Driving Lessons in Barnstaple
Barnstaple's driving instruction comes from 5 schools and 40 independent driving instructors, with lessons priced between £40-£45 per hour. The schools maintain an excellent 4.9-star average rating, and learners can choose from options including female driving instructors (available through both 1 school and 9 independent instructors) and intensive courses. The local Barnstaple test centre shows a solid 54.7% pass rate.
From £40/hr·Average £43/hr
Barnstaple's Top Picks
Driving Schools in Barnstaple
5 schools
Tarka Driver Training
Focused on first-time passes with motorway training and Pass Plus courses available. £45/hour or £420 for a 10-hour block, with motorway lessons also at £45/hour (minimum 3 hours).Focused on first-time passes with motorway training and Pass Plus courses available. £45/hour or £420 for a 10-hour block, with motorway lessons also at...
Simplify Driving School
Stu Ward Driver Training
Husband and wife team, both Gold grade instructors and RoSPA members dedicated to first-time passes. £40/hour or £390.90 for a 10-lesson block, with Pass Plus courses at £255 and motorway lessons available. Patient, structured teaching in a calm environment suited to all ages and learning speeds.Husband and wife team, both Gold grade instructors and RoSPA members dedicated to first-time passes. £40/hour or £390.90 for a 10-lesson block, with Pass Plus...
1st Miles with Giles
Qualified since 2004 with ROSPA gold advanced driver status, Giles delivers relaxed one-to-one tuition tailored to each learner's needs. Hourly lessons from £42, or save with a 10-hour block at £400; 2-hour sessions are recommended as the most productive format. Pass Plus courses also available at £340.Qualified since 2004 with ROSPA gold advanced driver status, Giles delivers relaxed one-to-one tuition tailored to each learner's needs. Hourly lessons from...
Best Driver Training
Family-run school with over 30 years' experience and a track record of teaching 10,000+ students, known for supporting nervous drivers and building confidence from the first lesson. Intensive training packages start from £55 per hour, with standard hourly rates from £45 and block discounts available. Off-road practice area at HQ, door-to-door service in the Barnstaple area, and specialist support for learners with physical and mental health needs.Family-run school with over 30 years' experience and a track record of teaching 10,000+ students, known for supporting nervous drivers and building confidence...
Block Booking Deals in Barnstaple
4 schools offer block deals — book in bulk and save.
Intensive Courses in Barnstaple
Pass in 1–2 weeks
Barnstaple Test Centres and Pass Rates
Based on the latest DVSA data, 2024–25 | 1 nearby test centre
This single centre handled 3,583 tests between 2024 and 2025, achieving a solid 54.7% pass rate that beats the national average. North Devon's market town setting provides good variety for learners, with narrow high street sections, tourist traffic in summer, and rural approaches that test different skills. Women achieved 53.6% while men reached 55.7%, showing little gender difference. The surrounding countryside roads offer excellent practice for national speed limit driving and overtaking maneuvers, while automatic learners achieved 51.6% - slightly lower than manual, possibly due to the area's hilly terrain.
Barnstaple
3,583 tests taken| Test Centre | Female | Male | Automatic | Overall | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstaple | 53.6% | 55.7% | 51.6% | 54.7% | 3,583 |