Drive Smart!
Manual driving lessons
Learn to drive with us in a manual dual-controlled car, fully insured with one of our trained team of ADI’s. You can learn on a weekly/intensive basis or however best suits you as long as instructor availability can accomodate.
Whether you’re starting fresh or jumping back in to driving, you can count on us to help you achieve your goals!
All lessons are client based, meaning we are here to help you learn in whatever method works best for you.
We currently only offer manual driving lessons, however automatic instructors will be added to our team in the future.
Our driving school is based in Bury St Edmunds and we offer our services here and in surrounding areas such as Ipswich, Stowmarket and Newmarket.
Please contact us via the contact us page for further information.
Understanding the UK Driving Licence
What Can You Drive
Getting your UK driving licence is a big step towards independence, but did you know that different licences allow you to drive different types of vehicles? Here’s a breakdown of what you can legally drive with various licence categories:
Provisional Licence
(Before You Pass Your Test)
Before you can start learning to drive a car (Category B ), you need a provisional licence. With this, you can:
- Drive a car under supervision (with a qualified instructor or someone over 21 who has held a full licence for at least three years).
- Ride a moped (Category AM ) or a light motorcycle (Category A1 ) if you complete the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT).
Category B – Full Car Licence
(What Most Learners Aim For)
Once you pass your practical driving test, you receive a Category B licence, which allows you to:
- Drive a car (up to 3,500kg) with up to 8 passenger seats.
- Tow a small trailer (up to 750kg) without extra qualifications.
- After additional training, tow a larger trailer over 750kg
(Category B + E ).
Other Vehicle Categories You Can Upgrade To
After getting your car licence, you may want to expand your driving abilities. Here’s what you could qualify for with extra training and tests:
- Motorcycle Licences (Category A1 , A2 , A ): Allows you to ride different types of motorbikes, depending on your age and experience.
- Vans and Light Commercial Vehicles (Category C1 ): If you need to drive a larger vehicle up to 7.5 tonnes, such as delivery vans or ambulances.
- Minibus Licence (Category D1 ): If you plan to drive a minibus with up to 16 passenger seats.
- Lorry & Bus Licences (Category C & D ): For those looking to drive HGVs, buses, or coaches professionally.
Licence Upgrades and Additional Qualifications
Depending on your driving goals, you can take additional tests to gain more permissions, such as:
- Pass Plus: A voluntary course to improve driving skills after passing your test.
- Trailer Towing Licence ( B + E ): If you need to tow larger trailers for work or leisure.
- Advanced Driver Training: Helps reduce insurance costs and improve road safety awareness.
Track Your Progress with Precision
At Smart Driving Group, we believe that the best and most efficient way to improve is to track your progress. That’s why we use a state-of-the-art app to evaluate your driving skills after every lesson. Our app provides a detailed breakdown of key driving abilities, from clutch control to hazard awareness, giving you a clear picture of where you excel and what needs improvement. With this data-driven approach, your instructor tailors each lesson to focus on your personal development, ensuring you gain confidence and master the road at your own pace.
- Personalized Learning Experience: Each student receives a performance breakdown after every lesson, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.
- Detailed Skill Assessment: The app rates various driving skills such as clutch control, hazard awareness, parking, and more.
- Tracking Progress Over Time: Students can see their improvements lesson by lesson, helping them focus on what needs work.
- Instructor Feedback: Instructors use the data to tailor lessons, ensuring a structured learning approach.
What our students and parents say
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
I recently passed my driving test with only 3 minors thanks to Andre! Every lesson that I had was great and he was very patient with me. Andre had confidence in me which made me more confident in myself. Couldn’t ask for a better instructor.
I would definitely recommend the school and Andre if you’re wanting to pass your driving test!
Review from Trustpilot
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Lee was recommended to us and our daughter has really enjoyed her driving lessons with him. He is experienced, approachable and teaches in a relaxed positive way. He also has the patience of a saint! She struggled with test nerves but Lee’s calm manner and encouragement built up her confidence and got her through. We would highly recommend him
Review from Facebook
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Would highly recommend Smart Driving Group. Lee is very patient, giving good examples and reference points when learning. I built up a really good rapport with Lee during my lessons who showed confidence in me which helped me feel confident. Passed my test first time without any faults due to Lees teaching method.
Review from Google
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Absolutely great people, Lee was very helpful getting me to the venue as a non driver! professional and friendly attitude all round which is a great combination for a beginner like me. James the instructor was great at delivering information / instruction with clear emphasis on safety. He was patient and encouraging which was so helpful and built my confidence to go on the road. Thanks, you were fab! 😏
Review from Google
Pricing
FAQ
Getting Started
Do I need a provisional licence to start driving lessons?
How many lessons will I need to pass my driving test?
Can I start driving lessons before passing my theory test?
What do I need to bring to my first driving lesson?
Lessons & Learning Process
What is covered in a typical driving lesson?
Each lesson is tailored to your progress, but you’ll typically cover:
- Vehicle control (steering, braking, clutch control)
- Road positioning and lane discipline
- Roundabouts and junctions
- Parking maneuvers
- Hazard perception and defensive driving
Do you offer intensive driving courses?
Yes! If you’re looking to pass quickly, we offer intensive courses to help you get test-ready in a shorter timeframe.
Can I start driving lessons before passing my theory test?
Can I learn in my own car?
You can practice in your own car with your parents, but for safety reasons you can only have your lessons with a dual-control vehicle.
Can I request a specific instructor?
Yes! If you have a preferred instructor, we’ll do our best to accommodate your request.
Driving Tests & Passing
When can I take my driving test?
You can book your practical test once you’ve passed your theory test and your instructor feels you’re ready.
What happens if I fail my driving test?
Don’t worry! You can rebook your test after 10 working days. Your instructor will help identify areas for improvement to give you the best chance of passing next time.
Can I drive immediately after passing my test?
Yes! Once you pass, you can drive straight away while waiting for your full licence to arrive.
Should I take the Pass Plus course after passing?
Booking & Payments
How do I book my driving lessons?
You can book lessons through our website, by calling us, or by speaking directly with your instructor.
What is your cancellation policy?
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cashand bank transfers. Some packages may be eligible for installment plans.
Drive Instructors
Lee Moye
Founder, Manager, Instructor
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Car: VW Golf VI
Classes: B/BE
Ross Knights
Instructor
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Car: VW Golf VI
Classes: B/BE
Andre Marcelino
Instructor
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Car: VW Golf VI
Classes: B/BE
!
We are hiring!
You’re looking for a new job and want to become a self-employed DRIVE or RIDE Instructor?
Check out our Jobs-Page!
!