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Driving Lessons in New Southgate
Book your New Southgate 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 New Southgate 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.
Pass Your Test With The Best 🎉
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 New Southgate?
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 New Southgate’s roads inside out - so you can learn faster and pass with confidence.
- Local Experts, Ready to Go:
Over 341 DVSA-registered driving instructors across London including New Southgate, Aldersgate, Holborn & Fleet Street.
- 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 New Southgate driving instructors
We work with a trusted network of local DVSA-registered instructors - across New Southgate 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 New Southgate’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 New Southgate? 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 New Southgate
New Southgate 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 New Southgate, so you’ll know what to expect and how to handle each section without second guessing.
Learning to drive is a significant milestone, and choosing the right location for your lessons can make all the difference. For those in North London, New Southgate offers an ideal environment to master the roads, and with Rated Driving, you’ll be in expert hands.
New Southgate is a fantastic place to learn due to its diverse road network, providing a comprehensive learning experience. You’ll gain confidence navigating quieter residential streets, perfect for getting to grips with the basics of steering and clutch control. As your skills develop, your Rated Driving instructor will guide you onto busier main roads like the A406 North Circular Road, where you’ll experience varying traffic conditions and learn to handle junctions and lane changes effectively. You might also practice on roads such as Hampden Road and Waterfall Road, which offer a good mix of challenges. The area also features various roundabouts, including potentially the Great Cambridge Roundabout, which are crucial for developing your observational and decision-making skills.
Beyond the practicalities of learning, New Southgate boasts several local attractions that make the area appealing. After a productive driving lesson, you could unwind with a stroll through Arnos Park, a beautiful green space offering a refreshing escape. Alternatively, you might enjoy the scenic views from Alexandra Palace, which is a short distance away and offers magnificent panoramas of London. For those interested in local history, the area around New Southgate has roots as the hamlet of Betstile, and the name New Southgate itself was adopted to avoid association with the former Colney Hatch Lunatic Asylum. You can even find a statue and mosaic commemorating Jerome K. Jerome, author of “Three Men in a Boat,” on the New Southgate Millennium Green.
When it comes to taking your practical driving test, the nearest centre to New Southgate is the Enfield (Innova Business Park) Driving Test Centre. You can find more information about this and other test centres on the official GOV.UK website: Find a driving test centre. For your theory test, the Southgate Theory Test Centre is conveniently located at 2nd Floor Crown House, 47 Chase Side, Southgate, Enfield, N14 5BP. It’s easily accessible, being just a short walk from Southgate tube station. You can book your theory test and find more details on the GOV.UK website: Book your theory test.
Choosing to learn with Rated Driving in New Southgate means you’ll benefit from instructors who are familiar with these local roads and test routes, providing you with tailored tuition to help you pass your test as quickly and safely as possible. The convenience and accessibility of New Southgate, combined with the expertise of Rated Driving, create an ideal learning environment.
Ready to embark on your driving journey in New Southgate? Take the wheel and book your driving lessons with Rated Driving today to experience the benefits of learning in this fantastic North London location.
Practical Driving Test Centres Near New Southgate
Wood Green (London) Driving Test Centre
Wood Green Crown Court, Woodhall House, Lordship Lane, Wood Green, Greater London, N22 5LF
Tottenham Driving Test Centre
Annex Building, Selby Road, Haringey, Tottenham, Greater London, N17 8JL
Barnet (London) Driving Test Centre
Raydean House, 15 – 17 Western Parade, Barnet, Greater London, EN5 1AD
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 New Southgate for your driving lessons.
Travelling by Train
For learner drivers heading to New Southgate, train travel is efficient. If you’re coming from towns north of New Southgate, such as Welwyn Garden City or Hatfield, Great Northern services run directly to New Southgate. From central London, including Moorgate or Old Street, Great Northern trains also provide direct access to New Southgate. During peak hours, typically 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on weekdays, Thameslink services from areas like Sevenoaks also call at New Southgate.
To avoid the busiest times and potentially secure cheaper fares for your journey to New Southgate, aim for Off-Peak travel. This is generally outside weekday rush hours (before 6:30 AM, between 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM, and after 7:00 PM) and anytime on weekends. Mondays and Fridays are often quieter than Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. You can book your train tickets to New Southgate via Trainline or MyTrainTicket.
Travelling by Bus
For learner drivers heading to New Southgate, several bus routes offer convenient access from surrounding areas. From Edgware, the 221 bus service directly reaches New Southgate Station. If you’re coming from St Raphael’s or Brent Cross, the 232 bus is your direct link to New Southgate. For those in Southgate or Mill Hill East, the 382 bus provides a route to New Southgate. The N91 night bus also serves New Southgate, connecting Cockfosters, Southgate, and Trafalgar Square.
To avoid traffic and peak hours, aim to travel outside of weekday mornings (7 AM – 10 AM) and evenings (4 PM – 7 PM). Bus fares in London are cashless; you’ll need an Oyster card, Travelcard, or contactless payment. A single bus journey to New Southgate costs £1.75, with a daily cap of £5.25 for unlimited bus travel. You can purchase bus tickets and passes via the TfL Go app, at Oyster Ticket Stops, or at Tube station ticket machines. For more information on bus tickets and routes, visit Transport for London.
Fun Fact About New Southgate
New Southgate’s identity emerged from the shadow of the Colney Hatch Lunatic Asylum, built in 1851. The area, and even the railway station, changed its name from “Colney Hatch” to “New Southgate” due to the social stigma associated with the asylum. A fun fact: the famous writer Jerome K. Jerome, author of “Three Men in a Boat,” once lived in New Southgate and is commemorated with a statue of a boat and a mosaic of a dog on the New Southgate Millennium Green. Learn more about New Southgate.
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 New Southgate. 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 New Southgate 🙏
See why our learners in New Southgate love Rated Driving ♥️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Passed First Time in New Southgate – Thanks to Rated Driving!
Rated Driving in New Southgate made learning to drive a breeze. The instructor helped me stay calm and focused, and I passed first time. Great service!
Ethan T
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Friendly and Professional Instructors in New Southgate
Learning to drive in New Southgate with Rated Driving was the best decision. I felt safe and supported throughout. Highly recommend them to anyone wanting to pass with confidence!
Noah D
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unforgettable Driving Journey in New Southgate
Learning to drive in New Southgate with Rated Driving was the best decision. I felt safe and supported throughout. Highly recommend them to anyone wanting to pass with confidence!
Leo Z
1600+ DVSA-Registered Driving Instructors
Excellent Learner Driver Reviews
Money-Back Guarantee Policy
WHAT CAN I GET
New Southgate 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 New Southgate
Prefer a female driving instructor? Just let us know. Rated Driving will connect you with a trusted female instructor in New Southgate who fits your schedule and preferences.
Automatic driving lessons in New Southgate
Struggling with gears or just want a simpler start? Let us match you with an automatic instructor in New Southgate who’ll help you build confidence and get test-ready without stalling.
Book Automatic Lessons
Intensive driving course New Southgate
Want to pass fast? Our intensive driving courses are designed to help you progress quickly. We'll match you with a local instructor in New Southgate ready to help you reach the finish line.
Learn to drive New Southgate.
Download our app and start your driving journey in New Southgate today - the fastest way to get matched and on the road.
Learner guide
Areas We Cover Near New-southgate, London
Are you looking for the top driving lessons in nearby locations? Rated Driving also offers driving lessons in nearby areas, including:
Driving lessons in New Southgate FAQs
What are the typical driving conditions in New Southgate?
New Southgate, located across parts of the London Boroughs of Barnet, Enfield, and Haringey, presents a mix of driving conditions. You’ll encounter busy main roads like the North Circular (A406) and the A10 Great Cambridge Road, which can be congested, especially during peak hours. Residential streets offer quieter areas for practice, and instructors often use places like Mandeville Road and Summit Way for beginners to get comfortable with the basics before moving onto busier routes.
Where are the nearest driving test centres to New Southgate?
For practical driving tests, New Southgate learners have several nearby options. The closest DVSA practical test centres include Wood Green, Tottenham, Barnet, and Borehamwood. For your theory test, the Southgate Theory Test Centre on Chase Side (A111) is a convenient option, easily accessible by tube or bus.
How do I book driving lessons in New Southgate with Rated Driving?
Booking driving lessons with Rated Driving in New Southgate is straightforward. You can book online 24/7 or by phone, and we aim to connect you with a local, DVSA-registered instructor in as little as 10 minutes. We offer flexible scheduling and pay-as-you-go options, with no deposit or upfront cost required for standard lessons.
What advice do you have for beginner drivers in New Southgate?
Beginner drivers in New Southgate should focus on mastering basic car control in quieter residential areas before tackling busier roads. Your Rated Driving instructor will tailor lessons to your pace, often starting in less congested spots like those around Princess Park Manor or the side roads off Hampden Road. Practising regularly and familiarising yourself with local road signs and speed limits, especially on roads like the A1 and A10, will be beneficial.
What is Rated Driving’s refund policy for lessons in New Southgate?
Rated Driving offers a “100% Money Back Guarantee” covering the first hour of your initial driving lesson. If you’re not satisfied, you can contact us within 24 hours for a full refund and we will endeavour to rebook you with a new instructor. For subsequent lessons, payments made within the last 30 days may be refunded based on agreement between you and your instructor.
Can I change my driving instructor if I’m not happy with my lessons in New Southgate?
Yes, if you experience a material issue with your allocated instructor, as judged by Rated Driving, we will do our best to connect you with a replacement instructor. You can request a different instructor through the learner support in the Rated Driving app.
What payment options are available for driving lessons in New Southgate?
Rated Driving offers flexible payment options for your driving lessons in New Southgate. You can choose to pay as you go for individual lessons, or save up to £110 by purchasing lessons in bulk. For intensive driving courses, we also offer interest-free “Buy Now, Pay Later” options through partners like Klarna and Clearpay.
Are there any discounts for block bookings with Rated Driving in New Southgate?
Yes, learners in New Southgate can benefit from significant savings by purchasing driving lessons in bulk with Rated Driving. While standard lessons have no upfront cost, buying lesson packages can save you up to £110 compared to paying for individual lessons.
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].
