Frequently Asked Questions

You must be at least 17 years old to start driving lessons on public roads in the UK. You'll also need a valid provisional driving licence before your first lesson. You can apply for your provisional licence from age 15 years and 9 months.

Yes. You must hold a valid UK provisional driving licence before you can legally drive on public roads. You can apply for your provisional licence online via the DVLA website. It typically arrives within a few days. Once you have it, simply contact us and we'll get you booked in.

It varies from person to person. According to DVSA data, most learners need around 47 hours of professional tuition plus around 20 hours of private practice before they're ready for their test. Some learners progress faster, others take longer - it all depends on your starting point and how frequently you have lessons.

Absolutely. We offer both manual and automatic lessons. Bear in mind that an automatic licence only permits you to drive automatic vehicles. If you want to drive both manual and automatic cars in future, we'd recommend learning in a manual. That said, many learners find the automatic experience less stressful and pass more quickly.

You can book by calling us on 07384 362234, emailing info@wharfdrivingschool.co.uk, or by filling in the contact form on our website. We'll match you with a suitable instructor and arrange your first lesson at a time that suits you.

We cover a wide area of East London including Canary Wharf, Docklands, Whitechapel, Shadwell, Mile End, Poplar, Shoreditch, Bethnal Green, Hackney, Bow, Stratford, West Ham, Newham, Plaistow, Forest Gate, Ilford, Barking, Leyton, Leytonstone, Canning Town and more. Check our Areas Covered page for the full list.

We offer lessons seven days a week, from 7am to 10pm every day. We have early morning, daytime and evening slots available to fit around work, school or college commitments - just let us know what suits you and we'll find a time.

Standard lessons are 1 or 2 hours. We recommend 2-hour lessons where possible as it gives more time on the road and means you spend less time getting picked up and warmed up. For intensive courses, you may have 4–6 hours of driving per day.

We ask for at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a lesson. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours' notice may be charged in full. We understand that emergencies happen - just let us know as soon as possible and we'll do our best to accommodate you.

You can book your practical driving test online via the DVSA website (gov.uk/book-driving-test). You'll need your provisional driving licence number and a valid credit or debit card. Your instructor will advise you on the right time to book your test.

We cover several test centres in and around East London including Wanstead, Goodmayes, Hornchurch, Chingford and Barking. Your instructor will ensure you get plenty of practice on the exact routes used by your nearest test centre.

Yes. We offer use of our cars for the practical driving test at an additional charge. This means you'll take your test in the same car you've been learning in, which many pupils find helpful. Your instructor will also accompany you to the test centre.

Don't worry - many people need more than one attempt. After your test, your instructor will review the examiner's feedback with you and focus your remaining lessons on the areas that need improvement. You can re-sit your test after 10 working days.

Our lesson prices are competitive and vary depending on the type of lesson and course. Please contact us for our latest pricing - we regularly run special offers for new pupils and block booking discounts. Call 07384 362234 or fill in our contact form for a quote.

We accept payment by cash or bank transfer. We also offer block booking packages (for example 10 hours) which work out more cost-effective than paying for individual lessons.