Driving Test Price in Manchester – What You Need to Know

Passing your driving test is one of life’s most exciting milestones—but it also comes with financial planning. If you’re preparing to take the driving test in Manchester and are wondering about the test price, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From official DVSA test fees to additional driving lesson costs, we’ll also show why booking with Astra Driving School is a wise investment in your driving success.

How Much Does the Driving Test Cost in the UK?

In the UK, driving test fees are set by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and can vary slightly based on the day of the week and the type of test:

Keep in mind that these fees only cover the tests themselves—they don’t include the cost of driving lessons or the use of a car on test day, which many learners arrange through their instructors.

What Affects the Total Cost of Getting Your Licence?

Besides the DVSA fee, learners in Manchester should budget for:

• Professional Driving Lessons: The average hourly rate in Manchester ranges from £30 to £40 per hour.
• Provisional Licence Application: £34 when applied online.
• Use of a Car for Practical Tests: Many learners use their instructor’s car, typically at an additional cost of £30–£50.
• Mock Tests & Test Prep Packages: Offered by Astra Driving School to improve first-time pass rates.

Tip: At Astra, we provide competitive packages tailored to your learning speed and budget.

Why Choose Astra Driving School in Manchester?

We understand that getting your licence isn’t just about price—it’s about value. Here’s why hundreds of learners choose Astra Driving School:

DVSA-Approved Instructors

At Astra Driving School, all our instructors are officially approved by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency), which means they meet strict government standards for teaching driving. They aren’t just qualified—they’re also friendly, patient, and skilled at working with learners of all experience levels. Whether you’re a complete beginner or brushing up for your test, our instructors tailor each lesson to suit your learning pace.

Competitive Pricing

We offer affordable lesson packages, including block bookings and intensive driving courses. Whether you’re a beginner or brushing up before your test, we tailor the experience to your budget.

High First-Time Pass Rate

At Astra Driving School, we take pride in our high first-time pass rate—a reflection of our thorough and personalised teaching approach. We prepare our students with realistic mock driving tests that mirror the actual exam, helping them feel confident and prepared on the big day. Our instructors provide clear, practical feedback after each lesson, focusing on areas for improvement and building on individual strengths.

Flexible Scheduling

We understand that our learners have busy lives, which is why Astra Driving School is open from Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Whether you’re juggling school, university, or a full-time job, we make it easy to fit driving lessons into your routine. Our flexible scheduling allows you to choose lesson times that work best for you—early mornings, evenings, or weekends—so you can learn at your own pace without added stress.

Local Manchester Driving Test Centres

If you’re booking your driving test in Manchester, you’ll likely take it at one of these DVSA centres:

• West Didsbury Test Centre (Wythenshawe Road)
• Cheetham Hill Test Centre (Sheriff Street)
• Sale Driving Test Centre

Each location has its quirks. For instance, West Didsbury often features roundabouts and residential roads, while Cheetham Hill presents frequent stop-start city driving. Astra Driving School instructors are familiar with local test routes and provide targeted practice in those areas.

Local Tips to Help You Pass

Here are some Manchester-specific driving tips from our instructors:

• Practice on dual carriageways, such as Princess Parkway.
• Watch out for bus lanes in the city centre—many learners fail to do so.
• Be confident at roundabouts, such as those on Kingsway and Palatine Road.
• Be aware of the speed limits, especially in areas such as Longsight, Rusholme, and Moss Side, where 20mph zones are standard.

Conclusion

Understanding the driving test price is just the first step in your driving journey. Investing in a good school like Astra gives you the best chance of passing the first time, saving both money and stress in the long run.

Want to get started? Reach out today and take the wheel toward your independence.

Book Your First Lesson with Astra Driving School Today!

📍 Address: 11 Bowling Green Lane, Longsight, Manchester, M12 5FZ

📞 Call Now: ‪+44 7758 837589‬

📧 Email: astradrivingschool@hotmail.com

🕘 Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday, 08:00 AM – 09:00 PM

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FAQs 

What is the total cost to get a UK driving licence?

On average, expect to spend between £1,000–£1,300, including lessons, test fees, and related expenses.

Are evening or weekend driving tests more expensive?

Yes, practical tests during evenings or weekends cost £75, compared to £62 on weekdays.

Can I use my car for the driving test?

Yes, but it must meet DVSA requirements (e.g., insurance, L-plates, extra mirror for the examiner).

How many driving lessons do I need before the test?

Most learners require 40–45 hours of professional instruction in addition to 20 hours of practice.

Do driving schools charge extra for using their car during the test?

Yes, this usually costs between £30 and £50, depending on the school.

Is the theory test fee separate from the practical test?

Yes, the theory test costs £23 and must be passed before you book the practical test.

Can I book both tests at the same time?

No. You must pass the theory test before you can schedule your practical test.

How can I reduce the overall cost of learning to drive?

Book block lessons with Astra, practice with family and friends and take mock tests to reduce the chances of retakes.