are heavily focused on tackling the fear and doubt associated with driving. Our experience over the years means we have been able to create a course that addresses your fears while focusing on the enhancement of your driving skills. Our instructors are skilled and patient, and know the best ways to help you feel relaxed as you drive. Got a question for us? Get in touch and we’ll be delighted to respond. You can reach us on 07760 767170.

First time pass almost guaranteed

If you are like most learner drivers, then you probably believe that it is normal to fail a driving test the first time. It is quite possible that some will fail, but a lot more will pass. Statistics have shown us time and time again that a first time pass is the most likely outcome of your driving test. Failing a driving test is not just disappointing, it can be financially and emotionally draining to prepare for another attempt. For a driving school where you’ll get the best lessons to help you pass your driving test on the first attempt, come to Smart Drive UK. We are delighted with the fact that we have some of the best pass rates in the UK.

Give us a call right away for the advice you need.

Please fill free to call us on 08450 179 778 or Text/Call on 07760 767170.

Smart Drive UK

How much do driving lessons cost in Castle-Cary?

Receiving driving lessons at Smart Drive UK is an inexpensive, as well as fun, and interesting way to get your driver’s license. This belief has informed our pricing policy since inception. You won’t have any trouble affording driving lessons from our experts. Of course, you might find something cheaper in or around Castle-Cary, but it’s unlikely you’ll get an instructor as skilled and qualified as ours. What’s the cheapest way of booking my driving lessons? Have you been searching for a more cost effective way to book driving lessons? Booking driving lessons via our website is convenient and inexpensive, and you can also contact us via phone. Regardless of the method of your booking, you can always get a good deal from us.

Driving Lessons and Courses Prices

Beginner’s packages

You can choose from any of our diverse driving lesson packages at Smart Drive UK to suit your unique needs. Maybe you started learning to drive somewhere else and didn’t finish, or you learnt elsewhere and didn’t pass the first time. There are also packages for complete novices. We have the perfect package to suit your unique needs, regardless of what they are.

Smart Drive UK

Driving Lesson Prices In Castle-Cary

5 Lesson Beginner Starter Package (Manual Only) £ 125.00

Beginner Starter packages are for learners who have had no previous experience. Please Note 1 Lesson is the equivalent to 1 hour.

Manual Driving Lessons – Prices

First lesson (Saving up to 50%) £17.00
1 hour £ 34.00
10 Hour block booking £ 320.00
1 Hour Motorway £ 38.00
Intensive Driving Courses Available: PASS WITHIN ONE WEEK
15 Hours ( Previous experience 25/30 hours ) £ 480.00
20 Hours ( Previous experience 20/25 hours ) £ 640.00
25 Hours ( Previous experience 15/20 hours ) £ 800.00
30 Hours ( Previous experience 10/15 hours ) £ 960.00
35 Hours ( Previous experience 5/15 hours ) £ 1120.00
45 Hours ( No previous experience ) £ 1405.00
Pass Plus – Six Hours £ 228.00

Please read terms & conditions

Prices may vary due to location and are subject to change

Learn to drive with a Professional with a proven track record.

Please fill free to call us on 08450 179 778 or Text/Call on 07760 767170.

What are the types of cars available for learning in?

We have students who only want to learn how to drive in automatic vehicles, just as there are others who prefer to learn in only manual vehicles. Ultimately, you will determine the choice of car in which you’ll be learning. Your choice of learning with manual or automatic will be a smart one regardless, as both variants can be found all across the UK. If you’re not sure what type of car fits your unique requirements, don’t worry, our experienced staff can help you make the right choice.  (please note automatic cars are subject to availability). You are just a phone call away from getting expert advice.

Is it possible to start my driving lessons before I have passed the theory test?

The common belief with the general public is that you should pass the theory test before you set out to take practical driving classes. There is nothing wrong with this, as it makes sense to understand how a car works before you get into the driver’s seat. One thing we have learnt in our experience here at Smart Drive UK, however, is that combining theoretical and practical training is always the best bet. With this, you can immediately see how the things you have learnt in theory can work in practice. Also, you will be better prepared for the theory test when you have started your driving lessons.

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How long will it take to complete a lesson?

You probably combine a variety of activities over your day, so you’ll want to find out how long it will take to complete a lesson. The length of time spent on each lesson will depend on your learning ability, and the teaching methods deployed by the instructor. However, our skilled instructors, working with a properly planned course outline, ensure that you will spend only two hours on average on each task. Want a quicker or slower training schedule? Call us right away to discuss your options.

Smart Drive UK

How often should I have my driving lessons?

We all have different schedules. However, it’s recommended that learner drivers have at least two hours of training each week. You can continue with this schedule if you prefer it. Or we could help you arrange a more flexible schedule that better suits your needs. Many of our clients that have the time prefer opting for back to back training every day, so they can be prepared for their driving test faster. Regardless of your schedule, we can always make arrangements to suit you.

Learn to drive with a Professional with a proven track record.

Please fill free to call us on 08450 179 778 or Text/Call on 07760 767170.

Can I have lessons in my own car?

Many individuals prefer driving lessons being received in their own car. This is not only understandable, but also a great idea, especially if you plan to use the car for your driving test. It might also be the case of you owning a new car and trying to familiarise yourself with it. Regardless of what your motive might be, Smart Drive UK can deliver driving lessons in your own car. But this type of service is only available to clients with registered and comprehensively insured roadworthy vehicles. One of our instructors will notify your car insurance company that your vehicle will be used for driving lessons, and will also inspect your car to verify its valid registration.

Smart Drive UK

Can I have more than one lesson a week?

We are ready to accommodate you if you have the time for more than one lesson a week. This is possible thanks to our accommodating flexible and fixed schedules at Smart Drive UK. If you prefer a shorter training and practice programme that involves multiple driving lessons every week, we can arrange it. Our aim is to have you master driving at your own pace and be ready to ace your driving test the first time you take it. Our first time pass rate is stellar, which means you are in good hands regardless of the training programme you opt for.

Booking a driving lesson Castle-Cary

Have you been searching for the perfect place for driving lessons? Congratulations, because you’ve struck gold. We are the trusted professionals in Castle-Cary that can turn you into a roadworthy driver with zero hassle. To get started on booking for lessons that best suit your schedule, or for any other enquiries, call us now for a friendly chat, or send us an email via our website.

Manual Driving Lessons

Would you prefer manual driving lessons? No worries because Smart Drive UK has you covered. When working with our skilled and experienced instructors, manual driving lessons become easy and enjoyable. Every one of our instructors is an experienced professional who will take the time to share with you important details concerning driving a manual car. By the conclusion of your manual driving lesson, you’ll be able to safely change gears, control the clutch, and confidently manoeuvre through traffic. One of the best parts of learning how to drive a manual car is you don’t have to learn to drive an automatic separately. Our manual driving lessons will instruct you on both vehicle types.

What is Pass Plus?

Pass Plus is targeted to benefit UK drivers who have just recently passed their driving test. Many new drivers face the challenge of building up their confidence to drive on public roads. Fortunately, once your driving test has been passed, Smart Drive UK can be there for you by providing you everything you need to be a safe and confident driver on any road. Pass Plus training lets you leave your usual roads to experience other roads first hand, after your initial training has familiarised you with major road conditions. Interested in more information? Contact us by phone for a friendly chat about our Pass Plus scheme.

Smart Drive UK

New Hazard Perception Test

You can’t pass the UK driving test without passing the Hazard Perception Test. The test is mandatory and will determine if you are qualified for a full driver’s license A series of videos will be shown during the test, depicting everyday road scenes and a developing hazard. You have to provide appropriate responses to the developing hazard in order to pass the test. To ensure you progress to the practical driving test at the DVLA, we offer our students comprehensive preparation for the Hazard Perception test, which is a precursor. We will provide you access to various revision questions, as well as our collection of Hazard Perception videos.

Does Smart Drive UK offer refresher driving courses?

If it’s been a while since you were behind the wheel of a car, and are in need of a refresher course, you’ve come to the right place. Smart Drive UK provides refresher courses to individuals who haven’t had the chance to drive for a long time and have lost confidence in their driving ability. Our refresher course can, within a short while, have you confidently seated behind the wheel of a car on any major road. Need more information? Contact us now on 07760 767170.

Does Smart Drive UK offer intensive driving courses?

Are you in need of intensive driving lessons? Maybe to quickly acquire the necessary skills for a job position you like that requires driving. Perhaps you have another reason for quickly wanting to learn to drive. Whatever the case may be, we can help put together an intensive course that satisfies your needs. A short time into our programme and you’ll suddenly realise we’ve turned you into a confident, skilled, and licensed driver.

Does Smart Drive UK offer advanced driving courses?

Hoping to significantly improve your driving skills? Maybe only the basics of driving were taught to you or you learned to drive by yourself. Whatever your reason might be, Smart Dive UK has the competence and experience to patiently groom you into a professional road user. Many drivers in Castle-Cary have grown into advanced drivers thanks to our advanced driving courses. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.

Pay less for block bookings

Meeting the expectations of our customers is at the core of what we do at Smart Drive UK. For this reason, you get to pay less for block bookings. From schools to workplaces and everything in between, Smart Drive UK is an excellent choice to make when you need to provide driving lessons for a group of people, large or small. Wouldn’t you like to gain some insight into how our block booking works? We would like to learn more about what your needs are, and the size of your group, so please send us an email.

How do I pay for my lessons?

We have developed the habit of making sure our customers get to enjoy the highest possible level of convenience. This is why we make it easy to pay for lessons in your own way. If electronic payment is convenient, you can pay into the driving instructor’s account that way or write a cheque instead. One other option that is available to you is to make cash payments in every lesson. Ultimately, we are interested in a system that works for you.

Tests required before licenses are issued

Increase your chances of passing the DVLA test

Why worry about passing your driving test when we have a solution to make it as easy as can be. At Smart Drive UK, our mock theory test practice is tailored to the DVLA driving exam. In order to qualify for the actual theory test, you need to pass the DVLA theory practice test and passing our mock test means you can do it.

Castle-Cary driving test

The driving test is the official DVLA test you have to take before obtaining your driver’s license. We are confident that after attending any of our driving courses, you’ll have what it takes to pass the test on the first attempt. With the high pass rate amongst hundreds of our customers, you can see why we are so confident.

Make a booking for your test

What do I have to do to book a test?

The best way to book your driving test is to do so through the official Gov.UK website. It is more cost-effective to avoid booking through a third-party website. Booking a driving test comes after you have passed the hazard perception test and theory test. Does this sound confusing? It’s not as complicated as it sounds, you’ll have Smart Drive UK instructors to guide you from day one until you get your license.

How long are the tests?

The practical driving test is broken into five parts: an eyesight check, safety questions, driving ability, vehicle reversing, and independent driving. Both automatic and manual transmission is given the same treatment during testing. The actual driving test takes an average of 40 minutes to complete.

What can I expect on test day?

After showing your provisional license and theory test certificate, you’ll need to prove that you have good eyesight by reading the number of a license plate some distance away. Upon passing the step, a series of show and tell questions will follow, aimed at testing your knowledge. Following this, you will have to prove your skills as a driver and let the examiner know that you are capable of reversing a vehicle and driving on different types of roads effectively and safely. You will be asked to drive independently for approximately 20 minutes, and you may be asked to complete an emergency stop. You can expect to spend about 40 minutes on the driving test. It is perfectly normal to be nervous during the practical driving test, but there is really nothing to it because everything you will have to do, you have already done through the course of your driving lessons.

So you have completed the test

Ready for a full driving license

You should be proud now that you have passed your practical driving test. This means you are now qualified to apply for a proper driving license. The examiner will send the results of your practical driving test to the DVLA, who will process your license. Your driving license should get to you no later than three weeks after passing the practical driving test. In order to ensure you have all the assistance you need, we at Smart Drive UK are always available to guide you through the process of obtaining a driving license. We are not done until you have been licensed as a qualified driver.

Smart Drive UK

Real world post-test driving lessons Castle-Cary

While the driving test prepares you, driving in the real world is significantly different. The traffic, night driving, and driving in rain and snow are now a reality. However, you don’t have to go at it by yourself. You can familiarise yourself with motorway driving in and around Castle-Cary with help from our series of post-test driving lessons. Find out all you need to know when you contact us today for more information.

Advanced Driver courses in Castle-Cary

Do you live around Castle-Cary? Are your driving skills a little rusty? Let’s help you feel ready for the road again. With our short-term refresher courses at Smart Drive UK, hundreds of people have improved their driving skills. Call our Castle-Cary office today and you’ll soon brush up your driving skills and boost your confidence. You can also email or text us to find out how we can help improve your driving.

Driving Courses to Refresh Your Knowledge

You may need to take a short refresher driving course. With our refresher driving course series, you’ll get back on the road in no time. Call us today for more information.

Learn to drive with a Professional with a proven track record.

Please fill free to call us on 08450 179 778 or Text/Call on 07760 767170.

FAQs

Can I be picked up at a location that I choose?

We are one of the leading driving schools with regards to pick-up time flexibility. We believe it’s important to offer you flexibility when it comes to the meet up than you, and so we can pick you up at a location that fits your schedule and drop you off at another point. For instance, if you need an arrangement where you were picked up at a certain location and drop to him at the end of the day, we can help as long as it is a reasonable distance from your normal pickup point.

Do you have the right variety of cars that I can learn with?

You have a great deal of flexibility on the car you choose to drive, as we have a wide range of learner manual cars.

Need some guidance on choosing a car to learn to drive in?

We can help you decide if you would like to give us a call.

Is it sensible to do driving lessons before passing the theory test?

Often students are told by other companies that practical driving lessons shouldn’t be started until the theory test has been completed. It does make sense to understand driving and cars better before commencing practical driving lessons. Smart Drive UK takes a slightly different approach; we believe that the combination of theoretical and practical training at the same time can be more beneficial. The combination creates a synergy that makes it easier to grasp elements of driver training at the same time. Those that start practical driving lessons and then take the theory test tend to pass more easily.

How long should I expect driving lessons to last?

We understand it’s important to plan your driving lessons around your other daily activities. The length of lessons will be decided based on your aptitude and the instructor you work with. The training system that we use, and the structures of the courses we run, mean that most lessons tend to be around two hours. Give us a call if you would like lesson schedules that can get you to your goal faster over a longer period.

How frequently should my driving lessons be done?

We are well aware that your schedule is likely different from everyone else’s. However, progression as you learn to drive is best if you do a minimum of two hours per week. You need to work out whether this works for you. So, tailor the effort to fit two hours a week. You can opt for a more flexible schedule, which will be more than happy to accommodate. We can arrange driving lessons on several days in a row to speed your progress toward your practical driving test. No matter what your daily schedule looks like, we have you covered.

Is it possible to learn to drive in my car?

If you have your car you may feel more comfortable during driving lessons in it. This is not only understandable but also a great idea, especially if you plan to use the car for your driving test. If you have a new car that you are trying to get used to then this can make even more sense. We’re more than happy for you to use your vehicle for driving lessons and for practicing driving at Smart Drive UK.

However, this is only possible if the car is roadworthy, registered and comprehensively insured. Will verify that your car is right for your lessons by inspecting your papers, and your insurance company will have to be notified about the driving lessons in the car. We suggest you move lessons and your vehicle only when it is safe to do so, and we normally recommend that you begin lessons in a dual-controlled car and by your driving instructor.

Are all vehicles dual controlled?

Smart Drive UK driving instructors teach in dual control cars.

Will the driving training fit around my work and family commitments?

Yes. The training program is very flexible and Fitchett will fit around your work and family commitments subject to availability

What else can I do to help me pass my driving tests?

Your driving instructor will guide you and provide feedback, and as long as you take it on board you will have a good chance of passing your driving test. By taking notes after lessons on the feedback provided you can enhance your chances of taking on board the information. Then you can go into each new lesson having assimilated the information from the previous one. Your driver training process can also be improved by watching additional resources and your driving instructor can advise you on what to watch.

How do you know when you are ready for your practical driving test?

Your driving instructor will advise you when you are ready to book/take your practical driving test based on your progress level within your driving lessons. They understand what you will need to be able to do to partial test and will be continually assessing you against these levels

Can I do my practical driving test in the same car as my lessons?

Any fully insured car can be used for your driving test. Our guidance is that you choose to do your driving test in your driving instructor’s car, as that is what you have become familiar with.

Will my instructor be in the car during my driving test?

It is possible for driving instructors to come on the test with you [subject to COVID-19 rules]. Your driving test examiner will probably ask you if you would like your instructor to accompany you on the test. You can discuss the test with your driving instructor to decide whether it is a good idea or not. It is normally the case that automatic cars are easier and faster to learn than learning to drive a manual car.

Can a pregnant woman take driving lessons?

Pregnancy shouldn’t stop you from taking driving lessons. Talk to your doctor or medical professional if you are concerned about any aspect of driving when pregnant.

Does Smart Drive UK offer intensive driving courses?

On the lookout for driving lessons on an intensive basis

Are you looking to start a driving job?

People choose to learn to drive fast for a variety of reasons. Irrespective of your reasons, to get you through your exam, Smart Drive UK will work for you. You’ll soon be a competent, confident, and comfortable driver.

Do you want to develop advanced driving skills?

You might want this if you taught yourself how to drive or received only basic training. We can develop you into an expert driver by taking you through the advanced driving course, providing you with the skills and knowledge that you need. Many drivers in London have grown into advanced drivers thanks to our advanced driving courses. If you want to find out more information about our advanced driving courses then get in touch with our advisors today.

Are there any costs I need to plan for?

The driving lessons form the biggest cost for most people when looking to pass the driving test. You also have to budget for the test fees. Click the link below to see what the current test fees are.

Www.golf.uk/driving-test-cost

brand Private in-car lessons

As the leading driving school in the United Kingdom, Smart Drive UK offers fully personalised lessons tailored to your goals, whether you want to pass your exam quickly or take your time getting used to being behind the wheel. All of our lessons follow the Drivers Standards Agency guidelines and offer the highest standards of safety, allowing you to relax knowing that our experienced instructors can handle any situation.

brand Great Experience

Our courses are designed to build experience and confidence in all of our learner drivers at a pace that suits you. Smart Drive UK offers unique pre-lesson learning sessions ensure that once you’re in the car, you’ll spend as much time driving as possible – not talking to the instructor about driving. This approach ensures not only that you’ll progress quickly – but also that you’ll get the absolute most from your money.

brand Personal instruction

At Smart Drive UK you get to choose the time and length of your lessons so they fit perfectly into your schedule. Our instructors will take your previous knowledge and goals into account, making our programme perfect for both experienced and novice drivers alike and letting you progress at the pace that works for you. Whether you want to slowly build confidence or quickly pass your test, you can’t go wrong with Smart Drive UK!

Learn to drive with a Professional with a proven track record.

Please fill free to call us on 08450 179 778 or Text/Call on 07760 767170.

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