Automatic driving lessons
Your key to safe driving
Why choose us for your automatic driving lessons?
If you’re looking to take automatic driving lessons, picking the right driving school is key. At Dedham Vale Driving School, we’ve got Garry, Rick, and Kieran—experienced instructors who’ve been teaching people to drive automatic cars for years. They’re DBS checked and fully qualified Approved Driving Instructors (DSA ADI).
Weekly automatic driving lessons
Weekly driving lessons are a great way of learning to drive. Garry, Rick and Kieran offer two hour lessons usually but can also offer one or one and a half hour lessons depending on your circumstances.
Alternatively, you may wish to increase the number of driving lessons per week. You will receive high quality driving instruction on a one to one basis.
During your automatic driving lessons in Colchester, Clacton and the Manningtree area Garry, Rick and Kieran will usually perform at least one mock test. This will make sure you are fully prepared and therefore this gives you the best chance of passing your driving test 1st time.
One Hour
£39.50 per hour
Automatic
Standard Rate
Unlimited use of Theory Test Pro
popular
10 hours
£370.00
Automatic
Not weekend lessons or after 5 pm weekdays
Payment in advance
Unlimited use of Theory Test Pro
REFRESHER LESSONS
£44.00 per hour
Automatic
2-3 hours minimum
Gain more confidence
Rick
Nissan Leaf – All Electric (automatic)
I’ve been a driving instructor with Dedham Vale Driving School since January 2016, coming from the bus and coach industry with 30 years of professional driving experience, including time as a PCV trainer. When I became a driving instructor, I made full use of the skills and insights I’d gained from training coach drivers, and now I’m sharing that knowledge with new drivers. I always enjoy watching a pupil progress from their first lesson with me to the day they pass their test—there’s no better feeling.
Kieran
Vauxhall Corsa – All Electric (automatic)
Since becoming a driving instructor in 1992, I’ve loved both teaching learners and helping others train to become instructors. I’ve been part of the DVDS team for 26 years, and in 2012, I took over the company. These days, I’m more office-based, but I still really enjoy teaching people how to drive.
Garry
Renault Zoe – All Electric (automatic)
I became an approved driving instructor in 2000 with DVDS. I started out teaching in a manual car, but for the past few years, I’ve been teaching in an automatic. I love the satisfaction of seeing a student master the skills needed to become a safe and confident driver, and I really enjoy working in the Manningtree and Clacton areas.
Helen
Nissan Juke (automatic)
“Hi I’m Helen! I trained to be a driving instructor with Rick from DVDS and really enjoy teaching people to drive. To meet new people is a pleasure and with my bubbly personality I soon put new students at ease. I teach in the Colchester area and I’m the only female auto instructor under the DVDS banner.”
The Best Experience Ever
I would 100% recommend Garry as your driving instructor. I couldn’t have wished for a better person to teach me to drive . From the start of my first lesson with him, he built up my confidence on the road and communicated and assisted me throughout the time I was learning to drive with him. He got me through my driving test passing 1st time, which I would have never been able to do without him. I would definitely recommend Garry to anyone looking to pass there driving test.
Holly
Kieran was so patient with me , I suffered brain damage last year but he made me feel I could do it , makes you feel at ease and makes you laugh when needed , always tells you that you doing really well . Amazing driving school and an amazing instructor, the driving god as I call him Thankyou Kieran , I passed first time and couldn’t have done it without him
Mermaid October 2025
I couldn’t recommend Helen and Rick enough! I started with Helen in Colchester and did my last few lessons with Rick in Clacton as I moved to a different area. Helen was so supportive, understand and patient with me. She made me feel comfortable and so easy to learn from. I can say the same about Rick, his calming manner made my lessons a breeze. Thank you both so much and I’m finally on the road!
Jessica March 2026