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Driving Lessons in Braintree
⚡️ Instantly matched with a local Braintree instructor.
🎓 Trusted by 20k+ learners nationwide.
🤝 Love your first driving lesson or your money back. (T&C's apply)
Learn to drive confidently in Braintree 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 Braintree 🙏
See why our learners in Braintree love Rated Driving ♥️
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Friendly and Professional Instructors in Braintree
My experience with Rated Driving in Braintree was incredible. The lessons were structured, and my instructor made learning fun. I passed on my first try!
Liam W
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My Experience Learning to Drive in Braintree
I took my driving lessons with Rated Driving in Braintree. The instructor was brilliant – calm, clear, and super supportive. I felt completely ready by the time my test came around and passed with just 1 minor!
Freya D
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Confident Behind the Wheel in Braintree
Rated Driving in Braintree made learning to drive a breeze. The instructor helped me stay calm and focused, and I passed first time. Great service!
Jake M
Learning to drive in Braintree
Braintree 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 Braintree, so you’ll know what to expect and how to handle each section without second guessing.
Learning to drive is a significant milestone, and choosing the right location for your lessons can make all the difference. For those in Essex, Braintree offers an excellent environment to develop your driving skills, and with Rated Driving, you’ll be in expert hands.
Braintree provides a diverse range of road conditions, making it an ideal place to learn. From navigating the bustling town centre, with its various junctions and pedestrian crossings, to mastering the flow of traffic on main arteries like the A120 and A131, you’ll gain invaluable experience. Quieter residential streets in areas such as Great Notley and Rayne offer perfect settings for practicing manoeuvres like parallel parking and three-point turns, allowing you to build confidence at your own pace. The roundabouts around the town, including those near the Freeport Braintree shopping outlet, will also provide crucial practice for safely entering and exiting these common road features.
Beyond the practicalities of learning, Braintree boasts a rich history and a variety of attractions that make it a pleasant place to spend time. You could, for instance, visit the historic Cressing Temple Barns, a fascinating medieval site, or enjoy the open spaces of Great Notley Country Park, perfect for a relaxing stroll after a focused driving lesson. The town’s heritage, including its past as a centre for the wool and silk trade, adds a unique character to your learning journey in Braintree.
When it comes to taking your practical driving test, the nearest centre to Braintree is the Chelmsford (Hanbury Road) Driving Test Centre. While Braintree itself doesn’t have a practical test centre, your Rated Driving instructor will ensure you are thoroughly familiar with the routes and conditions around Chelmsford, giving you the best possible chance of success. You can find more information about practical test centres on the official GOV.UK website: Find a driving test centre. Similarly, for your theory test, the closest centre is the Chelmsford Theory Test Centre. Rated Driving can also assist you in preparing for this crucial step. Details on theory test centres can be found here: Find a theory test centre.
Learning to drive in Braintree with Rated Driving means you’ll benefit from local expertise and a tailored approach to your lessons. Our instructors are intimately familiar with Braintree’s roads and traffic patterns, ensuring your lessons are not only effective but also relevant to the local driving conditions you’ll encounter daily. This hyperlocal focus helps you become a safe and confident driver, ready to tackle any road in Braintree and beyond.
Ready to take the wheel and gain your independence in Braintree? Book your driving lessons with Rated Driving today and start your journey towards becoming a skilled and confident driver.
Practical Driving Test Centres Near Braintree
Chelmsford (Hanbury Road)
Hanbury Road, Widford Industrial Estate, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 3DR
Colchester
Grange Way, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8HF
Basildon
Paycocke Road, Basildon, Essex, SS14 3JS
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 Braintree for your driving lessons.
Travelling by Train
For learner drivers heading to Braintree for lessons, public transport is a reliable option. If you’re coming from nearby towns like Witham or Chelmsford, Greater Anglia operates frequent services directly to Braintree. From Witham, direct trains to Braintree take approximately 16-17 minutes and run hourly. Chelmsford to Braintree journeys are around 28-29 minutes, with direct trains available.
If travelling from Colchester, you’ll need to take a Greater Anglia service to Witham first, then change for a connecting train to Braintree. This journey typically takes around 1 hour and 2 minutes.
For the best fares to Braintree, aim for Off-Peak travel. These times are generally outside weekday rush hours (before 6:30 AM, between 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM, and after 7:00 PM), and all day on weekends and bank holidays. Avoid peak times, usually 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on weekdays, as trains to Braintree can be busier and tickets more expensive. You can book train tickets via Trainline or MyTrainTicket.
Travelling by Bus
For learner drivers heading to Braintree for lessons, public transport is a viable option. From Witham, the Stephensons of Essex 38A bus service runs to Braintree, stopping at the Bus Interchange. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes. From Halstead, the Hedingham & Chambers 89 bus provides a direct route to Braintree, arriving at the Old Court Hotel stop, with a journey time of around 12 minutes. The Stephensons of Essex 38 and 38A also connect Halstead to Braintree. If you’re coming from Coggeshall, the First Essex bus service from Market Hill will get you to Tesco East Store in Braintree in about 10 minutes. For those in Great Notley, the First Essex 170 bus offers a direct service to Braintree (Station) in approximately 9 minutes. The Stephensons of Essex 38 bus also serves Silver End, with direct services to Braintree taking around 19 minutes.
To avoid peak traffic congestion in Braintree, which typically occurs between 7 AM and 9 AM and 4 PM and 7 PM on weekdays, aim to travel mid-morning or mid-afternoon. Bus services are generally more frequent during peak hours, but off-peak travel will offer a smoother journey to Braintree. You can purchase bus tickets directly from the bus operator. For more information on routes and to plan your journey to Braintree, visit Arriva UK Bus or Stephensons of Essex.
Fun Fact About Braintree
Dating back over 4,000 years, Braintree in Essex was a significant Roman settlement and later thrived due to its wool and silk industries. A quirky fact: in 1632, Braintree was one of the first places in the UK to have a “fire engine for the common good of the parish to quench fires.”
Rated Discounts
Find Your Deal
Take advantage of our amazing offers when you book your driving lessons in Braintree. 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 Braintree driving instructors
We work with a trusted network of local DVSA-registered instructors - across Braintree 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 Braintree’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 Braintree?
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 Braintree’s roads inside out - so you can learn faster and pass with confidence.
- Local Experts, Ready to Go:
Over 288 DVSA-registered driving instructors across Essex including Braintree, Springfield, Widford & Rettendon.
- 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 Braintree? 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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Start studying now, Download today.
1600+ DVSA-Registered Driving Instructors
Excellent Learner Driver Reviews
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WHAT CAN I GET
Braintree 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 Braintree
Prefer a female driving instructor? Just let us know. Rated Driving will connect you with a trusted female instructor in Braintree who fits your schedule and preferences.
Automatic driving lessons in Braintree
Struggling with gears or just want a simpler start? Let us match you with an automatic instructor in Braintree who’ll help you build confidence and get test-ready without stalling.
Book Automatic Lessons
Intensive driving course Braintree
Want to pass fast? Our intensive driving courses are designed to help you progress quickly. We'll match you with a local instructor in Braintree ready to help you reach the finish line.
Learn to drive Braintree.
Download our app and start your driving journey in Braintree today - the fastest way to get matched and on the road.
Learner guide
Areas We Cover Near Braintree, Essex
Are you looking for the top driving lessons in nearby locations? Rated Driving also offers driving lessons in nearby areas, including:
Driving lessons in Braintree FAQs
What are the typical driving conditions like in Braintree for learners?
Braintree offers a varied environment for learner drivers, ideal for building confidence. You can start on quieter residential roads around areas like Marks Farm to master basic car control before progressing to busier town centre roads and dual carriageways, such as the A120, to gain experience with different traffic flows.
Where are the nearest driving test centres to Braintree?
While Braintree doesn’t have its own practical driving test centre, learners typically use nearby centres. The most convenient option for many Braintree learners is the Chelmsford (Hanbury Road) test centre. Other nearby options include Colchester and Basildon.
How can I book driving lessons in Braintree with Rated Driving?
Booking driving lessons with Rated Driving in Braintree is straightforward. You can easily book online through our website or by calling us. We offer flexible scheduling and aim to match you with a DVSA-registered instructor in your local area.
What advice do you have for beginner drivers in Braintree?
For beginners in Braintree, it’s recommended to start on quieter roads to get comfortable with the basics like clutch control and steering. Your Rated Driving instructor will guide you through essential skills such as cockpit drills, safety checks, moving away and stopping, and navigating junctions.
What is Rated Driving’s refund policy for lessons in Braintree?
Rated Driving offers a “100% Money Back Guarantee” for the first hour of your initial driving lesson if you’re not satisfied. For subsequent lessons, refunds are generally processed if agreed upon with your instructor and if requested within 30 days of payment. Please note that lessons not taken within 60 days of purchase may be forfeited.
Can I change my driving instructor with Rated Driving in Braintree?
Yes, you can request to change your driving instructor with Rated Driving. If you are not satisfied after your first lesson, we will endeavour to rebook you with a new instructor at no extra charge. A £100 admin fee may apply if you request a change after more than one lesson has been taken.
Are there any discounts for booking driving lessons in bulk with Rated Driving in Braintree?
Yes, learners can save money by purchasing driving lessons in bulk with Rated Driving. This offers a great way to reduce the overall cost of your lessons and ensures consistent practice. You could save up to £110 by opting for a block booking.
What payment options are available for driving lessons in Braintree with Rated Driving?
Rated Driving offers flexible payment options for driving lessons in Braintree, including pay-as-you-go. There is no deposit or upfront cost required for standard driving lessons, making it easier to manage your learning budget.
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].
