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Driving School

Driving Lessons in Ashford, Surrey

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5 Hour Starter

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

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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.

Smart Drive UK Ashford welcomes you to one of the best driving schools in the area. 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. 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 Ashford area. All our instructors are fully trained and 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

Do you offer the flexibility of pick up at my specific chosen location?

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 part of our great value services and benefits, our instructors are willing and ready to go out of their way to pick you up at one point and drop you off at another, after your driving lesson. 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. Want to find out more about this great value service? Click here to find out what makes us special.

Developing your confidence

It is absolutely normal to feel scared the first time you are behind a wheel. The most experienced drivers also feel nervous from time to time. 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. When you go through our driving classes here at Smart Drive UK, the fear and doubts associated with driving will be properly dealt with. 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. All through the driving classes, our instructors will have you feeling calm, relaxed, and comfortable, three things you will carry with you for the rest of your driving life. Do you have more questions about our driving school? Talk to us today. Call us today on 07760 767170.

High first time pass rate

A common misconception amongst learner drivers is that a fail on the first driving test attempt is normal. It is quite possible that some will fail, but a lot more will 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. 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.

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How much do driving lessons cost in Ashford?

Smart Drive UK should be your first choice if you are looking for a fun and inexpensive way to truly learn to drive. This belief has informed our pricing policy since inception. You can definitely afford it. You can choose to go for a cheaper driving instructor in Ashford, but you’ll be missing out on the quality and fun of learning with Smart Drive UK. What’s the cheapest way of booking my driving lessons? Are you spending more than you want on booking driving lessons? Booking on our online platform is both easy and inexpensive, and you can also reach us via phone. You’re guaranteed a good deal, regardless of the method you choose.

Driving Lessons and Courses Prices

Beginner’s packages

We have different driving lesson packages at Smart Drive UK for different types of clients. We’ve got something for learners with some driving experience. There are also packages for learners with no driving knowledge whatsoever. Whatever it is you require, rest assured we have a suitable package to match it.

Smart Drive UK

Driving Lesson Prices In Ashford

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%) £17.50
1 hour £ 35.00
10 Hour block booking £ 330.00
1 Hour Motorway £ 39.00
Intensive Driving Courses Available: PASS WITHIN ONE WEEK
15 Hours ( Previous experience 25/30 hours ) £ 495.00
20 Hours ( Previous experience 20/25 hours ) £ 660.00
25 Hours ( Previous experience 15/20 hours ) £ 825.00
30 Hours ( Previous experience 10/15 hours ) £ 990.00
35 Hours ( Previous experience 5/15 hours ) £ 1155.00
45 Hours ( No previous experience ) £ 1445.00
Pass Plus – Six Hours £ 234.00

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 type of car will I be learning in?

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. We have both manual and automatic cars to learn in, so the choice of car comes down to you. 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 don’t understand how each type of car fits into your specific needs and requirements, you can give us a call today and we will help you (please note automatic cars are subject to availability). Give us a call right away on 07760 767170 for the advice you need.

Should I begin 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. As experts in the industry, however, we know that it is best to combine both theoretical and practical training. This allows you to immediately see how theory works while behind the wheels. 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 length of time for 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 duration of each lesson is dependent on the teacher, as well as how fast you assimilate information. However, with our instructors, and our carefully crafted training system, you can expect to spend an average of 2 hours on each lesson. 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. If you like, you can choose to maintain this schedule. But if you’d prefer a more flexible schedule, we can arrange something for you. 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 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?

Many individuals prefer driving lessons being received 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. You may also be looking to familiarise yourself with the vehicle, especially if it’s a new one. Regardless of what your motive might be, Smart Drive UK can deliver driving lessons in 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. This will be verified through an inspection of your papers by our instructors, and after your insurance company has been notified 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 would like to complete your training fast by taking multiple lessons every week, we can arrange that. 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. We have a very impressive first time pass rate, so you’re in reliable hands no matter your schedule or learning speed.

Booking a driving lesson Ashford

Are you in search of a polite and friendly professional to help with driving lessons? Congratulations, because you’ve struck gold. If you are in Ashford, learning how to drive is as easy as signing up with Smart Drive UK. 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 a manual gear shift for your driving lessons? We can deliver. Our experienced and professional instructors at Smart Drive UK make learning to drive manual not just easy, but also enjoyable. Aside from driving, your assigned instructor will share with you crucial knowledge about manual vehicles, that will positively impact your future driving experience. Our manual driving lesson includes how to safely change gears, clutch control, and how to confidently manoeuvre through traffic. A major benefit of learning to drive a manual vehicle is you don’t have to learn to drive an automatic afterwards. Our manual driving lessons will instruct you on both vehicle types.

What is Pass Plus?

Simply put, Pass Plus is a scheme targeted at new drivers in the UK who’ve passed their driving test. Several new drivers shy away from driving on busy roads due to a lack of confidence. But Smart Drive UK can help you build up the confidence you need to become a master of the road once you pass your driving test. Your initial training will get you familiar with most major road conditions, but Pass Plus training will allow you to leave your immediate vicinity to experience the roads first hand. Do you have any questions? Find out more about our Pass Plus scheme and how it can help you by calling us now.

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New Hazard Perception Test

You can’t pass the UK driving test without passing the Hazard Perception Test. It is a mandatory test which will determine if the driver is suitable to obtain a full driver’s license. During the test, various videos depicting normal road scenes and a developing hazard will be shown to you. You need to respond appropriately to the developing hazard 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. 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. Our short refresher course has helped many drivers over the years regain their confidence on the road, and we’d like to help you too. Have any questions? Call our office today.

Does Smart Drive UK offer intensive driving courses?

Are you looking to take intensive driving lessons? Maybe you have an upcoming interview for a job that requires you to drive. There could be other special reasons why you need a quick intensive driving training programme. Regardless of your motivation, Smart Drive UK has got you covered. In no time, we can train you to be a skilful, fully confident, and licensed driver.

Does Smart Drive UK offer advanced driving courses?

Are you looking to improve your driving skills? Maybe you initially taught yourself driving or had only the basics of driving taught to you. Regardless of your reasons, Smart Drive UK has the expertise, resources, as well as patience, to build you up into an expert driver. 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.

Book smart, book in bulk

At Smart Drive UK, we excel at meeting the expectations of our customers because we understand their needs. 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. Have you got any questions about our block booking package? Let us know the size of your group and what your requirements are by sending us an email.

How do I pay for my lessons?

We strive to make every step of the process as convenient as possible for our customers, much like everything else we do. Therefore, we do our best to offer all the options you might need to ensure easy and seamless payment. You have the option of paying to the driving instructor’s account electronically or writing a cheque. Alternatively, you can pay in cash in each lesson. Whichever option you choose, we are satisfied, as long as it works for you.

Are there tests that I must pass to get my license?

Practice before the main test

Don’t fret about acing your driving test, as we have a solution to make it easier for you. Smart Drive UK makes provisions for mock theory test practice modelled after the DVLA driving exam. If you pass our mock exam, you can be assured that you won’t have any problems passing the DVLA theory practice test needed for you to qualify for the actual theory test.

Qualify for your driving license in Ashford

To qualify for a driver’s license, you will have to take the official DVLA test. 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. We have an excellent first time pass rate that can be affirmed by hundreds of our satisfied customers.

Booking your driving test

How do I book a test?

It is best to book your driving test directly via the official Gov.UK website. Booking through a third-party website can end up costing you more. You need to have passed the theory test and hazard perception test before you book your 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.

What is the duration of the tests?

For the driving test to be completed, you have to complete five steps, including vehicle reversing, independent driving, safety questions, driving ability, and an eyesight check. You will have to complete the steps in the same manner, whether you are working with automatic or manual transmission. You will only have to spare about 40 minutes to complete the driving test.

What you should expect on the day of the test.

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. If you pass this stage, you will be asked a series of ‘show and tell’ questions by the examiner to demonstrate your knowledge. After this, the examiner will test your ability to reverse a car and drive on different kinds of roads in a safe and effective manner. The test includes 20 minutes of independent driving, possibly with an emergency stop. The entire driving test should last about 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.

What follows after the test?

Obtaining a full driving license

Congratulations on passing your practical driving test. This is what qualifies you to apply for a full driving license. The DVLA will process your license after receiving the results from your examiner. Your driving license should get to you no later than three weeks after 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

Real world post-test driving lessons Ashford

Passing the test is the easy part, the real challenge is when you start driving. The traffic, night driving, and driving in rain and snow are now a reality. Not to worry, you don’t have to deal with it alone. Smart Drive UK can offer a series of driving lessons to help you get used to driving on the motorway in Ashford, and neighbouring areas. Find out all you need to know when you contact us today for more information.

Further driving courses for advanced drivers in Ashford

Are you in Ashford? Have you been off the road for a long time and are looking to brush up your driving skills? Then look no further. At Smart Drive UK, we’ve helped hundreds of individuals become better drivers in very little time. If you would like to brush up your driving skills, reach out to our office in Ashford. Feel free to reach us via email or text to learn more about how we can help you.

Refresh Your Skills with a Driving Course

You may need to boost your skills with a short refresher driving course. You can get back behind the wheel with our series of refresher driving courses. 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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