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Driving Lessons in Newbury
⚡️ Instantly matched with a local Newbury instructor.
🎓 Trusted by 20k+ learners nationwide.
🤝 Love your first driving lesson or your money back. (T&C's apply)
Learn to drive confidently in Newbury with DVSA-approved instructors who know local test routes inside out. Whether you’re a beginner or refreshing your skills, Rated Driving connects you with trusted instructors for flexible, affordable driving lessons.
Pass Your Test With The Best 🎉
Ready to join the learners passing their driving tests with Rated Driving?
Autumn Savings Are Here!
Autumn Sale!
This autumn, we're offering fantastic deals to help you hit the road:
- Save up to £110 on driving lessons when you book a 40-hour block.
- Earn £10 cashback for every paying friend you refer, directly to your bank or PayPal.
- Enjoy a 4.5% discount when you book 30 hours or more.
Take advantage of these seasonal savings and start your journey today!
Learner Driver Reviews in Newbury 🙏
See why our learners in Newbury love Rated Driving ♥️
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Stress-Free Driving Lessons in Newbury
My experience with Rated Driving in Newbury was incredible. The lessons were structured, and my instructor made learning fun. I passed on my first try!
Liam Z
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Confident Behind the Wheel in Newbury
My experience with Rated Driving in Newbury was incredible. The lessons were structured, and my instructor made learning fun. I passed on my first try!
Ethan D
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Top-Notch Driving Lessons in Newbury
My experience with Rated Driving in Newbury was incredible. The lessons were structured, and my instructor made learning fun. I passed on my first try!
Jake R
Learning to drive in Newbury
Newbury is ideal for learners. Quiet back roads build confidence, while busy town centres sharpen practical skills.
- Town Centre Navigation: Tackle busy high streets, junctions and roundabouts - ideal for building confidence and quick decision-making.
- Residential Skills: Hone your skills on clutch control tips by practicing on quiet residential roads for skill-building.
- Dual Carriageway Experience: Get used to faster roads and lane discipline - including how to join, exit and keep calm at speed.
- Rural Roads: Practice tight bends, blind spots and country lanes - all great for sharpening your awareness and reactions.
- Test Route Familiarity: Your instructor will help you cover local test routes in Newbury, so you’ll know what to expect and how to handle each section without second guessing.
Learning to drive in Newbury offers a fantastic opportunity to gain confidence and essential skills on a diverse range of roads. With its mix of urban and rural environments, Newbury provides an ideal setting for learner drivers to experience various driving conditions, preparing them thoroughly for their practical test and beyond.
Rated Driving is your premier choice for driving lessons in Newbury, offering expert instruction tailored to your individual needs. Our instructors are highly familiar with the local roads, ensuring you get the most relevant and effective training. You’ll navigate the bustling A339, a key route in Newbury, which will help you master higher speeds and lane discipline. For developing precision and observation skills, you’ll practice on quieter residential streets, perfect for honing your manoeuvres. Newbury also presents challenging roundabouts, such as those near the Retail Park and Newbury College, which are known to test even experienced drivers. Our instructors will guide you through these complex junctions, building your confidence to tackle them safely and efficiently.
Beyond the practicalities of learning to drive, Newbury is a charming market town with plenty to explore. Imagine taking your driving lessons with the knowledge that soon you’ll be able to drive yourself to local gems like the historic Highclere Castle, famous as Downton Abbey, or enjoy a day out at the renowned Newbury Racecourse. You could also take a relaxing stroll along the picturesque Kennet and Avon Canal, which flows right through the heart of Newbury. These attractions not only make Newbury an appealing place to learn but also provide excellent real-world driving scenarios for your lessons.
When it comes to your practical driving test in Newbury, you’ll likely be taking it at the Newbury (Hambridge Lane) Driving Test Centre, located at Hambridge Lane, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5TZ. This centre offers a variety of test routes designed to assess all aspects of your driving ability, including urban town centres, residential areas, and dual carriageways. For your theory test, the nearest centre to Newbury is the Reading Theory Test Centre, situated at First Floor, Greyfriars Gate, Greyfriars Road, Reading, RG1 1NU.
Choosing to learn with Rated Driving in Newbury means you’re not just getting driving lessons; you’re gaining the freedom to explore this wonderful area and beyond. Our patient and experienced instructors are dedicated to helping you become a safe and confident driver, navigating the unique challenges and opportunities that driving in Newbury presents.
Don’t delay your journey to independence. Book your driving lessons in Newbury with Rated Driving today and take the first step towards gaining your full driving licence.
Practical Driving Test Centres Near Newbury
Newbury (Hambridge Lane) Test Centre
Hambridge Lane, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5TZ
Reading Test Centre
220 Elgar Road South, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 0BW
Salisbury Driving Test Centre
Rougemont Close, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 1LY
Unsure Which Package is Right for You?
Not sure how many hours you need? We’ve broken it down to help you choose based on where you're at. Still stuck? Speak to our team on the live chat or give us a call on 0330 043 9896 (the same number for our business WhatsApp)
Public Transport Guidance
Getting to Newbury for your driving lessons.
Travelling by Train
For learner drivers heading to Newbury for lessons, public transport is a convenient option. If you’re coming from Reading, Great Western Railway (GWR) offers frequent direct train services to Newbury, with the fastest journeys taking around 14 minutes. From Hungerford, GWR also provides direct trains to Newbury hourly, with a quick journey time of approximately 12 minutes. For those travelling from Basingstoke, you’ll typically need to change at Reading, with the total journey to Newbury taking around 59 minutes to 1 hour 16 minutes, operated by CrossCountry and GWR.
To ensure a smooth journey to Newbury, aim for Off-Peak travel. These times are generally outside weekday rush hours (before 7:00 AM, between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, and after 7:00 PM) and all day on weekends and bank holidays. Avoiding peak times, usually 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on weekdays, can mean cheaper fares and less crowded trains to Newbury. You can book your train tickets to Newbury via Trainline or MyTrainTicket.
Travelling by Bus
For learner drivers heading to Newbury for lessons, public transport offers convenient access. From Thatcham, the Newbury & District services 1a/1c (circular routes) and Reading Buses’ jet black 1 connect directly to Newbury Wharf Bus Station. If you’re coming from Hungerford, take Newbury & District’s service 3/3a/3X to Newbury Wharf. From Lambourn, services 4/4a/4b/4c will bring you to Newbury Wharf and Newbury Station. For those in the Ilsleys (East/West Ilsley), services 6/6A operate to Newbury Wharf and Newbury Station.
Consider the Stagecoach Service 32 from Basingstoke, which runs hourly, seven days a week, connecting Kingsclere, Headley, and Greenham to Newbury. The Community Connect A (CCA) service provides a morning journey into Newbury from Northwest Downlands villages like Brightwalton, returning in the afternoon.
To avoid peak traffic, aim to travel outside of weekday morning (7 AM – 10 AM) and evening (4 PM – 7 PM) rush hours. Bus tickets can often be purchased directly from the driver (cash or contactless) or via the bus operator’s app. For broader options and to compare services to Newbury, explore booking platforms like Omio or Busbud.
Fun Fact About Newbury
Newbury, a historic market town in West Berkshire, England, was founded in the 11th century as a “new borough” after the Norman Conquest. It was the site of two significant battles during the English Civil War in 1643 and 1644. A fun fact: in 1811, the famous “Newbury Coat” was made in a single day as a result of a bet! Learn more about Newbury.
Rated Discounts
Find Your Deal
Take advantage of our amazing offers when you book your driving lessons in Newbury. Choose from our discounted packages below and begin your driving lessons today!
Refresher Course
Save
2.7%
Experience level
You’ve done plenty of lessons before and just need to sharpen up before your test. A final push to get you over the line.
The 10 hour driving course on average takes 2 - 5 days/weeks.
Intermediate Course
Save
4.5%
Experience level
You’re halfway there - you’ve got the basics, but need structured time to build confidence and polish key skills.
The 20 hour driving course on average takes 1 - 10 weeks to complete.
Intermediate Course
Save
5%
Experience level
You’ve started learning but still need time behind the wheel to feel truly confident. This one bridges the gap.
The 30 hour driving course on average takes 1 - 15 weeks to complete.
Beginner Course
Save
5.5%
Experience level
You’re starting from scratch, and this is the full journey - from your first lesson through to test day.
The 40 hour driving course on average takes 1 - 20 weeks to complete.
Our Newbury driving instructors
We work with a trusted network of local DVSA-registered instructors - across Newbury and surrounding areas, carefully selected to match your learning style, schedule, and preferences.
Choose a male or female instructor you’ll feel comfortable with
Local-route experts – every instructor knows Newbury’s test routes inside out
Multi-language support – several instructors teach in additional languages
Learn in a manual or automatic - whichever gets you confident faster
All instructors are fully DBS-checked and DVSA-registered
Many specialise in helping nervous learners feel at ease behind the wheel
Evening and weekend lessons available for tight schedules
Why Choose Rated Driving for Driving Lessons in Newbury?
Whether you're learning from scratch or helping someone else get started, finding the right instructor can feel overwhelming. That’s where we step in. At Rated Driving, we connect you with trusted DVSA-registered instructors who know Newbury’s roads inside out - so you can learn faster and pass with confidence.
- Local Experts, Ready to Go:
Over 67 DVSA-registered driving instructors across Berkshire including Newbury, Sandhurst, Colnbrook & Cippenham.
- Pick What Works for You: Male or female instructors. Manual or automatic. You choose - we arrange.
- All Types of Lessons: Including Pass Plus & motorway driving lessons
- Reviews You Can Trust: Over 20,000 learners passed through us. Rated Excellent on Trustpilot (4.8/5) and Google (4.9/5).
- No Match? No Risk: We want all our learners to have a great experience with us, if you are not happy after your first lesson, let us know and we will refund you with our money-back guarantee. (T&C’s apply).
- Track Everything in the App: Use our award-winning app to manage bookings, log progress and prep for test day.
Which Option is Right For You?
Where to start?
Looking to learn to drive in Newbury? Whether you prefer automatic or manual, there are plenty of flexible lesson options available. Simply type in your postcode and submit your enquiry to be matched with a expert local DVSA-registered driving instructor in your area.
🤔 How many driving lessons will I need?
The DVSA says most people need about 40 hours of professional lessons, plus private practice. We'll help tailor your schedule to build confidence efficiently.
- The DVSA recommends about 45 hours of professional lessons and 22 hours of private practice for most learners.
- Some learners feel confident sooner, others need more time.
- Your instructor will monitor your progress and advise when you’re test-ready.
- Practice regularly for the best results.
- Everyone learns at their own pace.
Some learners feel test-ready in 30 hours. Others need more time to build confidence behind the wheel. What really matters isn’t the total - it’s the consistency.
The more often you drive, the more natural it becomes. Combining quality instructor lessons with regular practice builds confidence quickly.
Every learner progresses at their own pace, and that’s perfectly normal. Your instructor will adapt to your comfort level and guide you through each step with patience.
🧐 How to prepare for your first driving lesson
Getting ready for your first driving lesson is an exciting step - and a bit of preparation can help you feel more confident and relaxed on the day. Here’s a simple guide to help you make the most of it:
1. Check Your Provisional Licence
Before your lesson, make sure you have a valid provisional driving licence. Your instructor will need to see it to confirm you’re legally allowed to drive.
2. Get Familiar with the Basics
Take a few minutes to learn the basic layout of a car - the pedals, gear stick, steering wheel, and mirrors. Watching a short video or reading a beginner’s guide can help you feel more prepared.
3. Choose Comfortable Clothing
Wear clothes that allow you to move freely and flat-soled shoes that give you good control of the pedals. Avoid anything bulky or restrictive.
4. Bring the Essentials
Have your provisional licence with you, along with glasses or contact lenses if you need them to drive. A bottle of water is also a good idea to stay hydrated.
5. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Feeling well-rested will help you stay focused and alert throughout your lesson.
6. Brush Up on the Highway Code
A quick review of key road signs, speed limits, and basic driving rules can give you a boost in confidence before you get behind the wheel. [download The Highway Code 2025 PDF]
7. Keep Your Expectations Realistic
Your first lesson is all about getting familiar with the car and starting to build your skills. Don’t worry about getting everything perfect - take it one step at a time.
With the right preparation and a calm mindset, you’ll be off to a great start.
🙏 What to expect on your first driving lesson
Your first driving lesson is a key milestone - it's where everything begins. The goal is to help you feel comfortable, introduce you to the car, and give you your first taste of driving. Here’s what typically happens during your first session:
1. Meet Your Instructor
You’ll meet your DVSA-registered driving instructor, who will check your provisional licence and have a quick chat about any experience or knowledge you already have.
2. Go Through the Cockpit Drill (DSSSM)
Before driving, you'll go through a quick safety routine to get set up properly:
- Doors - Make sure all doors are securely closed.
- Seat - Adjust your seat so you can reach the pedals comfortably.
- Steering - Adjust the steering wheel to suit your position.
- Seatbelt - Buckle up for safety.
- Mirrors - Position your mirrors for a clear view around the car.
3. Learn the Basic Car Controls
Your instructor will show you the key controls, including:
- Accelerator, brake, and clutch (if you're learning in a manual)
- Gear stick, handbrake, and indicators
- Other essentials like lights and wipers
4. Practice Moving Off and Stopping
You’ll start with the basics:
- How to start the engine safely
- Checking mirrors and blind spots
- Moving off smoothly and bringing the car to a controlled stop
5. Drive on Quiet Roads
If you're ready, your instructor may take you to a quiet area to practice simple driving skills like steering, gear changes, and stopping calmly.
6. Feedback and Next Steps
At the end of the lesson, your instructor will talk you through what went well and what to work on next time. This feedback helps you build confidence and track your progress.
Top Tips from our Experienced DVSA Approved Driving Instructor Experts
Q: How do I handle roundabouts without panicking?
"Stay calm by following the MSPSL routine (Mirrors, Signal, Position, Speed, Look) and always look right on approach. Practice with mini roundabouts first, then build up to larger ones using diagrams and videos for support."
Reginos Theodotou
A-Grade DVSA Approved Driving Instructor for 20 years.
Q: What’s the correct way to check mirrors and signal?
"Check your mirrors before any change in direction, speed, or overtaking - act safely on what you see. Only signal if necessary, and make sure it’s correctly timed and clear."
Mali Summers
A-Grade DVSA Approved Driving Instructor.
Q: How do I stay calm before and during my driving lessons?
"Take deep breaths, remind yourself it's okay to make mistakes, and trust your instructor."
Shorif Kazi
DVSA Approved Driving Instructor.
Q: Is it easier to pass your driving test in an automatic car?
"Yes it much easier to pass in an automatic than a manual car. It’s especially effective for nervous drivers."
Mari Wright
A-Grade DVSA Approved Driving Instructor.
Q: What's the best way to learn clutch control?
"Practice clutch control in a quiet area by finding the bite point in first gear with light gas, checking all around (including blind spots), then releasing the handbrake. Read More
Mali Summers
A-Grade DVSA Approved Driving Instructor.
Q: Why do some people choose automatic over manual?
"Some people choose automatic because it's quicker to learn, less stressful, and easier to practise if they have access to an automatic car.
Read More
Mari Wright
A-Grade DVSA Approved Driving Instructor.
Q: What should I do if I make a mistake while driving?
"Stay calm, don’t panic - your instructor is there to help. Just learn from it and keep going."
Shorif Kazi
DVSA Approved Driving Instructor.
Q: How do I stop stalling at junction and roundabout?
"To avoid stalling at junctions and roundabouts, plan ahead, use the correct gear and speed, and anticipate when you’ll need to move.Read More
Mali Summers
A-Grade DVSA Approved Driving Instructor.
Q: How do I handle roundabouts without panicking?
"Knowledge, understanding when to go and when to wait."
Graham Morgan
A-Grade DVSA Approved Driving Instructor for 15 years.
Q: How can I build my confidence if I’m a nervous driver?
"Practice regularly, start in quiet areas, and focus on small wins each lesson."
Shorif Kazi
DVSA Approved Driving Instructor.
Q: What do most people fail their driving test on?
"Interactions with others, junctions, meeting and roundabouts."
Graham Morgan
A-Grade DVSA Approved Driving Instructor for 15 years.
Q: How many lessons does it really take to pass?
"It depends on the person, but most people need around 40–50 hours with a qualified instructor I have achieved 32 to 36 hours"
Shorif Kazi
DVSA Approved Driving Instructor.
Q: Can I drive a manual car if I pass in an automatic?
"If you pass in an automatic, you CANNOT unfortunately drive a manual car."
Mari Wright
A-Grade DVSA Approved Driving Instructor.
Q: What’s the number one mistake learners make?
"Trying to hard to be perfect. Mistakes are part of life."
Graham Morgan
A-Grade DVSA Approved Driving Instructor for 15 years.
🏆 Pass Guarantee
Pass first time or they will refund you your £23! See test fee back! T&Cs apply
HAVEN'T PASSED YOUR THEORY TEST YET?
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- 🥳 97% of people pass using the app
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1600+ DVSA-Registered Driving Instructors
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WHAT CAN I GET
Newbury Driving School Services
Learn to drive with the Rated Driving app
Manage every lesson, payment, and message in one place. Rated Driving connects you with a local instructor - so you stay focused on learning, not chasing responses.
Book Now
Block discount booking
Why pay more? When you block book your driving lessons, you unlock exclusive local discounts - without sacrificing quality. Smart learners book ahead and save. We’ll handle the rest.
Check Discounts
Female driving instructors Newbury
Prefer a female driving instructor? Just let us know. Rated Driving will connect you with a trusted female instructor in Newbury who fits your schedule and preferences.
Automatic driving lessons in Newbury
Struggling with gears or just want a simpler start? Let us match you with an automatic instructor in Newbury who’ll help you build confidence and get test-ready without stalling.
Book Automatic Lessons
Intensive driving course Newbury
Want to pass fast? Our intensive driving courses are designed to help you progress quickly. We'll match you with a local instructor in Newbury ready to help you reach the finish line.
Learn to drive Newbury.
Download our app and start your driving journey in Newbury today - the fastest way to get matched and on the road.
Learner guide
Areas We Cover Near Newbury, Berkshire
Are you looking for the top driving lessons in nearby locations? Rated Driving also offers driving lessons in nearby areas, including:
Driving lessons in Newbury FAQs
What are the typical driving conditions like in Newbury for learners?
Newbury offers a diverse environment for learning to drive, combining both urban and rural roads. You’ll gain experience on quieter residential streets around areas like Shaw and Speen, as well as busier routes such as the A339 dual carriageway. The town also features numerous roundabouts, particularly along London Road, which are excellent for practising lane discipline and traffic management.
Where is the nearest driving test centre in Newbury?
The primary driving test centre for Newbury is located on Hambridge Lane, a couple of miles east of the town centre and conveniently close to Newbury Racecourse. Your Rated Driving instructor will ensure you are familiar with the local test routes and potential challenges.
How do I book driving lessons in Newbury with Rated Driving?
Booking driving lessons with Rated Driving in Newbury is straightforward. You can book online 24/7 or call us directly. We aim to connect you with a local DVSA-approved instructor in as little as 10 minutes.
What advice do you have for beginner drivers in Newbury?
For beginners in Newbury, it’s beneficial to start on quieter residential streets to build confidence before progressing to busier roads like the A339. Your Rated Driving instructor will tailor lessons to your pace, ensuring you master essential skills in varied conditions, including navigating roundabouts and junctions.
What is Rated Driving’s cancellation policy for lessons in Newbury?
As standard, you must provide at least 48 hours’ notice directly to your instructor if you need to cancel or rearrange a lesson. Failure to do so may result in you forfeiting the lesson without a refund.
What payment options are available for driving lessons in Newbury with Rated Driving?
Rated Driving offers flexible payment options, including pay-as-you-go for standard lessons with no deposit or upfront cost. For intensive driving courses, you can spread the cost with interest-free payments through Klarna.
Can I get a refund if I am not satisfied with my first driving lesson?
Yes, Rated Driving offers a 100% Money Back Guarantee for the first hour of your initial driving lesson. If you are not satisfied, you can contact us within 24 hours of the lesson to receive a full refund, and we will endeavour to rebook you with a new instructor.
Are there discounts for booking driving lessons in bulk with Rated Driving?
Yes, learners can save up to £110 by purchasing driving lessons in bulk packages with Rated Driving. This offers a cost-effective way to complete your driving tuition.
Who provides the lessons?
Rated Driving acts as a booking agent. We arrange your driving lessons by matching you with a DVSA-registered, independent driving instructor. While we manage the booking and coordination, all driving lessons are delivered directly by the instructor, not by Rated Driving.
Can I use my own car for driving lessons?
No, all learners use their instructor's dual-controlled car for safety. To practice in your own car, you will need temporary learner driver insurance - we recommend [Link: GoShorty temporary learner insurance].
