Driving Lessons with Dave Riches – Darlington & District School of Motoring
Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to sharpen your skills before your test, DDSM offers calm, professional driving instruction tailored to your needs. Learn in a manual car, gain real confidence, and enjoy driving lessons built around your schedule.
Trusted Driving Tuition in Darlington
Driving Lesson Prices
We keep driving tuition pricing simple and transparent:
Standard hourly rate: £30
Lessons are delivered in a manual transmission car
Block bookings available for intensive courses (see below)
All lessons are taught by Dave Riches, a DVSA-approved instructor with over 15 years of experience helping learners pass with confidence.
Intensive Courses
Need to pass quickly? Our intensive driving courses are designed to help you prepare for your manual driving test over 2–4 weeks.
Lessons are typically 2 hours per day — no full-day burnout
Must have passed your theory test before starting
Practical test must be booked in advance
Cost: £30 per hour, paid upfront as a block booking
We’ll tailor your course to your experience level and test date, ensuring you’re fully prepared without unnecessary stress.
Terms & Conditions
We believe in fairness and clarity. Our Terms & Conditions cover:
Payment policies and cancellations
Instructor standards and lesson structure
Test booking requirements
Safety and insurance commitments
Please review them before starting your lessons to ensure a smooth experience.
Comments from Customers
Learners across Darlington trust Dave Riches for his calm approach, clear instruction, and honest feedback. Here’s what they say in their comments:
“I had two instructors before Dave… He made driving easy and I felt like I was actually learning.” – Eve.
“I wasn’t sure about the intensive idea, but I passed in 3 weeks so it must be ok.” – Rees.
“Always on time… well, once there was a diary mix-up and he took the blame, but it was my bad really – lol.” – Gary.
Stay tuned to our Facebook page for more learner reviews, driving success stories, and updates from students who’ve passed with Dave.
Customer Satisfaction
At DDSM, we go beyond basic instruction to help you become a safe, confident driver. Here’s what you can expect:
Full lesson time — no early finishes
Punctuality — if we’re ever late, we’ll make up the time
Real driving focus — not endless roadside chats
Clear explanations — so you understand the “why” behind every move
Safety first — with dual controls and calm guidance
These aren’t just policies — they’re the customer satisfaction standards Dave lives by. Because driving lessons should be built on trust, clarity, and care.
Get the Keys to Your Future
We go beyond basic driving practice to help you become a safe, confident driver.
Contact Dave Riches
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Driving Lessons
Manual car for learning to drive.
Dual controls with air conditioning.
Competitive pricing.
Flexible driving lesson plans.
Intensive courses.
Expert tuition with years of experience.
Based in Darlington, County Durham.
Get Ready to Take the Wheel
DDSM, run by DVSA approved instructor Dave Riches, offers patient and reliable driving lessons across Darlington and the local area.
Join our growing community of successful drivers on Facebook.
Text or call: 07872 859249.
Darlington & District School of Motoring
In association with Cars Money Saver