Automatic driving lessons in Sunderland, East Durham and Hartlepool

If you are looking for automatic driving lessons in Sunderland, County Durham or Hartlepool, you are in the right place.


I teach exclusively in a fully electric, dual-controlled automatic car, which is calmer, quieter and easier for the vast majority of learners. This page explains why automatic is so often the best choice, what your lessons with me look like, and exactly which areas I cover.

Lesson prices

Lessons are priced as follows:


•   £35 per hour, pay-as-you-go

•   £57 per 1.5-hour lesson

•   £340 for a 10-hour block (£34 per hour)

•   £660 for a 20-hour block (£33 per hour)

•   £960 for a 30-hour block (£32 per hour)


Block bookings work out cheaper per hour and are the most popular choice. Pay-as-you-go is also available if you would prefer to start with one or two lessons first to make sure we are a good match.

Why learn to drive in an automatic?

Automatic driving lessons remove the two biggest sources of stress for new drivers: clutch control and gear changes. With those out of the way, you can put more attention on the things that really matter, such as observation, lane discipline and decision making at junctions. The benefits include:


•   Usually fewer lessons, because you are not splitting time learning clutch and gears


•   Confident moving away and stopping, with no risk of stalling


•   More thinking time at junctions and roundabouts, where most test faults happen


•   Better lane discipline on roundabouts, with both hands free on the wheel


•   Less for nervous learners to manage at once, which builds confidence faster


•   Easier on learners with back problems, joint issues or limited mobility



•   A calmer, more accessible experience for learners with ADHD, autism or other learning differences


In practical terms, I see most automatic learners reach test standard a little quicker than their manual counterparts, especially if they have struggled with stalls or jerky starts in a manual car. Less to think about means more headroom for the skills the examiner is actually marking.

Two people sitting in a car, one in a black headscarf and one in a red polo shirt.

What makes an electric automatic different?

My car is a fully electric automatic. That means instant, smooth acceleration when you press the pedal, no gear shifts to time and very low cabin noise so you can actually hear what I am saying. Brake regeneration helps you slow down naturally when you lift off the accelerator, which is great practice for anticipation and smooth driving. It is also a quieter, cleaner experience for the people in the streets where you are practising.

How my automatic driving lessons work?

Every learner is different, so we start with a chat about what you have done before, what worries you and what you want to achieve. From there I build a lesson plan that follows the DVSA syllabus and matches your pace. Typical progression looks like this:


1.  Cockpit drill, controls and moving away

2.  Junctions, observation and use of mirrors

3.  Roundabouts, lane discipline and the show me, tell me questions

4.  Independent driving, dual carriageways and rural roads

5.  Manoeuvres, mock tests and pre-test polish


Every lesson finishes with a short debrief and a clear plan for the next one, so you always know exactly what we are working on.


Get in touch


Phone or text Tony on 07773 217 348 to discuss automatic driving lessons or ADI training. New pupils, returning drivers and trainee instructors are all welcome.

Areas I cover

My pupils come from the following areas:


  • Sunderland
  • Boldon
  • Washington (some exclusions)
  • Chester-Le-Street
  • Hetton-le-Hole
  • Houghton-le-Spring
  • Durham
  • Seaham
  • Easington
  • Peterlee
  • Harlepool
  • Seaton Carew


Tests are taken at Sunderland, Durham or Hartlepool test centres, so your lessons are tailored to the routes the examiner will use on the day. If you are not sure whether your postcode is in range, please give me a call and I will let you know.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many automatic driving lessons will I need?

The DVSA recommends an average of 45 hours of professional tuition plus 22 hours of private practice for a manual licence. Automatic learners typically need fewer hours, although it varies by individual. I will give you an honest progress review every few lessons.

Yes. Once you pass in an automatic, you can take a separate manual test in future if you want to. Most of my pupils choose to stay automatic, especially as the UK moves towards electric vehicles.

Do you offer intensive courses?

I offer block bookings of 10, 20 and 30 hours that can be scheduled close together if you are working towards a specific test date. Get in touch, and we can put a plan together.

Can I learn to drive if I have anxiety, autism or ADHD?

Absolutely. A calm, automatic, electric car removes a lot of the sensory and mechanical pressure of learning to drive, and my style is patient and structured. Many of my best success stories started with a nervous first lesson..

Will I be allowed to drive in any car after passing?

Once you pass an automatic test, you will hold a category B (auto) licence, which lets you drive any automatic car. To drive a manual you would need to pass a separate manual test in future..

Do you teach electric vehicle (EV) handling?

Yes. Because my car is a fully electric automatic, you naturally pick up EV-specific skills such as managing regenerative braking and one-pedal driving as part of every lesson.