Kelvin White Driving School

Driving Instructor Training

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Website | 01392 771203
21 Thursby Walk, Pinhoe, Exeter EX4 8FD, UK

Opening Hours:
Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed


Area Served:
Within 4 miles (6.4km) of 21 Thursby Walk, Pinhoe, Exeter EX4 8FD, UK
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Are we the right Driving School for you?

We do not attempt to teach every person that wants to lean to drive and we may not be the right Driving School for you?

With over twenty years of experience and one of the highest pass rates in the area, we find that taking a 2-hour lesson every week, proves to be the most successful strategy for most students. Two-hour lessons would be far more beneficial to you and you will learn far more for your money and you will also be test ready in half the time. You will have a decent amount of condensed learning in one go with time to digest and be focused for your next lesson. Sometimes students think that they would be unable to concentrate for a period of two hours, but this is why we would ‘chunk’ your lessons and break up the two hour slot to cover several topics, just as they do in the school curriculum to keep the learning fresh and focused.

Now you may be thinking of taking 1-hour lessons and Just to be clear and give you a balanced view, there is nothing wrong with 1-hour lessons, we just feel that they offer less value for your money as they prolong the learning period substantially. Another of the drawbacks is having to take time from your lesson to drive to a suitable location that is relevant to cover the topic and then having to drive back again. So, should you prefer to take less than two-hour lessons, We would not be the right driving school for you as we don’t offer them.

The opposite of taking 1-hour lessons, is to consider an intensive or ‘crash’ course.

Many of the enquiries that we receive asking about intensive courses are from students that have yet to take and pass their Theory Test. Should this be the case, you would normally be a waiting for around eight weeks for a practical test from the time you pass your Theory Test. Now should you be looking to take a week off school or work and condense your lessons, this could work for you if you were able to schedule your intensive course a few weeks before your practical test. Taking an intensive course and then having to wait more than a few weeks before taking your practical test could mean you find yourself getting rusty while you are waiting. The other thing to consider is that you may be purchasing more lessons than you require and therefore spending more money than is necessary, or booking less lessons that you need and arriving on test day underprepared and run the risk of having to rebook another test and having the frustration of waiting a few months for your next test. Again, If you prefer to take an intensive course, we would not be the right Driving School for you as we do not offer them.

 Finally, our learner students take regular lessons each week, booked well in advance if possible as this provides the continuity and accelerates the learning period. We sometimes have requests to provide a lesson every other week because of affordability issues, but this is not something we can offer. While we completely understand that your finances may be tight and that is all you can afford, but this practice is detrimental to your learning. You would lack the continuity required and your learning period would be extended considerably and therefore we would not be providing the best value for money and it would go against our principles.

Google Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (10 total ratings)

Ashford Reid
5 Star
Great driving school! I passed my test at first try, instructor Mike Harwood was considerate and friendly, he always did his best at ensuring that I was comfortable with what I was doing and understanding how I needed to do it. We practiced all manoeuvres and many of the test routes ( of which one was on my test). If you are thinking of getting lessons in this school I'd really recommend him. The booking process was also simple and as long as you gave one or two days notice it was easy to cancel and reschedule. My first contact to them was through email , after that I could just message the office about changes or information without needing to call or use an app. I was also able to buy a block of 10hrs lessons for 350 ( discounted price ) instead of 37 ph.
Friday 28th April 2023
Naima Allcock
5 Star
I was convinced to try Kelvin White Driving School by the many positive reviews online, and I’m so glad I did! My experience with my instructor, Mike Harwood, was fantastic. He was rigorous and thorough, while remaining encouraging and patient throughout, helping to build my confidence and keep me motivated. Mike always had time to answer my questions, and was flexible around my work schedule. Lessons were well thought out and structured, and most of all, enjoyable! I was delighted to pass at my first attempt, and give all the credit to Mike’s teaching and approach. I would recommend Mike, and Kelvin White Driving School, to anyone and everyone!
Thursday 16th November 2017
Sapphire Rae
5 Star
I would 100% recommend this driving school, they are amazing at what they do and cover what is needed to pass your test. I would like to thank my driving instructor (Mike Harwood) for getting a retest in so quickly even with pressure of COVID-19 making a long waiting list. He managing to get one within 2-3 weeks (of my previous test) which I successfully passed with only 4 minors! I had never drove a car before I started lessons with Mike but he made me feel comfortable when I was started to learn to drive and this carried on throughout my lessons. Mike was very kind and is an amazing driving instructor. If you are looking for a driving school to pass you're test, this is definitely the one to choose! Thank you again.
Monday 5th October 2020
Julie Abraham
5 Star
Mike (Exeter) is a great instructor. Calm and friendly, and happy to help you practice whatever you feel like you need to practice :) Only little "negative" comment is that as he is so busy it's very difficult to arrange any extra lessons other than your 2hr slot each week if you wanted any.
Friday 22nd March 2019
Terrie Watts
5 Star
I was an anxious driver and was prone to working myself up prior to lessons and tests. Mike Harwood the Exeter based instructor was incredibly patient with me and instilled in me all the routines to ensure safe and confident driving. It was a huge achievement to finally pass my test and I could not have done it without the excellent teaching of Mike at Kelvin White Driving School.
Wednesday 27th September 2017