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Driving School

Driving Lessons in Essex

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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.

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Motorway Driving Lessons

Motorway confidence building lessons from £28 per hour.

Welcome to the home of Smart Drive UK, Essex, a highly-rated driving school Over the years, we have contributed towards ensuring safety on the roads by producing hundreds of expert drivers.

Given the large number of driving schools in the UK, it can be difficult to choose the right one. Smart Drive UK is one of the schools you can trust, as you are guaranteed to work with fully-qualified instructors who know how to prepare you for your driving test, and ensure you are a true driver at the end of the day. You have found the home of reliable driving instructors in the Essex area. With us, you will only work with a DVSA approved driving instructor, so you can be certain of exceptional service.

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 you are looking for a driving school that is capable of working around your busy schedule, then Smart Drive UK is the place to be. As one of the value added services we offer, we make sure that the meetup venue isn’t set in stone, allowing us to pick you up anywhere you may be, and drop you off somewhere else. For instance, if showing up for training will mean not having a ride home from your workplace or school, you can count on us to help you. Are you interested in this service? Get in touch with us right away.

Building your confidence

It is perfectly normal to feel scared when you get in a car for the first time. The most experienced drivers also feel nervous from time to time. There are lots of reasons to feel anxious while driving, and this is not surprising when you consider the fact that there are lots of things that can go wrong as you are driving. Smart Drive UK driving lessons are designed to remove the fear and doubts that are connected with driving. Over the years, we have been able to craft a lesson outline that addresses your driving fears while focusing on the improvement of your driving skills. Our instructors are skilled, patient, and have the necessary experience to make you feel relaxed and comfortable as you drive. Do you want to discuss more about our classes? You can call (call or text) right away to get answers to your questions. Give us a call (call or text) on 07760 767170.

Excellent first time pass rate

A common misconception amongst learner drivers is that a fail on the first driving test attempt is normal. Although it is true that some people fail, many more tend to pass. It’s been statistically proven that you actually stand a better chance of passing your driving test the first time round. Failing a driving test will leave you feeling very disappointed, when you factor in the mental stress and finances that went into the training. 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 take pride in the fact that, as a driving school, our first time pass rates are among the highest across 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 Essex?

At Smart Drive UK, we go the extra mile to ensure learning to drive for you is an interesting and affordable venture. This belief has informed our pricing policy since inception. Rest assured you’ll get nothing but competitive pricing when you choose us. Of course, you might find something cheaper in or around Essex, 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? Our platform makes it easy to book, and you’ll have the choice to enquire online, here on our website, or call our office to do so in person. Smart Drive UK offers a great deal regardless of how you book.

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. If you were attending a different driving school before coming to us, we’ve got a package to help you finish your education. Perhaps you’re a looking to learn how to drive from scratch. Whatever it is you require, rest assured we have a suitable package to match it.

Smart Drive UK

Please click on the Essex town/city below for prices

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 people like me?

There are some learner drivers who prefer to learn with automatic vehicles only, while there are those who opt for the manual or gear stick variety. You will have the freedom to choose what car you’d like to learn in, as we have both manual and automatic cars. Whatever option you choose to go with, you will be in good company, as there are lots of manual and automatic drivers in the UK. Can’t work out the best option for you based on your requirements? Why don’t you discuss them with us, and we can help you make a decision.  (please note automatic cars are subject to availability). We are waiting by the phone for you.

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. However, our approach here at Smart Drive UK is to mix theoretical and practical training. This allows you to immediately see how theory works while behind the wheels. Additionally, starting your driving lessons will help you better prepare for the theory test.

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What is the length of time for each 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 duration of each lesson is dependent on the teacher, as well as how fast you assimilate information. With our system of training, and the way we have structured our courses, however, you can expect to spend around two hours in a session. If you’d like a faster instruction programme, get in touch with us to discuss your preferences.

Smart Drive UK

How often should I have my driving lessons?

We understand that every individual has their unique schedule. Nonetheless, if you are a learner driver, at least two hours of driving training per week can be very beneficial. Depending on your situation, you can decide to keep this schedule. Or we can arrange a more flexible schedule that suits your needs. For example, we could arrange for back to back training every day that will speed up your training and have you prepared for your driving test faster. Regardless of your schedule, we can put together a programme that best suits your needs.

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?

Some individuals are more comfortable receiving driving lessons in their own car. If you intend on using your car for the driving test, we believe practicing with your own car could be a great idea. It might also be the case of you owning a new car and trying to familiarise yourself with it. Whatever your reason, Smart Drive UK can prepare you for your driving test with your own car. But such a service can only be offered if your vehicle is registered and deemed roadworthy, as well as possessing comprehensive insurance. Our instructors will need to inspect the car to check for valid registration, and may be required to notify your insurance company that the car will be used for driving lessons.

Smart Drive UK

Can I have more than one lesson a week?

If you have enough time for multiple driving lessons per week, you are welcome to take advantage of all the time at your disposal. This is thanks to our flexible and fixed schedules that can accommodate you, regardless your circumstance. If you want a sped up training programme that consists of multiple lessons every week, we’ve got you covered. 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 Essex

Do you need a great place for driving lessons? Congratulations! You’re on the right website. If you are in Essex, learning how to drive is as easy as signing up with Smart Drive UK. 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

Are you interested in manual driving lessons? We’ve got experts for that. When working with our skilled and experienced instructors, manual driving lessons become easy and enjoyable. Aside from driving, our instructors will take the time to teach you about how manual vehicles work. During your manual driving lesson, you’ll be taught how to expertly manoeuvre through traffic, safely change gears, and properly work the clutch. 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. This is because our manual training programme covers both types.

What is Pass Plus?

Pass Plus is a UK scheme targeted at new drivers who’ve 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 can further boost your confidence on the road by giving you the opportunity to experience roads outside your immediate vicinity first hand. Interested in more information? Contact us by phone for a friendly chat about our Pass Plus scheme.

Smart Drive UK

New Hazard Perception Test

One of the tests you’ll have to undergo before passing the UK driving test is the Hazard Perception Test. You have to pass the Hazard Perception test before you can be issued a full driver’s license This test involves a series of videos, detailing everyday road scenes and, in one case, a developing hazard. You need to respond appropriately to the developing hazard to pass the test. As part of our training at Smart Drive UK, we offer comprehensive preparation to all our students for the Hazard Perception Test, which comes before the practical driving test at the DVLA. At Smart Drive UK, you’ll have access to our Hazard Perception video collection, as well as a series of revision questions.

Does Smart Drive UK offer refresher driving courses?

If it’s it been a long time since you last drove, and are in need of a short refresher course, you’re on the right website. 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. We have several satisfied skilful drivers who were once in your shoes, but became experts in driving after taking our short refresher course. Curious to know more? Give us a call today for a friendly chat.

Does Smart Drive UK offer intensive driving courses?

Looking for intensive driving lessons? Maybe to quickly acquire the necessary skills for a job position you like that requires driving. You may have other reasons for wanting to learn how to drive fast. Whatever the case, our experienced and skilful instructors know how to put an intensive course together. You’ll realise that you’ve become a skillful and confident driver in no time.

Does Smart Drive UK offer advanced driving courses?

Looking to advance your driving skills? You probably took driving lessons or initially taught yourself how to drive. No matter what your motivation is, Smart Drive UK has the skills, resources, and experience to patiently develop you into an expert driver. Several drivers in Essex have been able to advance their skills thanks to our advanced driving courses. Please contact us via phone or email if you have any questions.

Book smart, book in bulk

One of the benefits of working with us at Smart Drive UK is that we understand our customers and try to meet their expectations. It is for this reason that we have created a special package providing discounts for block bookings. So, if you are an organisation looking to give your staff driving lessons, or a school looking to give a set of eligible students a beginner’s course in driving, Smart Drive UK is the right place to go. You can find out more about this special package. 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. You are also permitted to make cash payments in each lesson. As long as you have a system that works for you, we are content.

Tests required before licenses are issued

Practice to pass

If you’re worried about passing your driving test, don’t be, as we’ve made it easy for you. Practice matters, so we offer mock theory test practice ahead of the DVLA driving exam. As long as you can pass this, you can pass the DVLA theory practice test, which is required before you can take the actual theory test. 

Qualify for your driving license in Essex

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.

Booking your Test

What is the process of booking a test like?

It is best to book your driving test directly via the official Gov.UK website. It is more cost-effective to avoid booking through a third-party website. You are required to pass the theory test and hazard perception test before you can book the driving test. Can’t quite wrap your head around it? You don’t have to worry too much, because our instructors at Smart Drive UK will be on hand to guide you through it all.

How long will I have to wait to complete the test?

There are five parts to the practical driving test, including independent driving, vehicle reversing, an eyesight check, safety questions, and driving ability. Whether you are testing for automatic or manual transmission, it’s the same process. The actual driving test takes an average of 40 minutes to complete.

What happens on test day?

Once you have showed your provisional license and theory test certificate, you will be asked to read the digits of a license plate a few feet away to prove you have good eyesight. 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. The test includes 20 minutes of independent driving, possibly with an emergency stop. The driving test will last around 40 minutes. We understand that you may be extremely nervous during the practical driving test, but remember that you have already encountered all you’ll have to do in your driving lessons.

So you have completed the test

Obtaining a full driving license

You should be proud now that you have passed your practical driving test. You can now proceed to the next step, which is to apply for a proper driving license. Your license will be processed by the DVLA once the results of the practical driving test are in. You should receive your license no later than three weeks after passing the practical driving test. Our representatives at Smart Drive UK are always ready to provide guidance throughout the process of getting a driving license. Until you have been officially licensed as a qualified driver, our job is not done.

Smart Drive UK

Further lessons for after the test in Essex

The true challenge of driving begins after you’ve passed the test. You will have to deal with the reality of driving at night, in the rain and snow, and having to deal with real traffic. You can get help, instead of doing it on your own. You can familiarise yourself with motorway driving in and around Essex with help from our series of post-test driving lessons. Give us a call right now for more information.

Essex advanced driver courses

Do you intend to drive in or around Essex? Have you been off the road for a long time and are looking to brush up your driving skills? We have the solution for you. With our short-term refresher courses at Smart Drive UK, hundreds of people have improved their driving skills. Get in touch with our Essex office if you would like to brush up your driving skills and boost your confidence on the road. You can also email or text us to find out how we can help improve your driving.

Drive Better with a Refresher Course

You may need to boost your skills with a short refresher driving course. With our refresher driving course series, you’ll get back on the road in no time. Discover our refresher courses and more when you call us today.

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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