Driving School

The post code SE18 includes not only Woolwich but also Plumstead and Shooters Hill, whilst we cover the whole of the area, we do not go as far as the adjoining SE2 (Abbey Wood) or SE28 (Thamesmead) post code areas (yet).

The Woolwich area has a long and proud military and maritime connection, having been home to the Royal Artillery for over 200 years up until July of this year when 16 Regiment moved out to be replaced by the Foot Guards (the infantry of the Royal Army, including the Grenadier, Coldstream and Scots Guards). It was also the original home of Arsenal F.C. up until 1913 when the club jumped ship to north of the river! Up until 1869 it also had it’s own dockyard built for King Henry VIII and provides the eastern connection between the South and North Circular Roads at the Woolwich Ferry. It has numerous other dubious claims to fame such as the first ever UK MacDonalds, an Auto Stacker car park opened in 1961 and demolished a year later because it did not work and the birthplace of the Crystal Palace and England footballer Ian Wright.

It is fair to say that the area has been quite depressed economically ever since the end of the 2nd World War and the closure of the munitions factories and nearby Docks, but is now undergoing substantial re-generation spurred by the forthcoming extension of the Docklands Light Railway plus the Cross Rail project, which, it has been recently announced will have a station at Woolwich.

For more information about this fascinating place see Wikipedia.

Driving wise most of the area is fairly busy and not great for the new starter, traffic can be horrendous along the South Circular and Woolwich Church Street when there are problems with the ferry or any of the other river crossings. However there are quieter roads within easy reach at Abbey Wood and Charlton. The nearest test centre is Belvedere (10 minute drive from Woolwich Centre) or Sidcup, Hither Green or Bexleyheath (at least 15 minutes).