Driving Lessons in London
There are many reasons why you should learn to drive in London. Avoiding peak time underground journeys, an expanded pool of job opportunities, countless road trips; the list goes on.
Bill Plant Driving School is here to help you become a confident driver, with over 900 award-winning driving instructors nationwide!
Whether you’re looking for your first driving lesson or some refresher driving lessons in the build up to your driving test, we’re the trusted choice to help you succeed on the road.
Being the largest city in the UK, the roads are often busier than other areas. Learning to master the roads of England’s capital means that you’ll be prepared and confident to drive anywhere!
We cover all of London, from Lambeth to Shepherd’s Bush, Wembley, Tooting, and more.
There are many different driving schools in London, so how do you decide who to go with?
Why Choose A Bill Plant Driving Instructor in London?
As the UK’s leading driving school (voted by pupils), we’re constantly striving to create lifelong safe drivers.
Every year we help tens of thousands of learner drivers pass their driving tests!
Let’s take a look at a few reasons why you should consider learning to drive with us.
Whether you’ve got college, a busy work schedule, or other commitments, you’ll be able to book lessons with a local driving instructor at times that suit you.
All our instructors are in control of their diaries, meaning they’ll be able to tailor their availability to yours!
Regardless of where you are in London, you’ll never be too far from a Bill Plant Driving School Instructor. We’ve got driving instructors covering all areas of London.
On two occasions, Bill Plant Driving School has been named the back-to-back National Driving School of the Year!
Not only did we pick up the prestigious award in 2019 and 2020, but we also went on to win it consecutively again in 2023 and 2024.
We want you to be as comfortable as possible when you’re taking driving lessons with us. That’s why you’d be in the driving seat of a market-leading Volkswagen that’s aged no older than 3 years!
Our cars are regularly maintained and cleaned, ensuring that they are always kept up to the highest standards for our learner drivers.
At Bill Plant, we have a committed approach to graduated learning.
Our main goal as a driving school isn’t just to help people pass their driving test, it’s about creating safe drivers who can feel comfortable and confident in all driving conditions!
We believe that safe drivers are built over time, which is why we do not offer intensive driving lessons in London.
Top Tips For Driving In London
1. Be Prepared For Heavy Traffic
Being the UK’s largest city, it should come as no surprise to hear that the roads in London can be pretty busy. One key tip when learning to drive in London is to be prepared for heavy traffic and congestion. If you can stay calm in these environments and learn to navigate these busy roads safely and confidently, then you’ll be able to handle anything on the road!
2. Be Mindful Of Lanes & Zones
London is full of bus lanes, congestion charges, and ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) areas that can be confusing if you’re not familiar. Make sure you know when and where you’re allowed to drive to avoid any fines. It’s worth planning your route ahead of time so you don’t get caught out by a restricted zone or an unexpected charge.
3. Get Comfortable with Navigation and Lane Choices
Navigating London’s busy and confusing roads takes some practice, especially with all the one-way streets and roundabouts. Staying in the correct lane is crucial, so use a navigation app with lane guidance if you’re unsure. This way, you can avoid last-minute lane changes that could be risky or annoying for others on the road.
We asked one of our London Driving Instructors the following…
How does learning to drive in London differ from other areas?
The biggest difference in London compared to other cities and towns is just the sheer amount of traffic there is. There are lots of busy roads with big junctions. But with guidance from a driving instructor in London, you can be confident in driving on these roads without stress.
What’s the biggest benefit of driving in London?
I think the biggest benefit of driving in London is the fact that you don’t need to rely on public transport anymore.
On top of not being forced to take the Underground anymore, driving also gives you the chance to get out of London for road trips and even open up more job opportunities.
What’s the most challenging part about learning to drive in London?
The toughest part is dealing with traffic and busy roads. London’s packed with junctions, roundabouts, and cyclists, so you’ll need to think fast and stay aware. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll be set to drive anywhere with confidence.
Popular FAQ's in London
Like most regions in the UK, London test centres have different pass rates. These are determined largely by the pre-planned test routes available to learners, with different routes including different hazards, challenges, and obstacles.
On average, London’s pass rate is lower than the national rate – 41% compared with 46%. But, there are certain areas of London where the pass rate is far higher than the national average. Borehamwood’s test centre, for example, had a pass rate of 57% in 2021, the highest of all the test centres in the capital.
Depending on where you live or where you choose to take your driving lessons, there may be a number of different test centres nearby. Ask your instructor about the test routes available at each centre before booking your test as there may be particular areas of London that you want to avoid due to busy roads, lack of familiarity or otherwise.
Yes, we have a number of female driving instructors in London.
If you feel as though you’d be able to perform better with a female driving instructor, we will attempt to find someone in your area who will be able to teach you. Contact us to enquire about finding a female driving instructor in London.
The cost of driving lessons in London will depend on the availability of driving instructors in your area. Search with your postcode, and you’ll get a quote in seconds from a Bill Plant Driving School Instructor in London. Discounts on bulk bookings are available.
We have both manual and automatic driving lessons in London, so you’re free to decide what type of car you drive with us. If you need help deciding, read this blog. We’ve got a wide range of market-leading Volkswagen vehicles available, including Golf’s, T-Roc’s, and T-Cross’.
Driving Test Centres in London
If you’re looking to learn to drive in London, you’re in luck, as there are around 20 driving test centres in and around the city. This means plenty of opportunity to find a test centre within your London borough, giving you a chance to take your driving test on roads you are familiar with.
When you’re learning to drive in London, your instructor will take you on the roads near your test centre, as well as routes you might encounter on your driving test. This makes sure that you’re comfortable and relaxed ahead of the big day. When it comes to driving test centres in London, you have plenty to choose from.
84 Tanner Street, Barking, Essex, Greater London, IG11 8QF
39.6%
No, but special arrangements can be made
Yes
Raydean House, 15-17 Western Parade, Barnet, Greater London, EN5 1AD
48.6%
No, but special arrangements can be made
No
Doric House, 128 Station Road, Chingford, Greater London, E4 6AD
36.2%
No, but special arrangements can be made
Yes
Solar Way, Innova Park Business Centre, Enfield, Greater London, EN3 7XY
52.4%
N/A
Yes
98 Goodmayes Road, Ilford, Greater London, IG3 9UZ
45.3%
No, but special arrangements can be made
Yes
96 Horsenden Lane North, Greenford, Greater London, UB6 7QH
39.7%
N/A
No
Fourways House, Rigby Lane, Swallowfield Way, Hayes, Greater London, UB3 1ET
45.3%
No, but special arrangements can be made
Yes
3 Aviation Drive, Beaufort Park, Hendon, Greater London, NW9 5TZ
47.3%
Yes
Yes
42-44 Ennersdale Road, Hither Green, Greater London, SE13 6JD
52.2%
N/A
Yes
75 Station Lane, Hornchurch, Romford, Greater London, RM12 6JX
52.4%
No
No
Worton Hall, Worton Road, Isleworth, Greater London, TW7 6ER
52.4%
No, but special arrangements can be made
No
Unit 9, Grannard Business Centre,Bunns Lane, Mill Hill, Greater London, NW7 2DQ
44.4%
Yes
Yes
221 Tolcarne Drive, Pinner, Greater London, HA5 2DZ
51%
No, but special arrangements can be made
Yes
2 Crayside, Five Arches Business Estate, Maidstone Road, Sidcup, Greater London, DA14 5AG
57.9%
Yes
Yes
295 Allenby Road, Southall, Greater London, UB1 2HD
40.4%
N/A
No
Douglas House, 1B Douglas Road, Tolworth, Greater London, KT6 7RZ
51.6%
N/A
No
Tottenham Annex Building, Selby Centre, Selby Road, Tottenham, Greater London, N17 8JL
48.8%
N/A
Yes
Unit 7, Trade City Business Park, off Cowley Mill Road, Uxbridge, Greater London, UB8 2DB
45.8%
N/A
Yes
2 Devon House, Hermon Hill, Wanstead, Greater London, E11 2AW
40.3%
No, but special arrangements can be made
No
Wood Green Crown Court, Woodhall House, Lordship Lane, Wood Green, N22 5LF
43.5%
N/A
Yes