Driving Lesson Prices —
Transparent, Fair & No Hidden Fees
Manual & automatic lessons available
Our Lesson Prices
At The Driving Seat, we believe learning to drive shouldn’t break the bank. Our pricing is straightforward — no hidden extras, no nasty surprises. Just great value tuition designed to get you through your test as efficiently as possible.
Manual Driving Lessons
Build full control and confidence on the road with structured one-to-one manual tuition
Automatic Driving Lessons
Focus entirely on the road ahead and learn to drive in a relaxed, stress-free way
Extra Services
Already passed, or looking for something beyond standard lessons? The Driving Seat offers a range of additional services to keep you moving forward on the road.
Pass Plus
Pass Plus builds on your test skills with clear coaching in real‑world driving — city routes, night driving and all‑weather conditions — helping you sharpen judgement and grow safer confidence at your pace.
Refresher Lessons
Refresher lessons rebuild confidence step by step — updating your road skills, easing you back into everyday driving and focusing on the areas you want to strengthen at your pace.
Motorway Training
Motorway training breaks the journey into simple steps — joining safely, keeping space, changing lanes and planning ahead — all taught at your pace to build calm confidence at higher speeds.
“I had an amazing experience learning with my driving instructor. I’m so happy to say I passed first time with 0 faults, which really shows how great her teaching is.
She made everything so easy to understand and always explained things in a clear, calm way. Her tips were incredibly helpful and made a big difference in building my confidence on the road. She also shared really useful content and guidance that helped me improve quickly.
Overall, she’s a fantastic instructor — patient, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping you succeed. I’d highly recommend her to anyone learning to drive!”
-Shyam
Lessons Planned Around Your Chosen Test Centre Route
We specialise in preparing learners for their practical test across four local DVSA test centres — Shirley, South Yardley, Garretts Green and Kings Heath. Every lesson is built around the roads and routes you’ll actually face on test day.
Shirley
One of the best pass rates in the West Midlands
South Yardley
Ideal for learners across Hall Green, Yardley and Acocks Green
Garretts Green
Serving learners across east Birmingham and Bordesley Green
Kings Heath
Perfect for learners in Moseley, Balsall Heath and Kings Heath
Frequently Asked Questions
How many driving lessons will I need before I’m ready to take my test?
Every learner is different. The DVSA recommends around 45 hours of professional lessons plus additional private practice, but some learners need less and others need more. At The Driving Seat, we focus on steady, confident progress — not rushing. We’ll review your development together so you know exactly when you’re genuinely ready for test day.
How much do your driving lessons cost, and do you offer any block booking deals?
Yes — we offer pay‑as‑you‑go lessons as well as block booking discounts to help you save as you learn. Prices vary depending on manual or automatic, so the best way to get the most accurate rate is to contact us directly. We’ll help you choose the option that suits your goals and budget.
Do you teach in a manual car, automatic, or both — and which would you recommend?
We currently offer manual and automatic lessons.
If you’re unsure which to choose:
* Manual offers more flexibility once you pass.
* Automatic is smoother, simpler and ideal for nervous learners or busy urban driving.
The right choice depends on your confidence, learning style and long‑term plans — and we’re happy to guide you.
I’m a nervous learner — how do you help build confidence?
Nervous learners are our speciality. We create a calm, pressure‑free environment where you can learn at your pace. Lessons are structured, supportive and focused on building confidence one step at a time. We break skills down clearly, celebrate small wins and help you understand why things work — not just how. With patience and reassurance, nerves ease naturally and confidence grows with every mile.
Which test centre would you recommend out of Shirley, South Yardley, Garretts Green and Kings Heath, and why
Each test centre has its own style and challenges, but the best choice is usually the one that matches where you’ve been practising most — familiar roads make test day calmer.
Here’s a quick guide:
* Shirley – Ideal for learners practising around Solihull; fair routes with a good mix of roads.
* South Yardley – Busier and more urban; great if you’re confident with traffic flow.
* Garretts Green – Known for roundabouts and varied junctions; strong all‑round experience.
* Kings Heath – Tighter residential roads and long stretches of dual carriageways best for learners comfortable with close‑quarters driving and faster roads.
We’ll always recommend the centre that best suits your driving style, confidence level and the areas you’ve trained in.