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Driving School

Driving Lessons in Basildon, Essex

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.

We are delighted to have you here at Smart Drive UK Basildon. In the years we have been in business, we have transformed many people from learners into highly skilled 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. If you’re looking for a patient, reliable driving instructor, then your search ends here. All our instructors are fully trained and DVSA approved.

Smart Drive UK

Awards

Enterprise-Awards-Logo

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

Will you pick me up and drop me off at a location of my choosing?

If convenience and flexibility is your major criteria for choosing a driving school, you will love our service. 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. We understand the need for you to only want to focus on driving training, instead of how to get to the training location and back, so we are able to, for instance, pick you up at school and drop you off at home after the session. Like to find out more about 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 several things that can go wrong while driving, so it is normal to feel anxious. Smart Drive UK driving lessons are designed to remove the fear and doubts that are connected with driving. With our experience in the driving niche, we have been able to come up with a system that focuses on the reduction of nervousness, allowing you to focus on developing your skills. Our instructors are skilled, patient, and have the necessary experience to make you feel relaxed and comfortable as you drive. Do you have more questions about our driving school? Talk to us today. Give us a call on 07760 767170.

One of the highest first time pass rates

If you are like most learner drivers, then you probably believe that it is normal to fail a driving test the first time. Although it is true that some people fail, many more tend to pass. Statistics show that there is a higher probability of passing your driving test the first time. When you fail a test, the emotional and financial commitment that went into the process makes it all the more disappointing. If you want to get the training that truly prepares you for a first time pass, Smart Drive UK is the place to be. 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 Basildon?

At Smart Drive UK, we believe that learning to drive should be fun, interesting, and inexpensive. This belief has informed our pricing policy since inception. You can definitely afford it. Of course, you might find something cheaper in or around Basildon, 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? Are you spending more than you want on booking 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. Regardless of how you book, we’ll always have an excellent deal for you.

Driving Lessons and Courses Prices

Beginner’s packages

We have different driving lesson packages at Smart Drive UK for different types of clients. We have packages for learners with some previous driving knowledge. 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 Basildon

5 Lesson Beginner Starter Package (Manual Only) £ 115.00

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%) £16.50
1 hour £ 33.00
10 Hour block booking £ 310.00
1 Hour Motorway £ 37.00
Intensive Driving Courses Available: PASS WITHIN ONE WEEK
15 Hours ( Previous experience 25/30 hours ) £ 450.00
20 Hours ( Previous experience 20/25 hours ) £ 600.00
25 Hours ( Previous experience 15/20 hours ) £ 750.00
30 Hours ( Previous experience 10/15 hours ) £ 900.00
35 Hours ( Previous experience 5/15 hours ) £ 1050.00
45 Hours ( No previous experience ) £ 1315.00
Pass Plus – Six Hours £ 222.00

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 available learner car types?

Some of our students prefer to learn with automatic transmission vehicles, while others prefer to learn with manual transmission vehicles. Your choice of learning car is ultimately down to you, as we have both types. 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. 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). Call us today on 07760 767170 for 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. This system has it benefits, as you will then know enough about using a car before getting behind the wheel. Here at Smart Drive UK, however, we understand that it is best to combine both theoretical and practical training. This combination means you can quickly see how the theoretical concepts are applicable in real life. There is also a higher chance of success with your theory test when you have started with your driving lessons.

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What is the duration of each lesson?

We know you’d like to better plan your day, so you’ll want to find out how long it will take you 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, and well-packaged training system, is such that an average of two hours each day for instruction and practice is sufficient. 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, if you can get at least two hours of driving training every week, it will be sufficient. If it suits your needs, you can continue your training following this schedule. Or we could help you arrange a more flexible schedule that better suits your needs. For instance, we can provide you back to back training that’ll get you sufficiently prepared for your driving test sooner. 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?

You may prefer to undergo your driving training behind the wheel of your own car. This is understandable, and may even be a great idea if you intend on using your own car during your driving test. It’s also possible that you just got the car and are looking to familiarise yourself with it. Whatever your motive is, our experts at Smart Drive UK can have you ready for your test with training in your own car. But we can only provide this service if your car is insured, roadworthy, and registered. 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 your schedule allows for more than one lesson a week, then there’s no reason not to take advantage. This is thanks to our flexible and fixed schedules that can accommodate you, regardless your circumstance. If you would like to complete your training fast by taking multiple lessons every week, we can arrange that. What matters to us is that you learn at your own pace and are sufficiently prepared to pass your driving test on the first try. The impressive first time pass rate of our students is a clear indication you’re in capable hands with Smart Drive UK, regardless of the schedule or learning speed you choose.

Booking a driving lesson Basildon

Do you need a friendly professional to help you pass your driving test the first time? Congratulations, because you’ve struck gold. At Smart Drive UK in Basildon, we are the trusted professionals who can turn you into an ace driver in little time. To arrange for driving lessons that best suit your unique needs, or to ask any questions, contact us via phone, or send us an email on our website.

Manual Driving Lessons

Would you prefer learning how to drive a manual gear shift? We can take care of that. Our experienced and professional instructors at Smart Drive UK make learning to drive manual not just easy, but also 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. During your manual driving lesson, you’ll be taught how to expertly manoeuvre through traffic, safely change gears, and properly work the clutch. A major benefit of learning to drive a manual vehicle is you don’t have to learn to drive an automatic afterwards. Manual driving lessons cover both.

What is Pass Plus?

Simply put, Pass Plus is a scheme targeted at new drivers in the UK who’ve passed their driving test. Many new drivers lack the confidence to drive on busy public roads. Fortunately, after passing your driving test, Smart Drive UK can provide you the skills and knowledge to make you a confident and safe 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. Need more information? Give us a call today to discover more about Smart Drive UK’s Pass Plus Scheme.

Smart Drive UK

New Hazard Perception Test

You can’t pass the UK driving test without passing the Hazard Perception Test. You cannot be issued a full driver’s license without passing the Hazard Perception test. A series of videos will be shown during the test, depicting everyday road scenes and a developing hazard. Responding appropriately to the developing hazard will determine if you pass the test. The Hazard Perception Test comes before the practical driving test at the DVLA, and we have all the materials and information you need to pass the Hazard Perception Test on your first try. 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 it been a long time since you last drove, and are in need of a short refresher course, you’re on the right website. We offer refresher courses to those who know how to drive but haven’t had the chance to drive for a long while. Our refresher course can, within a short while, have you confidently seated behind the wheel of a car on any major road. Interested in finding out more? Call our office today.

Does Smart Drive UK offer intensive driving courses?

Would you like intensive driving lessons? Maybe you have an upcoming interview for a job that requires you to drive. There could be a variety of other reasons why you want to learn to drive fast. Regardless of what your reason is, we can help. Within a short time, we can turn you into a skilled, fully confident, and licensed road user.

Does Smart Drive UK offer advanced driving courses?

Looking to advance 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. We have hundreds of highly-qualified drivers who have improved through our advanced driving courses to become the wonderful drivers they are today. Please contact us via phone or email if you have any questions.

Pay less for block bookings

Meeting the expectations of our customers is at the core of what we do at Smart Drive UK. Therefore, we came up with solutions like our discount package 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. Wouldn’t you like to gain some insight into how our block booking works? Send us an email with your requirements and the number of individuals in your group.

Paying for driving lessons

Your convenience matters to us at every point of contact. This is why we make it easy to pay for lessons in your own way. You can easily write a cheque direct to the driving instructor, or you can pay electronically to the driving instructor’s account. You are also permitted to make cash payments in each lesson. We provide all these options to ensure that you can pay in the most convenient manner possible.

Required tests you must pass before you are issued your license

Mock theory test

If you’re worried about passing your driving test, don’t be, as we’ve made it easy for you. With Smart Drive UK, you can practice before the DVLA driving exam in order to ensure you are prepared. Passing our practice test means you can pass the DVLA theory practice test, which comes before the actual theory test.

Take your driving test in Basildon

The driving test is the official DVLA test you have to take before obtaining your driver’s license. We have little doubt that you will be able to ace the test after completing one of our driving courses. With the high pass rate amongst hundreds of our customers, you can see why we are so confident.

Booking your driving test

What is the process of booking a test like?

Go to the official Gov.UK website to book your driving test. Booking through a third-party website can end up costing you more. You are required to pass the theory test and hazard perception test before you can book the driving test. Does this sound confusing? Not to worry, you’ll get all the help you need from Smart Drive UK instructors who will help you through every step of the process.

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

You will have to pass through the five aspects of the practical driving test: driving ability, safety questions, an eyesight check, independent driving, and vehicle reversing. Both automatic and manual transmission is given the same treatment during testing. You will only have to spare about 40 minutes to complete the driving test.

It’s test day, now what?

Before anything else, you will show your theory test and provisional license and then prove you have good eyesight by reading a number plate from a distance. Next, you will have to demonstrate your knowledge by answering a series of show and tell questions, but only if you pass the eye test. After this stage, you are required to prove to the examiner that you can successfully complete a reversing manoeuvre, plus drive safely and effectively on different types of roads. The examiner will ask you to drive on your own for about 20 minutes and, along the way, may ask you to complete an emergency stop. In its entirety, the driving test should not take more than 40 minutes or so. Although taking the practical driving test can be a nerve-racking experience, it’s important to remember that everything you will encounter during the process is something you have performed several times during the course of your driving lessons.

  Post-Test

Ready for a full driving license

Well done, you have successfully completed 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. You should expect to receive this within three weeks of passing the practical driving test. You can count on Smart Drive UK for guidance throughout the process of getting a driver’s license. We are not done until you have been licensed as a qualified driver.

Smart Drive UK

Post-test motorway driving lessons in Basildon

Passing the test is the easy part, the real challenge is when you start driving. Now that you are driving in the real world, you will have to contend with actual traffic, driving at night, and driving in adverse weather such as snow and rain. However, you don’t have to go at it by yourself. At Smart Drive UK, we have a series of post-test driving lessons in and around Basildon that will help you become familiar with motorway driving. Find out all you need to know when you contact us today for more information.

Basildon advanced driver courses

Do you intend to drive in or around Basildon? Would you like to improve your driving skills? Let’s help you brush them up. The team at Smart Drive UK is responsible for helping hundreds of people brush up their driving skills. Get your confidence back and improve your driving skills by calling our Basildon office and getting signed up for classes. Feel free to reach us via email or text to learn more about how we can help you.

Drive Better with a Refresher Course

It may be necessary for you to take a short refresher driving course. Our series of refresher driving courses can help you resume driving again. Find out more by reaching out to 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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