Your guide to learning to drive in Leicester
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How to choose a driving school in Leicester
You need an instructor who:
- Supports you in your learning
- Makes learning fun
Won’t charge an arm and a leg!
So here are 4 things we recommend you do:
1. Compare reviews
It’s useful to find out what learners like you have said about the driving schools in Leicester. Head to sites like Trustpilot for unbiased reviews and see which school is best for you.
2. Beware of terms and conditions
You won’t get refunded if you block book with certain schools in Leicester but can’t complete all your lessons. It's essential to look at the terms and conditions so you don’t get caught out by any policies you didn’t see.
3. Check that you can switch instructors
Swapping instructors is useful if you’re not getting along with your current one. However, it’s worth double checking if you actually can change instructors at your driving school as some schools in Leicester may not let you.
4. Avoid long waiting times
Ask what the waiting times are when booking with a driving school to avoid waiting long before you begin your first driving lesson. Some schools in Leicester won’t tell you their available times until you’re midway through booking your lessons online.
Choosing between manual and automatic
Before you book your first lesson, you’ll have to decide whether you want manual or automatic driving lessons.
Automatics only have two pedals (an accelerator and a brake) as opposed to a manual’s three (accelerator, brake, clutch). Since you don’t have to worry about the clutch, automatics are simpler and more relaxing to drive in.
Traffic can get hectic in Leicester’s centre, so an automatic could be better here as you don’t have to change gears or care about the biting point when you’re in stop-start traffic. Leicester is the toughest place in the UK to pass your test, according to the Leicester Mercury. Supposedly due to its traffic and dense population, so you might well prefer an automatic here.
However, if you’re concerned about price, manual cars are cheaper to buy and maintain. Manual lessons are also cheaper as there are more manual driving instructors, meaning less demand.
Another thing to keep in mind is that a manual licence is valid for both automatics and manuals, whereas an automatic licence only lets you drive automatic cars.
Think about the pros of both and then decide. It’s all up to you!
Choosing your test centre
Your instructor will help you practise the routes that are likely to come up in your driving test. Here are the test centres that are closest to you.
Test centre pass rates
DVSA practical car test pass rates, 2018-2019.
Hinckley Test Centre | Pass rate: 40.8%
There is no parking at Hinckley Test Centre and they only have male toilet facilities. Prepare for this if you take your test here. Address: 33 Brookside, Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 2TG
Leicester (Cannock Street) Test Centre | Pass rate: 29.5%
Leicester (Cannock Street) Test Centre has an incredibly low pass rate. You’ll find it within the Troon Industrial Estate. Address: 40 Cannock Street, Barkbythorpe Road, Troon Industrial Estate, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE4 9HT.
Loughborough Test Centre | Pass rate: 44.5%
You’ll likely encounter dual carriageways like the A6 with Loughborough Test Centre. You’ll find the centre within the Ark Business Centre. Address: Ark Business Centre, Gordon Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 1JP
Wigston Test Centre | Pass rate: 41%
Just off Saffron Road, you’ll find Wigston Test Centre on Tigers Road. Your practical test here will come with a handful of crossroads and mini roundabouts. Address: Tigers Road (off Saffron Road), South Wigston, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE18 4WS.
Check out the DVSA page to find your nearest Driving Test Centre.
Test tips from Leicester instructors
1. Get ready for roundabouts
You’ll encounter a handful of roundabouts with Hinckley Test Centre, like those on Three Pots Road, Rugby Road and Watling Street. So keep within your lane and manage your speed when you approach them.
2. Book your test outside rush hour
Leicester is very busy around rush hour, especially as you drive towards the city centre. So book your test outside rush hour to get more manageable traffic.
3. Bring what you need
Your provisional driver’s licence and theory test pass certificate are needed for your test. Bring both of them or your test will be cancelled.
Where can you have driving lessons in Leicester
There are instructors available to cover all of Leicester but here are some of the top areas:
Aylestone, Beaumont Leys, Belgrave, Birstall, Braunstone Town, Clarendon Park, Evington, Knighton, Loughborough and Uppingham.
Enter your postcode to check lesson pricing in your local area.