Driving lessons weekly

In this course your lessons will be arranged over a period of weeks where you will be taught all aspects of driving. When you have reached a good standard, you will be advised to apply for your driving test. Once you have passed your driving test, you will be offered the chance to receive further help in other areas such as Motorway Driving and Pass Plus.

We can work around you, if you would like to start from home and finish at work or school we can do that. We have driving instructors that start as early as 6.30 in the morning and up to 9 in the evening Monday - Sunday.

Waiting times to start lessons can vary. Evening and weekend lessons are the most popular times and therefore you may have to wait longer for your first driving lesson so book in plenty of time to save disappointment.

Patient & friendly driving
tuition throughout Devon

» Intensive or Hourly Courses

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pass my theory first before I start driving?

Where can I do an intensive course?

What is involved in the theory test?

The driving theory test has two parts, part one is a multiple choice test and part two is a hazard perception test. The multiple choice test consists of 50 questions of which the pass mark is 43. The hazard perception consists of 14 clips.

This is delivered on a computer and you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. You will be presented with a series of video clips which feature every day road scenes. In each clip there will be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards. To achieve a high score you will need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development. The maximum you can score on each hazard is five. Please browse our online shop for training materials to help you prepare for the test.

What are the show me / tell me questions?

How much are the current driving tests?

What happens on the test?

The examiner will call your name, and then he/she will check your documentation. He/she will then ask you to read a number plate. You will then be asked 2 questions about the car: one tell me and one show me. The examiner will check the car before entering it to see that it is roadworthy, and displaying L Plates. Once seated in the car he/she will offer an explanation of the test.

Always listen to this carefully, and ask any questions you wish to. Once on the drive the examiner will give you clear directions in plenty of time. If there is anything you don’t understand ask him/her to repeat the instruction. During the test the examiner will ask you to drive on various road types; to carry out 1 of 4 manoeuvres and possibly execute an emergency stop. You will also be asked to stop on various road types, to show that you can stop/move off safely with due regard to other road users.

You will pass if you can show your examiner that you can drive safely, and demonstrate through your driving that you have a thorough knowledge of The Official Highway Code and the theory of driving safely. Remember, the examiner prefers to pass you as he has less paper work to do afterwards!

How do I book a theory or practical test?

How long does it take to learn to drive?

What Pupils Are Saying

I had Tim as my instructor and I passed first time . He’s calm and very patient.

-Sophie Moss

When I first started looking into driving lessons, I walked straight to NA DVLA test center 'cause it was only round then corner and asked about intensive courses. Dan, from first gear happened to be there, approached me and talked me through everything I needed to do.

Although lessons did not continue with Dan due to complications, I don't think I could have asked for a better instructor starting out as a learner. Great character and definitely knows what he's doing.

-Daniel Harwood

When i first called 1st Gear School of Motoring they were very helpful and put me at ease straight away. My lessons were with an instructor called Graham Woodcock and i would recommend him to anyone for driving lessons.

I passed 2nd time but that was my fault. A great driving school Graham was always on time and never cancelled any of my lessons. Cheers Graham. See you on the road mate.

-Jame Williams

Brilliant! A large family means more than one driving lesson trauma for the brood so what a relief when we finally chose the right tuition and chose a driving School that demonstrated a friendly professionalism that surpassed all previous experiences. Well done First Gear... will definitely be sending the grand children your way soon!

-Robert Jack

I was recommended 1st Gear by a friend and I would recommend them too. The lessons went very well and I learnt to drive quickly. The instructor was a good laugh and good at his job. I live in Torquay but I know they have instructors all over Torbay and Exeter.

-Mark McCann