Fast-Track Driving Crash Courses
Intensive Driving Courses in Chester-le-Street
Pass Your Test in Weeks, Not Months.
Need to pass quickly? Your intensive driving course in Chester-le-Street is designed to do just that - without cutting corners. We’ll connect you with a DVSA-approved instructor, map out your plan, and keep things moving fast.
With expert support, flexible lessons, and fast-track test options, it’s possible to go from first lesson to full licence in weeks! Already booked your test? We’ll work around it and get you ready.
See PricesSecure Your PlaceRecent Passes 🎉
Ready to start your intensive driving course in Chester-le-Street? Request a call back from a member of our friendly team or make a booking today!

Fast-Track Driving Crash Courses

Manual & Automatic Driving Lessons

Male & Female Driving Instructors

10-Hour Intensive Driving Course
INTENSIVE or SEMI-INTENSIVE
Perfect for learners who recently failed or need a short tune-up.
Total: £650 £700£50 off with promo code
FLASH SALE
Option to add fast-track test
Pay Deposit - £250Pay Deposit - £200Pay in Full - £700Request a Callback
- Pay in full with -
💸 100% Money-Back Guarantee if we can’t secure you an instructor within 14 days.

15-Hour Intensive Driving Course
INTENSIVE or SEMI-INTENSIVE
Ideal if you’ve had lessons and want to sharpen key skills.
Total: £875 £925£50 off with promo code
FLASH SALE
Option to add fast-track test
Pay Deposit - £250Pay Deposit - £200Pay in Full - £925Request a Callback
- Pay in full with -
💸 100% Money-Back Guarantee if we can’t secure you an instructor within 14 days.

Course Typically Completed Within:4 months

Typical Course Duration:
3-5 days

20-Hour Intensive Driving Course
INTENSIVE or SEMI-INTENSIVE
Ideal if you’ve done 20+ hours and need structure to pass.
Total: £1,100 £1,150£50 off with promo code
FLASH SALE
Option to add fast-track test
Pay Deposit - £250Pay Deposit - £200Pay in Full - £1,150Request a Callback
- Pay in full with -
💸 100% Money-Back Guarantee if we can’t secure you an instructor within 14 days.

25-Hour Intensive Driving Course
INTENSIVE or SEMI-INTENSIVE
Great if you’ve had lessons but still lack confidence.
Total: £1,325 £1,375£50 off with promo code
FLASH SALE
Option to add fast-track test
Pay Deposit - £250Pay Deposit - £200Pay in Full - £1,375Request a Callback
- Pay in full with -
💸 100% Money-Back Guarantee if we can’t secure you an instructor within 14 days.

30-Hour Intensive Driving Course
INTENSIVE or SEMI-INTENSIVE
Great if you’re new and want to get the basics right.
Total: £1,550 £1,600£50 off with promo code
FLASH SALE
Option to add fast-track test
Pay Deposit - £250Pay Deposit - £200Pay in Full - £1,600Request a Callback
- Pay in full with -
💸 100% Money-Back Guarantee if we can’t secure you an instructor within 14 days.

35-Hour Intensive Driving Course
🔥 MOST POPULAR
Ideal for nervous beginners who want extra support.
Total: £1,775 £1,825£50 off with promo code
FLASH SALE
Option to add fast-track test
Pay Deposit - £250Pay Deposit - £200Pay in Full - £1,825Request a Callback
- Pay in full with -
💸 100% Money-Back Guarantee if we can’t secure you an instructor within 14 days.

40-Hour Intensive Driving Course
INTENSIVE or SEMI-INTENSIVE
Best for first-timers building confidence at a steady pace.
Total: £2,000 £2,050£50 off with promo code
FLASH SALE
Option to add fast-track test
Pay Deposit - £250Pay Deposit - £200Pay in Full - £2,050Request a Callback
- Pay in full with -
💸 100% Money-Back Guarantee if we can’t secure you an instructor within 14 days.

45-Hour Intensive Driving Course
INTENSIVE or SEMI-INTENSIVE
Best for complete beginners who want max support.
Total: £2,225 £2,275£50 off with promo code
FLASH SALE
Option to add fast-track test
Pay Deposit - £250Pay Deposit - £200Pay in Full - £2,275Request a Callback
- Pay in full with -
💸 100% Money-Back Guarantee if we can’t secure you an instructor within 14 days.
Prefer a Call Back?
Fast-Track Driving Tests
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ashleigh – Passed with 1 Minor
“I booked my crash course through Rated Driving and it has been nothing but exceptional! I had very limited availability, but Kevin and the team worked around everything to get it sorted. I started with no confidence and hardly any experience — and in just five weeks, I passed my first test with ONE minor! My instructor was absolutely amazing. I can’t fault a single thing. From nervous to fully confident and safe on the road in a matter of weeks — I’m so grateful!”
- 🗓️ Passed in just 5 weeks – with 1 minor
- 📍 Hadn’t driven in 8 years before starting
- ✅ Course arranged around limited availability
Public Transport Guidance
Getting to Chester-le-Street for your intensive driving course.
Travelling by Train
For your intensive driving course in Chester-le-Street, navigating by public transport is straightforward. Chester-le-Street railway station is on the East Coast Main Line, managed by Northern Trains.
If you’re coming from Durham, direct Northern and TransPennine Express trains frequently arrive at Chester-le-Street, with journeys as short as 5 minutes. From Newcastle, Northern and TransPennine Express services also run directly to Chester-le-Street, taking under 10 minutes.
For bus travel to Chester-le-Street, services like the X12 connect from Durham and Middlesbrough, while the 21 and N21 run from Durham and Newcastle upon Tyne. The 50 bus service connects Chester-le-Street to Durham and South Shields, and the 78 links Sunderland and Consett to Chester-le-Street. Washington Galleries also has direct bus services to Chester-le-Street via the 50 route.
To secure the best fares for your journey to Chester-le-Street, book train tickets in advance and aim for Off-Peak hours, typically outside weekday rush hours (7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM). You can book train tickets via Trainline or MyTrainTicket.

Travelling by Bus
For your intensive driving course in Chester-le-Street, public transport offers convenient access. From Durham, the Go North East 21 and Arriva North East X12 services regularly connect to Chester-le-Street, with the journey taking around 26 minutes by bus. If you’re coming from Newcastle, the Go North East 21, N21, X21, and 28 services provide direct routes into Chester-le-Street, typically arriving at stops like Black Horse or South Burns. The Go North East 50 bus is also a key service, linking South Shields and Durham via Chester-le-Street. For those in closer villages like Ouston, the Go North East 34 bus offers a direct connection to Chester-le-Street.
To avoid traffic, especially around Chester-le-Street town centre and near schools, aim to travel outside of peak hours, generally 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM on weekdays. You can purchase bus tickets directly from the driver, or for more flexibility, consider using the Go North East app or Arriva UK Bus app for mobile tickets. Multi-operator tickets like the Network One Explorer North East ticket are also available for unlimited travel across the region. Plan your journey to Chester-le-Street efficiently for a smooth start to your driving course.
Driving Crash Courses in Chester-le-Street
At Rated Driving, we specialise in arranging intensive driving courses in Chester-le-Street, helping you get on the road quickly and confidently. Whether you're looking for a driving crash course or a structured intensive, we’ll match you with a trusted, DVSA-registered instructor to guide you through.
With a clear plan, local expertise, and nothing for you to coordinate, getting test-ready can happen in as little as one week.
Why Book an Intensive Driving Course in Chester-le-Street Through Us?
We only work with DVSA-registered instructors who know the local area inside-out - including the roads you’ll most likely face on test day.
Once matched, your instructor can arrange pickups from home, school or work - whatever’s easiest for you. One less thing to think about.
Rated Driving acts as your booking agent. We handle the logistics, paperwork and pairing - the instructor delivers your lessons, and you stay focused on learning.
A Smooth Journey to Passing Your Test
We believe confidence is just as important as competence - so your instructor will build the course around your pace, your nerves, and your goals.
They’ll focus on what you need most, whether that’s junctions, parking or staying calm under pressure - so no time is wasted.
Throughout the process, our support team is here if you need us. From sign-up to test day, you’re never left figuring it out alone.
Our Chester-le-Street Driving Instructors
We’ve built a trusted team of local DVSA-approved instructors - from Chester-le-Street and beyond - each one handpicked to suit your learning style, schedule, and preferences.
Choose a male or female instructor you’ll feel comfortable with
Learn in a manual or automatic - whichever gets you confident faster
All instructors are fully DBS-checked and DVSA-approved
Many specialise in helping nervous learners feel at ease behind the wheel
Evening and weekend lessons available for tight schedules
Where to Start?
Looking to learn to drive in Chester-le-Street? Whether you prefer automatic or manual, there are plenty of flexible lesson options available.
🤔 Wondering How Many Lessons It’ll Take?
You’ll hear numbers like 40 hours of lessons and 20 hours of private practice. But the truth? There’s no magic number.
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 faster everything clicks. And when you combine solid instructor lessons with regular private practice? That’s when real progress happens.
Your journey won’t look like anyone else’s. And that’s exactly how it should be.
🧐 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-approved 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.
Getting You Connected
Once your place is secured with a deposit, we’ll aim to match you with a DVSA-registered driving instructor within 14 days. If we can’t, we’ll refund you - no chasing, no questions.
Intensive Driving Course Delivery
- 10-Hour Intensive Driving Course (Typically Delivered in 5-10 Days)
- 15-Hour Intensive Driving Course (Typically Delivered in 2-3 Weeks)
- 20-Hour Intensive Driving Course (Typically Delivered in 2-4 Weeks)
- 25-Hour Intensive Driving Course (Typically Delivered in 3-5 Weeks)
- 30-Hour Intensive Driving Course (Typically Delivered in 3-6 Weeks)
- 35-Hour Intensive Driving Course (Typically Delivered in 3-7 Weeks)
- 40-Hour Intensive Driving Course (Typically Delivered in 4-8 Weeks)
- 45-Hour Intensive Driving Course (Typically Delivered in 4-10 Weeks)
Flexible Lesson Scheduling
Your intensive driving lessons will usually run on weekday mornings and afternoons - we’ll work with your availability as closely as possible. For larger courses, they typically stretch beyond one week depending on your instructor’s schedule.
Tailored Learning Experience
Whether you're confident or nervous, we’ll match you with an instructor who gets it. They’ll personalise the experience to help you get the most from every hour behind the wheel.
Pass First Time Confidence
While no one can guarantee a pass, we partner with instructors who know how to build your confidence and sharpen your skills - giving you the best shot at success on the day.
Top Tip for Intensive Driving Courses 👨🏫
“Intensive driving courses can be a great way to learn quickly, but they’re not a shortcut to safe driving. I always remind my pupils: it’s not about cramming—it’s about retaining. Make sure you’re still getting variety in your practice: different roads, weather, and traffic conditions.
Also, be honest with yourself. If you need a little more time to build confidence, take it. It’s better to be fully ready than to rush into a test. A well-paced intensive course, combined with structured learning, can help you pass faster—and drive smarter for life.”
Shorif Kazi – DVSA Approved Driving Instructor
Master the Roads in Chester-le-Street - And Pass With Confidence
Learning to drive in Chester-le-Street offers an ideal blend of urban and suburban roads, making it perfect for intensive driving courses with Rated Driving. This historic Durham market town provides learner drivers with diverse driving experiences, from quiet residential streets to busier town centre routes.
Chester-le-Street’s layout presents excellent opportunities for mastering various driving skills. Front Street, the main thoroughfare, helps learners handle busy shopping areas and pedestrian crossings, while the residential areas around Garden Avenue and South Pelaw offer perfect conditions for practicing manoeuvres. The A167 provides essential dual carriageway experience, and the numerous roundabouts near the Riverside Cricket Ground help build confidence in junction management.
Learners benefit from practicing around the town’s landmark attractions, including the historic St Mary and St Cuthbert Church. The varied road conditions around Riverside Park provide excellent opportunities to master different driving scenarios, from parallel parking to handling traffic during busy cricket match days.
Chester-le-Street’s practical driving test centre is conveniently located for intensive course students, ensuring familiarity with test routes during training. The nearest theory test centre is in Durham, just a short distance away, making it convenient to complete both elements of your driving qualification. You can book your theory test through the official GOV.UK website.
The town’s proximity to both Durham and Newcastle means learners gain experience driving in different environments, from quiet market town streets to approaching busy city routes. The local area’s mix of hill starts, particularly around the Chester-le-Street viaduct, provides excellent practice for challenging driving situations.
Rated Driving’s intensive courses in Chester-le-Street are structured to take advantage of these varied conditions, helping you progress quickly while building comprehensive driving skills. The town’s manageable size means less time is wasted travelling between practice areas, maximising your learning time.
Ready to start your driving journey in Chester-le-Street? Contact Rated Driving today to book your intensive driving course and take advantage of our experienced instructors who know the local area inside out. With our structured approach and Chester-le-Street’s ideal learning environment, you could be on the road to driving success in no time.

Ready To Pass Your Driving Test?
Every review tells the same story: supportive instructors who show up, build confidence, and get results.
Dedicated and goal oriented driving instructor who has a passion in his job
16/07/2024
Dedicated and goal oriented driving instructor who has a passion in his job. Sergiu is patient and gives you confidence behind the wheel. He doesn’t only teach you how to pass the test but he also teaches you how to be a safe and confident driver on the road . Keep up the good work Sergiu.
Sergiu however, is a phenomenal instructor
16/07/2024
People say that a certain percentage of the human population is not able and suited for driving. I always thought that this was true and about me. Sergiu however, is a phenomenal instructor and under his tuition I was able to become a careful and considerate driver, who passed her practical driving exam from the first go. Sergiu understood my limitations and with lots of written material and practical repetition we were able to achieve the impossible. I strongly recommend Sergiu to anyone struggling with driving and to those who don’t struggle with it at all. He is not expensive and great value for money too.
Sergiu is absolutely brilliant at his job!
16/07/2024
Sergiu is absolutely brilliant at his job! He helped my friend Sofia from Cambridge to Pass her driving test first time. Sergiu is very experienced and passionate about his job. Extremely efficient and straight to the point, fixing issues and carefully building his knowledge and skills. My other friend Toma had refresher lessons with Sergiu and build up his confidence on the motorway and I now feel very comfortable with Toma in the car. On behalf of Sofia and Toma, Sergiu is the best Instructor they ever had. I absolutely recommend him.

Practical Driving Test Centres Near Chester-le-Street
Your test centre isn’t just a location - it’s the final step in the journey.
Durham Practical Driving Test Centre
1st Floor Enna House, Whitfield Court Industrial Estate, St Johns Rd, Meadowfield, DH7 8XL
Gateshead Practical Driving Test Centre
Waterside Drive, Dunston, Gateshead, NE11 9HU
Sunderland Practical Driving Test Centre
River Bank Road, North Hylton Road Industrial Estate, Sunderland, SR5 3JJ

Fun Fact About Chester-le-Street
Chester-le-Street, a County Durham market town, boasts a rich history dating back to a Roman fort called Concangis. The town’s name itself reflects this, with “Chester” from the Latin “castra” (fort) and “Street” referring to the paved Roman road. A fascinating detail is that the body of St. Cuthbert rested in the parish church for 112 years before moving to Durham Cathedral, and it was here that the Lindisfarne Gospels were first translated into Old English. Learn more about Chester-le-Street.
Intensive Driving Course FAQ's in Chester-le-Street
How quickly can I start my intensive driving course in Chester-le-Street?
Once you’ve made your deposit with Rated Driving, we’ll connect you with a local Chester-le-Street instructor within 14 days. Our intensive courses are designed to get you test-ready efficiently while ensuring you’re comfortable with local routes like Front Street and Newcastle Road.
Which driving test centre will I use for my test when taking an intensive course in Chester-le-Street?
Most Chester-le-Street learners take their test at either the Durham or Sunderland test centres, both conveniently located nearby. Your instructor will ensure you’re familiar with the test routes around these centres during your intensive course.
Are there any challenging areas in Chester-le-Street that I’ll practice during my intensive course?
Your instructor will help you master key areas like the busy A167 junction, the Market Place roundabout, and the Chester-le-Street retail park. These locations are common test routes and essential for building your local driving confidence.
How do I book an intensive driving course in Chester-le-Street?
You can book your intensive course through Rated Driving’s booking page with a deposit. We’ll then match you with one of our experienced local instructors who knows Chester-le-Street’s roads thoroughly.
What happens if Rated Driving can’t find me an instructor in Chester-le-Street?
If we’re unable to connect you with a local instructor within 14 days, we’ll provide you with a full refund of your deposit. However, we have a strong network of instructors in the Chester-le-Street area to serve our students.
Can I practice between intensive lessons around Chester-le-Street?
We encourage private practice between lessons on quieter roads like those around the Riverside Park area or residential streets near North Lodge Park. This additional practice can help reinforce what you’ve learned during your intensive sessions.
Can I change my driving instructor after I’ve started my intensive course?
Yes. If you decide after your very first lesson that you’d prefer a different instructor, we’ll arrange the change free of charge. If you’ve already taken more than one lesson, a £100 fee applies to cover the resources involved in sourcing an alternative instructor.
Can I change my driving test booking after I’ve agreed to it?
Driving test slots are in exceptionally high demand, so please be 100% sure before you confirm your date, time and location. If you need to amend your booking after it’s been confirmed, a £195 amendment fee applies. This fee is charged by the third-party provider and is not paid to Rated Driving. Let us know as soon as possible if you need to reschedule so we can help secure your new preferred slot.
Who provides the lessons?
Rated Driving acts as a booking agent. We arrange your intensive driving course by matching you with a DVSA-approved, independent driving instructor. While we manage the booking and coordination, all driving lessons are delivered directly by the instructor, not by Rated Driving.
Unsure Which Course is Right for You?
Find out which course is right for you based on how far you have come on you driving journey. If you still need help choosing the right course, speak to our team on the live chat or give us a call on 0330 043 9896 (the same number for our business WhatsApp)
Top Tips from our Experienced DVSA Approved Driving Instructor Experts

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Learner Driver Reviews in Chester-le-Street 🙏
See why our learners in Chester-le-Street love Rated Driving ♥️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My 1-Week Course in Chester-le-Street Was Amazing
The intensive format in Chester-le-Street worked really well for me. No time wasted just smart, targeted driving lessons. I passed quickly and felt confident on the road.
Mason D
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
From Nervous to Test-Ready in Chester-le-Street
I needed my licence fast and Rated Driving in Chester-le-Street delivered. The structure of the course was great and the instructor made sure every hour counted.
Jake M
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why I Chose an Intensive Course in Chester-le-Street
I had a tight deadline and the intensive course in Chester-le-Street was perfect. My instructor kept me focused and calm, and I passed on my first attempt!
Lily H
Learner guide
Intensive Driving Courses Near You
Choose a Course Package
Option to add a fast-track test
10-Hour Course
Buy Now£700 total • £300 deposit
• £400 paid to instructor
15-Hour Course
Buy Now£940 total • £340 deposit
• £600 paid to instructor
20-Hour Course
Buy Now£1,180 total • £380 deposit
• £800 paid to instructor
25-Hour Course
Buy Now£1,480 total • £480 deposit
• £1,000 paid to instructor
30-Hour Course
Buy Now£1,800 total • £600 deposit
• £1,200 paid to instructor
35-Hour Course
Buy Now🔥 MOST POPULAR
£2,080 total • £680 deposit
• £1,400 paid to instructor
40-Hour Course
Buy Now£2,350 total • £750 deposit
• £1,600 paid to instructor
45-Hour Course
Buy Now£2,600 total • £800 deposit
• £1,800 paid to instructor














































