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Driving Lessons in Great Bentley
⚡️ Instantly matched with a local Great Bentley instructor.
🎓 Trusted by 20k+ learners nationwide.
🤝 Love your first driving lesson or your money back. (T&C's apply)
Learn to drive confidently in Great Bentley 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.
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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 Great Bentley 🙏
See why our learners in Great Bentley love Rated Driving ♥️
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Passed First Time in Great Bentley – Thanks to Rated Driving!
Rated Driving in Great Bentley made learning to drive a breeze. The instructor helped me stay calm and focused, and I passed first time. Great service!
Freya Y
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My Experience Learning to Drive in Great Bentley
I never thought I’d enjoy driving, but Rated Driving in Great Bentley changed that. Great instructor, great tips, and a big confidence boost – I passed with ease!
Amelia I
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Why I Recommend Driving Lessons in Great Bentley
From the first lesson in Great Bentley, I knew I was in good hands. My instructor was so helpful and gave me all the tools to succeed. I passed first time!
Liam Y
Learning to drive in Great Bentley
Great Bentley 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 Great Bentley, 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 residents of Great Bentley and the surrounding areas, taking driving lessons in Great Bentley offers a unique and highly beneficial experience. Rated Driving provides expert instruction tailored to the local environment, ensuring you become a confident and capable driver.
Great Bentley is an ideal setting for learner drivers due to its diverse road network and relatively calm traffic conditions compared to larger towns. You’ll gain invaluable experience navigating a variety of road types right here in Great Bentley. Your Rated Driving instructor will guide you through the quieter residential streets, perfect for mastering basic manoeuvres and building initial confidence. As you progress, you’ll tackle main roads like the B1027, which runs through Great Bentley, and the nearby A133, allowing you to practice higher speeds and more complex junctions. This blend of road environments ensures a comprehensive learning experience, preparing you for any driving scenario.
Beyond the practicalities of learning to drive, Great Bentley offers a charming backdrop for your lessons. The village is renowned for its expansive village green, one of the largest in the country, providing a pleasant and open environment. After a focused driving lesson, you could take a moment to appreciate the peaceful surroundings of the Great Bentley Village Green. You might also find yourself driving past the historic St. Mary’s Church, a beautiful 14th-century landmark, or perhaps the local pubs like The Plough Inn, which are still in business today. These local landmarks become familiar sights as you gain confidence behind the wheel in Great Bentley.
When it comes to taking your practical driving test, the nearest centre to Great Bentley is the Clacton-on-Sea Driving Test Centre, located at 103-105 Carnarvon Road, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 6PR. Your Rated Driving instructor will ensure you are well-prepared for the specific routes and challenges often encountered around this test centre, including sections of the A133 dual carriageway and various roundabouts. For your theory test, the nearest centre is the Colchester Theory Test Centre. You can find more information about booking your practical test at the Clacton-on-Sea centre on the official GOV.UK website: Find a driving test centre. Similarly, details for the theory test can be found at Find a theory test centre.
Choosing to learn in Great Bentley with Rated Driving means you’re not just getting driving lessons; you’re gaining the skills and confidence to navigate your local area and beyond. The convenience of learning in Great Bentley, coupled with the expertise of Rated Driving instructors, makes it the ideal choice for your driving journey.
Ready to take the wheel and experience the freedom of driving in Great Bentley? Book your driving lessons with Rated Driving today and start your journey towards becoming a licensed driver.
Practical Driving Test Centres Near Great Bentley
Colchester Driving Test Centre
Grange Way, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8HF
Clacton-on-Sea Driving Test Centre
103-105 Carnarvon Road, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 6PR
Chelmsford (Hanbury Road) Driving Test Centre
Hanbury Road, Widford Industrial Estate, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 3DR
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 Great Bentley for your driving lessons.
Travelling by Train
For learner drivers heading to Great Bentley for lessons, train travel is efficient. Great Bentley station is on the Sunshine Coast Line, a branch of the Great Eastern Main Line, managed by Greater Anglia.
If you’re coming from Colchester or Colchester Town, Greater Anglia offers frequent services directly to Great Bentley, with journeys taking around 15-19 minutes. From towns further east like Clacton-on-Sea, Thorpe-le-Soken, or Weeley, direct Greater Anglia trains also serve Great Bentley, with Clacton-on-Sea to Great Bentley taking about 13 minutes. Services run hourly in each direction.
For the best fares to Great Bentley, aim for Off-Peak travel. Generally, Off-Peak hours are weekdays after 9:30 AM and all day on weekends and bank holidays. Avoid weekday peak times, typically 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, when trains to Great Bentley can be busier and tickets more expensive. You can book train tickets via Trainline or Greater Anglia.
Travelling by Bus
For learner drivers heading to Great Bentley, local bus services offer convenient access. From Colchester, the KonectBuses (formerly Hedingham & Chambers) route 76 and 77/77A provide direct links to Great Bentley Corner or Sturrick Lane, taking approximately 30 minutes. The 76 service also connects Clacton-on-Sea and Weeley to Great Bentley. For those in St Osyth, the 77A offers a direct route to Great Bentley.
To avoid peak traffic, aim for off-peak hours, generally outside of weekday mornings (7 AM – 10 AM) and evenings (4 PM – 7 PM). Bus services to Great Bentley can be less frequent on weekends and holidays, so always check timetables in advance. You can purchase bus tickets directly from the bus operator. For more information and to plan your journey to Great Bentley, visit Bus Times or Rome2Rio.
Fun Fact About Great Bentley
Great Bentley, mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, is home to what is reputedly the second-largest village green in England, spanning 43 acres. Interestingly, until the railway arrived in 1865, most inhabitants never left the village, considering nearby Weeley “foreign parts.”
Learn more about Great Bentley.
Rated Discounts
Find Your Deal
Take advantage of our amazing offers when you book your driving lessons in Great Bentley. 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 Great Bentley driving instructors
We work with a trusted network of local DVSA-registered instructors - across Great Bentley 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 Great Bentley’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 Great Bentley?
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 Great Bentley’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 Great Bentley, Shoeburyness, Rochford & Rayleigh.
- 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 Great Bentley? 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
Great Bentley 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 Great Bentley
Prefer a female driving instructor? Just let us know. Rated Driving will connect you with a trusted female instructor in Great Bentley who fits your schedule and preferences.
Automatic driving lessons in Great Bentley
Struggling with gears or just want a simpler start? Let us match you with an automatic instructor in Great Bentley who’ll help you build confidence and get test-ready without stalling.
Book Automatic Lessons
Intensive driving course Great Bentley
Want to pass fast? Our intensive driving courses are designed to help you progress quickly. We'll match you with a local instructor in Great Bentley ready to help you reach the finish line.
Learn to drive Great Bentley.
Download our app and start your driving journey in Great Bentley today - the fastest way to get matched and on the road.
Learner guide
Areas We Cover Near Great-bentley, 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 Great Bentley FAQs
What are the typical driving conditions like in Great Bentley for learners?
Great Bentley offers a varied environment for learning to drive, combining quiet village roads around the expansive Great Bentley Green with connections to busier routes. You’ll gain experience navigating residential streets, rural roads, and potentially the A133, which bypasses nearby villages and leads towards Clacton-on-Sea.
Where are the nearest driving test centres to Great Bentley?
The closest practical driving test centre to Great Bentley is located in Clacton-on-Sea at 103-105 Carnavon Road, CO15 6QA. Other nearby test centres in Essex include Colchester and Chelmsford.
How can I book driving lessons in Great Bentley with Rated Driving?
Booking driving lessons with Rated Driving in Great Bentley is straightforward. You can easily find and compare local instructors, view their real-time availability, and book lessons online 24/7.
What advice do you have for beginner drivers in Great Bentley?
For beginners in Great Bentley, it’s recommended to start on the quieter roads around the village green to master basic controls before progressing to more complex areas. Your instructor will guide you through various road types, including those leading to and from the village, to build your confidence and skills.
What is Rated Driving’s policy on cancelling or rearranging lessons in Great Bentley?
With Rated Driving, you generally need to give at least 48 hours’ notice directly to your instructor if you wish to cancel or rearrange a lesson to avoid forfeiture. Each instructor may have their own specific policy, so it’s always best to confirm with them directly.
What payment options are available for driving lessons in Great Bentley with Rated Driving?
Rated Driving offers flexible payment options, including pay-as-you-go for standard lessons with no deposit or upfront cost. You can also save up to £110 by purchasing lessons in bulk. For intensive courses, interest-free “Buy Now, Pay Later” options like Klarna are available.
Can I change my driving instructor if I’m not satisfied?
Yes, Rated Driving understands the importance of a good rapport with your instructor. If you wish to change instructors, you can do so online through your dashboard.
What happens if I need a refund for my driving lessons?
Rated Driving offers a “100% Money Back Guarantee” for the first hour of your initial driving lesson if you’re not satisfied, provided you contact them within 24 hours. For other refunds, payments made within the last 30 days may be refunded based on the agreed hours and value between you and your instructor.
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].
