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Driving Lessons in Southbourne
⚡️ Instantly matched with a local Southbourne instructor.
🎓 Trusted by 20k+ learners nationwide.
🤝 Love your first driving lesson or your money back. (T&C's apply)
Learn to drive confidently in Southbourne 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 Southbourne 🙏
See why our learners in Southbourne love Rated Driving ♥️
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Why I Recommend Driving Lessons in Southbourne
I took my driving lessons with Rated Driving in Southbourne. 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 X
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Unforgettable Driving Journey in Southbourne
From the first lesson in Southbourne, I knew I was in good hands. My instructor was so helpful and gave me all the tools to succeed. I passed first time!
Jake Y
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Passed First Time in Southbourne – Thanks to Rated Driving!
My experience with Rated Driving in Southbourne was incredible. The lessons were structured, and my instructor made learning fun. I passed on my first try!
Grace N
Learning to drive in Southbourne
Southbourne 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 Southbourne, 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 Dorset, Southbourne offers an ideal environment to gain confidence behind the wheel. With its diverse road conditions and convenient access to essential facilities, Southbourne is a fantastic place to begin your driving journey with Rated Driving.
One of the key benefits of taking driving lessons in Southbourne is the variety of local driving conditions it presents. You’ll experience everything from quieter residential streets, perfect for mastering basic manoeuvres and building initial confidence, to busier main roads like Southbourne Grove, where you can practice navigating traffic and developing your observational skills. Your Rated Driving instructor will guide you through these varied scenarios, ensuring you’re well-prepared for any situation on the road. You might even find yourself practicing roundabouts on the A3049 as you head towards the practical test centre, which is an excellent way to hone your skills for the test.
Beyond the practicalities of learning, Southbourne boasts a charming atmosphere and several local attractions that make it an appealing place to spend time. After a productive driving lesson, you could unwind with a stroll along Southbourne’s picturesque Blue Flag beach, known for being quieter than its Bournemouth counterpart. Or perhaps explore the tranquil Fisherman’s Walk nature trail, a lovely clifftop walk that connects to Southbourne Grove. These local gems provide a perfect opportunity to relax and reflect on your progress.
When it comes to the practical driving test, learners in Southbourne typically use the Bournemouth Driving Test Centre. This centre is located at 21-23 Gillam Road, Northbourne, Bournemouth, BH10 6BW. Your Rated Driving instructor will ensure you become familiar with the common test routes in and around Bournemouth, including areas like Christchurch Road and Kings Park, giving you the best possible chance of success. For your theory test, the nearest facility is the Bournemouth Theory Test Centre, conveniently situated at Roddis House, 3rd Floor, Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH1 1LG. This central location is easily accessible, allowing you to focus on acing your theory before moving on to the practical aspects of driving.
Rated Driving is committed to providing high-quality, intensive driving courses in Southbourne, designed to help you pass your test quickly and confidently. Our experienced instructors are local to the area, meaning they possess invaluable knowledge of Southbourne’s roads and the surrounding test routes. This hyperlocal expertise is crucial for effective learning and will undoubtedly enhance your chances of passing your driving test.
Ready to take the wheel and experience the freedom of driving in Southbourne? Book your driving lessons with Rated Driving today and embark on your journey to becoming a confident and skilled driver.
Practical Driving Test Centres Near Southbourne
Lee On The Solent Driving Test Centre
The Richard Sainsbury Building, Daedalus Argus Gate, Daedalus Drive, Lee on the Solent, PO13 9JY
Portsmouth Driving Test Centre
Opposite Fort Southwick, James Callaghan Drive, Portsmouth, PO17 6AR
Chichester Driving Test Centre
Wyman House, Shopwhyke Road, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 2AA
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 Southbourne for your driving lessons.
Travelling by Train
For learner drivers heading to Southbourne, public transport offers convenient access. If you’re coming from Portsmouth, Southern trains provide a direct service to Southbourne, taking approximately 22-26 minutes. From Southampton Central, Southern also operates direct hourly trains to Southbourne, with a journey time of around 46-49 minutes. For those travelling from Bournemouth, direct South Western Railway trains reach Christchurch in about 6-8 minutes, and Southbourne is a short bus ride or walk from there. Alternatively, More Bus services like the M2, 1C, N2, or 33 connect Bournemouth to Southbourne Crossroads. From Winchester, South Western Railway trains can take you to Christchurch in approximately 45-47 minutes, with onward connections to Southbourne. Salisbury travellers can take Great Western Railway or South Western Railway services to Southampton Central, then connect to Southbourne.
To ensure a smooth journey to Southbourne, aim to travel during off-peak hours, typically outside of weekday rush hours (7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM). Weekends generally offer a more relaxed travel experience to Southbourne. You can book your train tickets in advance via Trainline or MyTrainTicket.
Travelling by Bus
For learner drivers heading to Southbourne, public transport is a convenient option. Morebus operates key routes into Southbourne from various surrounding areas. The M2 service connects Poole, Westbourne, and Bournemouth directly to Southbourne, with stops like Southbourne Crossroads. If you’re coming from Christchurch, the 1C, N2, and 33 bus routes will get you to Southbourne. The 33 also serves areas like Alum Chine and the Royal Bournemouth Hospital before reaching Southbourne.
For those travelling from further afield, such as West Moors, you can take the X6 bus to Bournemouth Bus Station and then connect to the M2 for Southbourne. The Bourne Community Bus also offers services to Southbourne from villages like Thorney, Westbourne, and Emsworth on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and from South Downs villages on Wednesdays.
To avoid significant delays when travelling to Southbourne, aim to travel outside of typical rush hours. Morning peak traffic generally occurs between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, and evening peak hours are usually from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on weekdays. Weekends, especially during summer, can also see increased traffic, particularly on routes connecting to coastal areas like Southbourne.
You can purchase bus tickets directly from the bus operator or via the Morebus app. For broader travel planning and ticket options, explore Morebus or Moovit.
Fun Fact About Southbourne
Southbourne, Dorset, was envisioned as a rival health resort to Bournemouth by Dr. Thomas Armetriding Compton in the 1870s, built on former piggery land. Interestingly, it was almost named “Eastbourne” but that name was already taken.
For more, visit Southbourne.
Rated Discounts
Find Your Deal
Take advantage of our amazing offers when you book your driving lessons in Southbourne. 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 Southbourne driving instructors
We work with a trusted network of local DVSA-registered instructors - across Southbourne 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 Southbourne’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 Southbourne?
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 Southbourne’s roads inside out - so you can learn faster and pass with confidence.
- Local Experts, Ready to Go:
Over 93 DVSA-registered driving instructors across Hampshire including Southbourne, North Baddesley, Warsash & Bursledon.
- 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 Southbourne? 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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1600+ DVSA-Registered Driving Instructors
Excellent Learner Driver Reviews
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WHAT CAN I GET
Southbourne 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 Southbourne
Prefer a female driving instructor? Just let us know. Rated Driving will connect you with a trusted female instructor in Southbourne who fits your schedule and preferences.
Automatic driving lessons in Southbourne
Struggling with gears or just want a simpler start? Let us match you with an automatic instructor in Southbourne who’ll help you build confidence and get test-ready without stalling.
Book Automatic Lessons
Intensive driving course Southbourne
Want to pass fast? Our intensive driving courses are designed to help you progress quickly. We'll match you with a local instructor in Southbourne ready to help you reach the finish line.
Learn to drive Southbourne.
Download our app and start your driving journey in Southbourne today - the fastest way to get matched and on the road.
Learner guide
Areas We Cover Near Southbourne, Hampshire
Are you looking for the top driving lessons in nearby locations? Rated Driving also offers driving lessons in nearby areas, including:
Driving lessons in Southbourne FAQs
What are the local driving conditions like in Southbourne for learners?
Southbourne offers a diverse environment for learning to drive, with a mix of quiet residential streets and busier roads. You can gain confidence on calmer roads near Southbourne Beach before progressing to more challenging routes like Southbourne Grove and Carbery Avenue. The seafront is excellent for practising speed awareness, while junctions along Tuckton Road help with observation and turning skills.
Which driving test centres are typically used by Rated Driving instructors for learners in Southbourne?
Rated Driving instructors in Southbourne primarily use the Bournemouth practical driving test centre. For theory tests, learners usually attend the Bournemouth Theory Test Centre, conveniently located in the town centre.
How can I book driving lessons in Southbourne with Rated Driving, and what payment options are available?
You can easily book driving lessons in Southbourne through the Rated Driving website. We offer flexible scheduling, local instructor matching, and pay-as-you-go options. There is no deposit or upfront cost required for standard driving lessons, and you can save up to £110 by purchasing lessons in bulk.
What advice does Rated Driving offer for beginner drivers in Southbourne?
For beginners in Southbourne, our instructors will help you build confidence on quieter residential streets before gradually introducing you to busier areas. You’ll learn essential skills on local roads, including navigating the shopping area around Southbourne Grove for pedestrian crossings and parallel parking practice.
What is Rated Driving’s policy on refunds for driving lessons in Southbourne?
Rated Driving offers a “100% Money Back Guarantee” covering the first hour of your initial driving lesson if you’re not satisfied and contact us within 24 hours. For subsequent lessons, payments made within the last 30 days can be refunded based on the agreed number of hours and value between you and your instructor.
Can I change my driving instructor if I’m not happy with my lessons in Southbourne?
While Rated Driving aims to match you with a suitable instructor, it is generally not possible to change instructors once allocated unless there is a material issue, as judged by Rated Driving. If a material issue is determined, we will endeavour to rebook you with a new 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].
