Driving Lessons in Oldham

The comprehensive guide to choosing a driving school, getting the right instructor, and passing your test in Oldham.

How to choose a driving school in Oldham

Everyone deserves an instructor who:

  • Builds your confidence
  • Makes learning enjoyable
  • Doesn’t cost an arm and a leg!

That’s why you should do these 4 things:

1. Compare reviews

Most schools in Oldham will only display their best testimonials online. Check out independent review sites like Trustpilot to see what other learners have been saying.

2. Beware of terms and conditions

Plenty of schools in Oldham have attractive introductory offers, like 10 hours for £200. But these are often only available to ‘new drivers,’ meaning you will need to have absolutely no experience at all to access the offer.

3. Check that you can switch instructors

While most driving schools in Oldham allow you to switch instructors, they may not have another instructor available in your area. Get in contact with a school and find out how big their pool of instructors is, so you can be sure you can switch if needed.

4. Avoid long waiting times

The majority of schools in Oldham don’t publish their waiting times until you make a booking request. Don’t buy lessons until you know how soon a school can get you on the road learning.

Choosing between manual and automatic

You’ve got a choice to make between manual and automatic driving lessons.

A manual licence will enable you to drive both manual and automatic vehicles, whereas an automatic licence will restrict you to automatics.

Automatic lessons tend to be pricier because there are fewer automatic instructors. But then again, there is less to get your head around in an automatic, so you could end up passing quicker.

However, since Oldham is hilly in parts, you might find a manual easier. You’ll be able to change down a gear immediately if you ever need extra oomph.

Just remember, the final decision is yours!

Choosing a driving test centre

Once you’ve chosen your driving test centre, your instructor will introduce you to the routes that are likely to come up in your driving test.

Test centre pass rates

Chadderton
42.1%
Rochdale
35.7%

DVSA practical car test pass rates, 2018-2019.

Chadderton Test Centre | Pass rate: 42.1%

You’ll want to make sure you’ve got your roundabouts nailed, as there are plenty near the Chadderton Test Centre. None perhaps are as challenging as the roundabout where Broadway meets the M60.

Address: 9 Broadgate, Broadway Business Park, Chadderton Oldham, Greater Manchester, OL9 9XA

Rochdale Test Centre | Pass rate: 35.7%

Rochdale Test Centre has a lower pass rate than Chadderton Test Centre. But don’t let that put you off if it’s your nearest test centre. It’s always an advantage to take your test on roads local and familiar to you.

Address: Room G10, Globe House Business, Moss Bridge Road, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, OL16 5EB

Find your nearest test centre through the DVSA.

Test tips from Oldham instructors

1. Take a driving lesson beforehand

It’s a good idea to take a driving lesson on the day of your test to squeeze in some last-minute practice. You could go over the roads around your chosen test centre, or alternatively, you could rehearse your manoeuvres or your hill starts.

2. Practise your A roads

If you’re taking your test at Chadderton Test centre, you’ll want to be confident on your A roads. The A663 is very close by, and with three busy lanes, it can prove challenging for learners.

3. Be ready for roundabouts

If you take your test at Chadderton Test Centre, it’s likely you’ll hit the roundabouts clubbed around Oldham town centre. You’ll find the majority along Oldham Way. Take care with your lane positioning, as many of the roundabouts are phased and multi-laned.

4. Look out for pedestrian crossings

Just outside Rochdale Test Centre, there is a mini-roundabout. If you’re exiting this mini-roundabout onto Crawford Street don’t get surprised by the sudden zebra crossing. Keep an eye out for pedestrians and be extra careful with your speed.

Where can you have driving lessons in Oldham?

Wherever you are, there's a quality instructor for you. Some of the top areas in Oldham are:

Ashton-under-Lyne, Austerlands, Chadderton, Grotton, Hathershaw, Heywood, Littleborough, Moorside, Rochdale and Todmorden.

Enter your postcode above to check lesson pricing in your local area of Oldham.