Category: Blog

Intensive Driving Courses in Oxford – Learn to drive a week

Call now on 01865 722 148 or send a message via the Contact Form online and schedule in your intensive driving course today!

Whether you are a young person excited about marking your 17th year, or you are heading into your golden years and want to gain control over your personal transportation, learning to drive is a huge accomplishment. That said, many people express feelings of stress, fear and trepidation about acquiring this valuable skill – but there is no need to worry. A driving course is one of the best investments you can make in your future health, safety and peace of mind.

The cost for this intensive (or semi intensive) course package is likely a lot less than you are imagining – our driving lessons in Oxford are only is £899, and this includes the cost of the practical test (an additional value of£62).

If you are in the process of learning to drive a motor vehicle in Oxford, you should consider enrolling in our intensive driving course. Perfect for those with busy schedules and completely flexible in how you choose to book your sessions, Local Driving Academy is the top rated school in Oxford for cheap driving lessons, and we can get you on the road in no time at all.

Our intensive driving course is perfect for anyone looking to gain the skills, confidence and knowledge that you need to get you behind the wheel within a week’s time.

How can we teach you to drive within a week

The answer is simple – we structure our 30 hour course to your exact needs. We recommend that you choose to schedule your courses in an intensive way, getting you behind the wheel for 5 hours a day, five days a week (25 hours in total).

Then, seeing as the current waiting list for a practical driving test is 10- 12 weeks, we will schedule a refresher session (2.5 hours in length) the day before your test, and another (2.5 hours in length) on the day of your test. This will ensure that you are refreshed, well practiced and ready to get top marks on your driving test, passing with flying colours on your first attempt.

Are you unable to spend an entire week dedicated to dailydriving lessons? No worries at all – we can also operate this course in a ‘semi-intensive’ way, allowing you to schedule your driving lessons over the course of a month or longer.

The cost for this intensive (or semi intensive) course package is likely a lot less than you are imagining – our driving lessons in Oxford are only is £899, and this includes the cost of the practical test (an additional value of£62).

Don’t risk getting behind the wheel before you are fully confident, educated and armed with the defensive driving skills that you need to be the best driver possible. Enrolling in driving lessons in Oxford is the best thing that you can do for your future safety – and the safety of your family and friends.

Want to know more about the flexible driving lessons and courses that the team here at the Local Driving Academy in Oxford offer to our clients? We are happy to answer all of your queries and help you to get started as soon as possible. Call or email us today for information – we look forward to working with you.

Oxford Driving Test Centre Preparations

Preparing to take your test? Here’s what to expect at the Oxford driving test centre.

As you prepare to take your driving road test, you are likely feeling a mix of anticipation, excitement and stress. Many people find that they experience an elevated sense of worry and panic as their driving test date approaches, no matter how well prepared they feel and how skilled they are behind the wheel. Taking driving lessons in Oxford can certainly help, but sometimes you need a little bit more help to feel ready.

While a few jitters are normal as your testing date approaches, as purveyors of cheap driving lessons in Oxford, we want to help you feel in control and ‘in the driver’s seat’ before you take your driving test. Here are some of the key bits of info that you need when it comes to taking your driving test – with this information, you should feel confident, prepared and ready to take on the route.

How long will the driving test take?

Once you are strapped in (don’t forget to fasten your seatbelt!) and ready to go, the actual duration of the test will usually be between 38 to 40 minutes. This amount of time will give the examiner time to assess your skills, aptitude and prowess behind the wheel.

What kind of routes will I be expected to take?

The examiner will want to see that you are able to smoothly navigate a wide variety of streets and roads, and that you can execute an array of necessary skills as you drive through town. As a result, the test route is always slightly different, but you can expect to be traversing various routes such as the Headington Roundabouts, the Cowley Junction Roundabout, the Rosehill Roundabout, Heyford Hill Roundabout and others.

What kind of manoeuvres will I have to perform during the driving test?

The examiner will want to see that you have the full command of a wide array of manoeuvres and skills in your vehicle, and that you are able to respond to any kind of situation that might arise on the road. Some of the manoeuvres include parallel parking, turning in the road, reversing around a corner, bay parking and possibly even a controlled stop.

You should be well prepared for any of these manoeuvres, as you will be given no notice or choice over which one you will be expected to perform. Lessons at our driving school in Oxford will ensure that you are more than ready to go.

What is the ‘independent drive’ portion of the test?

Since 2010, those taking a driving test are required to take a 10 minute ‘independent drive.’ This is nothing to stress about, but you should be well prepared. Your examiner will ask you to either follow road signs and markings to a nearby destination, or they might ask you to follow three or four verbal directions coupled with a diagram.

While this section may seem intimidating, it is actually the most intuitive part of the test, as it mimics regular driving.

Tips to pass your driving test the first time in Oxford, UK

Here are a few simple, common sense tips that can help you to have a successful driving test and come out with your license.

• Get a restful night of sleep – Arriving tired or scatty will definitely increase your chances of mistakes and failure.
• Eat a healthy meal – Make sure you eat a nutritious breakfast or lunch, and avoid foods that make you feel tired or logy.
• Do not drink too much caffeine – While you might feel compelled to ramp up your coffee or tea consumption in order to feel more alert, if you drink more caffeine than usual you will be jittery and shaky – not ideal for a driving test!
• Take driving lessons – Ultimately, taking driving lessons in Oxford is the best way to get ready for your driving test. Do not skip this vital step of practicing.
• Know the driving routes and the car: Know the routes by practicing / taking driving lessons on the roads where your test might take place. Also make sure that you are comfortable with all the controls of the car you will be using for the test.
• Stay calm, focused and confident: By staying calm, focused and confident you can perform better in your driving test.
• Understand the test: Driving test taker assess your ability to drive safely and independently, follow road signs, and obey the Highway Code. Focus on key skills like mirror checks, lane discipline, speed control, and positioning of the car.

Where is the Oxford driving test centre?

Oxford driving test centre is located at James Wolf Road, Cowley, Oxford, OX42PY.

Book Your Driving Lessons Today in Oxford, UK

Call now on 01865 722 148 or send a message via the Contact Form online and schedule in your driving lessons today!

Tips To Find Affordable Driving Lessons In Oxford

Driving Lessons in Abingdon with Oxford LDA – Automatic and Manual

Call now on 01865 722 148 or send a message via the Contact Form online and schedule in your driving lessons today!

On your very first driving lesson with Oxford Learning Driving Academy (LDA) your instructor is going to go through with you exactly what it takes to be a safe driver and how to pass your test at the first time of trying. Then on each and every lesson you will use our simple formula, then soon not only will you be a safe driver able of passing your test but you will be able to detect any faults you might find.

When a learner driver starts to think about passing their driving test, there is a massive element of enjoyment and adventure for you, but you will also have some serious questions to ask. You don’t want to be ripped off, you want a really nice driving instructor in Abingdon who you can get on with, and you want the best opportunity of passing your driving test first time.

The problem you have is that there are so many driving schools in Abingdon who are you going to choose from? They all look the same – right? And there is hardly any info out there to help you decipher who is going to give you the best driving lessons in Abingdon, but today we have you ll sorted.

In short, the way we are going to teach you will make you feel comfortable, relaxed, in control and with the knowledge you can really impress the driving examiner.

Automatic driving lessons in Abingdon – An Easier Way

Have you noticed just how super cool automatic cars have become, they are not just money savers because you pay zero road tax and very little fuel on the electric versions but just take a look at cars like the Tesla. Just totally amazing and totally automatic.

Taking automatic driving lessons in Abingdon is a wise thing to do, it’s less hassle, fewer lessons needed, and driving an auto is just so easy. Give us a call now on 01865 722 148 or send a message via the Contact Form online and schedule your driving lessons in under a minute.

Service Areas Oxfordshire:

Abingdon , Oxford, Banbury, Bicester, Didcot, Kidlington, Thame, Wallingford, Wantage , Watlington, Witney, Woodstock

Driving Lessons, Instructor Wantage – Automatic and Manual

You know, learning to drive is an amazing feeling and it’s not just the exhilaration of passing your driving test that totally blows you away, but right from your very first driving lessons in Wantage you are going to be feeling so good. Call now on 01865 722 148 or send a message via the Contact Form online and schedule in your driving lessons today!

Many learner drivers are would love to have the opportunity of being able to get their driving licence just by sitting on driving test, it’s not just about saving money but no one likes to go through the stressful situation of a driving test so we are going to give you the best guidelines.

Even before you pick up the phone and give us a call we are going to share with you some top tips right now on how to amaze (yes we did say amaze) the driving examiner.

What you need to do is to fully understand what the examiner is trying to observe, and that are:

1. To see you in total control of the car at all times.
2. To observe you are following the Highway Code.
3. That you have the ability to spot and avoid hazards.
4. And crucially you have the desire to want to be a safe driverSo wouldn’t it make perfect sense to use those 4 steps right from your very first driving lesson? And it is the real reason why we are great at making people very safe drivers who are more than capable of passing their test at the first attempt.

Automatic driving lessons in Wantage – A Short Cut To Your Driving Licence in Oxfordshire

A few years ago people didn’t like passing their driving test in an automatic car, it really had a bad stigma, as if you didn’t have the capability of driving. But in today’s world that has changed totally and taking automatic driving lessons in Wantage is very popular.

Automatic driving schools in Wantage are pretty hard to come by but more and more people want to learn in an auto because it’s so easy, no gears, no rolling back on hill starts and all the cool cars are becoming electric, just look at Tesla. Everyone would love a Tesla car, cheap to run, easy to drive as it’s an automatic and great to look at.

If you want to get on the road stress and hassle free, call us and ask about our availability of automatic driving instructors in Wantage.

Using mobile phones when driving

It’s illegal to use your phone while driving or riding a motorcycle unless you have hands-free access, such as:

• a bluetooth headset
• voice command
• a dashboard holder

The law still applies to you if you’re:

• stopped at traffic lights
• queuing in traffic
• supervising a learner driver

Hands-free

If you use your phone hands-free, you must stay in full control of your vehicle at all times.

The police can stop you if they think you’re not in control because you’re distracted and you can be prosecuted.

When you can use a hand-held phone

You can use a hand-held phone if either of these apply:

• you’re safely parked
• you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop

Penalties

You can get 6 penalty points and a £200 fine if you use a hand-held phone.

You can also be taken to court where you can:

• be banned from driving or riding
• get a maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,500 if you’re driving a lorry or bus)

If you passed your driving test in the last 2 years, you’ll lose your licence.

Read the full article on the Gov.Co.Uk website

Call now to book your driving lessons on 01865 722 148 or use the Contact Form to send a message or even book online.

Report certain types of medical conditions to DVLA if you’re a car driver or motorcyclist.

The DVLA must be notified for certain health conditions including:

• Ataxia
• essential tremor
• Friedrich’s ataxia
• Guillain Barré syndrome
• Huntington’s disease
• motor neurone disease
• multiple sclerosis
• myasthenia gravis

What happens after you tell DVLA

Other conditions that should be reported are listed below in alphabetical order:

A

Absence seizures
Acoustic neuroma
Addison’s disease
Agoraphobia
AIDS
Alcohol problems
Alzheimer’s disease
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Amputations
Angina
Angioma
Angioplasty
Ankylosing spondylitis
Anorexia nervosa
Anxiety
Aortic aneurysm
Arachnoid cyst
Arnold-Chiari malformation
Arrhythmia
Atrial defibrillator
Arteriovenous malformation
Arthritis
Asperger syndrome
Ataxia
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Autistic spectrum disorders (ASD)

B

Balloon angioplasty (leg)
Bipolar disorder
Blackouts
Blepharospasm
Blood clots
Blood pressure
Brachial plexus injury
Brain abscess, cyst or encephalitis
Brain aneurysm
Brain angioma
Brain haemorrhage
Brain injury (traumatic)
Brain tumours
Branch retinal vein occlusion
Broken limbs and driving
Burr hole surgery

C

Caesarean section
Cancer
Cataracts
Catheter ablation
Cardiac problems
Carotid artery stenosis
Cataplexy
Cerebral palsy
Chronic aortic dissection
Cognitive problems
Congenital heart disease
Convulsions
Coronary artery bypass or disease
Coronary angioplasty
Cystic fibrosis

D

Deafness
Defibrillator
Déjà vu
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Diabetic retinopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy
Diplopia (double vision)
Dizziness
Drug misuse

E

Eating disorders
Empyema (brain)
Epilepsy
Essential tremor

F

Fainting
Fits
Fractured skull
Friedreich’s ataxia

G

Giddiness (recurring)
Glaucoma
Global amnesia
Grand mal seizures
Guillain-Barré syndrome

H

Head injury
Heart attack
Heart arrhythmia
Heart failure
Heart murmurs
Heart palpitations
Heart valve disease or replacement valve
Hemianopia
High blood pressure
HIV
Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Huntington’s disease
Hydrocephalus
Hypertension
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Hypoglycaemia
Hypoxic brain damage
Hysterectomy

I

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
Intracerebral haemorrhage
Ischaemic heart disease

K

Kidney dialysis
Kidney problems
Korsakoff’s syndrome

L

Labyrinthitis
Learning difficulties
Left bundle branch block
Leukaemia
Lewy body dementia
Limb disability
Low blood sugar
Lumboperitoneal shunt
Lung cancer
Lymphoma

M

Macular degeneration
Malignant brain tumours
Malignant melanoma
Manic depressive psychosis
Marfan syndrome
Medulloblastoma
Memory problems (severe)
Meningioma
Mini-stroke
Monocular vision
Motor neurone disease
Multiple sclerosis
Myasthenia gravis
Myocardial infarction
Myoclonus

N

Narcolepsy
Night blindness
Nystagmus

O

Obsessive compulsive disorder
Obstructive sleep apnoea
Optic atrophy
Optic neuritis

P

Pacemakers
Palpitations
Paranoia
Paranoid schizophrenia
Paraplegia
Parkinson’s disease
Peripheral arterial disease
Peripheral neuropathy
Personality disorder
Petit mal seizures
Pituitary tumour
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Psychosis
Psychotic depression

R

Renal dialysis
Retinal treatment
Retinopathy

S

Schizo-affective disorder
Schizophrenia
Scotoma
Seizures
Sight in one eye only
Sleep apnoea
Sleepiness (excessive daytime)
Spinal problems and injuries and driving
Stroke
Subarachnoid haemorrhage
Surgery
Syncope

T

Tachycardia
Temporal lobe epilepsy
Tonic clonic fits
Tourette’s syndrome
Transient global amnesia
Transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
Tunnel vision

U

Usher syndrome
V

Valve disease or replacement valve
Ventricular defibrillator
Vertigo
Vision in one eye only
Visual acuity (reduced)
Visual field defects
VP shunts

W

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

New Driving Test December 2025

Driving tests… they’ve long been feared and left learners frustrated. Now, change is around the corner – as of December 2025 the age-old test will shake-up what is expected of learners. Here we take a look at what you need to know about the upcoming driving test changes – and if you want a visual run-through of what to expect, watch the DVLA YouTube video on the new driving test changes.

First things first – why is the new test being introduced?

In short, the new test has been designed by the DVLA to make drivers safer on the roads and to ensure that the new test takes account of modern driving. Read more on DVSA website here.

Here’s the official word on the ‘why’ behind the change as outlined on their website:

“The changes are designed to make sure new drivers have the skills they’ll need to help them through a lifetime of safe driving”.

The 4 core changes… As explained by The Local Driving Academy, your local driving school in Oxford

1. You’ll need to drive independently for 20 minutes (up from the current time of 10 minutes)

The independent element of the exam currently lasts for around 10 minutes. From December this will be doubled to 20 minutes – accounting for around half of the test.

2. You’ll have to follow directions from a sat nav

During the independent driving element of your exam you’ll most likely be asked to follow the sat nav (which will be a TomTom Start 52). Your examiner will set the route, however you can ask them about the end destination if you’re unsure. You should note that it doesn’t matter if you go the wrong way unless you make a driving fault whilst doing so. One in 5 tests will involve the following of traffic signs, instead of a sat nav.

3. You’ll face new reversing manoeuvres

Previously learners needed to ‘reverse around a corner’ or ‘turn-in-the-road’ (also known as a 3 point turn). Instead you’ll be asked to complete one of the following three reversing manoeuvres…
• Parallel park on the side of the road
• Park in a bay – either driving forwards in and reversing backwards out, or reversing backwards in and driving forwards out (your examiner will instruct you as to which you should do)
• Pull up to the right-hand side of the road, reverse backwards 2 car lengths then re-join the traffic

4. You’ll need to answer 2 vehicle safety questions – one before the test and one while driving

You’re going to be asked both:
• A ‘Tell Me’ question – explaining how you’d carry out a specified safety task prior to setting off.
• A ‘Show Me’ question – explaining how you’d carry out a specified safety task whilst driving.

Book Driving lessons in Oxford

Get into gear… there are just 3 months until the test changes. Call now on 01865 722 148 or send a message via the Contact Form online and schedule in your driving lessons today!

The new test will come into play as of December 4th 2025.

We offer driving lessons in Didcot, Bicester, Abingdon, Wantage and all towns and villages in Oxfordshire

If you’re already taking driving lessons in Oxford and have booked your test before the changes, your driving instructor should have talked