Intensive Driving Courses in Darlington – Manual Driving Licence Training
Fast-track your driving test with DDSM’s intensive driving courses in Darlington. Learn in a manual car, build real skills, and prepare confidently with expert instruction and flexible scheduling.
Driving School Packages & Special Promotions
Are you looking to pass your manual driving test quickly and confidently? At DDSM, we offer focused intensive driving courses in Darlington using a manual car, designed to help you build real driving skill over a structured 2–4 week period.
These courses typically involve a couple of hours of manual driving lessons per day, giving you time to absorb techniques without burnout. We do not offer full-day intensive courses — they’re not effective, and most learners hit a wall after too many hours in one go.
What You Need Before You Start
To begin an intensive course, you must have already passed your theory test. This is essential because:
You cannot book a practical driving test without passing the theory first
Driving test wait times can be up to 4 weeks, so planning ahead is key
How It Works
Pass your theory test (cost: £23)
Book your practical driving test (cost: £62)
Build your intensive course around your test date
Lessons are scheduled in the weeks leading up to your test
The course is delivered as a block booking at £30 per hour
Full payment is required upfront
All lessons are delivered in a manual transmission car, preparing you for a manual driving licence — giving you the flexibility to drive both manual and automatic vehicles in the future.
The number of hours you’ll need depends on your previous driving experience. We’ll work with you to create a tailored plan that fits your skill level and timeline.
Commitment & Refund Policy
Once your intensive course begins and payment is made, you’re committed to completing the course. Refunds are not available if you choose to withdraw — though to date, no student has ever pulled out of a DDSM intensive course.








Why Choose DDSM?
🚗 DVSA-Approved Instruction – Learn with Dave Riches, a fully qualified driving instructor with over 15 years of experience helping learners pass with confidence.
🔑 Get the Keys to Your Future – DDSM’s philosophy goes beyond the test, focusing on building real-world driving skills for lifelong independence and safety.
📍 Local Expertise in Darlington – Lessons are designed around actual road conditions in Darlington and surrounding areas, giving you practical, location-specific experience.
🤝 Friendly, Down-to-Earth Coaching – Dave’s calm, supportive approach helps learners of all backgrounds feel comfortable, focused, and ready to succeed.
📆 Flexible Lesson Plans – Choose from pay-as-you-go, block bookings, or tailored packages to suit your schedule and learning style.
Are you Ready to Fast-Track your Manual Licence?
Text Dave Riches on 07872 859249 to discuss your intensive driving course options. We’ll help you plan your route to success — with expert instruction, flexible scheduling, and a clear path to passing your manual driving test.
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
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