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Driving Lessons in Southsea
⚡️ Instantly matched with a local Southsea instructor.
🎓 Trusted by 20k+ learners nationwide.
🤝 Love your first driving lesson or your money back. (T&C's apply)
Learn to drive confidently in Southsea 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 Southsea 🙏
See why our learners in Southsea love Rated Driving ♥️
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Top-Notch Driving Lessons in Southsea
Rated Driving in Southsea made learning to drive a breeze. The instructor helped me stay calm and focused, and I passed first time. Great service!
Mason E
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Friendly and Professional Instructors in Southsea
From the first lesson in Southsea, I knew I was in good hands. My instructor was so helpful and gave me all the tools to succeed. I passed first time!
Emily E
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Confident Behind the Wheel in Southsea
From the first lesson in Southsea, 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 U
Learning to drive in Southsea
Southsea 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 Southsea, 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 Hampshire, Southsea offers an exceptional environment to master the roads. With its unique blend of urban settings, coastal routes, and quieter residential areas, Southsea provides a comprehensive learning experience that prepares you for any driving scenario. Rated Driving is your ideal partner for navigating the diverse roads of Southsea, ensuring you gain confidence and competence behind the wheel.
One of the key benefits of taking driving lessons in Southsea is the sheer variety of local driving conditions. You’ll have the opportunity to practice on main thoroughfares like the Eastern Road, which can involve navigating busy roundabouts and dual carriageways, helping you build confidence with higher speeds and multi-lane traffic. For honing your manoeuvres and developing precision, the quieter residential streets around areas like Milton and Eastney offer the perfect setting for practicing parallel parking, three-point turns, and reversing. You might also find yourself tackling the varied traffic flows around Palmerston Road, Southsea’s main high street, which is bustling with shops and restaurants. This mix ensures that by the time you’re ready for your test, you’ll be well-versed in handling different road types and traffic situations that are typical of Southsea and beyond.
Beyond the practicalities of learning, Southsea boasts a wealth of attractions and landmarks that make it a truly appealing place to spend time. Imagine finishing a successful driving lesson and then being able to unwind at the expansive Southsea Common, a vast open space perfect for a stroll or a picnic with views of the Solent. You could also explore the historic Southsea Castle, built by Henry VIII, which stands proudly on the seafront. For a dose of local history, The D-Day Story museum is located right on the seafront, offering fascinating insights into the Allied invasion of Normandy. And for a bit of traditional seaside fun, Clarence Pier and South Parade Pier offer amusement arcades and entertainment. These local gems not only add to the charm of Southsea but also provide familiar landmarks that can help you orient yourself during your lessons.
When it comes to the practical side of getting your licence, the nearest practical driving test centre to Southsea is the Portsmouth Driving Test Centre. It’s located on James Callaghan Drive, opposite Fort Southwick, and is easily accessible from Southsea. You can find more information about this test centre on the official GOV.UK website: Portsmouth Driving Test Centre. For your theory test, the Portsmouth Theory Test Centre is conveniently situated at Pearson Professional Centre, Ground Floor Annex, Enterprise House, Isambard Brunel Road, Portsmouth. This central location makes it easily accessible by public transport, including being just a short walk from Portsmouth & Southsea train station. You can find details and book your theory test via the GOV.UK website: Portsmouth Theory Test Centre.
Choosing Rated Driving for your lessons in Southsea means you’ll benefit from instructors who possess intricate local knowledge, ensuring you’re prepared for every aspect of driving in this vibrant area. Their expertise, combined with the diverse driving conditions Southsea offers, creates an ideal learning environment. Don’t just learn to drive; learn to drive confidently and safely in Southsea. Take the first step towards your driving independence today.
Practical Driving Test Centres Near Southsea
Portsmouth Driving Test Centre
Opposite Fort Southwick, James Callaghan Drive, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO17 6AR
Lee On The Solent Driving Test Centre
The Richard Sainsbury Building, Daedalus Argus Gate Daedalus Drive, Lee on the Solent, PO13 9JY
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 Southsea for your driving lessons.
Travelling by Train
To reach Southsea for your driving lessons, your primary train destination will be Portsmouth & Southsea station. From towns like Chichester, Southern services run directly to Portsmouth & Southsea. If you’re coming from Southampton Central, South Western Railway offers frequent services to Portsmouth & Southsea. For those travelling from further afield, such as Bristol or Cardiff, Great Western Railway (GWR) provides services that connect to Portsmouth & Southsea.
Once at Portsmouth & Southsea station, Southsea is easily accessible by bus. Numerous bus services, including routes 1, 2, 3, and 23, operate frequently from Civic Offices (near the station) into various parts of Southsea, with journeys as short as 5-7 minutes.
For optimal travel to Southsea, aim for Off-Peak train times, typically outside weekday rush hours (7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM) and anytime on weekends, to avoid busier periods. You can book your train tickets via Trainline or MyTrainTicket.
Travelling by Bus
For learner drivers heading to Southsea for lessons, public transport is a reliable option. From Havant, the Stagecoach South service 23 offers a direct route to Southsea, stopping at key locations like Havant Bus Station and Southsea Shops. This journey takes approximately 59 minutes.
If you’re coming from Fareham, the First Portsmouth, Fareham & Gosport service 3 will take you directly to Southsea, including stops at Fareham Bus Station and South Parade Pier in Southsea. The journey from Fareham to Southsea takes around 87 minutes.
From Gosport, both Stagecoach South and First Portsmouth, Fareham & Gosport operate bus services from The Hard Interchange to Southsea Shops, with journeys as short as 8-10 minutes.
For those travelling from Hayling Island, the Stagecoach South line 25 provides a direct bus to Southsea Shops, taking about 22-24 minutes.
Waterlooville residents can take a National Express bus from Precinct directly to Southsea, with the journey lasting approximately 25 minutes.
Generally, aim to travel outside of peak hours (7 AM – 10 AM and 4 PM – 7 PM on weekdays) to avoid traffic congestion in Southsea and surrounding areas.
You can purchase bus tickets directly from the bus operator or explore options on Busbud or Stagecoach.
Fun Fact About Southsea
Originally marshland, Southsea developed into a Victorian seaside resort, named after Henry VIII’s 1544-built Southsea Castle. A fun fact: renowned author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle lived in Southsea, and the town is also the birthplace of underwater hockey!
Rated Discounts
Find Your Deal
Take advantage of our amazing offers when you book your driving lessons in Southsea. 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 Southsea driving instructors
We work with a trusted network of local DVSA-registered instructors - across Southsea 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 Southsea’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 Southsea?
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 Southsea’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 Southsea, Milford on Sea, Fordingbridge & Hedge End.
- 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 Southsea? 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
Southsea 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 Southsea
Prefer a female driving instructor? Just let us know. Rated Driving will connect you with a trusted female instructor in Southsea who fits your schedule and preferences.
Automatic driving lessons in Southsea
Struggling with gears or just want a simpler start? Let us match you with an automatic instructor in Southsea who’ll help you build confidence and get test-ready without stalling.
Book Automatic Lessons
Intensive driving course Southsea
Want to pass fast? Our intensive driving courses are designed to help you progress quickly. We'll match you with a local instructor in Southsea ready to help you reach the finish line.
Learn to drive Southsea.
Download our app and start your driving journey in Southsea today - the fastest way to get matched and on the road.
Learner guide
Areas We Cover Near Southsea, 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 Southsea FAQs
What are the typical driving conditions in Southsea that I’ll experience during lessons?
Southsea offers a diverse range of driving conditions, perfect for comprehensive learning. You’ll gain confidence navigating the main roads and thoroughfares, practice manoeuvres in quieter residential areas, and experience dual carriageways to boost your confidence in traffic. Our instructors also cover rural roads and common test routes to ensure you’re well-prepared for anything.
Where are the nearest driving test centres to Southsea?
The primary driving test centre for Southsea learners is the Portsmouth Driving Test Centre, located opposite Fort Southwick on James Callaghan Drive. Other nearby test centres include Lee-on-the-Solent and Chichester.
How do I book driving lessons in Southsea with Rated Driving?
Booking driving lessons with Rated Driving in Southsea is straightforward. You can easily book online through our website or by calling us. We offer flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend availability, and you can choose between male or female instructors and manual or automatic lessons.
What advice do you have for beginner drivers in Southsea?
For beginners in Southsea, our instructors focus on building core driving skills and confidence. You’ll cover essential aspects like cockpit drills, safety checks, moving away and stopping, and understanding road positioning. Practising on varied roads, from the busy Albert Road to quieter residential streets, will broaden your experience.
What is Rated Driving’s refund policy for lessons in Southsea?
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, you must provide at least 48 hours’ notice to your instructor to cancel or rearrange, otherwise, the lesson may be forfeited without a refund.
Can I change my driving instructor with Rated Driving in Southsea?
You can request a change of instructor if there’s a material issue, as judged by Rated Driving. Examples of material issues include an instructor repeatedly not attending lessons or conducting them incompetently. Non-material issues, such as minor personality conflicts, are not grounds for a change.
What payment options are available for driving lessons in Southsea?
Rated Driving offers flexible payment options for driving lessons in Southsea. You can pay as you go for individual lessons, or save up to £110 by purchasing lessons in bulk. There is no deposit or upfront cost required for standard driving lessons.
How does Rated Driving help me prepare for the Southsea driving test routes?
Our local instructors in Southsea are familiar with the specific driving test routes used by the Portsmouth Driving Test Centre. They will guide you through these routes, helping you master challenging areas like multi-lane roundabouts and dual carriageways, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your practical test.
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].
