What do you get when you learn to drive with us?
Our driving instructors have two main goals, to help you:
- Pass your driving test
- Become a safe and responsible driver
We take complete novice drivers and transform them into confident, safe and most of all responsible drivers.
Our competitive and affordable pricing means you can learn to drive in the confidence that you will complete our driving lessons in good time without breaking the bank.
Who we are
An Independent driving school started in 2015 First Drive has been providing driving lessons in Devon for almost a decade. Since 2020 we’ve been rated as one of the top driving schools in Exeter by https://threebestrated.co.uk/driving-school-in-exeter
We are proud of our great team and our reviews for how friendly and positive we are!
What we provide!
Two hour or 1.5 hour lessons with content tailored to you to maximise efficient learning.
Regular weekly lesson or multiple lessons a week. Experience shows that if you have at least two 1.5 hour lessons a week, you will learn much faster and retain the knowledge much better. Discuss your budget with us and we can help come up with a plan to help you maximise value for money!
Support around your lessons! Along with your actual lessons, if you spend some time in the week studying theory or driving techniques you can bring that knowledge to your lessons and maximise your driving time. will give you resources to help you study and revise.
Access to all our online video training courses! Visit https://www.firstdrivesouthwest.co.uk/learner-driver-training-courses-videos/ to find out more.
Access to our app with theory practice!
Availability
We get a lot of enquiries for our lessons so we operate a waiting list. But that doesn’t mean your learning has to wait. Signing up to the waiting list means you’ll get all your free access content immediately so you can prepare for your lessons to begin!
We will keep you up to date with availability as we know you’ll be keen to start!
Frequently Asked Questions
General
How many lessons on average does it take to learn to drive?
The government recommends 40 hours of tuition and 20 hours of private practice to become a competent and safe driver, ready to pass the driving test. Our experience at First Drive, delivering driving lessons for over 10 years is that this is a really good guide. Our instructors who teach you to drive never keep any student longer than is necessary.
Whats the quickest way to learn to drive?
The quickest way to learn to drive is through a combination of lessons with a driving instructor and private practice in your own car (see our private practice blog). A willingness to learn, good mindset arriving at your lessons, dedication and patience are key to achieving success
How much are driving lessons in Devon?
Driving lessons in Devon range from £40 per hour to £70 per hour, depending on your location and demand
What are the 4 manoeuvres in UK driving test?
There are 4 reversing manoeuvres you will need to practice for the driving test. Your examiner will choose one of them depending on the area of your test and the time of day. The aim with all the manoeuvres is to be in control of the vehicle, make good observations before and during the exercise and to be accurate with where you leave the car. Treat the scenario as if it were real life so make adjustments if necessary!
Is the emergency stop a manoeuvre?
The emergency stop or controlled stop as it is known for the driving test, is an extra manoeuvre you may be asked to do while on test. Make sure you understand how the ABS works, ensuring that if you are asked to do the manoeuvre you don’t skid or stall the car. This will be classed as a fail.
Is automatic harder to pass?
Automatic lessons are the best option for taking and passing your driving test. It is quicker to learn, cheaper to learn, faster to learn and easier to control the car. Nearly all cars on the road are available in manual and automatic with many manufactures phasing out manual gearboxes in preparation for all cars becoming electric.
How long are normal weekly lessons?
At First Drive we offer a combination of driving lesson length however no lesson is less than 90 minutes. It is not efficient for you to pay for just an hours tuition but there are other multiple factors such as location to the nearest driving test centre which we need to consider.
What if i’m not ready for my driving test?
First Drive offer a practical test management service meaning we can help you get a driving test when you and your instructor decide you are ready. If you have a practical test booked but don’t think you have enough time to prepare for it, we can take over the management of your driving test so that you won’t lose your fee.
Are your cars insured and dual controlled?
All our cars are modern, dual controlled and fully insured making it easy to jump in to the drivers seat and begin learning to drive.
Are all of your instructors qualified?
First Drive South West is a growing driving school and because of this we also offer training to people wanting to become driving instructors. Part of that training is to deliver lessons as a trainee instructor to students but don’t worry that you won’t get the lessons you need. Our trainees are closely monitored and sometimes you may have a trainer sat in on your lessons to help your instructor.
Online Courses
Learning
Urban and Rural Driving
Turning Right at Junctions & Traffic Lights
This FREE course takes a detailed look at turning right at junctions and at box junctions with traffic lights.
Mastering Slip Roads and Dual Carriageways
Our Dual Carriageways course – a comprehensive guide to the entire process of driving on dual carriageways, from entry to exit.
How to Parallel Park
In this free online video course on how to parallel park, we will show you a detailed run through of correct technique plus common mistakes that occur and how to fix them so you can pass your driving test.
Exeter Key Roundabouts
Our Roundabout course – the comprehensive guide to difficult roundabouts in Exeter.
Exeter Driving Test Routes Pack 2
In this video course, First Drive has recorded some popular driving test routes often used when leaving the Exeter driving test centre.
Exeter Driving Test Routes Pack 1
In this video course, First Drive has recorded some popular driving test routes often used when leaving the Exeter driving test centre.
Book your first driving lesson
Complete the form below and we’ll be back in touch shortly to arrange your first driving lesson.
Driving Success
BLOG
Driving Lessons in Kingsbridge
First Drive South West is now proud to be able to offer driving lessons in Kingsbridge! Based in south Devon, learning to drive or getting driving lessons can be difficult. Our instructors cover Kingsbridge for driving lessons and use the DVSA test centre based in...
Driving Success Stories from Newton Abbot, Torquay, Paignton & Brixham
See how students from First Drive South West have got on in 2024 so far. First Drive offer driving lessons across Newton Abbot and Torbay and our team of driving instructors have been helping students since 2018. Here are some of our recent test passes! Becky was...
First Drive South West is now pleased to offer driving lessons in Torbay
Driving lessons are available with our fully qualified DVSA instructors. We cover Newton Abbot, Kingsteignton, Torquay, Paignton and other areas in Torbay. FDSW were pleased to welcome Claire, Jacob and Lou who to join Debbie in our team in for the summer of 2024 and...