Driving Lessons in Cardiff

Cardiff offers 21 driving schools and 7 independent driving instructors, with one independent female driving instructor available. Fifteen schools offer automatic driving lessons, and 7 schools have female driving instructors. Prices range from £32.50 to £47.67 per hour, averaging £40. The Barry test centre achieves a 57% pass rate, considerably higher than Cardiff Llanishen's 46.5%, according to 2025-26 DVSA data.

£40
average price
21
driving schools
6
independent instructors
4
test centres

Driving lessons in Cardiff

21 driving schools and 6 independent instructors.

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Showing 1–20 of 27 driving schools and independent instructors in Cardiff.

Driving Portal

Driving Portal

Manual and automatic

5
From £40/hr10hrs for £400

Flexible lesson lengths from 1 hour to 2 hours at £45–£80, with 10-hour blocks at £400 for both manual and automatic. Intensive courses range from 3 to 8 days (£720–£1920), plus Pass Plus courses and motorway lessons available.

Intensive
85 Aberporth Rd, Cardiff CF14 2PQView school
Bumps Drivin

Bumps Drivin

Manual and automatic

3.7(18)
From £37/hr10hrs for £350Save £20

Friendly instructors who prioritise a relaxed, encouraging learning environment—no shouting or criticism, just patient explanation and confidence-building. £37/hour for manual lessons or £36 with a student discount; automatic lessons available at £38.50/hour. Block deals from £170–£700 with further student discounts, plus Pass Plus courses after you pass.

EveningsWeekends
43 Jenkins Way, St. Mellons, Cardiff CF3 0RNView school
Drive Learn Achieve

Drive Learn Achieve

Automatic

5(180)
From £45/hr10hrs for £400Save £50

Established in 2007, Drive Learn Achieve has built a 19-year reputation with hundreds of 5-star reviews and a team of carefully vetted instructors. The owner's background in clinical driving assessment at a major Welsh hospital brings specialist expertise in supporting drivers with medical conditions and disabilities. First two-hour lesson £60, then £45/hour or £400 for a 10-hour block.

1 Cherry Cl, Cardiff CF5 3RQView school
Automatic Driving School Cardiff

Automatic Driving School Cardiff

Manual and automatic

5(25)
12hrs for £560

Operating for over 30 years, this school focuses on intensive courses structured around your schedule—no need to take time off work or use holidays. The 12-hour course costs £560 (automatic) or £545 (manual), while the 18-hour starter course is £780 (automatic) or £740 (manual), with free theory training included. Local instructors know the area well, and students praise the balanced teaching approach that avoids overloading.

EveningsWeekendsIntensiveFemale Instructors
49 E Tyndall St, Cardiff CF24 5DAView school
Navigator Driver Training

Navigator Driver Training

Manual

5(23)98% pass rate
From £38/hr

Established in 2013, Navigator Driver Training stands out for instructor John Reynolds' exceptional credentials: ROSPA Gold Advanced Driver Trainer, Driving Instructor Trainer, and Blue Lamp Trust Taxi Driver Assessor. The school achieved a 98% first-time pass rate in 2023 with 100% on second attempts. Lessons start from £38/hour, with free theory practice software, digital Highway Code, and Traffic Signs booklet included.

Intensive
15 Neptune Ct, Cardiff CF24 5PJView school
Freeway School of Motoring

Freeway School of Motoring

Manual

5
From £32.50/hr10hrs for £320Save £5

Established in 1988, this Cardiff institution has over 30 years of experience teaching relaxed, friendly lessons tailored to individual learners. £34 per hour or £320 for a 10-hour block, with motorway lessons, theory training, hazard perception, and Pass Plus courses also available. Collection and drop-off included.

51 St Ambrose Rd, Cardiff CF14 4BHView school
Cardiff Driving School

Cardiff Driving School

Manual and automatic

5
From £47.67/hr12hrs for £572

Over 30 years of experience with local instructors who know the area well. Flexible course structures starting at £47.67/hour (12-hour automatic block at £572, or 18-hour starter course at £798), designed so you don't need to take time off work. Minimum 2-hour lessons ensure you get the most from each session without overloading.

IntensiveFemale Instructors
16 Ruthin Gardens, Cardiff CF24 4AUView school
1st for Learning

1st for Learning

Manual

4.9
20hrs for £999

Over 25 years' experience with modern teaching techniques and early participation in the 2017 driving test trials. £52 for 1.5-hour lessons, or save with block bookings from £257 for 5 lessons up to £999 for 20 lessons. Student and NHS discounts available.

Allan Durst Cl, Cardiff CF5 2RPView school
Solo School of Motoring

Solo School of Motoring

Manual and automatic

4.8
From £40/hr10hrs for £385Save £15

10 years' specialist experience with automatic driving lessons in an electric vehicle, offering £80 for 2-hour sessions or £385 for a 10-hour block with £20 off first bookings. Patient, stress-free instruction focused on building confidence at your own pace, with a strict code of conduct ensuring respectful treatment throughout your learning journey.

EveningsWeekends
17 Eskdale Cl, Cardiff CF23 5LFView school
Whizz Driving School

Whizz Driving School

Manual and automatic

4.8
From £40/hr10hrs for £390Save £10

Known for supporting nervous drivers and the elderly with patient, structured instruction. £40/hour or £390 for a 10-hour block, with test car available for £100. Flexible scheduling six days a week and online progress tracking keep you on track toward passing.

EveningsWeekendsTest car available
93 Heol Lewis, Cardiff CF14 6QDView school
Cardiff School of Motoring

Cardiff School of Motoring

Manual

4.8
From £37.50/hrBlock bookings available

Former London Fire Brigade and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service driver with 16 years of emergency vehicle experience and IAM RoadSmart membership. Standard lessons at £37.50/hour, or £300/month for one 2-hour lesson weekly (plus a free lesson in months with 5 weeks). Intensive courses from £1,125 (30 hours over 5 days) to £1,800 (50 hours over 10 days), with free theory test prep included.

Intensive
32 Norton Ave, Birchgrove, Cardiff CF14 4AJView school
Intensive Driving Courses Cardiff

Intensive Driving Courses Cardiff

Manual and automatic

4.7(111)
12hrs for £569

30+ years of experience delivering intensive driving courses across Cardiff and the Valleys, with both male and female instructors available. 12-hour courses from £569 (manual) or £584 (automatic), and 18-hour beginner packages at £776 (manual) or £816 (automatic)—all one-to-one with no car sharing. Rated 'Excellent' on 111 reviews, with learners praising the relaxed, patient teaching style and free theory training included.

IntensiveFemale Instructors
The Gate, Business Centre, Keppoch St, Roath, Cardiff CF24 3JWView school
Coles Driving Academy

Coles Driving Academy

Manual and automatic

4.7(24)
From £38/hr10hrs for £370Save £10

£38/hour for manual lessons or £43/hour for automatic, with 10-hour block deals at £370 and £410 respectively. Pass Plus courses also available from £212 (6 hours). One-week intensive courses on offer alongside refresher tuition, motorway training, and defensive driving for those who've passed.

IntensiveTest car available
12 St Angela Rd, Cardiff CF14 4DNView school
Lady Drivers Driving School

Lady Drivers Driving School

Manual

4.4
From £45/hr10hrs for £400Save £50

Nearly 25 years of experience teaching nervous and confident learners alike in a calm, professional environment. £45/hour or £400 for a 10-hour block (£40/hour), with an introductory discount bringing block bookings down to £390 — no deposit required and priority booking included.

Female Instructors
129 Kennerleigh Rd, Rumney, Cardiff CF3 4BHView school
Fran Woods Driving School

Fran Woods Driving School

Automatic

3(3)
From £38/hr10hrs for £350Save £30

£38/hour for automatic driving lessons, £76 for 2 hours, or £350 for a 10-hour block. Eight years' experience with a patient approach to nervous and anxious drivers—recent reviews highlight first-time passes and transformed confidence. Pass Plus courses also available at £210 for 6 hours.

EveningsWeekendsIntensiveFemale Instructors
64 Uphill Rd, Llanrumney, Cardiff CF3 4HDView school
1st Stop School of Motoring

1st Stop School of Motoring

Manual and automatic

From £37.50/hr10hrs for £365Save £10

£37.50/hour or £365 for a 10-hour block (students £36.50/hour or £360), plus 20 and 30-hour intensive courses from £750. Family-run for over 22 years with an exceptional pass rate well above the national average, backed by Trustpilot's 'Excellent' rating and glowing reviews praising instructor Jason's calm, patient teaching style. Pass Plus courses also available to boost confidence after passing your test.

EveningsWeekendsIntensiveFemale Instructors
3 Bwlch Road, Cardiff CF5 3BXView school
JW Driver Training

JW Driver Training

Manual and automatic

4.9(113)

A multi-service training provider with experienced instructors delivering learner driving lessons alongside HGV, PCV, and specialist courses. Customer reviews highlight first-time passes and patient, patient teaching styles, with Sam and Gareth particularly praised for their approachable methods. Based in South Wales with a rapidly growing team of trainers.

West Way Park, W Way Rd, Alexandra Docks, Newport NP20 2PQView school
1st Steer Driving School

1st Steer Driving School

Manual and automatic

4.6

1st Steer Driving School backs every lesson with a money-back guarantee and includes free theory training, handouts, and online Driver Active courses as standard. Their teaching breaks complex skills into simple steps, creating a low-stress environment where learners progress faster—with Pass Plus courses also available for post-test development.

69 Appledore Rd, Cardiff CF14 3HWView school
Red Dragon Driving School

Red Dragon Driving School

Manual and automatic

3.8

45 years of experience with thousands of satisfied customers across South Wales. Stress-free, patient instruction tailored to your learning style—whether you're a new driver, returning after a break, or pursuing intensive courses. Free support with theory test prep, provisional license applications, and Pass Plus training also available.

IntensiveFemale Instructors
47 Lower Cathedral Rd, Cardiff CF11 6LWView school
Drivepass

Drivepass

Manual and automatic

Block bookings available

Drivepass emphasises competitive pricing without hidden charges, offering flexible lesson lengths (1, 1.5, or 2 hours) with block booking discounts available. Every lesson includes a structured briefing, instructor demonstration, hands-on practice, and debriefing, all in fully dual-controlled cars. They also offer Pass Plus courses and residential intensive programmes, with Newport's notably short test waiting times making their courses particularly cost-effective.

Intensive
16 St Davids Cres, Newport NP20 3AWView school
Price snapshot

How much do driving lessons cost in Cardiff?

Most learners pay £35–£40 an hour. Under £35 is a good deal, over £45 is at the higher end.

Typical
£40
Most pay
£35–£40
Schools
£30–35
1
£35–40
6
£40–45
3
£45–50
3

Based on prices from 13 driving schools in Cardiff.

Intensive courses in Cardiff

Want to pass fast?

11 Cardiff schools run intensive courses, compressing months of training into days or weeks.

Cardiff Test Centres and Pass Rates

Learners near Cardiff don't face long waits at any of the four centres. The longest is about 2 months, at Barry, and that's also where the results are best. Barry has a pass rate of 57%, well above Britain's average pass rate of 50%, and an automatic pass rate of 50%, ahead of the national automatic pass rate of 45%. Cardiff itself has the lowest pass rate at 47%, which is only a little under average. Llantrisant has the shortest wait, about 1½ months.

57%

Barry

2,244 tests taken · typical wait 2 months
Manual pass rate58.7%
Automatic pass rate49.8%
54%

Llantrisant

9,909 tests taken · typical wait 1½ months
Manual pass rate56.6%
Automatic pass rate45.0%
49%

Newport (Gwent)

8,227 tests taken · typical wait 1½ months
Manual pass rate51.4%
Automatic pass rate41.6%
47%

Cardiff (Llanishen)

16,401 tests taken · typical wait 2 months
Manual pass rate49.4%
Automatic pass rate39.2%

Nearby areas