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Driving Lessons in Old Ford
⚡️ Instantly matched with a local Old Ford instructor.
🎓 Trusted by 20k+ learners nationwide.
🤝 Love your first driving lesson or your money back. (T&C's apply)
Learn to drive confidently in Old Ford with DVSA-approved instructors who know local test routes inside out. Whether you’re a beginner or refreshing your skills, Rated Driving connects you with trusted instructors for flexible, affordable driving lessons.
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Ready to join the learners passing their driving tests with Rated Driving?
Autumn Savings Are Here!
Autumn Sale!
This autumn, we're offering fantastic deals to help you hit the road:
- Save up to £110 on driving lessons when you book a 40-hour block.
- Earn £10 cashback for every paying friend you refer, directly to your bank or PayPal.
- Enjoy a 4.5% discount when you book 30 hours or more.
Take advantage of these seasonal savings and start your journey today!
Learner Driver Reviews in Old Ford 🙏
See why our learners in Old Ford love Rated Driving ♥️
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Top-Notch Driving Lessons in Old Ford
Learning to drive in Old Ford with Rated Driving was the best decision. I felt safe and supported throughout. Highly recommend them to anyone wanting to pass with confidence!
Freya I
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Why I Recommend Driving Lessons in Old Ford
Learning to drive in Old Ford with Rated Driving was the best decision. I felt safe and supported throughout. Highly recommend them to anyone wanting to pass with confidence!
Isla V
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Friendly and Professional Instructors in Old Ford
Learning to drive in Old Ford with Rated Driving was the best decision. I felt safe and supported throughout. Highly recommend them to anyone wanting to pass with confidence!
Leo C
Learning to drive in Old Ford
Old Ford 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 Old Ford, so you’ll know what to expect and how to handle each section without second guessing.
Learning to drive in Old Ford offers a unique and advantageous experience, perfectly blending urban challenges with accessible practice routes. This vibrant East London area, historically named after a natural ford across the River Lea, provides an ideal environment for new drivers to gain confidence and master essential skills. With Rated Driving, you’ll benefit from instructors who are intimately familiar with the local roads, ensuring your lessons are tailored to the specific conditions of Old Ford.
The convenience and accessibility of Old Ford make it a prime location for driving lessons. You’ll find a mix of road types crucial for comprehensive learning. Expect to navigate the busier main roads like Old Ford Road and Roman Road, which will help you develop your awareness and lane discipline in moderate traffic. For honing your manoeuvres and building confidence in quieter settings, your instructor will guide you through the residential streets around the area, such as those off Parnell Road or Cadogan Terrace. These quieter roads are perfect for practicing parallel parking, three-point turns, and reverse bay parking without the pressure of heavy traffic.
Beyond the practicalities of learning, Old Ford is surrounded by fantastic local attractions that add to the appeal of the area. After a successful driving lesson, you could take a relaxing stroll through the expansive Victoria Park, one of London’s oldest public parks, bordering Old Ford to the south. Alternatively, explore the modern marvels of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, built for the 2012 Summer Olympics, which is just a short distance away. You might also enjoy the linear green space of Mile End Park, which stretches alongside the Regent’s Canal and offers various recreational facilities. These landmarks not only provide great places to unwind but also offer opportunities to practice driving to different destinations, enhancing your real-world driving experience in Old Ford.
When you’re ready for your practical driving test, the nearest test centres to Old Ford include Barking (Tanner Street) Driving Test Centre and Goodmayes (London) Driving Test Centre. Barking (Tanner Street) is located at 84 Tanner Street, Barking, Essex, IG11 8QF. Goodmayes (London) is situated at 98 Goodmayes Road, Ilford, IG3 9UZ. You can find more information and book your practical test on the official GOV.UK website: Find a driving test centre.
For your theory test, the most convenient option for learners in Old Ford is the Ilford Theory Test Centre. It is located at Ground Floor, Pioneer Point, 3-5 Winston Way, Ilford, IG1 2FS. This centre is easily accessible and well-served by public transport. You can book your theory test and find further details on the GOV.UK website: Find a theory test centre.
Choosing to learn with Rated Driving in Old Ford means you’re not just learning to pass a test; you’re gaining the skills and confidence to navigate the diverse roads of East London and beyond. Our expert instructors will guide you every step of the way, making your journey to becoming a licensed driver in Old Ford as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Don’t delay your independence any longer.
Practical Driving Test Centres Near Old Ford
Wanstead (London)
2 Devon House, Hermon Hill, Wanstead, Greater London, E11 2AW
Chingford (London)
Doric House, 128 Station Road, Waltham Forest, Chingford, Greater London, E4 6AD
Tottenham
Driving Test Centre Tottenham Annex Building, Selby Centre, Selby Road, Tottenham, Greater London, N17 8JL
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 Old Ford for your driving lessons.
Travelling by Train
For learner drivers heading to Old Ford, navigating public transport is straightforward. While Old Ford no longer has its own operational train station, it’s well-connected by other services.
If you’re coming from central London, direct Tube services are your best bet for reaching Old Ford. The Central, District, Circle, and Hammersmith & City lines all offer routes that connect to stations near Old Ford, such as Bow Road or Mile End. From Liverpool Street, you can take the Central Line to Bethnal Green, a short distance from Old Ford. Alternatively, the Hammersmith & City line from Liverpool Street directly reaches Bow Road, providing easy access to Old Ford.
For those travelling from further afield, train services will typically bring you into major London hubs like Liverpool Street. From there, transfer to the Tube as described above to reach Old Ford.
The best times to travel to Old Ford are generally during Off-Peak hours, avoiding the weekday rush between 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, when services to Old Ford can be busier. You can book train tickets via Trainline or MyTrainTicket.
Travelling by Bus
For learner drivers heading to Old Ford, several bus routes offer convenient access from surrounding areas. The 8 bus route is a key service for Old Ford, connecting from areas like Bow Church, Roman Road Market, and Bethnal Green, extending towards Tottenham Court Road. The 25 bus route also serves Old Ford, originating from Ilford and passing through Stratford and Bow. Additionally, the 276, 339, and 488 bus routes provide connections to Old Ford. For early morning or late-night lessons in Old Ford, the N8 night bus is available.
To avoid traffic and peak hours, aim to travel to Old Ford outside of weekday mornings (7 AM – 10 AM) and evenings (4 PM – 7 PM). Off-peak travel generally offers a smoother journey to Old Ford. You can purchase bus tickets directly from the bus operator or explore options on Trainline, Arriva UK Bus, or Stagecoach.
Fun Fact About Old Ford
Old Ford, in East London, boasts a rich industrial past, notably with the Ford Motor Company opening its first factory outside North America in Manchester, England, in 1911. A fun fact: Henry Ford’s lifelong friend, Thomas Edison, had his last breath captured in a test tube at Ford’s request, which Ford kept as a memorial. Learn more about Old Ford.
Rated Discounts
Find Your Deal
Take advantage of our amazing offers when you book your driving lessons in Old Ford. 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 Old Ford driving instructors
We work with a trusted network of local DVSA-registered instructors - across Old Ford 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 Old Ford’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 Old Ford?
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 Old Ford’s roads inside out - so you can learn faster and pass with confidence.
- Local Experts, Ready to Go:
Over 341 DVSA-registered driving instructors across London including Old Ford, Neasden, Maida Vale & Lisson Grove.
- 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 Old Ford? 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
Old Ford 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 Old Ford
Prefer a female driving instructor? Just let us know. Rated Driving will connect you with a trusted female instructor in Old Ford who fits your schedule and preferences.
Automatic driving lessons in Old Ford
Struggling with gears or just want a simpler start? Let us match you with an automatic instructor in Old Ford who’ll help you build confidence and get test-ready without stalling.
Book Automatic Lessons
Intensive driving course Old Ford
Want to pass fast? Our intensive driving courses are designed to help you progress quickly. We'll match you with a local instructor in Old Ford ready to help you reach the finish line.
Learn to drive Old Ford.
Download our app and start your driving journey in Old Ford today - the fastest way to get matched and on the road.
Learner guide
Areas We Cover Near Old-ford, London
Are you looking for the top driving lessons in nearby locations? Rated Driving also offers driving lessons in nearby areas, including:
Driving lessons in Old Ford FAQs
What are the typical driving conditions like in Old Ford?
Old Ford, located in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, presents a mix of driving conditions. You’ll encounter busy urban roads like Old Ford Road and Parnell Road, which connect to the A12, offering experience with varied traffic flows. Learning here will prepare you for navigating junctions, roundabouts, and dealing with pedestrians and cyclists, especially near areas like Victoria Park.
Where are the nearest driving test centres to Old Ford?
While there isn’t a driving test centre directly in Old Ford, nearby practical driving test centres include those in East London. Your Rated Driving instructor will be familiar with the local test routes and can help you prepare for your test at the most suitable centre for you.
How do I book driving lessons in Old Ford with Rated Driving?
Booking driving lessons with Rated Driving in Old Ford is straightforward. Simply visit our website, enter your postcode, and you can view prices and book online. We offer flexible scheduling and can match you with a local DVSA-registered instructor.
What advice do you have for beginner drivers in Old Ford?
For beginner drivers in Old Ford, we recommend familiarising yourself with the Highway Code and common road signs before your first lesson. Your Rated Driving instructor will start you in quiet areas to build confidence, gradually progressing to busier roads like those around Bow and Mile End.
What is Rated Driving’s refund policy for lessons in Old Ford?
Rated Driving offers a “100% Money Back Guarantee” for the first hour of your initial driving lesson if you’re not satisfied, provided you contact us within 24 hours. For subsequent lessons, refunds for packages are generally processed if agreed upon with your instructor and within 30 days of payment, with any unused credits nullified after 60 days if lessons haven’t started.
Can I change my driving instructor with Rated Driving in Old Ford?
Yes, if you find that your instructor isn’t the right fit, Rated Driving understands the importance of a good rapport. While changing instructors is generally possible if there’s a material issue, we will do our best to connect you with a suitable replacement instructor in the Old Ford area.
What payment options are available for driving lessons in Old Ford?
Rated Driving offers flexible payment options for your driving lessons in Old Ford. There is no deposit or upfront cost required for standard lessons, allowing you to pay as you go. You can also save up to £110 by purchasing lessons in bulk.
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].
