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Driving Lessons in Smithills
⚡️ Instantly matched with a local Smithills instructor.
🎓 Trusted by 20k+ learners nationwide.
🤝 Love your first driving lesson or your money back. (T&C's apply)
Learn to drive confidently in Smithills 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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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 Smithills 🙏
See why our learners in Smithills love Rated Driving ♥️
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Confident Behind the Wheel in Smithills
Rated Driving in Smithills made learning to drive a breeze. The instructor helped me stay calm and focused, and I passed first time. Great service!
Jake L
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Unforgettable Driving Journey in Smithills
My experience with Rated Driving in Smithills was incredible. The lessons were structured, and my instructor made learning fun. I passed on my first try!
Mason A
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Stress-Free Driving Lessons in Smithills
Learning to drive in Smithills with Rated Driving was the best decision. I felt safe and supported throughout. Highly recommend them to anyone wanting to pass with confidence!
Sophie O
Learning to drive in Smithills
Smithills 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 Smithills, 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 Greater Manchester, Smithills offers an ideal environment to master your driving skills. With its diverse road types and convenient accessibility, Smithills provides a comprehensive learning experience, and Rated Driving is here to guide you every step of the way.
Smithills, a residential suburb of Bolton, is perfectly situated to offer a varied driving experience. Its location on the lower south-facing slopes of the West Pennine Moors means you’ll encounter a mix of urban and semi-rural roads, preparing you for a wide range of driving conditions. Rated Driving’s instructors are intimately familiar with the local roads in Smithills, ensuring your lessons are tailored to help you confidently navigate everything from quieter residential streets, perfect for practicing manoeuvres and clutch control, to busier main roads like those leading towards Bolton town centre. You might find yourself perfecting your parallel parking on the quieter roads around Smithills School or gaining confidence with traffic flow on routes connecting to the A666. The area around Barrow Bridge, with its narrower and winding roads, is excellent for refining steering precision and observation skills, building your confidence before tackling more challenging routes.
Beyond the practicalities of learning to drive, Smithills boasts several appealing local attractions that add to its charm. Imagine finishing a successful driving lesson and then unwinding with a stroll through the expansive Smithills Country Park, which offers over 2,000 acres of woodlands and hills. You could also explore the historic Smithills Hall, one of the oldest manor houses in North West England, dating back to the 15th century. For a family-friendly outing after your lesson, Smithills Open Farm is just a stone’s throw away, offering a chance to interact with farm animals. These local landmarks not only make Smithills a pleasant place to learn but also provide excellent real-world driving scenarios, from navigating to parking at popular destinations.
When you’re ready to take your practical driving test, the nearest centre to Smithills is the Bolton (Manchester) Driving Test Centre, located on Weston Street, Bolton, BL3 2AW. This centre is situated amidst busy urban roads, meaning your lessons in Smithills will have prepared you for roundabouts, junctions, and one-way systems that you’re likely to encounter during your test. You can find more information about this test centre on the GOV.UK website: Bolton (Manchester) Driving Test Centre. For your theory test, the Bolton Theory Test Centre is conveniently located near Queens Park. It’s easily accessible by public transport, being a short walk from Bolton train station and Bolton Interchange. You can book your theory test and find more details on the GOV.UK website: Bolton Theory Test Centre.
Rated Driving is committed to providing exceptional driving lessons in Smithills. Our DVSA-registered instructors possess invaluable local knowledge, ensuring you receive the most effective and relevant training for the Smithills area. They understand the unique challenges and opportunities that learning to drive in Smithills presents, from navigating residential streets to gaining confidence on main roads. With a proven track record of over 20,000 learners passing their tests, Rated Driving offers flexible learning options, including manual and automatic lessons, to suit your individual needs.
Don’t delay your journey to driving independence. Take advantage of the excellent learning environment that Smithills offers and the expert guidance from Rated Driving. Book your driving lessons in Smithills today and start your path to becoming a confident and skilled driver.
Practical Driving Test Centres Near Smithills
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 Smithills for your driving lessons.
Travelling by Train
To reach Smithills for your driving lessons by public transport, your primary hub will be Bolton Interchange. If you’re coming from towns like Manchester, Northern and TransPennine Express services frequently arrive at Bolton. From Manchester Piccadilly, a train to Bolton followed by a bus is the best option, taking around 49 minutes.
Once at Bolton Interchange, several bus services will take you directly to Smithills. The 525, 526, and 527 buses are key routes for reaching various points within Smithills, including Smithills Hall and Smithills High School. The 526 and 525 buses from Trinity Street Station (directly outside Bolton Train Station) are particularly useful for reaching Smithills Open Farm.
For optimal travel to Smithills, aim for off-peak hours. Weekday mornings before 7:00 AM and after 9:00 AM, and weekday afternoons between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, are generally quieter. Weekends and public holidays also offer off-peak fares and less crowded services to Smithills. Avoid weekday peak times, typically 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, when services to Smithills will be busiest. You can book train tickets via Trainline or MyTrainTicket.
Travelling by Bus
To reach Smithills for your driving lessons, public transport is a reliable option. From Bolton Interchange, several bus services connect directly to Smithills. The 525, 526, and 527 routes are particularly useful, offering circular services that pass through Smithills, including stops near Smithills Hall and Smithills High School. The 902, 935, and 936 services also provide access to Smithills from various points in Bolton.
For optimal travel to Smithills, aim for off-peak hours, generally outside of 7 AM – 9:30 AM and 4 PM – 7 PM on weekdays, to avoid traffic congestion. Buses to Smithills start as early as 5 AM and run until nearly midnight. You can purchase bus tickets directly from the bus operator or consider a Bee Network ticket for travel across Greater Manchester. For bus ticket booking, explore options on Arriva UK Bus or Stagecoach Bus.
Fun Fact About Smithills
Smithills, near Bolton, is home to Smithills Hall, a Grade I listed manor house with parts dating back to the 14th century. A fascinating, albeit eerie, detail is the alleged “George Marsh footprint” in the stone floor, said to bleed annually on the anniversary of his 1555 martyrdom for heresy.
Rated Discounts
Find Your Deal
Take advantage of our amazing offers when you book your driving lessons in Smithills. 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 Smithills driving instructors
We work with a trusted network of local DVSA-registered instructors - across Smithills 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 Smithills’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 Smithills?
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 Smithills’s roads inside out - so you can learn faster and pass with confidence.
- Local Experts, Ready to Go:
Over 48 DVSA-registered driving instructors across Greater-manchester including Smithills, Heaton, Halliwell & Tonge Moor.
- 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 Smithills? 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
Smithills 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 Smithills
Prefer a female driving instructor? Just let us know. Rated Driving will connect you with a trusted female instructor in Smithills who fits your schedule and preferences.
Automatic driving lessons in Smithills
Struggling with gears or just want a simpler start? Let us match you with an automatic instructor in Smithills who’ll help you build confidence and get test-ready without stalling.
Book Automatic Lessons
Intensive driving course Smithills
Want to pass fast? Our intensive driving courses are designed to help you progress quickly. We'll match you with a local instructor in Smithills ready to help you reach the finish line.
Learn to drive Smithills.
Download our app and start your driving journey in Smithills today - the fastest way to get matched and on the road.
Learner guide
Areas We Cover Near Smithills, Greater-manchester
Are you looking for the top driving lessons in nearby locations? Rated Driving also offers driving lessons in nearby areas, including:
Driving lessons in Smithills FAQs
What are the typical driving conditions like in Smithills for learners?
Smithills offers a varied environment for learning to drive, combining quieter residential streets with busier main roads. You’ll gain experience on roads like Chorley New Road, which is excellent for traffic flow and roundabouts, and also practice essential skills like clutch control and hill starts on the slightly more rural roads towards Barrow Bridge.
Where is the nearest driving test centre to Smithills?
The closest driving test centre to Smithills is the Bolton (Manchester) Driving Test Centre, located on Weston Street, Bolton, BL3 2AW. Your Rated Driving instructor will be familiar with the local test routes to help you prepare effectively.
How do I book driving lessons in Smithills with Rated Driving?
Booking driving lessons in Smithills with Rated Driving is straightforward. You can easily book online through our website or by calling us. We offer flexible scheduling to fit around your commitments, and you can choose between manual or automatic lessons.
What advice do you have for beginner drivers in Smithills?
For beginners in Smithills, it’s recommended to start on quieter residential roads to build confidence with basic car controls before progressing to busier areas. Your Rated Driving instructor will guide you through various scenarios, including town centre navigation and dual carriageway experience, to ensure you become a confident and safe driver.
What is Rated Driving’s refund policy for lessons in Smithills?
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 for packages are processed based on the agreed number of hours and value, provided the payment was made within the last 30 days. Any refund due will be made back to the original payment method and may take up to 14 days to process.
Can I change my driving instructor with Rated Driving in Smithills?
Yes, if you experience a material issue with your allocated instructor, as judged by Rated Driving, we will endeavour to connect you with a replacement instructor. Our aim is to ensure you have a positive and effective learning experience.
How do payments for driving lessons work with Rated Driving in Smithills?
Rated Driving offers flexible payment options for your driving lessons in Smithills. There is no deposit or upfront cost required for standard lessons, and you can pay as you go. You can also save up to £110 by purchasing lessons in bulk.
What should I do if I need to cancel or reschedule a driving lesson in Smithills?
As a standard policy, you must give at least 48 hours’ notice directly to your instructor to cancel or rearrange lessons. Failure to provide sufficient notice may result in you forfeiting those lessons without a refund.
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].
