Why learn with us
Choosing the right driving school matters — here's why learners and parents trust Alpha.
Great Value
Affordable lessons without cutting corners on quality.
Locally Rooted Instructors
Trusted instructors based in Taunton, Bridgwater, Wellington, Minehead, Tiverton, Crewkerne, Yeovil, Ilminster and Chard
Manual & Automatic Options
Choose between manual and automatic lessons to suit your goals.
Flexible Lesson Times
Daytime, evening and weekend lessons to fit around your life.
Expert Instructors
Every member of our team holds an ADAS Advanced Driving Grade.
While not a legal requirement, we choose to deliver instruction that goes above and beyond industry standards.
Structured Learning Journey
Step-by-step lessons and mock tests to prepare you for success.
We'll help you become a confident, safe driver for life.
About Alpha Driving School
Your Driving Journey
At Alpha Driving School, we're committed to delivering the highest quality driving instruction at every stage of your journey, from your first lesson to post-test refreshers.
Our friendly, experienced instructors all hold advanced driving qualifications and we offer both manual and automatic tuition at competitive rates designed to fit your goals and your budget.
Safe, Confident Drivers for Life
We're not just helping you pass — we're preparing you to be a safe, assured driver for life. Because better drivers mean safer roads for everyone.
Choose from a variety of tailored packages, including one-off lessons, test preparation, motorway tuition, and confidence-building refresher sessions.
Confidence Begins with the Right Vehicle
An important part of being an instructor is to provide the learner with a well rounded driving experience. The cars we choose has this in mind.
Our dual-controlled training vehicles are chosen to maximise safety, confidence and real-world driving skills.
Most of our fleet is petrol-powered, including several battery hybrids, giving learners the full benefit of smooth clutch control while keeping efficiency and sustainability in mind.
Prefer not to drive manual? We also offer automatic vehicles and an electric car, ideal for learners who want a simpler, stress-free driving experience.
Whatever your goals, we've got the right car to help you get there.
Explore our website to find what suits you best. Got questions? We're here to help!
Meet Our Instructors
Guy Annan
Proprietor & Principal Trainer
ManualGuy has a friendly approach and makes learning fun…[more]
He has extensive knowledge of the local area, giving learners the reassurance that they're always in safe, capable hands. With more than 45 years of driving experience, starting a driving school felt like a natural progression — a chance to share the benefits of his skills, road awareness, and practical insight with new drivers who are just beginning their journey.
Phone: 07787 435329
Email: guy@alphadrivingtaunton.com
Dave Sheppard
ManualDave specialises in helping young drivers needing a little extra help…[more]
After 27 years in the NHS and private sector, he sought a more personal, hands-on role. Teaching his eldest daughter to drive revealed a real passion for coaching, leading him to retrain as a driving instructor. He enjoys helping learners grow in confidence, bringing precision, focus and a calm, methodical approach to driving lessons. Outside work, he's married with two daughters, two energetic dogs, and a motorsport enthusiast.
Phone: 07885 327198
Email: dave@alphadrivingtaunton.com
Annie Straw
ManualAnnie specialises in nervous drivers and confidence building…[more]
Annie became a driving instructor in 2016 because of a passion for driving as well as teaching. She enjoys the interaction with students and enabling them to move forward (and reversing) in their driving ambitions! Outside of instructing, Annie is equally at home in the saddle - horse riding has long been a personal passion, offering a different kind of freedom and focus.
Phone: 07751 421833
Greg Lepszy
AutomaticGreg, an automatic car instructor, speaks fluent Polish and English…[more]
and will be able to help linguistically in preparation for the theory test as you learn. The first of our Instructors to move to automatic and with several years of experience as an instructor he is able to maintain a calm and friendly atmosphere throughout the learning experience.
Phone: 07773 041562
Email: greg@alphadrivingtaunton.com
Arthur Brooks
ManualArthur has a patient and encouraging approach to teaching…[more]
Local lad, Arthur has been involved in training for much of his working life in many different guises and becoming a Driving Instructor seemed to be almost a natural progression to make, plus he does get a huge amount of satisfaction watching students develop and their confidence increase and ultimately passing their test.
Phone: 07495 973093
Jacky Gurini
AutomaticJacky specialises in automatic cars and has a friendly teaching style…[more]
Jacky joined Alpha driving school as a trainee and qualified as an ADI in 2022. She finds it really rewarding to be able to support people to learn new skills. When not working, she loves to drive her classic car or her motorbike, or discovering new places and visiting old favourites in the camper van.
Phone: 07967 919627
Andrew Callow
ManualAndrew has over 30 years of varied driving experience, from cars to vans and HGVs…[more]
and has decided to change career and become a driving instructor. He finds it extremely rewarding supporting students in developing their driving skills. Based in Crewkerne and also covering the surrounding areas, with extensive knowledge of the area having been born and raised here. He is happily married with 2 grown-up children and when not teaching you'll likely find him on the golf course!
Phone: 07787 138102
Padam Bhandari
AutomaticPadam is committed to helping learners become safe, confident drivers for life…[more]
His teaching style is relaxed, encouraging, and fully adapted to each student's pace - no stress, no pressure. To better support our diverse community, he offers lessons in:
• English
• Nepali
• Hindi
Phone: 07795 212958
What Our Students Say
On the Road with Alpha
Your Learning Journey
From applying for your provisional licence to becoming a confident, safe driver — here's how Alpha guides you every step of the way.
Step 1: Provisional Licence
Apply for your provisional driving licence.
You'll need a provisional licence before booking lessons.
Step 2: Choose Your Instructor
Get paired with a friendly, local instructor (manual or automatic).
We'll help you find the perfect match to suit your learning style and goals.
Step 3: Driving Lessons
Learn the basics: Start with cockpit drill, moving off, stopping and signalling.
Build confidence: Progress to junctions, roundabouts, dual carriageways and night driving.
Step 4: Mock Tests & Theory
Learn the Highway Code and book your theory test online.
Practice with mock driving tests and theory support until you're ready.
Step 5: Practical Test & Beyond
Take your practical test when you and your instructor feel ready.
Celebrate your success and keep learning with refresher sessions, Pass Plus or motorway lessons for extra confidence.
🚗 Apply for your Provisional Driving Licence
Start your journey with Alpha Driving School. Before you hit the road, you'll need a provisional driving licence. Here's a simple guide to help you apply, based on official GOV.UK advice.
✅ Step 1: Check You're Eligible
- Be at least 15 years and 9 months old
- Be able to read a number plate from 20 metres
- Have lived in Great Britain for at least 185 days in the past year
📝 Step 2: Choose How to Apply
| Method | Cost | Processing Time | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | £34 | ~1 week | Apply online at GOV.UK |
| By Post | £43 | Longer | Request a D1 form from the Post Office |
💻 Online Application (Recommended)
- Sign in or create a GOV.UK account
- Provide identity details (e.g. UK passport)
- Pay securely online
- Receive confirmation email
- Licence arrives by post
📮 Postal Application
- Complete the D1 form
- Include identity documents and a passport style photo
- Pay by cheque or postal order
- Send to DVLA
- Licence arrives by post
🎉 Once Your Licence Arrives
- Start driving lessons with a qualified instructor
- Book your theory test
- Begin your journey to becoming a confident, safe driver
👋 Ready to Learn?
At Alpha Driving School, we offer friendly, professional lessons across Somerset, tailored to your pace and goals.
Call us today or book your first lesson to get started. Let's make your driving dreams a reality.
🧠 Apply for Your Theory Test
Your next milestone with Alpha Driving School. Once you've got your provisional licence, it's time to book your theory test. Here's everything you need to know, based on official GOV.UK guidance.
✅ Step 1: Make Sure You're Ready
- A valid UK provisional driving licence
- Knowledge of the Highway Code, road signs, and driving laws
- Confidence in answering multiple choice questions and spotting hazards
📝 Step 2: Book Your Theory Test
| Method | Cost | What You'll Need | Where to Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | £23 | Licence number, email, payment card | Book at GOV.UK |
💻 Online Booking (Recommended)
- Visit the official GOV.UK booking page
- Enter your provisional licence number
- Choose your test centre and date
- Pay securely online
- Receive confirmation by email
📍 Find Your Nearest Test Centre
Popular options for Alpha students include:
(Open in Google Maps)
📚 What's in the Test
- 50 multiple choice questions
- 14 hazard perception clips
- You'll need to score:
- 43/50 on the questions
- 44/75 on hazard perception
🎯 Alpha's Top Tips
- Use the official DVSA app or online practice tools
- Study the Highway Code thoroughly
- Practice hazard perception with video clips
- Book your test when you feel confident
👋 Ready to Pass?
At Alpha Driving School, we support you every step of the way, from theory prep to practical success.
Call us today or book your next lesson to keep progressing with confidence. Let's get you test ready and road ready.
🚘 Apply for Your Practical Driving Test
Your final step with Alpha Driving School. Once you've passed your theory test and built up your driving skills, it's time to book your practical test. Here's how to do it quickly and confidently.
✅ Step 1: Make Sure You're Ready
- Have passed your theory test
- Hold a valid UK provisional driving licence
- Feel confident driving independently and safely
- Have your driving instructor's approval (we'll let you know when you're ready!)
📝 Step 2: Book Your Practical Test
| Method | Cost | What You'll Need | Where to Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | £62 (weekday) / £75 (evening/weekend) | Licence number, theory test pass number, payment card | Book at GOV.UK |
💻 Online Booking (Recommended)
- Visit the official GOV.UK booking page
- Enter your licence number and theory test pass certificate number
- Choose your test centre and date
- Pay securely online
- Receive confirmation by email
📍 Test Centre Locations
Popular practical test centres for Alpha students include:
(Open in Google Maps)
🚦 What to Expect on the Day
- A 40 minute driving test with a DVSA examiner
- One 'show me, tell me' vehicle safety question
- General driving, independent driving, and manoeuvres
- You'll be assessed on control, awareness, and decision making
🎯 Alpha's Top Tips
- Practice in the area around your chosen test centre
- Review common manoeuvres (parallel park, bay park, emergency stop)
- Stay calm and focused, we'll help you build confidence
- Arrive early with your provisional licence and confirmation email
👋 Ready to Pass?
At Alpha Driving School, we'll guide you all the way to test day, and beyond.
Call us today or book your next lesson to stay on track. Let's get you licence ready and road ready.
Our Courses & Flexibility
Special Training Courses
At Alpha Driving School, we know that learning to drive isn't a one-size-fits-all journey. That's why every lesson is tailored to your individual needs, helping you achieve the best possible results.
Alongside our core tuition, we offer dedicated courses designed to support key milestones and specific goals:
- Refresher Courses
- Pass Plus
- Advanced Driving
- Motorway Tuition
- Driving Assessments
- Pre Licence Courses
We're Flexible
We understand that life doesn't always fit neatly into a schedule. Whether you prefer weekend sessions or evening lessons, we'll do our best to find a time that works for you.
We'll pick you up from a convenient location and drop you off wherever suits you best.
Our goal is to work around your lifestyle, so you can focus on learning, progressing, and ultimately passing with confidence.
Affordable Pricing, Quality Training
Fair pricing for a quality service is our ethos when pricing our lessons. From £45 per lesson* we may not be the cheapest driving school in the region but for the quality we offer, we cannot be beaten on value. Lessons are tailored to your exact requirements.
For the most accurate and up-to-date lesson prices, please refer to the rates shown on this website. Other sites don't always reflect our latest updates.
*£5 surcharge per hour before 9am and after 6pm and all day at weekends.
Special Training Courses
We don't believe in one size fits all; all of our lessons are tailored to your needs, giving you the very best results. We do, however, offer a number of lessons dedicated to certain milestones and achievements.
Refresher Course
Has it been a while? Are you nervous about getting back behind the wheel? A course with one of our instructors could be just the thing to get you back in the driving seat.
£45 per session
Pass Plus
A series of 6 hours further tuition post-test which further enhances the skills of being able to cope with the demands of the road. Includes town driving, country lanes, bad weather, dual carriageways, motorway and night driving.
£300 per 6-hour course
Advanced Driving
Let our qualified advanced instructor put you through your paces and get a nationally recognised qualification. Learn how to overcome bad habits and become a safer, more confident driver.
£45 per hour
Motorway Tuition
Many people find motorway driving stressful and frightening. Our instructors guide you through those first journeys, teaching you the skills to become a safer and more confident motorway driver.
£45 (own car) / £55 (school car)
Driving Assessment
Have an official driving assessment by one of our accredited instructors. Get an honest appraisal of your current roadworthiness with a detailed report.
£50 with Report
Pre Licence Course
Practice the fundamentals of driving on the road but in the safety of a purpose-built environment. Begin developing driving skills even before you have your licence.
£320 for all-day course
Experience can be shared
What's Included?
Professional Instruction
All lessons taught by fully qualified, insured ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) professionals
Fully Insured Vehicle
Modern, well-maintained cars with dual controls. We offer petrol, diesel, or automatic options
Free Pickup & Dropoff
We'll pick you up from a convenient location and drop you off at a local place of your choice
Tailored Lessons
Every lesson is tailored to your exact requirements and learning objectives
Ready to Start?
Contact us today for availability and to book your first lesson.
If you've seen different prices elsewhere, feel free to ask — our website always has the most up-to-date information.
Or call 01984 636604
Contact Us - We always love to hear from you.
Get in touch
Below are our full contact details — we are happy to answer any questions about lessons, prices or availability. We aim to respond within 24 hours.
Phone: 01984 636604
Email: info@alphadrivingtaunton.com
Send us a message
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