At Wharf Driving School, every lesson is delivered by a fully DVSA-approved, experienced instructor and structured around you — your starting point, your schedule and your goals. Whether you want the flexibility of a full manual licence, the simplicity of automatic, or the comfort of a premium prestige car, we have a lesson type to suit you. Choose your option below to learn more.
Manual Driving Lessons
From £35 / hour
Learn in a manual car and earn a full licence that lets you drive both manual and automatic vehicles. Ideal for most learners who want maximum flexibility on the road.
Manual LessonsAutomatic Driving Lessons
From £36 / hour
No gears, no clutch — just focus on the road. Automatic lessons remove a layer of complexity and many learners find they build confidence and pass more quickly.
Automatic LessonsPrestige Car Lessons
Premium automatic
Learn to drive in a top-of-the-range automatic prestige car. Enjoy extra comfort and refinement while you train with our experienced DVSA-approved instructors.
Prestige LessonsManual or Automatic — Which Should You Choose?
A manual licence lets you drive both manual and automatic cars, so it offers the most freedom — most learners choose manual for this reason. An automatic licence only permits automatic vehicles, but lessons are simpler because there's no clutch or gear changes to manage, which can mean faster progress and a calmer learning experience. If you're unsure, our instructors are happy to advise based on your needs.
According to DVSA guidance, learners typically need around 47 hours of professional tuition plus around 20 hours of private practice to reach test standard. Our structured lessons are designed to make every hour count, whichever option you choose.