Rated 'Excellent' on Trustpilot
Driving Lessons in Reading
⚡️ Instantly matched with a local Reading instructor.
🎓 Trusted by 20k+ learners nationwide.
🤝 Love your first driving lesson or your money back. (T&C's apply)
Learn to drive confidently in Reading 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 Reading 🙏
See why our learners in Reading love Rated Driving ♥️
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Stress-Free Driving Lessons in Reading
Rated Driving in Reading made learning to drive a breeze. The instructor helped me stay calm and focused, and I passed first time. Great service!
Amelia G
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Why I Recommend Driving Lessons in Reading
From the first lesson in Reading, I knew I was in good hands. My instructor was so helpful and gave me all the tools to succeed. I passed first time!
Noah M
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Unforgettable Driving Journey in Reading
Learning to drive in Reading with Rated Driving was the best decision. I felt safe and supported throughout. Highly recommend them to anyone wanting to pass with confidence!
Sophie C
Learning to drive in Reading
Reading 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 Reading, so you’ll know what to expect and how to handle each section without second guessing.
Learning to drive in Reading offers a fantastic opportunity to gain confidence and essential skills on the road. With Rated Driving, you’ll benefit from expert instruction tailored to the unique driving conditions of Reading, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your test and beyond.
Reading provides an ideal environment for learner drivers, blending urban challenges with quieter residential areas. You’ll gain invaluable experience navigating the bustling town centre, including multi-lane roundabouts like the one near the Oracle Shopping Centre, which is a common navigation point on independent drives. Practising lane discipline on busy roads such as the A33, Basingstoke Road, and London Road (A4) will become second nature, preparing you for varying speed limits and traffic flows. Quieter residential streets, like those found off Berkeley Avenue or in areas around the Royal Berkshire Hospital, offer a safe space to master fundamental manoeuvres and build confidence before tackling more complex situations. The town’s excellent transport links, including its proximity to the M4 motorway, also mean you’ll experience a diverse range of road types, from urban streets to faster dual carriageways, all within easy reach of Reading.
Beyond your lessons, Reading boasts a wealth of attractions where you can relax and celebrate your progress. Imagine unwinding by the River Thames after a successful lesson, perhaps enjoying a scenic Thames River Cruise departing from Caversham Pier. You could explore the historic Reading Abbey Ruins, a 900-year-old site that was once one of Europe’s largest medieval buildings. For a dose of culture, the Reading Museum offers fascinating exhibits, including a replica of the Bayeux Tapestry. If you’re looking for something more active, Palmer Park provides a green oasis for a stroll.
When it comes to taking your tests, Reading is well-equipped. The local practical driving test centre is located at Reading Test Centre, 220 Elgar Road South, Reading, RG2 0BW. While the previous centre at this address has closed, plans for a new permanent driving test centre in Reading at Pacific House in Imperial Way, Whitley, have been approved, with tests currently being conducted from a temporary site at the Holiday Inn Reading South. You can find more information about booking your practical test on the general GOV.UK practical test centre finder page: Find a driving test centre. For your theory test, the Reading Theory Test Centre is conveniently located at First Floor, Greyfriars Gate, 5 – 7 Greyfriars Road, Reading, RG1 1NU. This central location is easily accessible, being just a short walk from Reading train station. You can book your theory test or find more details on the GOV.UK theory test centre finder page: Find a theory test centre.
Choosing to learn with Rated Driving in Reading means choosing a comprehensive and supportive learning experience. Our instructors are familiar with all the local nuances, from the busy A33 relief road to the quieter residential streets, ensuring you gain the confidence and skills needed to pass your test and drive safely in Reading and beyond. Don’t delay your journey to independence; take the wheel and book your driving lessons in Reading with Rated Driving today.
Practical Driving Test Centres Near Reading
Reading Driving Test Centre
220 Elgar Road South, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 0BW
Newbury (Hambridge Lane) Driving Test Centre
Hambridge Lane, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5TZ
Slough Driving Test Centre
12 Waterside Drive, Slough, Berkshire, SL3 6EZ
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 Reading for your driving lessons.
Travelling by Train
For learner drivers heading to Reading for lessons, convenient train services make reaching Reading easy. From Newbury, Great Western Railway (GWR) offers direct trains to Reading, taking around 29 minutes. Similarly, from Basingstoke, direct CrossCountry and South Western Railway services connect to Reading in approximately 17-24 minutes. If you’re coming from Henley-on-Thames, GWR provides direct trains to Reading, with a journey time of about 22 minutes. Wokingham also has frequent direct GWR and South Western Railway trains to Reading, taking as little as 9 minutes. Maidenhead offers direct Elizabeth Line and GWR services to Reading, with journeys as short as 11-14 minutes.
To secure the best fares for your journey to Reading, aim to travel during Off-Peak hours. These are generally outside weekday rush hours (before 09:30 and between 16:00-19:00) and anytime on weekends. Peak times, typically 06:30-09:30 and 16:00-19:00 on weekdays, should be avoided for cheaper tickets and less crowded trains to Reading. You can book your train tickets to Reading via Trainline or MyTrainTicket.
Travelling by Bus
Reading is exceptionally well-connected by bus, making your journey for driving lessons straightforward. From Wokingham, the Lion X4 and Lion 4/X4 services offer direct routes into Reading town centre, stopping conveniently at Reading Station. If you’re travelling from Henley-on-Thames, the Greenwave 23/24 provides a reliable service to Reading, arriving at the main bus stops near The Oracle. For those in Newbury, the Jet Black 1 service runs frequently to Reading, terminating at the station.
Avoid peak hours, typically 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM on weekdays, as Reading’s roads, particularly around the town centre and major arteries like the A33, can experience significant congestion. Travelling outside these times will ensure a smoother journey to Reading. For bus tickets and real-time information, check the operators’ websites or apps. You can also explore options on Bus Ticket or National Express. Planning your bus journey to Reading in advance will help you arrive relaxed and ready for your lesson.
Fun Fact About Reading
Reading, Berkshire, founded by Saxons around the 6th century, became a significant medieval centre with the establishment of Reading Abbey in 1121. Interestingly, from the 1870s to the 1970s, Reading was known as ‘Biscuit Town’ due to Huntley & Palmers, the world’s largest biscuit manufacturer.
Rated Discounts
Find Your Deal
Take advantage of our amazing offers when you book your driving lessons in Reading. 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 Reading driving instructors
We work with a trusted network of local DVSA-registered instructors - across Reading 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 Reading’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 Reading?
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 Reading’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 Reading, Old Windsor, Whitchurch-on-Thames & Three Mile Cross.
- 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 Reading? 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
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WHAT CAN I GET
Reading 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 Reading
Prefer a female driving instructor? Just let us know. Rated Driving will connect you with a trusted female instructor in Reading who fits your schedule and preferences.
Automatic driving lessons in Reading
Struggling with gears or just want a simpler start? Let us match you with an automatic instructor in Reading who’ll help you build confidence and get test-ready without stalling.
Book Automatic Lessons
Intensive driving course Reading
Want to pass fast? Our intensive driving courses are designed to help you progress quickly. We'll match you with a local instructor in Reading ready to help you reach the finish line.
Learn to drive Reading.
Download our app and start your driving journey in Reading today - the fastest way to get matched and on the road.
Learner guide
Areas We Cover Near Reading, 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 Reading FAQs
What are the local driving conditions like in Reading?
Reading offers a diverse range of driving conditions, perfect for comprehensive learning. You’ll experience busy urban traffic around landmarks like The Oracle Shopping Centre, challenging junctions such as Caversham Bridge during peak hours, and quieter residential areas like Earley or Tilehurst for perfecting manoeuvres. You’ll also gain confidence on dual carriageways like the A33 and A329(M).
Where are the nearest driving test centres to Reading?
The primary driving test centre for Reading is located at 220 Elgar Road South, Reading, RG2 0BW. Other nearby options include Newbury (Hambridge Lane) and Greenham.
How do I book driving lessons in Reading with Rated Driving?
Booking driving lessons with Rated Driving in Reading is straightforward. Simply visit our website, enter your postcode, and we’ll match you with a local, DVSA-approved instructor. You can choose between manual or automatic lessons and select an instructor based on your preferences.
What advice do you have for beginner drivers in Reading?
For beginners in Reading, focus on building confidence in quieter residential areas first, such as those in Tilehurst, before progressing to busier roads. Our instructors will guide you through all aspects, from basic vehicle control to navigating complex junctions and dual carriageways like the A33. Remember, practice makes perfect!
What is Rated Driving’s refund policy for lessons in Reading?
Rated Driving offers a “100% Money Back Guarantee” for the first hour of your initial driving lesson if you’re not satisfied; simply contact us within 24 hours. For subsequent lessons, refunds for unused hours are generally processed if requested within 30 days of payment.
Can I change my driving instructor with Rated Driving in Reading?
Yes, you can request to change your driving instructor if there’s a material issue, as judged by Rated Driving. We aim to connect you with a suitable replacement instructor in the Reading area.
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].
