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Where will your licence take you?

To the drive-through Shopping To see friends Work College The open road To the beach Uni

Searching for Driving Lessons Newcastle Upon Tyne, Gateshead or the North East? Using advanced teaching methods and technology, our DVSA Approved Driving Instructors provide high-quality driving lessons in Newcastle Upon Tyne, Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Stockton that exceed industry standards, enabling you to easily pass your driving test.

Experienced Instructors

Our approved driving instructors have years of driving experience.

High
Pass Rate

When we send a student for test, they are equipped to succeed.

Flexible
Scheduling

Flexible scheduling options including evenings and weekends.

Excellent Safety Record

Shifts’ safety record is reflected in our learners’ ability to become confident drivers.

Personalise Your Learning

Tell us about your personality and what you like and dislike.

Driving Instructors Icon

Experienced Instructors

Our approved driving instructors have years of driving experience.

Car and Driving Licence Icon

High Pass Rate

When we send a student for test, they are equipped to succeed.

Calendar of Schedule Icon

Flexible Scheduling

Flexible scheduling options including evenings and weekends.

Car Safety Icon

Excellent Safety Record

Shifts’ safety record is reflected in our learners’ ability to become confident drivers.

Customise Your Learning Icon

Personalise Your Learning

Tell us about your personality and what you like and dislike.

Find a local
driving instructor
near you

Our experienced instructors provide driving lessons in Newcastle, Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Stockton. Whether you’re just starting out or want to brush up on your skills with one of our intensive driving courses, we’ll get you on the road in no time at all.

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Increased Pass Rate

Having all of your progress at hand means that you can easily access it with just a touch of a button, keeping the information fresh in your mind

Lesson Logs & Progress

Lesson logs and progress reports allow you to track your progress and review what you have learned during your lessons.

Payments and Reminders

Stay on top of your lessons and payments through automated reminders and notifications, ensuring you never miss a lesson or payment again.

Book Lesson Gaps

Book a last minute slot in your instructors diary without having to contact them directly. Handy for those extra lessons.

Alex HLearner Driver - September '24

What a great guy Will is
What a great guy Will is! First driving lesson last week and Will made it so easy and comfortable for me. Looking forward to my next one.

Chris ParkerLearner Driver - August '24

Had a great first lesson with Will.
Had a great first lesson with Will. He put me right at ease and was really encouraging. I really appreciated that he keen to point out the things you're doing well as well as the things you can work on.

Tejus MedaLearner Driver - August '24

Mock test: Great Experience with Shift driving school!
I had a driving test scheduled and was looking for a mock test to check my preparedness for it! Reached out to shift driving school and they were kind enough to accomodate my request and book me a slot before my test.

Laura WrightLearner Driver - July '24

Recently had my first lesson with Alex
Recently had my first lesson with Alex at shift and was made to feel very comfortable. After several other instructors he made me feel at ease with my nerves and spoke me through what we’d be doing and boosted my confidence, can’t thank him enough and hope to be passed soon with his teaching

James BurnLearner Driver - June '24

Thanks to Kelli!
Thanks to Kelli’s expertise, teaching and support, I passed my driving test today on my first attempt! I cannot recommend her and Shift Driving School highly enough to anyone looking to learn to drive confidently and efficiently.

Kirsty ClarkLearner Driver - June '24

Old and anxious learner
As a slightly older (29) and very anxious learner, I thought I had missed my chance to learn to drive. But Lewis built me from the bottom up in both skills and confidence. He never made me feel nervous or stressed, and I had complete trust in him. I couldn't recommend him more or shift more.

Lewis WaldieLearner Driver - June '24

Very professional service.
Very professional service. Passed first time. Would recommend.

Sophie EdminsonLearner Driver - June '24

Lewis was great
Lewis was great, very patient and encouraging, he gave clear instructions with me being a beginner. Looking forward to our next lesson!

Liam WoodsLearner Driver - May '24

Would highly recommend Shift
Would highly recommend shift if you are looking for a driving instructor. I had lewis, and he was very professional and easy to get along with and can have a laugh with you to calm your nerves

Eleanor MilliganLearner Driver - April '24

Shift driving school is amazing!
Shift driving school is amazing! Really engaging with the students, reassuring and you can tell all of the instructors want the students to pass with confidence in their own driving. My instructor Kelli was absolutely fabulous, really helped me gain my confidence helping me take my next steps before passing my test with no minors! Would recommended to anyone learning to drive or wanting to learn.

Michael WalkerLearner Driver - April '24

Passed my driving test on the first try with Shift Driving School!
Passed my driving test on the first try with Shift Driving School! Kelli was an amazing instructor who always gave me honest feedback after every lesson and every lesson felt like a comfortable drive with banter.

Ishaq HussainLearner Driver - March '24

I thoroughly enjoyed my first lesson with Alex.
I thoroughly enjoyed my first lesson with Alex. He was very patient with me throughout the drive and clearly described to me what I needed to improve on and how to correct any faults. I would highly recommend Shift Driving.

Shelley OmanLearner Driver - February '24

Just passed first time having done 22 hours of lessons with Lewis in 2 weeks.
Just passed first time having done 22 hours of lessons with Lewis in 2 weeks. Lewis was a great instructor, every lesson we would talk about my progress, areas to return to and further practice as I wanted to take the test within a short window. Lewis makes you feel at ease and so lovely and friendly. Exactly what you want from an instructor. Would highly recommend. Great result, thank you so much.

Emily HamiltonLearner Driver - December '23

Couldn’t recommend shift driving school enough
Couldn’t recommend shift driving school enough, Lewis has been amazing there was a couple of times where I lost my confidence and didn’t want to learn anymore, but Lewis was patience helpful and managed to help me pass. Thank you again !

Luca LucasLearner Driver - October '23

Alex was my instructor he helped me pass first time
Alex was my instructor he helped me pass first time, really good instructor, makes sure you iron out all issues straight away so you learn faster, highly recommend

William GillisPass Plus - September '23

Recently completed my Pass Plus.
Recently completed my Pass Plus. Alex was a really good instructor and made the course enjoyable. Would recommend 🙂

Kirsten ScottPass Plus - September '23

Had a great experience completing my Pass Plus with Shift
Had a great experience completing my Pass Plus with Shift. My instructor was very calm and friendly, making me feel relaxed whilst driving. Would recommend to any learner drivers!

Rosie McLeanLearner Driver - August '23

Amazing driving instructors
Amazing driving instructors, positive and helpful. Would highly recommend

Jordan ChapmanLearner Driver - August '23

Couldn’t praise this driving school more!
Couldn’t praise this driving school more! Incredibly friendly and amazing feedback. Passed first time with absolutely no bother and would absolutely recommend to anyone.

LeoLearner Driver - August '23

First time pass…
Passed on my Test first time thanks to the excellent, top class teaching from Lewis!! Brilliant and professional driving school to learn from… can’t thank them enough!

Abbie RLearner Driver - July '23

Highly Recommended
My Shift driving instructor was fantastic. He was always calm, and gave clear, easy-to-follow instructions which made me feel confident when driving. I passed first time so I would definitely recommend them!

Nathaniel TeggLearner Driver - July '23

Shift helped me pass!
Lewis was a brilliant driving instructor. He was patient, and made me feel comfortable in each lesson. I managed to pass first time because of him. I'd definitely recommend you using Shift if you want to pass.

Thomas DonnellyLearner Driver - July '23

Highly Recommend
Highly recommend. My time with Alex was enjoyable and I was able to get ready for my test with him very quickly and pass first time due to his excellent teaching

Chelsey BellLearner Driver - Jun '23

I have had a couple of Instructors and
I have had a couple of Instructors and was quite put off by them until I found Lewis he’s extremely patient (even when I was dramatic) and they way he taught was so straight forward and efficient which I didn’t have previously he completely put me at ease I couldn’t recommend him enough!!

Georgia PiperLearner Driver - June '23

5 Star Driving School
I had an amazing instructor who was both patient and helpful. I was really nervous and he took the time to help me gain confidence. He was honest and reliable throughout my time at shift and I could not thank him enough. I could also not recommend shift driving school enough they are brilliant.

Steve RLearner Driver - June '23

Alex was very good
Alex was very good. My 17 year old son passed first time with him.

How much are Driving Lessons?

Our standard rates for Manual Lessons are as follows:
Manual Driving Lessons Newcastle and Gateshead – £75 for 2 hours
Manual Driving Lessons Middlesbrough and Redcar – £72 for 2 hours
Manual Intensive Driving Lessons Newcastle and Gateshead – £85 for 2 hours

Our standard rates for Automatic Lessons are as follows:
Automatic  Driving Lessons Newcastle and Gateshead – £80 for 2 hours
Automatic  Driving Lessons Middlesbrough and Redcar – £80 for 2 hours
Automatic Intensive Driving Lessons Newcastle and Gateshead – £85 for 2 hours

Different areas can sometimes have different pricing. You can check if we cover your area and the prices by clicking here. We also offer Block Bookings, Intensive Driving Lessons, Automatic Driving Lessons and Pass Plus Courses.

What areas do you cover for driving lessons?

We provide driving lessons in Newcastle, Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Redcar, Stockton and surrounding areas including Jesmond, Dunston, Blaydon, Low Fell, New Marske, Saltburn and Grangetown. You can check if we cover a particular area and the local prices by clicking here.

Where will I go for my first driving lesson?

When getting behind the wheel for the first time, it’s important that the practice areas are suitable but more importantly, safe. For example, if you have booked driving lessons in Newcastle or Gateshead, your instructor may take you to an industrial estate such as Team Valley for your first few lessons until you grasp the basics and can control the car independently.

Can you help with nervous or anxious drivers?

It just so happens that we specialise in nervous and anxious drivers. We want our learners to feel at ease and to leave feeling confident! Our fully qualified driving instructors have years of experience putting learners’ minds at rest through a calm, supportive teaching approach tailored to your needs. So whether you’re booking driving lessons in Newcastle, or even in Middlesbrough, we have an instructor that will be able to help you with this. Please be sure to let us know at the time of booking though so we can allocate you to the most appropriate driving instructor for you.

Do I really need a driving instructor or should I get private tuition?

There is no denying that private tuition can be a useful tool. While it may seem tempting to have a friend or family member provide the majority of your tuition to learn to drive and save some money, taking professional driving lessons in Newcastle, Gateshead, Redcar or Middlesbrough with a qualified instructor is highly recommended. Our instructors can provide objective feedback on your driving abilities without being swayed by personal factors. Approved driving instructors undergo extensive training and testing to earn their certification. They have an in-depth knowledge of road rules, safe driving techniques, and the ability to teach these skills effectively. It is also extremely likely that you will pick up bad driving habits, or out of date techniques.

Do you have female Instructors?

Yes! At Shift Driving School, we offer both male and female driving instructors to suit your personal preference. We understand that learning to drive is a personal experience, and having the option to choose between male and female instructors can help make students feel more comfortable and confident.