Driving Lessons in Derby
Derby has an extensive choice with 28 driving schools and 40 independent driving instructors. Schools charge between £25 and £40 per hour and average an excellent 4.9-star rating, with 14 offering automatic driving lessons and 9 providing female driving instructors. There are also 6 independent female driving instructors available. Fifteen schools run intensive courses. Derby (Alvaston) test centre has a 51.8% pass rate, matching the quality of nearby Burton on Trent at 54.7% and Nottingham (Chilwell) at 49.9%.
- £36
- average price
- 28
- driving schools
- 40
- independent instructors
- 3
- test centres
Top driving schools in Derby by what matters most
The standout school for each of the most-asked questions.
Let's Drive Derby
Cheapest manual driving school in Derby.
A1 Driving Academy
Highest-rated manual driving school in Derby.
A1 Driving Academy
Top-rated for automatic driving lessons in Derby.
A1 Driving Academy
Top-rated manual driving school with female instructors in Derby.
Driving lessons in Derby
28 driving schools and 40 independent instructors.
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Showing 1–20 of 68 driving schools and independent instructors in Derby.
Let's Drive Derby
Manual and automatic
One of the fastest-growing driving schools in the Midlands with 964 graduates and 20 years' experience. Lessons start from just £25/hour, with a practical focus on driving over lengthy explanations. Pass Plus courses available at £500 for a 6-month programme including 35 video classes and weekly mock tests.
Kwik Learners
Manual and automatic
Learn in a modern hybrid car with patient, experienced instructors offering flexible scheduling around your lifestyle. £35/hour for manual lessons or £40/hour for automatic, with block deals at £330 for 10 hours (manual) and £380 for 10 hours (automatic). Beginner lessons, refresher courses, test preparation, and eco-friendly driving tips all available.
Morepass
Manual and automatic
Consistently rated among the top three driving schools in the area with very high pass rates. All block packages are priced at £38 per hour, from 10-hour intensive courses over 2 days through to 40-hour courses over 8 days, with flexible scheduling to suit your experience level. Available 7 days a week with free test booking service and referral discounts.
MLH Driving School
Manual
Flexible pricing from £33/hour for single lessons or £310 for a 10-hour package, with a range of intensive courses starting at £400 for refresher training up to £1500 for complete beginner programmes. All intensive courses include one practical test attempt, making them a straightforward option if you want to progress quickly without hidden costs.
Core Driver Training
Manual
C1 driver training specialists offering three structured packages: a Full Package at £1,050 (reduced to £1,000) covering theory, hazard perception, 12 hours of practical training, and both test components; a Standard Package at £950 (£900 with discount) for practical training and tests only; and a Retest Package at £350 for those retaking the practical. All packages include test booking and reverse manoeuvre tuition.
AJS Driving School
Manual
8 years' experience teaching to test standard with a friendly, patient approach. £40/hour for single lessons (South Derby only) or £76 for 2-hour slots; block book 10 hours for £370 or 20 hours for £720 and save up to £4 per hour.
Platinum Driving Academy
Manual and automatic
Home to the youngest ADI in the country, Platinum Driving Academy combines fresh expertise with proven results. Lessons start at £35/hour with flexible scheduling to fit your lifestyle, and the team specialises in supporting learners with various learning difficulties. Mock tests and car hire for your practical test are available to build confidence before exam day.
Derby Driving Academy
Manual
17 years of teaching experience with a high first-time pass rate and a refreshingly honest approach to instruction. Simon balances fun with focus, creating a relaxed environment where learners feel comfortable but know when it's time to concentrate. £37/hour or £350 for a 10-hour block, with larger packages available at further discount.
DBSM Driving School
Manual
Ex-BSM instructor with 100+ successful students since 2016, offering structured courses tailored to your experience level and focused on test preparation. All lessons are two hours in a manual car at £80 per session, with free access to Theory Test Pro included for every student. Lessons conducted in English and Polish.
Derwent Driving School
Manual
Solo instructor with 30 years' teaching experience, known for one-to-one conversational tuition tailored to individual learning styles. Lessons from £35/hour, with deep local knowledge of Derby road conditions and a reputation for friendly, supportive instruction that prioritises safe, competent driving.
Love 2 Pass Driving School Derby
Manual
Grade A instructor with 11 years' experience and a high pass rate, offering flexible scheduling Monday to Saturday. Lessons start at £40/hour with a special offer of £50 for a 2-hour beginner package, plus intensive courses at £180 per 5-hour day and test day car use included at £85.
Normanton Driving School
Manual and automatic
Proudly based in Normanton, this school knows the Derby test routes inside out and specialises in patient, structured lessons tailored to your pace and confidence level. Single lessons cost £39.99/hour, or save with the Beginner Package: 5 two-hour lessons for £349.99 (manual only). Learners regularly achieve first-time passes thanks to proven teaching methods and a calm, supportive environment that helps you build safe habits for life.
A1 Driving Academy
Manual and automatic
Established in 2005, A1 Driving Academy has built a reputation for responsible instruction across the East and West Midlands. Lessons start from £35 per hour with free pick-up and drop-off, plus complimentary theory training for all students; payment plans available with no extra charges. Instructors know all local test routes and create a relaxed, encouraging environment whether you're a complete beginner or need refresher lessons.
Mughal Driving School
Manual and automatic
Known for rebuilding confidence in nervous and returning drivers, with testimonials from learners who regained their nerve after accidents. £35/hour for manual or £40/hour for automatic lessons, plus block deals from £170 for 5 lessons and intensive courses starting at £1,800 for 40 lessons over 4 weeks. Test car hire available for £150.
Crash Course Driving School Derby
Manual and automatic
Specialising in intensive driving courses that get learners test-ready in as little as one week, with test booking included in every package. Courses range from 5 hours (£265 refresher) to 45 hours (£1400 for complete beginners), tailored to your experience level. Flexible scheduling with instructors available days, evenings and weekends, plus Pass Plus courses available.
Go2 Driving School
Manual and automatic
Consistently high first-time pass rates with multiple instructors earning praise for patience and structured teaching. Reviews highlight particular strength with nervous learners and those rebuilding confidence after previous setbacks. One student noted paying slightly more per lesson saved time and money overall by progressing faster to test day.
Dan's Driving School
Manual
Focused on first-time passes with tailored lessons for nervous learners and those who struggle to concentrate. Block bookings and intensive courses available alongside flexible scheduling, with instructors guided by the three P's: Professionalism, Patience, and Perseverance.
Turbomiles Driving School Ltd
Manual and automatic
Modern teaching methods combined with flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends. Patient, friendly instructors focus on building confidence and skills to help you pass on the first try, whether you're a complete beginner or need refresher lessons.
Mickleover Driving School
Manual
30+ years' driving experience with a focus on nervous learners and non-native English speakers; one student described Jon as giving her 'the strength and belief to keep going' when she wanted to quit. Two-hour lessons designed for faster progress, with weekly allocated slots to ensure consistent advancement toward test day.
Sunnyhill Driving School
Manual
A fun and friendly Derby-based school offering learner lessons and Pass Plus courses to boost confidence and reduce insurance premiums. No pricing or specific instructor details are listed on the website, so contact them directly on 07460 915626 to discuss rates and availability.
Block booking
Best block deals in Derby
Pay for a block of lessons upfront and the hourly rate drops. The best block here saves you £50.
How much do driving lessons cost in Derby?
Most learners pay £35–£40 an hour. Under £35 is a good deal, over £45 is at the higher end.
Based on prices from 13 driving schools in Derby.
Intensive courses in Derby
Want to pass fast?
15 Derby schools run intensive courses, compressing months of training into days or weeks.
Derby Test Centres and Pass Rates
Every centre near Derby matches or beats Britain's average pass rate of 50%, and for automatic tests Derby itself leads, with an automatic pass rate of 46%. Burton on Trent is the highest at 55%, though its wait is the longest, about 3 months. Even the lowest, Nottingham Chilwell, is level with the average at 50%, and it has the shortest wait at about a month. With figures like these, the centre you know best is a perfectly good choice.
Burton on Trent
7,273 tests taken · typical wait 3 monthsDerby (Alvaston)
8,086 tests taken · typical wait 3 monthsNottingham (Chilwell)
9,415 tests taken · typical wait 1 month| Test Centre | Pass rate | Tests | Typical wait | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | Manual | Automatic | |||
| Burton on Trent | 54.7% | 58.0% | 43.9% | 7,273 | 3 months |
| Derby (Alvaston) | 51.8% | 54.5% | 46.3% | 8,086 | 3 months |
| Nottingham (Chilwell) | 49.9% | 52.2% | 43.4% | 9,415 | 1 month |