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Driving Lessons in Ashburton
Book your Ashburton driving lessons today – call 0330 0439896
Why Thousands of Learners Choose Rated Driving
1,600+ DVSA-Registered Instructors Nationwide
We’ll connect you with a local, male or female DVSA-registered expert in Ashburton who knows your area and how to get you test-ready.
Matched in Minutes, Not Days
Tell us where you are and when you're free - we’ll match you with a local instructor in the Rated Driving app.
4.9/5 on Google & Trustpilot
Thousands of learners have already done it. Read their stories and picture yourself next.
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Ready to join the learners passing their driving tests with Rated Driving?
Autumn Savings Are Here!
Autumn Sale!
This autumn, we're offering fantastic deals to help you hit the road:
- Save up to £110 on driving lessons when you book a 40-hour block.
- Earn £10 cashback for every paying friend you refer, directly to your bank or PayPal.
- Enjoy a 4.5% discount when you book 30 hours or more.
Take advantage of these seasonal savings and start your journey today!
Why Choose Rated Driving for Driving Lessons in Ashburton?
Whether you're learning from scratch or helping someone else get started, finding the right instructor can feel overwhelming. That’s where we step in. At Rated Driving, we connect you with trusted DVSA-registered instructors who know Ashburton’s roads inside out - so you can learn faster and pass with confidence.
- Local Experts, Ready to Go:
Over 27 DVSA-registered driving instructors across Devon including Ashburton, Paignton, Torquay & Kingsteignton.
- Pick What Works for You: Male or female instructors. Manual or automatic. You choose - we arrange.
- All Types of Lessons: Including Pass Plus & motorway driving lessons
- Reviews You Can Trust: Over 20,000 learners passed through us. Rated Excellent on Trustpilot (4.8/5) and Google (4.9/5).
- No Match? No Risk: We want all our learners to have a great experience with us, if you are not happy after your first lesson, let us know and we will refund you with our money-back guarantee. (T&C’s apply).
- Track Everything in the App: Use our award-winning app to manage bookings, log progress and prep for test day.
Our Ashburton driving instructors
We work with a trusted network of local DVSA-registered instructors - across Ashburton and surrounding areas, carefully selected to match your learning style, schedule, and preferences.
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Choose a male or female instructor you’ll feel comfortable with
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Local-route experts – every instructor knows Ashburton’s test routes inside out
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Multi-language support – several instructors teach in additional languages
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Learn in a manual or automatic - whichever gets you confident faster
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All instructors are fully DBS-checked and DVSA-registered
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Many specialise in helping nervous learners feel at ease behind the wheel
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Evening and weekend lessons available for tight schedules
Where to start?
Looking to learn to drive in Ashburton? Whether you prefer automatic or manual, there are plenty of flexible lesson options available. Simply type in your postcode and submit your enquiry to be matched with a expert local DVSA-registered driving instructor in your area.
🤔 How many driving lessons will I need?
The DVSA says most people need about 40 hours of professional lessons, plus private practice. We'll help tailor your schedule to build confidence efficiently.
- The DVSA recommends about 45 hours of professional lessons and 22 hours of private practice for most learners.
- Some learners feel confident sooner, others need more time.
- Your instructor will monitor your progress and advise when you’re test-ready.
- Practice regularly for the best results.
- Everyone learns at their own pace.
Some learners feel test-ready in 30 hours. Others need more time to build confidence behind the wheel. What really matters isn’t the total - it’s the consistency.
The more often you drive, the more natural it becomes. Combining quality instructor lessons with regular practice builds confidence quickly.
Every learner progresses at their own pace, and that’s perfectly normal. Your instructor will adapt to your comfort level and guide you through each step with patience.
🧐 How to prepare for your first driving lesson
Getting ready for your first driving lesson is an exciting step - and a bit of preparation can help you feel more confident and relaxed on the day. Here’s a simple guide to help you make the most of it:
1. Check Your Provisional Licence
Before your lesson, make sure you have a valid provisional driving licence. Your instructor will need to see it to confirm you’re legally allowed to drive.
2. Get Familiar with the Basics
Take a few minutes to learn the basic layout of a car - the pedals, gear stick, steering wheel, and mirrors. Watching a short video or reading a beginner’s guide can help you feel more prepared.
3. Choose Comfortable Clothing
Wear clothes that allow you to move freely and flat-soled shoes that give you good control of the pedals. Avoid anything bulky or restrictive.
4. Bring the Essentials
Have your provisional licence with you, along with glasses or contact lenses if you need them to drive. A bottle of water is also a good idea to stay hydrated.
5. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Feeling well-rested will help you stay focused and alert throughout your lesson.
6. Brush Up on the Highway Code
A quick review of key road signs, speed limits, and basic driving rules can give you a boost in confidence before you get behind the wheel. [download The Highway Code 2025 PDF]
7. Keep Your Expectations Realistic
Your first lesson is all about getting familiar with the car and starting to build your skills. Don’t worry about getting everything perfect - take it one step at a time.
With the right preparation and a calm mindset, you’ll be off to a great start.
🙏 What to expect on your first driving lesson
Your first driving lesson is a key milestone - it's where everything begins. The goal is to help you feel comfortable, introduce you to the car, and give you your first taste of driving. Here’s what typically happens during your first session:
1. Meet Your Instructor
You’ll meet your DVSA-registered driving instructor, who will check your provisional licence and have a quick chat about any experience or knowledge you already have.
2. Go Through the Cockpit Drill (DSSSM)
Before driving, you'll go through a quick safety routine to get set up properly:
- Doors - Make sure all doors are securely closed.
- Seat - Adjust your seat so you can reach the pedals comfortably.
- Steering - Adjust the steering wheel to suit your position.
- Seatbelt - Buckle up for safety.
- Mirrors - Position your mirrors for a clear view around the car.
3. Learn the Basic Car Controls
Your instructor will show you the key controls, including:
- Accelerator, brake, and clutch (if you're learning in a manual)
- Gear stick, handbrake, and indicators
- Other essentials like lights and wipers
4. Practice Moving Off and Stopping
You’ll start with the basics:
- How to start the engine safely
- Checking mirrors and blind spots
- Moving off smoothly and bringing the car to a controlled stop
5. Drive on Quiet Roads
If you're ready, your instructor may take you to a quiet area to practice simple driving skills like steering, gear changes, and stopping calmly.
6. Feedback and Next Steps
At the end of the lesson, your instructor will talk you through what went well and what to work on next time. This feedback helps you build confidence and track your progress.
Learning to drive in Ashburton
Ashburton is ideal for learners. Quiet back roads build confidence, while busy town centres sharpen practical skills.
- Town Centre Navigation: Tackle busy high streets, junctions and roundabouts - ideal for building confidence and quick decision-making.
- Residential Skills: Hone your skills on clutch control tips by practicing on quiet residential roads for skill-building.
- Dual Carriageway Experience: Get used to faster roads and lane discipline - including how to join, exit and keep calm at speed.
- Rural Roads: Practice tight bends, blind spots and country lanes - all great for sharpening your awareness and reactions.
- Test Route Familiarity: Your instructor will help you cover local test routes in Ashburton, so you’ll know what to expect and how to handle each section without second guessing.
Taking driving lessons in Ashburton with Rated Driving offers a unique and enriching experience tailored to the local environment. Ashburton is an ideal location for learner drivers, providing a blend of convenience, accessibility, and diverse driving conditions. The area features a mix of main roads and quieter residential streets, allowing learners to build confidence in various driving scenarios.
During your lessons, you might practice on key routes such as the A38, which offers a taste of busy traffic conditions, or navigate through the peaceful streets of Ashburton’s residential neighborhoods. These varied environments help prepare you for real-world driving, ensuring you are well-equipped for your practical driving test.
Ashburton is not just about driving; it’s also a charming town with local attractions that enhance the learning experience. After a productive lesson, you can unwind at Ashburton Park, where you can reflect on your progress or enjoy a leisurely stroll. The town’s scenic beauty and community spirit make it a pleasant place to learn and grow as a driver.
For those preparing for their driving test, the nearest practical driving test centre is the Newton Abbot Driving Test Centre, located conveniently for Ashburton residents. This proximity allows for easy access to your test day, reducing any added stress. Additionally, if you need to take your theory test, the Plymouth Theory Test Centre is nearby, making it simple to complete all necessary steps in your journey to becoming a qualified driver.
Rated Driving is committed to providing high-quality instruction tailored to the unique driving conditions of Ashburton. Our experienced instructors understand the local roads and can guide you through the intricacies of driving in this area, ensuring you feel confident and prepared.
With its combination of practical driving routes, local amenities, and supportive learning environment, Ashburton is the perfect place to embark on your driving journey. Don’t wait any longer—book your driving lessons in Ashburton with Rated Driving today and take the first step towards gaining your independence on the road!
Practical Driving Test Centres Near Ashburton
Newton Abbot Test Centre
Vander House, Brunel Road, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 4YQ
Exeter Test Centre
Thorverton Road, Marsh Barton, Exeter, Devon, EX2 8FS
Plymouth Driving Test Centre
Ernesettle Lane, Ernesettle, Plymouth, Devon, PL5 2EY
Unsure Which Package is Right for You?
Not sure how many hours you need? We’ve broken it down to help you choose based on where you're at. Still stuck? Speak to our team on the live chat or give us a call on 0330 043 9896 (the same number for our business WhatsApp)
Public Transport Guidance
Getting to Ashburton for your driving lessons.
Travelling by Train
If you’re travelling to Ashburton from nearby towns like Newton Abbot or Totnes, take the Great Western Railway service to Totnes, then switch to a bus or taxi for the final leg to Ashburton. From Exeter, you can catch a direct train to Newton Abbot and then follow the same route. For the best experience, aim to travel during Off-Peak hours, avoiding weekdays between 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM when traffic can be heavy. Book your train tickets in advance via Trainline or MyTrainTicket.
Travelling by Bus
Ashburton is accessible via several bus routes from nearby towns. From Newton Abbot, take the Stagecoach route 88, which stops at Ashburton’s main square. If you’re coming from Buckfastleigh, the 88 also connects directly to Ashburton. For those in Totnes, the 165 service will take you to Ashburton, with a change at Buckfastleigh if needed. The best times to travel to Ashburton are mid-morning or early afternoon to avoid peak traffic, particularly during weekdays from 7 AM to 9 AM and 4 PM to 6 PM. For bus tickets, visit Stagecoach or Trainline.
Fun Fact About Ashburton
Ashburton, a historic market town in Devon, was once a center for the wool trade in the 14th century. Fun fact: it’s home to the oldest surviving building in the area, the 12th-century St. Andrew’s Church. Discover more about this charming town at Ashburton.
Top Tips from our Experienced DVSA Approved Driving Instructor Experts
Q: How do I handle roundabouts without panicking?
"Stay calm by following the MSPSL routine (Mirrors, Signal, Position, Speed, Look) and always look right on approach. Practice with mini roundabouts first, then build up to larger ones using diagrams and videos for support."
Reginos Theodotou
A-Grade DVSA Approved Driving Instructor for 20 years.
Q: What’s the correct way to check mirrors and signal?
"Check your mirrors before any change in direction, speed, or overtaking - act safely on what you see. Only signal if necessary, and make sure it’s correctly timed and clear."
Mali Summers
A-Grade DVSA Approved Driving Instructor.
Q: How do I stay calm before and during my driving lessons?
"Take deep breaths, remind yourself it's okay to make mistakes, and trust your instructor."
Shorif Kazi
DVSA Approved Driving Instructor.
Q: Is it easier to pass your driving test in an automatic car?
"Yes it much easier to pass in an automatic than a manual car. It’s especially effective for nervous drivers."
Mari Wright
A-Grade DVSA Approved Driving Instructor.
Q: What's the best way to learn clutch control?
"Practice clutch control in a quiet area by finding the bite point in first gear with light gas, checking all around (including blind spots), then releasing the handbrake. Read More
Mali Summers
A-Grade DVSA Approved Driving Instructor.
Q: Why do some people choose automatic over manual?
"Some people choose automatic because it's quicker to learn, less stressful, and easier to practise if they have access to an automatic car.
Read More
Mari Wright
A-Grade DVSA Approved Driving Instructor.
Q: What should I do if I make a mistake while driving?
"Stay calm, don’t panic - your instructor is there to help. Just learn from it and keep going."
Shorif Kazi
DVSA Approved Driving Instructor.
Q: How do I stop stalling at junction and roundabout?
"To avoid stalling at junctions and roundabouts, plan ahead, use the correct gear and speed, and anticipate when you’ll need to move.Read More
Mali Summers
A-Grade DVSA Approved Driving Instructor.
Q: How do I handle roundabouts without panicking?
"Knowledge, understanding when to go and when to wait."
Graham Morgan
A-Grade DVSA Approved Driving Instructor for 15 years.
Q: How can I build my confidence if I’m a nervous driver?
"Practice regularly, start in quiet areas, and focus on small wins each lesson."
Shorif Kazi
DVSA Approved Driving Instructor.
Q: What do most people fail their driving test on?
"Interactions with others, junctions, meeting and roundabouts."
Graham Morgan
A-Grade DVSA Approved Driving Instructor for 15 years.
Q: How many lessons does it really take to pass?
"It depends on the person, but most people need around 40–50 hours with a qualified instructor I have achieved 32 to 36 hours"
Shorif Kazi
DVSA Approved Driving Instructor.
Q: Can I drive a manual car if I pass in an automatic?
"If you pass in an automatic, you CANNOT unfortunately drive a manual car."
Mari Wright
A-Grade DVSA Approved Driving Instructor.
Q: What’s the number one mistake learners make?
"Trying to hard to be perfect. Mistakes are part of life."
Graham Morgan
A-Grade DVSA Approved Driving Instructor for 15 years.
Rated Discounts
Find Your Deal
Take advantage of our amazing offers when you book your driving lessons in Ashburton. Choose from our discounted packages below and begin your driving lessons today!
Refresher Course
Save
2.7%
Experience level
You’ve done plenty of lessons before and just need to sharpen up before your test. A final push to get you over the line.
The 10 hour driving course on average takes 2 - 5 days/weeks.
Intermediate Course
Save
4.5%
Experience level
You’re halfway there - you’ve got the basics, but need structured time to build confidence and polish key skills.
The 20 hour driving course on average takes 1 - 10 weeks to complete.
Intermediate Course
Save
5%
Experience level
You’ve started learning but still need time behind the wheel to feel truly confident. This one bridges the gap.
The 30 hour driving course on average takes 1 - 15 weeks to complete.
Beginner Course
Save
5.5%
Experience level
You’re starting from scratch, and this is the full journey - from your first lesson through to test day.
The 40 hour driving course on average takes 1 - 20 weeks to complete.
🏆 Pass Guarantee
Pass first time or they will refund you your £23! See test fee back! T&Cs apply
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Learner Driver Reviews in Ashburton 🙏
See why our learners in Ashburton love Rated Driving ♥️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Confident Behind the Wheel in Ashburton
From the first lesson in Ashburton, I knew I was in good hands. My instructor was so helpful and gave me all the tools to succeed. I passed first time!
Ethan P
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Top-Notch Driving Lessons in Ashburton
I took my driving lessons with Rated Driving in Ashburton. The instructor was brilliant – calm, clear, and super supportive. I felt completely ready by the time my test came around and passed with just 1 minor!
Noah Q
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Passed First Time in Ashburton – Thanks to Rated Driving!
I never thought I’d enjoy driving, but Rated Driving in Ashburton changed that. Great instructor, great tips, and a big confidence boost – I passed with ease!
Isla G
1600+ DVSA-Registered Driving Instructors
Excellent Learner Driver Reviews
Money-Back Guarantee Policy
WHAT CAN I GET
Ashburton Driving School Services
Learn to drive with the Rated Driving app
Manage every lesson, payment, and message in one place. Rated Driving connects you with a local instructor - so you stay focused on learning, not chasing responses.
Book Now
Block discount booking
Why pay more? When you block book your driving lessons, you unlock exclusive local discounts - without sacrificing quality. Smart learners book ahead and save. We’ll handle the rest.
Check Discounts
Female driving instructors Ashburton
Prefer a female driving instructor? Just let us know. Rated Driving will connect you with a trusted female instructor in Ashburton who fits your schedule and preferences.
Automatic driving lessons in Ashburton
Struggling with gears or just want a simpler start? Let us match you with an automatic instructor in Ashburton who’ll help you build confidence and get test-ready without stalling.
Book Automatic Lessons
Intensive driving course Ashburton
Want to pass fast? Our intensive driving courses are designed to help you progress quickly. We'll match you with a local instructor in Ashburton ready to help you reach the finish line.
Learn to drive Ashburton.
Download our app and start your driving journey in Ashburton today - the fastest way to get matched and on the road.
Learner guide
Areas We Cover Near Ashburton, Devon
Are you looking for the top driving lessons in nearby locations? Rated Driving also offers driving lessons in nearby areas, including:
Driving lessons in Ashburton FAQs
What are the local driving conditions like in Ashburton?
Ashburton features a mix of urban and rural driving conditions, with busy roads such as the A38 and quieter country lanes. Learners should be prepared for various traffic situations, including roundabouts and pedestrian crossings, especially near local attractions like Ashburton’s town centre.
Where is the nearest driving test centre to Ashburton?
The nearest driving test centre is located in Totnes, approximately 10 miles from Ashburton. This centre offers a variety of test routes that reflect the local driving conditions, making it an ideal choice for learners in the area.
How can I book driving lessons in Ashburton with Rated Driving?
You can easily book your driving lessons in Ashburton through the Rated Driving website. Simply visit Rated Driving, select your preferred times, and we will match you with a local instructor who suits your needs.
What advice do you have for beginner drivers in Ashburton?
Beginner drivers in Ashburton should focus on mastering local road signs and understanding the layout of the town. Practising in various conditions, such as busy streets and quieter lanes, will help build confidence and skill.
What is Rated Driving’s policy on refunds and instructor changes?
Rated Driving offers a flexible policy regarding refunds and instructor changes. If you need to change your instructor or request a refund for any reason, simply contact our support team, and we will assist you promptly.
Are there any payment options available for driving lessons in Ashburton?
Yes, Rated Driving offers flexible payment options, including pay-as-you-go lessons. Additionally, learners can save up to £110 by purchasing lessons in bulk, making it a cost-effective choice for those in Ashburton.
What local landmarks should I be aware of during my driving lessons?
During your driving lessons in Ashburton, you may encounter local landmarks such as Ashburton Arts Centre and the historic St. Andrew’s Church. Familiarity with these locations can help you navigate the area more effectively.
How does Rated Driving match me with a local instructor?
Rated Driving matches you with a local instructor based on your location, availability, and specific learning needs. Our goal is to ensure you receive the best possible instruction tailored to your requirements in Ashburton.
Who provides the lessons?
Rated Driving acts as a booking agent. We arrange your driving lessons by matching you with a DVSA-registered, independent driving instructor. While we manage the booking and coordination, all driving lessons are delivered directly by the instructor, not by Rated Driving.
Can I use my own car for driving lessons?
No, all learners use their instructor's dual-controlled car for safety. To practice in your own car, you will need temporary learner driver insurance - we recommend [Link: GoShorty temporary learner insurance].
