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Driving Lessons in Upper Holloway
⚡️ Instantly matched with a local Upper Holloway instructor.
🎓 Trusted by 20k+ learners nationwide.
🤝 Love your first driving lesson or your money back. (T&C's apply)
Learn to drive confidently in Upper Holloway 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 Upper Holloway 🙏
See why our learners in Upper Holloway love Rated Driving ♥️
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Unforgettable Driving Journey in Upper Holloway
From the first lesson in Upper Holloway, 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 H
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Stress-Free Driving Lessons in Upper Holloway
I took my driving lessons with Rated Driving in Upper Holloway. 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 K
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Why I Recommend Driving Lessons in Upper Holloway
I never thought I’d enjoy driving, but Rated Driving in Upper Holloway changed that. Great instructor, great tips, and a big confidence boost – I passed with ease!
Ethan A
Learning to drive in Upper Holloway
Upper Holloway 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 Upper Holloway, 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 North London, Upper Holloway offers an ideal environment to master your driving skills, and Rated Driving is here to guide you every step of the way.
Upper Holloway, nestled within the London Borough of Islington, provides a fantastic blend of road conditions perfect for learner drivers. You’ll gain invaluable experience navigating the bustling Holloway Road, a major artery that will help you become confident with urban traffic. For quieter practice, your Rated Driving instructor will introduce you to the residential streets like Pemberton Gardens and St John’s Grove, where you can hone your manoeuvres and build confidence in a calmer setting. The varied road network in Upper Holloway ensures you’ll encounter a diverse range of scenarios, preparing you thoroughly for your practical test.
Beyond the practicalities of learning, Upper Holloway boasts a vibrant local atmosphere with plenty to explore. After a productive driving lesson, you could unwind with a stroll through Whittington Park, a lovely green space offering a peaceful escape. For those interested in local history and nature, Gillespie Park, Islington’s local nature reserve, is another excellent option. If you’re a football fan, the iconic Emirates Stadium, home to Arsenal FC, is also nearby. These local attractions make Upper Holloway not just a place to learn, but a community to enjoy.
When it comes to the practical driving test, while there isn’t a test centre directly in Islington due to the dense urban conditions, you’ll likely take your test at one of the nearby centres in Haringey, such as Wood Green or Tottenham. Your Rated Driving instructor, with their in-depth local knowledge, will ensure your lessons in Upper Holloway are tailored to familiarise you with the typical routes and challenges of these test centres, giving you the best possible chance of success.
For your theory test, Islington also doesn’t have its own dedicated centre. However, convenient options are available. If you’re near a Northern Line station in Upper Holloway, you can easily travel south to the Southwark Theory Test Centre. Alternatively, if you’re closer to Piccadilly Line stations, the Southgate Theory Test Centre is another accessible option. Rated Driving will support you with resources and guidance for your theory test preparation, ensuring you’re ready for both aspects of becoming a licensed driver.
Choosing to learn with Rated Driving in Upper Holloway means opting for convenience, expert instruction, and a comprehensive learning experience. Our instructors are highly experienced and dedicated to helping you become a safe and confident driver on the roads of Upper Holloway and beyond.
Ready to take the wheel? Book your driving lessons in Upper Holloway with Rated Driving today and embark on your journey to driving independence.
Practical Driving Test Centres Near Upper Holloway
Tottenham Driving Test Centre
Annex Building, Selby Road, Haringey, Tottenham, Greater London, N17 8JL
Wood Green (London) Driving Test Centre
Wood Green Crown Court, Woodhall House, Lordship Lane, Wood Green, Greater London, N22 5LF
Hendon (London) Driving Test Centre
3 Aviation Drive, Beaufort Park, Hendon, Greater London, NW9 5TZ
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 Upper Holloway for your driving lessons.
Travelling by Train
To reach Upper Holloway for your driving lessons, public transport is highly recommended. Upper Holloway station is on the London Overground’s Suffragette line, situated between Gospel Oak and Crouch Hill.
If you’re coming from areas like Barking, you can take a direct London Overground service to Upper Holloway, with an average journey time of 28 minutes. From Gospel Oak, it’s a very short journey, averaging just 3 minutes on the London Overground to Upper Holloway. For those travelling from Stratford (London), expect a journey of around 33-38 minutes, typically involving one change, with London Overground being the main operator. From Enfield Town, you can take a Great Northern train to Finsbury Park, then connect to Upper Holloway via bus or a short walk to Archway for the Northern Line.
For the best experience travelling to Upper Holloway, aim for Off-Peak hours, generally outside of weekday rush hours (7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM). Services on the London Overground to Upper Holloway run every 15 minutes during the day, becoming half-hourly in late evenings. You can book your train tickets via Trainline or MyTrainTicket.
Travelling by Bus
Reaching Upper Holloway for your driving lessons is straightforward with excellent bus connections. From areas like Friern Barnet, the 43 bus route offers a direct service to Upper Holloway, stopping at Archway Station/Holloway Road. If you’re coming from Barnet Hospital, the 263 bus will take you to Upper Holloway, passing through Highgate Village. For those in Tottenham Hale, the 41 bus provides a direct link to Upper Holloway.
To avoid traffic, aim to travel to Upper Holloway outside of weekday peak hours (7 AM – 10 AM and 4 PM – 7 PM). Mid-mornings and early afternoons are generally the best times for a smoother journey to Upper Holloway. You can purchase bus tickets directly from the bus driver using contactless payment, or explore options on Transport for London.
Fun Fact About Upper Holloway
Upper Holloway, part of the ancient parish of St Mary Islington, gets its name from the “hollow way” or sunken road that was once the main route for driving cattle to Smithfield Market. A fun fact: the classic late Victorian comic novel *Diary of a Nobody* is set in Upper Holloway.
Rated Discounts
Find Your Deal
Take advantage of our amazing offers when you book your driving lessons in Upper Holloway. 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 Upper Holloway driving instructors
We work with a trusted network of local DVSA-registered instructors - across Upper Holloway 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 Upper Holloway’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 Upper Holloway?
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 Upper Holloway’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 Upper Holloway, Honor Oak, Bankside & Waterloo.
- 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 Upper Holloway? 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
Upper Holloway 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 Upper Holloway
Prefer a female driving instructor? Just let us know. Rated Driving will connect you with a trusted female instructor in Upper Holloway who fits your schedule and preferences.
Automatic driving lessons in Upper Holloway
Struggling with gears or just want a simpler start? Let us match you with an automatic instructor in Upper Holloway who’ll help you build confidence and get test-ready without stalling.
Book Automatic Lessons
Intensive driving course Upper Holloway
Want to pass fast? Our intensive driving courses are designed to help you progress quickly. We'll match you with a local instructor in Upper Holloway ready to help you reach the finish line.
Learn to drive Upper Holloway.
Download our app and start your driving journey in Upper Holloway today - the fastest way to get matched and on the road.
Learner guide
Areas We Cover Near Upper-holloway, 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 Upper Holloway FAQs
What are the typical driving conditions in Upper Holloway?
Upper Holloway, part of the London Borough of Islington, presents a mix of driving conditions. You’ll encounter busy main roads like Holloway Road and Junction Road, which can be challenging during peak hours. However, there are also quieter residential streets, such as those around Dalmeny Road and Cardwell Road, which are ideal for practising basic manoeuvres.
Where are the nearest driving test centres to Upper Holloway?
For residents of Upper Holloway, several driving test centres are accessible. Your nearest practical driving test centres include Wood Green, Tottenham, Barnet, Mill Hill, and Hendon. It’s always recommended to familiarise yourself with the routes around your chosen test centre.
How can I book driving lessons in Upper Holloway with Rated Driving?
Booking driving lessons with Rated Driving in Upper Holloway is straightforward. Simply visit our website, enter your postcode on the homepage, and select ‘get prices’ to see the cost of lessons in your area. We offer flexible scheduling and local instructor matching to suit your needs.
What advice do you have for beginner drivers in Upper Holloway?
Beginner drivers in Upper Holloway should focus on mastering basic car control on quieter residential streets before tackling busier roads. Areas just off Holloway Road, like Dalmeny Road, Carleton Road, and Tabley Road, are excellent for initial practice. Gradually progress to roads with more traffic as your confidence grows.
What is Rated Driving’s refund policy for lessons in Upper Holloway?
Rated Driving offers a “100% Money Back Guarantee” for the first hour of your initial driving lesson if you’re not satisfied. For subsequent lessons, refunds for pre-paid packages are processed for payments made within the last 30 days, based on the agreed number of hours between you and your instructor.
Can I change my driving instructor with Rated Driving in Upper Holloway?
Yes, Rated Driving understands that sometimes a change of instructor is needed. While it’s not possible to change instructors once allocated unless there’s a material issue, as judged by Rated Driving, we will endeavour to rebook you with a new instructor if a material issue is determined.
Are there any discounts for booking driving lessons in bulk with Rated Driving?
Yes, with Rated Driving, you can save money by purchasing lessons in bulk. Learners can save up to £110 by buying lessons as a package, making your learning journey more cost-effective. There is no deposit or upfront cost required for standard driving lessons.
What payment options are available for driving lessons in Upper Holloway with Rated Driving?
Rated Driving offers flexible payment options for your driving lessons in Upper Holloway. You can choose pay-as-you-go options, or save money by purchasing lessons in bulk. There is no deposit or upfront cost required for standard driving lessons, providing you with financial flexibility.
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].
