Ace your driving test with the best driving schools in Leeds!
I finally did it—I learned to drive! For years I shrugged it off, figuring buses and walking were enough. Then a new job started pulling me out of Leeds, and suddenly being car-less wasn’t so clever.
Thankfully, I found a reliable driving school with an instructor who made sure I picked up the practical skills to hit the road without scaring myself (or anyone else).
To help anyone else who’s ready to take the plunge, I’ve rounded up the best driving schools in Leeds. And if you’ve already passed and want to make the most of your new skills, I’ll share the top museums and shopping spots in Leeds worth driving to!
How much do driving lessons cost in Leeds?
Driving lessons in Leeds generally cost £40 per hour, depending on the instructor’s experience, the type of car used, and whether you book single sessions or block packages.
1. A1 Driving School
Lessons offered: 2-day intensive course, 5-day intensive course, 15-day intensive course, single driving lessons, mock tests, and more
Address: Oakwood Ln
Phone number: +44 7790 797181
Business hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (MON-SUN)
A1 Driving School is one of the better options I’ve come across, especially if you want to get your licence sorted quickly. They have over 21 years of experience, and every instructor is DVSA-approved, so you know their people are properly trained.
What stands out is their focus on intensive courses. They’ve got one-week fast track options, and they’ll even pick you up from home, work, college, or uni!
They also give free help with theory revision and offer finance plans through Bumper, so you don’t have to pay everything upfront.
The downside is that they’re really geared towards intensive learning, so if you prefer a slower pace, it might not suit you. And if you book a block, you’ve got six months to use it, or the credit is gone.
My experience learning to drive with A1 driving school was amazing
“Passed my test, Amazing learning experience. My experience learning to drive with A1 driving school was amazing. I got proper guidance from my instructor, Qureshi, which helped me to pass my driving test. He is a very professional and experienced instructor.”
-Jitender Budania, Google Reviews
Passed 1st time and couldn’t have asked for a better driving instructor
“Passed 1st time and couldn’t have asked for a better driving instructor, fun, passionate, reliable and above all a great instructor who made lessons fun and very easy to get along with and have a laugh! They make sure you take things in your own time and don’t rush you at all.”
-Liam Murray, Google Reviews
2. Passs 2 Drive
Lessons offered: Standard driving lessons, motorway sessions, refresher courses, taxi test training, foreign language lessons, and more
Phone number: +44 7367 290017
Business hours:
7:00 AM – 10:00 PM (MON-FRI)
7:00 AM – 8:00 PM (SAT)
8:00 AM – 8:30 PM (SUN)
Passs 2 Drive has been teaching in Leeds for over 15 years, and you can tell they’ve built plenty of experience with all sorts of learners.
I found their lessons to be varied, covering the usual basics but also motorway sessions, refresher courses for those who’ve been off the road a while, and even taxi test training.
What I really liked was the option for foreign language lessons in Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, and Mirpuri, which makes things easier for a lot of people in the city. They cover Leeds and Bradford and will pick you up from home, which is handy!
On the flip side, I did notice they sometimes cancel at short notice or turn up late, which can be annoying if you’re tight on time.
I passed my driving test with confidence
“My instructor Manni was calm, patient, and explained everything clearly, which really boosted my confidence. Lessons were well-structured and tailored to my progress. I felt fully prepared and comfortable behind the wheel, and I passed my driving test with confidence. Highly recommend Passs2Drive to anyone learning in Leeds!”
-Akki, Google Reviews
Made me feel safe and confident behind the wheel!
“Learning to drive can be stressful, but having the right instructor makes all the difference and I couldn’t have asked for anyone better than Diane!! From the very first lesson, she created a calm, supportive, and encouraging environment that made me feel safe and confident behind the wheel! She has been truly outstanding!!! If you’re looking for an instructor who truly cares and goes above and beyond, I can’t recommend Diane enough!”
-Pawel Wojtkowiak, Google Reviews
3. Aksons Driving School
Lessons offered: Standard driving lessons, refresher sessions, 1-week intensive course, hazard perception training, test rescue lessons, and more
Address: 12 Batcliffe Mount, Headingley
Phone number: +44 7306 488555
Business hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM (MON-SUN)
One driving school I found that goes beyond the basics is Aksons Driving School. It’s run by DSA-approved driving instructors, so it’s safe to say they can actually deliver.
They offer both manual and automatic lessons, plus refresher sessions if you haven’t been driving for a while. They also offer a 1-week intensive course for people who want to get test-ready quickly.
But what really caught my eye is their hazard perception training, which is handy because that part of the theory test stumps a lot of people. Furthermore, they can train people to become driving instructors themselves.
However, please note that there’s no proper online booking system, so you have to call or email, which feels dated. Prices aren’t given upfront either, meaning you only find out after some back and forth, which can be annoying if you’re comparing schools.
Best driving school
“Best driving school. My husband passed in first attempt. Highly recommend this driving school. They have good instructors.”
-Megha Patel, Google Reviews
Best driving instructor ever, helped me with everything!
“Best driving instructor ever, helped me with everything! Couldn’t have asked for anyone better, would 100% recommend!”
-Luca Lazzari, Google Reviews
4. ZOWTH Driving School
Lessons offered: Standard driving lessons, intensive driving courses, refresher courses, taxi training, and motorway lessons
Address: 3 Beckhill Dr, Chapel Allerton
Phone number: +44 800 710 1132
Business hours:
7:00 AM – 11:00 PM (WED-MON)
7:30 AM – 11:00 PM (TUES)
I actually did my lessons with ZOWTH and ended up passing, so here’s how it felt for me. I chose their 1-week intensive course because I needed to learn quickly before work had me travelling outside the city.
My instructor, Sal, was patient and clear, and I liked that he picked me up and dropped me off, which made things easier around my schedule. They also offered me the fast-track test service, so I managed to get a proper test within about 6 weeks.
I found them accommodating with scheduling too, letting me book sessions on weekends and even at night. That flexibility made a big difference.
However, one major issue is their price. At £76 per session, it’s more expensive than other schools I checked. And if you want automatic lessons, you have to message them on WhatsApp, which is a little inconvenient.
I loved every minute of it
“Absolutely brilliant!! I started from scratch and passed the first time. Lessons learned for a lifetime. Sal was an amazing instructor that helped with so many details with my driving. These lessons and experience gained has been invaluable and I loved every minute of it. Thank you again for all your help, Sal!”
-Mandip Panesar, Google Reviews
Made it very easy for me to pass my driving test
“Sal has been a great instructor. He has been very patient with me. I have never driven before and he made it very easy for me to pass my driving test. 10/10 highly recommend.”
-Mahmoud Mokhtar, Google Reviews
5. MJ Driving School
Lessons offered: Standard driving lessons, intensive crash courses, driving therapist support sessions, and driving instructor training
Address: Primley Park Ln
Phone number: +44 7496 184021
Business hours:
7:00 AM – 8:00 PM (MON-FRI)
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (SAT)
MJ Driving School has been around for a long time, and they like to highlight that their team has over 30 years of experience. They’ve helped plenty of people pass their tests and built up a decent reputation along the way.
Lessons cover both manual and automatic, and if you need to get sorted quickly, they run crash courses, including a 10-hour option. I found it useful that they offer block booking discounts and cheaper rates for students, NHS staff, and blue light workers.
They even have a driving therapist for anyone struggling with nerves or anxiety, which feels like a thoughtful touch.
That said, some people mention instructors turning up late or making stops during lessons, which feels unprofessional. You also can’t book on Sundays, which limits flexibility.
I really feel like I was taught to drive safely and confidently
“I passed the first time with MJ Driving School and instructor, Paul. I started driving in my early thirties and began as a very nervous driver! Paul was exactly the type of instructor that I needed. He was very patient while also pushing me to improve and it didn’t take long until I was confident behind the wheel! I really feel like I was taught to drive safely and confidently, not just pass the test. Thanks Paul!”
-Alex Parker, Google Reviews
I really enjoyed my lessons and had fun
“First time pass!!! Could not have done it without Lee. Amazing instructor and a lovely person. He is very reliable and experienced in driving which made every lesson feel easier. I really enjoyed my lessons and had fun. Lee is so easy to talk to and get on with—and this really helped me feel calm and relaxed behind the wheel. Could not recommend MJ driving school enough! I’m so glad I was picky about which driving school I went with! Thanks Lee for making my driving experience amazing! :)”
-Michelle, Google Reviews