Driving Lessons in Chester

If you haven't driven before and will not be able to have any private practice in between your lessons then it takes about 45 hours of tuition to get to the driving test standard in Chester.

This can vary greatly from person to person and in my experience the younger the person is the quicker they learn. So another good guide is 2 hours for every year of your age.

The test centre is located at  

 Unit 16, Dunkirk Trading Estate, Telford Court, Gates Ln, Chester CH1 6LT

And the telephone number is Phone: 01244 323752

The driving test is now much more of a "Driving Test" as the manoeuvres elemnt has been changed quite significantly from what is was years ago.

The three point turn and left reverse are now not included.

The Emergency Stop is not a compulsory exercise on every test but it is tested on 1 in 3 tests.

Candidates are asked to perform ONE reversing exercise from four possible ones. They are:

Parallel Parking

Drive into a parking bay and reverse out

Reverse into a parking bay

Pull over on right side of the road and reverse back two car lengths before re-joining the traffic.

There is also 20 minutes of "Independent driving" where the candidate has to follow a Sat Nav of follow signs for somewhere.

You are allowed to commit up to 15 minor driving errors on the test. If you get over 15 then it would result in a fail.

Or if you commit one major error then you automatically fail.

A major error is something that "Could have or Did affect another road user"

When taking driving lessons in Chester, it's generally advised to schedule at least one two-hour session each week. This consistent frequency aids in retaining information and developing driving skills effectively. However, for those facing budget constraints, some instructors recommend opting for two-hour lessons every fortnight as a feasible alternative. This approach balances financial considerations while ensuring steady progress in learning to drive.

In recent years the driving test has changed to represent a more realistic "Driving Test" rather than more of a manoeuvring style test of previous generations.

The three point turn and the left reverse are no longer included.

But there are four reversing exercises of which you will do just ONE.

They are:

Drive forwards into a parking bay and reverse out.

Reverse Park behind a car on the road.

Pull over on Right hand side of the road and reverse back 2 car lengths before re-joining the traffic.

Reverse park into a parking bay

Often the Reverse bay parking is done in the Chester Driving Test Centre at the beginning or end of the Driving Test.

It's important to bring your provisional driving licence to your first lesson. Also, wear comfortable, flat-soled shoes and bring any corrective lenses if you need them for driving.

The Chester test routes extend from the test centre near Dunkirk Roundabout as far Queensferry to the West and Ellesmere Port to the Right. You could also find yourself going North as far as Two Mills traffic lights. There is a good area that can be covered and we have all our pupils prepared for every eventuality.

There are many good driving schools in Chester and some may be more ideally suited to you than others.

Quails Driving School and Chester Driving School are amongst the most popular.

Your best way of choosing is to call them all up and chat. Ask questions like do you have a plan for your tuition? 

How will my progress be recorded?

What is your pass rate?

How soon can you start me or do you have a waiting list?

Asking these questions will give you a really good idea which school is suited to you.

We often hear this question when people call us to start lessons. So here are the pros and cons.

If you pass in a manual you can drive manual or automatic.

If you pass in an automatic you can only drive and automatic. But you can then take a manual test later if you wish to upgrade. Or down grade which ever way you see it!

Its easier to learn in an automatic. You just use one foot to press either the brake or the accelerator to stop of go. No stalling.

Its harder in a manual as you have to master the fine control of the clutch and you can stall the engine easily.

Which ever you decide we can teach you. Manual or automatic Nigel Richards Driving School can get you through the driving test in Chester.

Looking for driving lessons in Chester with a female instructor? We’ve got you covered! Our experienced female driving instructor provides a patient, friendly, and professional learning environment, helping you gain confidence on the road. Whether you're just starting out or need extra support to pass your test, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Your driving test will last for approximately 40-45 minutes. It will start in  Telford Court Dunkirk
Trading Estate, Chester Gates Dunkirk, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 6LT.

In recent proposals which will be trialled in various test centres the whole of the test could be on Sat Nav directions rather than examiner saying directions. Also the Emergency stop will reduce in frequency fro m1 in 3 to 1 in 7.

At Nigel Richards Driving School (NRDS), our driving lessons are designed to prepare you for more than just your driving test — we prepare you for safe, confident driving for life.

While some driving schools focus purely on passing the practical test, our experienced driving instructors teach the skills needed for real-world road safety. That includes understanding how your brakes and ABS work, managing emergency stops, and adapting your driving to different road and weather conditions.

During your lessons, you’ll learn:

How to control your car safely in real traffic situations

How to perform an emergency stop with confidence

How braking distances change in wet, icy or busy road conditions

How to anticipate hazards early and make safe driving decisions

How to stay calm and in control under pressure

We follow a structured training plan that builds strong foundations in vehicle control, hazard perception and independent decision-making — all essential skills for safe driving after you pass.

By the time you take your driving test, you won’t just be test-ready.

You’ll be fully prepared for everyday driving on today’s roads.

Yes, absolutely. Many learners feel nervous before they start driving lessons, especially if it is their first time behind the wheel or if they have had a bad experience in the past.

At NRDS, our instructors are patient, supportive, and experienced in helping nervous drivers build confidence at their own pace. You will never be rushed or pushed into anything you are not ready for.

All of our team have undergone specialist training with Dr Julia Malkin, helping us better understand nervous pupils, anxiety around driving, and how to build confidence in a calm and supportive way.

We are also constantly developing ourselves as instructors so we can bring the very best support, coaching, and learning experience to every pupil.

Lessons are structured around your ability and comfort level, starting in quieter areas if needed and gradually building up as your confidence grows. Our goal is to help you feel relaxed, safe, and in control every step of the way.

Many of our most nervous pupils go on to become confident drivers and pass their tests successfully.