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Driving Lessons in Claygate
⚡️ Instantly matched with a local Claygate instructor.
🎓 Trusted by 20k+ learners nationwide.
🤝 Love your first driving lesson or your money back. (T&C's apply)
Learn to drive confidently in Claygate 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 Claygate 🙏
See why our learners in Claygate love Rated Driving ♥️
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Top-Notch Driving Lessons in Claygate
Learning to drive in Claygate with Rated Driving was the best decision. I felt safe and supported throughout. Highly recommend them to anyone wanting to pass with confidence!
Freya L
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Why I Recommend Driving Lessons in Claygate
My experience with Rated Driving in Claygate was incredible. The lessons were structured, and my instructor made learning fun. I passed on my first try!
Isla Z
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Confident Behind the Wheel in Claygate
My experience with Rated Driving in Claygate was incredible. The lessons were structured, and my instructor made learning fun. I passed on my first try!
Isla H
Learning to drive in Claygate
Claygate 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 Claygate, 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 Surrey, Claygate offers an ideal environment to master your driving skills. With its blend of quieter residential streets and access to busier routes, Claygate provides a comprehensive learning experience. Rated Driving is proud to offer expert driving lessons right here in Claygate, ensuring you receive top-notch instruction tailored to the local area.
One of the key benefits of taking driving lessons in Claygate is the convenience and variety of local driving conditions. Claygate is primarily residential, featuring a mix of tranquil roads perfect for beginners to get comfortable with basic car control and manoeuvres. Streets like Foley Road and its associated roads, while sometimes narrow with parked cars, offer opportunities to practice turns and emerging safely. For those looking to refine their parallel parking, Gordon Road can be a suitable spot, though spaces might be limited due to parked vehicles. The public car park behind the Somerfield in Ham Lane is also an excellent location for practicing bay parking, especially during midweek when it’s less busy. As you progress, your Rated Driving instructor will guide you onto more challenging routes. Milbourne Lane, for instance, leads to the A244, providing access to the A3 and more rural roads towards Leatherhead or Esher, allowing you to experience different speed limits and road types. Hinchley Wood also leads towards Surbiton and Tolworth, further expanding your exposure to varied traffic conditions.
Beyond the practicalities of learning, Claygate boasts a charming village atmosphere with several local attractions that make it an appealing place to spend time. After a productive driving lesson, you could take a relaxing stroll through Claygate Common, a beautiful Local Nature Reserve with woodland and diverse birdlife. The village itself has two small shopping areas, the Old Village and The Parade, offering hair and beauty shops, a supermarket, and a selection of pubs and restaurants where you can unwind. Claygate’s history is also fascinating, with the village thought to be named after the clay pits that provided bricks for historical buildings, including the renowned Hampton Court Palace, which is also a short distance away.
When you’re ready for your tests, Claygate is conveniently located near essential centres. The nearest practical driving test centre to Claygate is the Tolworth Driving Test Centre, located at Douglas House, 1B Douglas Road, Tolworth, Greater London, KT6 7RZ. You can find more information about this test centre on the GOV.UK website: Tolworth Driving Test Centre. For your theory test, the closest centre is the Kingston upon Thames Theory Test Centre, situated at Unit J, Ground Floor, Crown Arcade, Union Street, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2BZ. Details for this centre can also be found on the GOV.UK website: Kingston upon Thames Theory Test Centre.
Learning to drive in Claygate with Rated Driving means you’ll benefit from instructors who are intimately familiar with these local roads and test routes, giving you the best possible chance of success. Our patient and experienced instructors will guide you every step of the way, building your confidence and ensuring you become a safe and competent driver.
Ready to embark on your driving journey in Claygate? Book your driving lessons with Rated Driving today and experience the benefits of learning in this fantastic local area.
Practical Driving Test Centres Near Claygate
Tolworth (London) Test Centre
Douglas House, 1B Douglas Road, Tolworth, Greater London, KT6 7RZ
Chertsey (London) Test Centre
Unit 4, The Forum, Hanworth Lane, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 9JX
Guildford Practical Driving Test Centre
Slyfield Industrial Estate, off Moorfield Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1SA
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 Claygate for your driving lessons.
Travelling by Train
For learner drivers heading to Claygate, public transport is straightforward. South Western Railway operates direct services to Claygate station, which is centrally located in the village.
If you’re coming from London, frequent trains depart from London Waterloo, stopping at key stations like Wimbledon and Clapham Junction before reaching Claygate in approximately 30-40 minutes. From Guildford, direct South Western Railway services also run to Claygate, with stops including Cobham & Stoke D’Abernon and Horsley. For those travelling from Surbiton, direct trains to Claygate take as little as 6 minutes.
To ensure a smooth journey to Claygate, aim for Off-Peak travel. These times are generally outside weekday rush hours, typically before 7:00 AM, between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, and after 7:00 PM. Weekends and bank holidays are usually Off-Peak all day, offering cheaper fares and less crowded trains to Claygate. Avoid weekday peak times (7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM) for a more relaxed trip to Claygate.
You can book your train tickets to Claygate via Trainline or MyTrainTicket.
Travelling by Bus
For learner drivers heading to Claygate, public transport offers convenient access. From Kingston upon Thames, the K3 bus route provides a direct service to Claygate, with stops including Dalmore Avenue and The Parade/Claygate Station. This is a reliable option for reaching Claygate. If you’re coming from areas like Twickenham, you can take a bus to Surbiton Station/Claremont Road and then connect to the K3 bus for Claygate.
For those travelling from further afield, South Western Railway offers direct train services to Claygate from London Waterloo, with journeys taking approximately 30 minutes. To avoid peak traffic and ensure a smoother journey to Claygate, aim for mid-week travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Weekday mornings (7 AM – 10 AM) and evenings (4 PM – 7 PM) are generally busier and best avoided. You can purchase bus tickets directly from the bus operator or explore options on Trainline or Stagecoach Bus.
Fun Fact About Claygate
Claygate, mentioned in the Domesday Book around 1080 as “Claigate,” gets its name from the clay pits that supplied bricks for much of Hampton Court Palace. A fun fact: the Claygate Pearmain apple, a popular variety, was discovered growing in a local hedge around 1822. Learn more about Claygate.
Rated Discounts
Find Your Deal
Take advantage of our amazing offers when you book your driving lessons in Claygate. 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 Claygate driving instructors
We work with a trusted network of local DVSA-registered instructors - across Claygate 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 Claygate’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 Claygate?
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 Claygate’s roads inside out - so you can learn faster and pass with confidence.
- Local Experts, Ready to Go:
Over 141 DVSA-registered driving instructors across Surrey including Claygate, Frimley, Camberley & Walton-on-Thames.
- 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 Claygate? 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
Claygate 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 Claygate
Prefer a female driving instructor? Just let us know. Rated Driving will connect you with a trusted female instructor in Claygate who fits your schedule and preferences.
Automatic driving lessons in Claygate
Struggling with gears or just want a simpler start? Let us match you with an automatic instructor in Claygate who’ll help you build confidence and get test-ready without stalling.
Book Automatic Lessons
Intensive driving course Claygate
Want to pass fast? Our intensive driving courses are designed to help you progress quickly. We'll match you with a local instructor in Claygate ready to help you reach the finish line.
Learn to drive Claygate.
Download our app and start your driving journey in Claygate today - the fastest way to get matched and on the road.
Learner guide
Driving lessons in Claygate FAQs
What are the typical driving conditions like in Claygate?
Claygate offers a varied environment for learning to drive. You’ll encounter quieter residential roads like Foley Road for initial lessons, though parked cars can present a challenge. The village centre, particularly The Parade, is a “no through road” accessing the station, with some shops and businesses around mini-roundabout junctions. As you progress, you can experience single carriageway 40mph roads leading towards Chessington via Woodstock, or the A244 providing access to the A3 and more rural roads towards Leatherhead or Esher.
Where are the nearest driving test centres to Claygate?
The closest driving test centre to Claygate is Tolworth (London) Driving Test Centre, approximately 2.6 miles away. Other nearby options include Morden (London) Driving Test Centre (5.9 miles) and Ashford (London Middlesex) Driving Test Centre (7.2 miles). Your Rated Driving instructor will be familiar with the routes around these centres to help you prepare.
How do I book driving lessons in Claygate with Rated Driving?
Booking driving lessons with Rated Driving in Claygate is straightforward. You can easily book online through our website, choosing from flexible scheduling options. We aim to match you with a local, DVSA-registered instructor who knows the Claygate area well.
What advice do you have for beginner drivers in Claygate?
For beginners in Claygate, your instructor might start you in quieter areas like Langley Avenue in Surbiton, as Claygate itself has limited roads suitable for very early novice drivers due to narrowness and parked cars. You’ll gradually progress to more complex roads, including those leading to Hinchley Wood and Tolworth. Your instructor will also guide you on manoeuvres in suitable local spots, such as bay parking in the public car park behind Somerfields in Ham Lane.
What is Rated Driving’s refund policy for lessons in Claygate?
Rated Driving offers a “100% Money Back Guarantee” covering the first hour of your initial driving lesson if you’re not satisfied. You must contact us within 24 hours of the lesson to receive a full refund and be rebooked with a new instructor. For subsequent lessons, refunds for payments made within the last 30 days are processed based on the agreed number of hours and value between you and your instructor.
Can I change my driving instructor in Claygate if I’m not happy?
Yes, Rated Driving understands the importance of a good instructor-learner relationship. While it’s generally not possible to change instructors once allocated unless there’s a material issue, as judged by Rated Driving, we will endeavour to connect you with a replacement instructor if a material issue is determined.
Are there any upfront costs or deposits for standard driving lessons in Claygate?
No, for standard driving lessons with Rated Driving in Claygate, there is no deposit or upfront cost required. You can pay as you go, offering flexibility and convenience for your learning journey.
Can I save money by booking multiple lessons at once?
Yes, learners can save up to £110 by purchasing driving lessons in bulk with Rated Driving. This offers a cost-effective way to commit to your driving education and achieve your licence.
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].
