A Newcastle Driving School Built Around the Learner

Apollo School of Motoring has taught learners throughout the North East since 1994. From our Benton base, our experienced instructors help people across Newcastle develop the observation, vehicle control, road awareness, judgement and confidence needed to pass the practical driving test and drive safely afterwards. We also provide Gateshead, Durham, Sunderland, Chester-le-Street and South Shields, with wider instructor coverage available throughout the North East.

Whether this is your first time behind the wheel, you have already completed lessons elsewhere, you are returning after a long break or driving anxiety has held you back, your tuition will be planned around your individual needs. Lessons follow a clear and progressive structure based on what you can already do, the areas that need improvement and the skills you must demonstrate consistently before taking your test. Alongside manoeuvres and practical test preparation, our instructors focus on safe observations, forward planning, hazard awareness, positioning, appropriate speed and independent decision-making, helping you become a confident and responsible driver for life.

Since 1994Established Driving School
80,000+Learners Taught
78%Average Pass Rate
1,200Passes in the Last 12 Months




Highly-Rated Local Newcastle Driving Instructors

Learn to drive with Apollo SOM, the trusted choice for expert driving lessons in Newcastle. Our ADI-approved instructors provide tailored tuition to help you confidently pass your test. Whether you're a beginner, a nervous driver, or need refresher lessons, we offer a structured, supportive, and results-driven approach to help you become a safe and skilled driver for life.



Ready to Learn to Drive in Newcastle?

Check availability and arrange the right lesson plan for you.

BOOK ONLINE   07786 608 572

Driving Tuition for Every Stage

Choose the type of support that matches where you are now and where you want to get to.


Beginner Driving Lessons

Beginner Driving Lessons

Build strong foundations from your first lesson. Tuition is broken into manageable steps, with time to practise each skill before moving on.

Start Learning →
Manual & Automatic Driving Lessons

Automatic & Manual Tuition

Learn in the transmission that suits your goals, subject to local availability. We can explain the practical differences if you are unsure which to choose.

Check Availability →
Patient Driving Instructor Support

Nervous & Returning Drivers

Patient, unhurried tuition can help you rebuild confidence, address specific worries and return to the road with safer habits.

Build Confidence →

Practical Test Preparation

Practical Test Preparation

Targeted sessions, independent driving and realistic mock tests help identify gaps before test day.

Prepare Properly →
Intensive Driving Courses

Intensive Driving Courses

More frequent tuition may be available for learners who want to progress in a shorter period.

Discuss a Course →
Refresher Lessons

Refresher Lessons

Refresh parking, motorway-style roads, urban driving or general confidence without preparing for another test.

Refresh Your Skills →

Your Journey from First Lesson to Full Licence

A clear learning plan keeps every lesson purposeful and shows you exactly how your driving is developing.


1

Tell Us What You Need

Share your Newcastle postcode, availability, previous experience and whether you want manual or automatic tuition. We use this to match the right lesson option and instructor availability.

2

Start at the Right Level

Your instructor establishes what you already know and begins at a pace that feels manageable. Complete beginners receive a calm introduction to the car and its controls.

3

Build Skills in Stages

Lessons progress from core control and observation to junctions, roundabouts, manoeuvres, busier Newcastle roads and increasingly independent decisions.

4

Measure Real Progress

Feedback identifies what is secure, what still needs practice and what comes next. Mock-test conditions help reveal whether skills remain consistent without prompts.

5

Drive Independently

Test preparation focuses on safe, independent judgement—not rehearsing one route. The goal is a successful test and the ability to keep making good decisions afterwards.

START YOUR JOURNEY

Learning to Drive Safely in Newcastle

Learning to drive in Newcastle means developing the skills to manage residential streets, busy junctions, multi-lane roundabouts, changing speed limits and faster dual carriageways. Apollo School of Motoring provides structured driving lessons designed around each learner's experience, confidence and progress.

Early lessons will normally take place on quieter and more suitable roads where you can become familiar with the vehicle's controls, moving away safely, stopping, steering, changing gear, mirror routines and approaching basic junctions. Areas around residential parts of Newcastle provide opportunities to establish these essential skills before progressing to more demanding situations.

Developing Experience on Newcastle Roads

As your confidence and ability improve, lessons can introduce the wider variety of roads found across Newcastle. Routes through Gosforth, Jesmond, Heaton, Byker, Walker and Fenham can help you develop stronger observation, forward planning and hazard awareness while dealing with parked vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, bus lanes and changing traffic conditions.

Major routes such as the A1058 Coast Road, A167 Great North Road, A189 Ponteland Road and A191 Benton Park Road provide valuable experience of lane selection, larger junctions, roundabouts, traffic lights and changing speed limits. Once you are ready, we will help you develop confidence when joining faster roads, maintaining safe distances, changing lanes and planning further ahead.

Preparing for More Than a Test Route

Apollo SOM does not teach learners simply to memorise a small number of local roads. Newcastle's traffic, roadworks and driving conditions can change, so you must be able to assess unfamiliar situations and make safe decisions independently. Your lessons will develop transferable skills that can be used throughout Newcastle, across the North East and wherever you drive after passing.

  • Safe observations and effective use of mirrors
  • Appropriate speed and positioning for the road conditions
  • Approaching junctions, crossroads and roundabouts safely
  • Identifying pedestrians, cyclists and developing hazards
  • Selecting and maintaining the correct lane
  • Following road signs, markings and sat-nav directions
  • Completing parking and reversing manoeuvres under control
  • Making safe decisions without assistance from your instructor

Mock tests can be introduced when your driving reaches the appropriate standard. These allow your instructor to assess how consistently you apply your knowledge without prompts and identify any areas that require further development before your practical test.


Apollo SOM Driving Test Passes

Every photograph below represents a learner who developed the vehicle control, observation, road awareness and independent decision-making required to meet the practical driving test standard. These results demonstrate the experience, patience and structured tuition provided by Apollo School of Motoring.



Ready to begin your own driving journey? Book your first driving lesson online or call 07786 608 572.

Frequently Asked Questions About Driving Lessons

Apollo School of Motoring provides structured manual and automatic driving lessons in Newcastle and throughout the North East. Below, we answer common questions about lesson prices, learning to drive, nervous learner support, intensive courses, practical test preparation, local coverage and booking your first lesson.


Our current lesson prices, course options and available offers are published on the driving lesson prices page. The most suitable option may depend on your location, previous experience, preferred transmission and how frequently you want to take lessons.

Yes. Apollo School of Motoring provides both manual and automatic driving lessons, subject to instructor availability in your area. Manual tuition provides experience of clutch control and gear selection, while automatic tuition allows learners to concentrate without changing gears manually. We can explain the differences if you are unsure which option is right for you.

Yes. Our patient instructors regularly help nervous learners, pupils who have previously struggled with lessons, and drivers returning after a long break. Lessons can progress at a comfortable pace, with clear explanations, repeated practice and time to become familiar with each skill before moving into more demanding traffic situations.

There is no fixed number of lessons that suits every learner. The amount of tuition required depends on your previous experience, confidence, lesson frequency, access to suitable private practice and ability to apply the required skills consistently without help. Your instructor will monitor your progress and explain which areas still need development.

Your instructor will discuss your previous experience and explain how the lessons will be structured. Complete beginners will normally begin with an introduction to the vehicle, cockpit checks, controls, mirrors, safety procedures and moving away and stopping in a suitable location. Learners with previous experience may receive an initial assessment so tuition can begin at the correct level.

You should bring your valid provisional driving licence and wear suitable footwear that allows you to operate the pedals safely. If you need glasses or contact lenses to meet the required eyesight standard, you must wear them during your lesson. Your instructor will explain any additional requirements when confirming the booking.

Yes. You must hold the appropriate valid provisional driving licence before driving on public roads during a lesson. Your instructor will need to complete the necessary licence and eligibility checks before tuition begins.

Regular lessons help most learners consistently retain knowledge and build skills. The best frequency will depend on your availability, budget, previous experience and target timescale. Your instructor can help you create a realistic learning plan that provides enough time to practise without leaving unnecessarily long gaps between lessons.

Yes. Intensive driving courses may be available for learners who want to complete their tuition over a shorter period. The appropriate course length depends on your current ability, previous experience, availability and whether you already have a practical test booked. An assessment may be recommended before the course is planned.

Our instructors can reinforce your understanding of road signs, road markings, hazard awareness, vehicle safety and the Highway Code during practical lessons. You should also complete regular independent study using current official learning materials and practise both the multiple-choice and hazard-perception elements of the theory test.

Yes. Practical test preparation can include independent driving, manoeuvres, junctions, roundabouts, appropriate use of speed, hazard awareness, positioning, following road signs and sat-nav directions, vehicle safety questions, and realistic mock tests. The objective is to develop safe, consistent driving that meets the required standard without assistance.

Your lessons will include a wide variety of roads and traffic conditions suitable for your ability. However, Apollo SOM does not teach learners simply to memorise a small number of routes. Road conditions can change, and the practical test may include unfamiliar roads. We focus on helping you assess new situations and make safe decisions independently wherever you drive.

Mock tests can be introduced when your driving is approaching the required standard. They recreate test-style conditions with reduced assistance from the instructor, allowing your ability to drive independently and consistently to be assessed. Afterwards, your instructor will explain any faults and identify the areas that require further practice.

Use of an instructor's car for the practical test may be available when agreed in advance and when your instructor is satisfied that you are ready to drive independently at the required standard. Vehicle and instructor availability must also be confirmed for the test date and time.

Apollo SOM has male and female driving instructors. We will always try to accommodate your preference, although availability may vary depending on your postcode, preferred transmission and the days and times you want to take lessons.

Collection and drop-off arrangements can often be agreed within your instructor's working area. Tell us the addresses or locations you would like to use when making your enquiry. Alternative arrangements may be needed when locations are outside the instructor's normal area or would significantly reduce the practical lesson time.

Yes. Refresher lessons are available for qualified drivers who want to rebuild confidence, return after a long break or improve a particular skill. Tuition can focus on parking, roundabouts, busy urban roads, dual carriageways, unfamiliar vehicles, or any other situation you would like to manage more confidently.

Suitable private practice can help reinforce what you learn during professional lessons. It should be completed legally, with an appropriately supervised driver, suitable insurance, and a roadworthy vehicle. Ask your instructor which skills are safe and useful to practise so that private driving supports rather than conflicts with your professional tuition.

Not passing does not mean that your previous progress has been lost. Your instructor can review the examiner's feedback, discuss what happened and create a focused plan for the areas that need improvement. Additional lessons and mock-test practice can then be used to rebuild consistency and confidence before another test is arranged.

Apollo learners achieve an average pass rate of approximately 78%. Individual results will always depend on the learner's ability, preparation and performance on the day, so no responsible driving school can guarantee a pass. Our role is to ensure you receive structured tuition and are encouraged to take the test when your driving is safe, independent and consistent.

Apollo provides driving lessons in Newcastle and throughout the North East, including Gateshead, Durham, Sunderland, Chester-le-Street and South Shields. Contact us with your postcode to confirm instructor availability.

You can book your driving lessons online, call Apollo School of Motoring on 07786 608 572 or email info@apollodrivinglessons.co.uk. Include your postcode, previous experience, preferred transmission and usual availability.

Contact Apollo School of Motoring

Whether you are a complete beginner, a nervous learner, preparing for your practical driving test, returning to driving after a break or looking for manual, automatic, intensive or refresher tuition, our experienced team is ready to help. Apollo School of Motoring provides professional, patient and structured driving lessons in Newcastle and throughout the North East.


Newcastle Office

7 Briarsyde, Benton, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE12 9SL
Telephone: 07786 608 572
Email: info@apollodrivinglessons.co.uk

Book Your Driving Lessons

Tell us your postcode, previous driving experience, whether you prefer manual or automatic tuition and the days or times that usually suit you. Our team will confirm instructor availability and help you choose the most appropriate lesson option.

Book your driving lessons online or view our latest driving lesson prices.

North East Coverage

NewcastleGatesheadDurhamSunderlandChester-le-StreetSouth Shields

Wider instructor coverage is available throughout the North East. Contact us with your postcode to confirm availability in your area.

Proudly Serving the North East, Including:

Apollo School of Motoring has experienced driving instructors working throughout the North East, providing professional manual and automatic driving lessons across Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, Durham, Northumberland, Teesside and the surrounding towns and communities. Wherever you are based, our local instructors provide structured tuition for complete beginners, nervous learners, returning drivers, intensive courses and practical test preparation, subject to instructor availability in your area.


Ashington | Belmont | Birtley | Bishop Auckland | Blaydon | Blyth | Boldon | Bowburn | Brandon | Byker | Chester-le-Street | Chilton | Consett | Coxhoe | Cramlington | Darlington | Dunston | Durham | Felling | Fenham | Ferryhill | Gateshead | Gosforth | Hartlepool | Heaton | Hebburn | Houghton-le-Spring | Jarrow | Jesmond | Lanchester | Longbenton | Low Fell | Morpeth | Newburn | Newcastle | Newton Aycliffe | North Shields | Peterlee | Ponteland | Prudhoe | Ryhope | Ryton | Sacriston | Seaham | Sedgefield | South Shields | Silksworth | Spennymoor | Stanley | Sunderland | Swalwell | Tynemouth | Walker | Wallsend | Washington | Wearside | Whickham | Whitburn | Whitley Bay