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Driving Lessons in Gillingham
⚡️ Instantly matched with a local Gillingham instructor.
🎓 Trusted by 20k+ learners nationwide.
🤝 Love your first driving lesson or your money back. (T&C's apply)
Learn to drive confidently in Gillingham 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 Gillingham 🙏
See why our learners in Gillingham love Rated Driving ♥️
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Unforgettable Driving Journey in Gillingham
I never thought I’d enjoy driving, but Rated Driving in Gillingham changed that. Great instructor, great tips, and a big confidence boost – I passed with ease!
Freya W
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Stress-Free Driving Lessons in Gillingham
I never thought I’d enjoy driving, but Rated Driving in Gillingham changed that. Great instructor, great tips, and a big confidence boost – I passed with ease!
Freya P
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Top-Notch Driving Lessons in Gillingham
Learning to drive in Gillingham with Rated Driving was the best decision. I felt safe and supported throughout. Highly recommend them to anyone wanting to pass with confidence!
Jake Y
Learning to drive in Gillingham
Gillingham 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 Gillingham, so you’ll know what to expect and how to handle each section without second guessing.
Learning to drive in Gillingham offers a fantastic opportunity to gain confidence and essential skills on a diverse range of roads. Rated Driving provides comprehensive driving lessons in Gillingham, ensuring you’re well-prepared for every aspect of driving in this vibrant Kent town.
Gillingham’s unique road network makes it an ideal location for learner drivers. You’ll experience everything from the bustling Gillingham High Street, perfect for honing your observational skills and navigating pedestrian areas, to quieter residential streets in areas like Rainham and Hempstead, where you can practice manoeuvres in a calmer environment. For those looking to tackle more challenging situations, Gillingham features multi-lane roundabouts such as the infamous Bowaters Roundabout (also known as the Tesco Roundabout), which connects the A2 and A289. Mastering these will be a significant step towards becoming a confident driver, and your Rated Driving instructor will guide you through them with patience and expertise. You’ll also gain experience on dual carriageways like the A2 and the A289 (Medway Towns Northern Relief Road), which are crucial for developing your higher-speed driving abilities and lane discipline.
Beyond the practicalities of learning to drive, Gillingham offers a wealth of attractions to explore once you’ve passed your test. Imagine taking a leisurely drive to the Riverside Country Park, enjoying the scenic views along the Medway Estuary. Or perhaps you’d prefer to visit the fascinating Royal Engineers Museum, Kent’s largest military museum, offering a captivating insight into engineering history. For a bit of fun, you could head to the Priestfield Stadium to catch a Gillingham FC match, or even try ice skating at Planet Ice. These local landmarks not only make Gillingham an appealing place to live and learn, but they also provide excellent real-world driving scenarios to practice your newfound skills.
When it comes to taking your practical driving test, the nearest centre is the Gillingham Driving Test Centre, located at Unit 1, Astra Park, Courteney Road, Gillingham, Kent, ME8 0RZ. You can find more information about this test centre on the official GOV.UK website: Gillingham Driving Test Centre. For your theory test, the nearest centre is the Chatham Theory Test Centre, conveniently situated on the High Street in Chatham, ME4 4EP. While there isn’t a direct phone number for the theory test centre, you can find general information on the GOV.UK theory test finder page: Theory Test Centre Finder.
With Rated Driving, you’ll receive expert tuition tailored to the specific challenges and opportunities presented by driving in Gillingham. Our instructors are dedicated to helping you become a safe and confident driver, ready to navigate the roads of Gillingham and beyond. Don’t delay your journey to independence; take the first step and book your driving lessons in Gillingham with Rated Driving today.
Practical Driving Test Centres Near Gillingham
Gillingham Practical Driving Test Centre
Unit 1, Astra Park, Courteney Road, Gillingham, Kent, ME8 0RZ
Maidstone Practical Driving Test Centre
Unit 1 North Court, South Park Business Village, Armstrong Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 6JZ
Herne Bay Practical Driving Test Centre
Altria Business Park, Margate Road, Thanet Way, Herne Bay, Kent, CT6 6GZ
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 Gillingham for your driving lessons.
Travelling by Train
For learner drivers heading to Gillingham, understanding train routes is key. If your driving lessons are in Gillingham, Kent, Southeastern and Thameslink services are your primary options. From London, direct trains to Gillingham (Kent) depart frequently from London Victoria, London Charing Cross, London Bridge, and London St Pancras International. For example, Southeastern trains from London Victoria reach Gillingham (Kent) in about an hour. Thameslink also offers services to Gillingham (Kent) from stations like London St Pancras International and Luton.
If your lessons are in Gillingham, Dorset, South Western Railway operates direct services to Gillingham (Dorset) from London Waterloo, taking approximately 1 hour 56 minutes. Towns like Salisbury also have Great Western Railway (GWR) connections, often requiring a change at Southampton Central for Gillingham (Dorset).
For the best fares to Gillingham, book your train tickets in advance. Aim for Off-Peak hours, generally outside Monday-Friday rush hours (before 07:00 AM, between 09:30 AM and 4:00 PM, and after 7:00 PM). Weekends and bank holidays are typically Off-Peak all day. Avoid Peak times, usually 07:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on weekdays, as trains to Gillingham will be busier and more expensive. You can book train tickets via Trainline or MyTrainTicket.
Travelling by Bus
For learner drivers heading to Gillingham, local bus services offer convenient access. Arriva is a primary operator for Gillingham, with routes connecting from various towns and villages. For instance, the Arriva 176 service runs from Walderslade to Gillingham, stopping at locations like Alexandra Hospital. The Arriva 1, 2, and 100 services connect Gillingham to Chatham. From Maidstone, the Arriva 101 service provides a direct link to Gillingham.
Stagecoach also operates services in Kent, including routes that serve the Medway area, encompassing Gillingham. For those travelling from Sittingbourne or the Isle of Sheppey, Chalkwell buses, such as the 334, connect to Sittingbourne Bus Hub, where you can transfer to Stagecoach X3 services towards Gillingham.
To avoid traffic and peak hours in Gillingham, aim to travel outside of typical weekday rush hours, generally before 7 AM or after 9 AM in the morning, and before 4 PM or after 6 PM in the evening. You can purchase bus tickets directly from the bus operator or explore options on Arriva UK Bus, Stagecoach Bus, or Busbud.
Fun Fact About Gillingham
Gillingham, Kent, boasts a history dating back to at least the 10th century, with its name possibly deriving from a warlord named Gyllingas, known for shouting in battle. A fun fact: for centuries, St. Mary Magdalene’s church tower was legally required to fly a White Ensign by day and burn a beacon by night to aid Medway navigators! Learn more about Gillingham.
Rated Discounts
Find Your Deal
Take advantage of our amazing offers when you book your driving lessons in Gillingham. 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 Gillingham driving instructors
We work with a trusted network of local DVSA-registered instructors - across Gillingham 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 Gillingham’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 Gillingham?
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 Gillingham’s roads inside out - so you can learn faster and pass with confidence.
- Local Experts, Ready to Go:
Over 212 DVSA-registered driving instructors across Kent including Gillingham, Boxley, Chart Sutton & Boughton Monchelsea.
- 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 Gillingham? 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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Gillingham 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.
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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 Gillingham
Prefer a female driving instructor? Just let us know. Rated Driving will connect you with a trusted female instructor in Gillingham who fits your schedule and preferences.
Automatic driving lessons in Gillingham
Struggling with gears or just want a simpler start? Let us match you with an automatic instructor in Gillingham who’ll help you build confidence and get test-ready without stalling.
Book Automatic Lessons
Intensive driving course Gillingham
Want to pass fast? Our intensive driving courses are designed to help you progress quickly. We'll match you with a local instructor in Gillingham ready to help you reach the finish line.
Learn to drive Gillingham.
Download our app and start your driving journey in Gillingham today - the fastest way to get matched and on the road.
Learner guide
Areas We Cover Near Gillingham, Kent
Are you looking for the top driving lessons in nearby locations? Rated Driving also offers driving lessons in nearby areas, including:
Driving lessons in Gillingham FAQs
What are the typical driving conditions like in Gillingham for learners?
Gillingham offers a diverse range of driving conditions, making it an excellent place to learn. You’ll experience busy main roads like Watling Street (A2) and The Queensway (A227), as well as quieter residential streets in areas such as Twydall and Rainham. You’ll also encounter challenging multi-lane roundabouts, including the Bowaters Roundabout, which are crucial for building confidence in traffic.
Where is the nearest driving test centre in Gillingham, and what should I expect on the test routes?
The primary driving test centre in Gillingham is located at Unit 1, Astra Park, Courteney Road, Gillingham, Kent, ME8 0RZ. Test routes often include a mix of residential streets, busy A-roads like the A2 and A289, and challenging roundabouts. You can expect to practice manoeuvres such as parallel parking and navigating complex junctions, preparing you for a variety of real-world driving scenarios.
How can I book driving lessons in Gillingham with Rated Driving?
Booking driving lessons with Rated Driving in Gillingham is straightforward. You can easily book online through our website, http://www.rateddriving.com, or by calling us. We aim to get you started with a DVSA-registered instructor in as little as 10 minutes, offering flexible scheduling to fit your availability.
What advice do you have for beginner drivers in Gillingham?
For beginners in Gillingham, it’s recommended to start on quieter residential streets to master basic controls before moving onto busier roads. Focus on developing strong observation skills, especially at junctions and roundabouts like those near Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre. Consistent practice and familiarising yourself with local test routes will significantly boost your confidence.
What are Rated Driving’s policies on refunds and changing instructors?
Rated Driving offers a “100% Money Back Guarantee” for the first hour of your initial driving lesson if you’re not satisfied; simply contact us within 24 hours for a full refund and we’ll endeavour to rebook you with a new instructor. While changing instructors is generally not possible once allocated unless there’s a material issue, we will do our best to connect you with a replacement if deemed necessary.
What payment options are available for driving lessons in Gillingham with Rated Driving?
Rated Driving offers flexible payment options for your driving lessons in Gillingham. 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, making it easier to start your learning journey.
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].
