Stop waiting months for a license. Astra Driving School provides Fast-Track Intensive Courses tailored to your availability. Whether you need a 1-week crash course in Salford or a confidence-booster in Didsbury, our Grade A instructors help you build skills and confidence quickly.
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Astra Driving School doesn’t just teach you how to drive, we teach you how to pass in Manchester. Our intensive training is a structured, result-driven experience where you’ll master the specific challenges of local test centres like West Didsbury, Cheetham Hill, and Sale. We bypass the easy roads and head straight to the areas that matter, building your confidence on high-pressure routes including the Princess Parkway (A5103), the Mancunian Way, and the busy M60 junctions. By combining real-world hazard mastery with DVSA-style mock tests, we ensure you’re not just ready for the exam, but ready for the road.
£37/per hour
Intensive courses are available on student availability & demand.
£360/for 10hour
To provide focus fast track training to help learners build confidence & driving skills quickly.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or just need a final polish before your test, we have a package tailored to your experience. All courses are available for both Manual and Automatic transmissions. Not sure which one you need? Most Manchester students start with our 10-hour Booster to master tricky junctions like the Princess Parkway or Cheetham Hill roundabouts.
(Targeting the “Busy Learner” intent) Unlike other schools that force you into a rigid 9-to-5 box, Astra works around you. Our intensive courses are available based on your availability:
We believe in 100% transparency. Please factor in the following for your practical test:
Booking an intensive course is a big decision, and it’s not a “one size fits all” process. At Astra, we see two main types of learners. First, there are the complete beginners who want to clear the entire syllabus in a matter of weeks. These courses are for the focused learner/someone who has the time to dedicate several hours a day to mastering the car without the week-long gaps that usually lead to forgetting the basics. If you have a job starting soon or are heading off to university, this is the most efficient way to get your license.
However, we also specialize in refresher driving lessons in Manchester. Not everyone needs a 20-hour “crash course.” You might be someone who hasn’t driven since failing a test a year ago, or perhaps you have an international license and just need to get used to the Manchester city traffic and the UK highway code. These shorter, intensive bursts are perfect for shaking off the rust and fixing specific bad habits before you head to the test centre. Whether you are starting from zero or just need a 5-hour “polish,” we match the intensity of the course to your actual skill level.
Designed to help you pass with confidence and strong road skills, our Driving Courses focus on real-world driving from day one. As one of the fastest-growing independent driving schools, Astra Driving School delivers structured lessons, experienced instructors, and flexible course options trusted by learners.
READ OUR REVIEWSChoosing the right location is key to a fast-track pass. Astra Driving School provides specialist intensive training tailored to the specific routes and unique challenges of every major Greater Manchester test centre. Whether you are aiming for the high-success rates of Sale or the urban intensity of Cheetham Hill, our instructors ensure you are familiar with the exact roundabouts, junctions, and “trap” roads used by local examiners.
Known for narrow, car-lined residential streets that test your clearance and meeting skills.
A challenging urban environment requiring high assertiveness in heavy multi-lane traffic.
Features a mix of calm suburban roads and tricky mini-roundabouts that demand constant scanning.
Offers varied routes with a mix of fast dual carriageways and industrial estate layouts.
Expert Tip: Don’t just pick the centre with the highest pass rate; pick the one closest to your natural driving environment. Our Grade A ADIs will conduct mock tests on your specific centre’s routes to ensure there are no surprises on the big day.
Before you can get behind the wheel for your practical exam, you’ve got to clear the hurdle of the theory test. In Manchester, the primary hub is the Manchester Theory Test Centre at Universal Square (Ardwick). It’s located in the Red Block and is easily accessible from the city center via the A665.
While many old guides still mention a Salford location, please note that the Salford Theory Centre is no longer in operation. If the Ardwick site is fully booked, we recommend looking at Stockport or Bolton as your best alternatives. At Astra, we don’t just teach the physical driving; we help you master the hazard perception and highway code so you can pass both tests on your first attempt..
Choosing an intensive course provider in Greater Manchester is more than just comparing prices; it’s about ensuring you aren’t stuck on a waiting list or paired with an inexperienced trainee.
It depends on your experience, but our intensive blocks aim to get you test-ready in 1 to 4 weeks. While we provide the fast-track training, we recommend booking your theory test early to avoid Manchester test centre backlogs.
Our 10-hour booster block at £360 is the best value, saving you £10 instantly. It’s the most popular choice for students who have some experience and want to polish their skills quickly.
We cover all of them West Didsbury, Cheetham Hill, Sale, Bredbury, and Chadderton. Most students choose the one closest to home, but your instructor will advise you based on where you feel most confident during your mock tests.
That’s exactly what our “Confidence Focus” is for. Our Grade A instructors specialize in turning anxiety into skill, especially when handling busy spots like the Mancunian Way or large city roundabouts.
Yes. We are on the road from 7:00 AM to 11:30 PM, seven days a week. We don’t charge extra for evening or weekend slots, the price stays at our standard local rate.
It depends on your experience, but our intensive blocks aim to get you test-ready in 1 to 4 weeks. While we provide the fast-track training, we recommend booking your theory test early to avoid Manchester test centre backlogs.
No. You pay the DVSA directly for your test slot. For the day of the exam, we charge £90 for car hire, or £125 if you want a one-hour warm-up lesson immediately before the test.
Generally, Automatic is faster for intensive courses because there is no clutch or gear coordination to learn. We offer expert instructors for both across all Manchester postcodes.
You deal directly with your dedicated instructor. All our instructors are independent contractors and Grade A professionals. This direct relationship ensures you get consistent, 1-on-1 tuition every time.
We usually have availability within the week. The best way to start is to book an assessment lesson so we can see which hourly block fits your current driving level.
