Manual driving lessons · Thornbury & South Glos
Learn to drive. Go anywhere.
A full driving licence means getting to work, college and friends on your own terms. Our calm, structured lessons get you there safely, and make you a confident driver for life.
- DVSA Approved Driving Instructors
- Modern dual-control car
- Pickup from home
- Book and pay online
Already learning with us? Log in to book lessons and see your progress.
Pupil loginWhy it matters
More than passing a test.
Independence
No more waiting for lifts, buses or favours. Go where you want, when you want.
Opportunity
More jobs, apprenticeships and courses come within reach when you can drive to them.
Confidence
We prepare you for real roads, from busy roundabouts to dual carriageways, not just the test route.
Freedom
Late finishes, weekends away, last-minute plans. Life gets a lot bigger.
How we teach
Patient lessons that build real confidence.
Every lesson is planned around you: what you've mastered, what needs work and how you learn best. We track your progress against the same skills the examiner looks for, so you always know where you are and what comes next.
Thornbury Driving School was founded by Joe Hill, a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor since 2011. Nervous drivers, older learners and neurodiverse pupils are all very welcome, and we never rush anyone into a test before they're ready.
Your training car
Learn in a car that makes it easier.
Our 2022 Hyundai i10 Premium is small, light and easy to judge, which makes it ideal for learning. It's manual, with dual controls for extra safety.
Prices
Straightforward pricing.
Every lesson is 2 hours, with pickup and drop-off at home. Book one at a time or several at once, and pay as you go.
Lesson prices
Simple, honest and upfront. No gimmicks, no introductory offers.
Reviews
What our pupils say
5.0★★★★★ from 29 Google reviews
What an incredible instructor. After learning to drive with Joe for 4 months I passed first time. Joe always gave such great advice and taught me real world driving, as well as how to pass my test.
Whenever I did something not quite right, Joe would have me try it again, so I always felt like I lear… Read more
What an amazing driving instructor. Only started a month ago and passed first time. Joe was amazing. He is super patient and gives amazing advice. I would highly recommend. I enjoyed every single lesson. Thank you Joe!!!!!
I had a great time learning to drive with these guys and my instructor Joe who was one of the nicest guys I’ve met. We got on really well and while having these lessons I completely changed as a driver and felt so much more confident by the time it came to my test. I would recommend to anyone I coul… Read more
Joe is a great instructor. I've heard bad things from friends about theirs but Joe has been great for me. He showed me driving skills past just passing your test such as using motorways. He was able to book me a test within 3 months of my first lesson, very long before I would have gotten a test wit… Read more
Joe is a really good teacher, he is patient and taught me how to drive to a safe ability and to a comfortable ability. I had my test and I only learnt to drive with Joe and I got 0 minors and 0 majors on my driving test I own this all to Joe
Reviews from GoogleSee all reviews on Google ›
Success stories
Recent passes
How it works
Getting started
Check your area
Enter your postcode to see if we cover you.
Book online
Choose a 2-hour lesson that suits you and pay securely.
Get picked up
Lessons start and finish at your home.
Learner guides
Everything you need to know.
Your provisional licence
How and when to apply, what it costs and what you need.
Read the guide ›The theory test
What's in it, the pass marks and the best ways to revise.
Read the guide ›Show me, tell me
The 14 vehicle safety questions you could be asked on test.
Read the guide ›Booking your driving test
How to book, the rules, and using our car on the day.
Read the guide ›The 27 driving skills
Everything the examiner looks for, explained in 8 simple groups.
Read the guide ›News
Latest driving news
How to book your driving test appointmentNew driving test appointments are released every Monday at 6am. Earlier slots can appear anytime when others cancel. Here's what you need to know. 
How to swap your driving test with another learnerYou can swap your test slot with another learner driver if you both have tests booked. Here's how it works and what you need… Where we teach
Do we cover your area?
Thornbury, Alveston, Olveston, Tockington, Falfield, Oldbury-on-Severn and nearby.