Patient instructors
Calm, encouraging teaching that meets you where you are — never rushed, never made to feel silly.
Local knowledge
We know the roads, junctions and test routes across Torbay and South Devon inside out.
From first lesson to test
Structured support the whole way, following the DVSA syllabus at your pace.
Hi, I'm Dan
I set up The Driving School South West to teach the way I'd have wanted to learn — calm, patient, and genuinely on your side.
I’ve been teaching people to drive across Torbay and South Devon for years, and there’s still nothing better than watching a learner walk out of the test centre holding their pass certificate. Whether you’re a nervous first-timer or coming back to driving after a long break, my job is to make it feel achievable — never stressful.
We’re a small, family-run school on purpose. It means you get to know your instructor, lessons are built around you, and you’re never just a booking in a diary. If you’ve got a question before you start, just message us — I’d far rather have a proper chat than sign you up to something that isn’t right for you.
Our story
The Driving School South West has been helping local learners gain their independence for years, across Paignton, Torquay, Brixham, Newton Abbot and the wider South Devon area. We believe learning to drive should feel supportive and achievable — not stressful.
Manual and automatic
We offer both manual and automatic lessons, with options for beginners, nervous learners, refreshers and intensive courses.
Where we teach
Across Torbay and South Devon — see where we teach for your local area.