Friendly, experienced manual and automatic driving instructors helping learners build safe, confident and independent driving skills across South London.
Learning to drive is about more than passing a test. It is about developing the confidence, awareness and practical skills to drive safely and independently for years to come.
At Herne Hill Driving School, our experienced instructors tailor every lesson around you. Whether you are a complete beginner, returning to driving, feeling nervous behind the wheel or preparing for your practical test, we help you progress at a pace that feels right.
Lessons adapted to your experience, confidence and individual goals.
Friendly, professional tuition focused on safe and confident driving.
Practical experience helping learners navigate a wide range of local roads.
A family-run driving school built on experience, trust and a genuine passion for helping every learner become a confident, safe driver for life.
I established Herne Hill Driving School in 2006 and have been proud to watch thousands of learners achieve their driving goals ever since. I still remember the excitement of passing my own driving test at just 17 years old—the freedom and independence it brought has stayed with me throughout my life.
Today, seeing that same happiness and confidence on my students' faces after they pass their driving test is one of the most rewarding parts of my career.
With 46 years of driving experience and over 23 years as a professional driving instructor, including previous roles at two respected driving schools, I understand that every learner is different. That's why we carefully select instructors who are patient, experienced and committed to creating a relaxed, enjoyable learning environment where confidence naturally grows.
Years Driving Experience
Years Teaching Experience
I first learned to drive with my father, who founded Herne Hill Driving School in 2006. Before that, I experienced other driving schools that unfortunately left me feeling nervous instead of confident.
Although it meant travelling further, learning with my dad completely changed my experience. I felt supported, comfortable and genuinely enjoyed every lesson. It showed me how important it is to have an instructor who believes in you and teaches with patience.
Today, we proudly continue those same values by carefully matching every learner with an instructor who is friendly, supportive and genuinely invested in their success. Whether you're taking your very first lesson or returning to driving after a break, our goal is to help you become a safe, confident driver for life.
From your first time behind the wheel to test preparation and refresher driving, our lessons are adapted to your goals and confidence level.
Flexibility tailored to your schedule: Select from 1.5-hour, or 2-hour driving lessons at Herne Hill Driving School.
Whether you’re a beginner or in need of a refresher, our driving lessons cater to all skill levels at Herne Hill Driving School.
Our specialized lessons are designed to build confidence behind the wheel at Herne Hill Driving School.
Tell us your postcode, preferred transmission and availability.
At Herne Hill Driving School (HHDS), we’re dedicated to providing top-quality driver education. Our experienced 20+ instructors and tailored lessons ensure that you gain the skills and confidence needed to drive safely and responsibly. Choose HHDS for a quality driving education experience.
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Ridwan Biodun Kareem7 October 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely brilliant driving instructor! From day one, Charoun was patient, professional and always knew exactly what I needed to work on. His guidance, encouragement and attention to detail gave me the confidence I needed to become a safe and capable driver. I’m delighted to say I passed my driving test FIRST TIME! 🎉🚗 I genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better instructor and would highly recommend him to anyone learning to drive. Thank you for helping me achieve this! Guys please trust him🙏Posted on Google![]()
Paloma A.6 October 2026
I honestly cannot recommend Charoun enough! My driving journey was definitely not the easiest, and there were times when I really doubted myself, but Charoun was incredibly patient, supportive and honest with me throughout. What I really appreciated was that he didn’t just teach me how to pass my test — he taught me how to actually drive confidently and safely. He always explained my mistakes properly, challenged me when I needed it and gave me the reassurance I needed when my confidence was low. He has a great way of making things easy to understand and helping you learn from your mistakes. His patience and genuine investment in his students really stood out to me. I have learnt so much from my lessons and feel much more confident on the road because of him. Thank you so much for everything, Charoun! I’m genuinely grateful for your patience and support throughout my driving journey. 100% recommend!Posted on Google![]()
steph CH6 October 2026
I had Gary as my driving instructor and passed my test first time with only two minors. Gary was a great instructor throughout my lessons and gave me the encouragement and confidence I needed, especially leading up to the test. He gave me really good advice and taught me things that weren’t just useful for passing the test, but that I’ll be able to take with me into my everyday driving. I feel much more confident on the road because of what he taught me, and I feel like I’ve been properly prepared for driving independently rather than just being taught how to pass a test. He was always helpful and happy to go over anything I wasn’t confident with, and his advice made a big difference to my driving. Thanks Gary and Herne Hill Driving School.Posted on Google![]()
Josie Sampson3 October 2026
Thanks so much to Tye for helping me to pass my driving test this week! I started learning with him in my 30s and he’s given me so much confidence, and taught me with tons of knowledge and patience. His lessons are always great fun :) Thank you Tye!Posted on Google![]()
Lee Hill30 September 2026
My driving instructor Syed was fantastic. Very patient and understanding to which my confidence has built so much. Enjoyed my lessons learning and having laughs along the way. I passed first time today and cannot thank him enough…see you on the road as you said Syed…..JamesPosted on Google![]()
Ella30 September 2026
Aron is the best - he helped me to pass first time after years of being a nervous learner - always super flexible with fitting in my lessons - I can’t thank him enough!Posted on Google![]()
Okekem Tasie29 September 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ *Passed at Mitcham Test Centre TODAY - First Time!* I passed my driving test today at Mitcham and it is all thanks to my amazing instructor Harish! Harish is an outstanding driving instructor. What makes him stand out is his professionalism: He always sends a 24-hour appointment reminder, so you never miss a lesson, and he always arrives on time. His car is brand new, very neat and clean, which makes learning so comfortable and enjoyable. He is incredibly patient, calm and encouraging. He explains everything so clearly and never makes you feel nervous, even when you make mistakes. He taught me to be a safe and confident driver, not just to pass the test. If you are looking for a reliable, professional and truly excellent instructor, Harish is the best choice. I cannot recommend him highly enough. Thank you so much Harish! TasiePosted on Google![]()
Max Lawrence29 September 2026
Rehaan is a great instructor! He gave clear instructions and made me feel comfortable at the wheel straight away. He taught me everything I needed to know and to got me ready for my practical test which I passed today.Posted on Google![]()
Sam Langaas29 September 2026
I am not sure there are enough words to describe how appreciative I am of Mo. We have been on a journey for many, many months - I started from absolute zero with no extra support and passed my test first time with only 3 faults, at Mitcham no less. Mo did not know what he was in for taking me on as a student, I am anxiety-prone and generally nervous - and in my mid-30s so not as fearless as younger drivers might be! I had put off driving lessons for 20 years for a number of reasons, but a huge one was out of fear of getting a teacher who didn’t accommodate my anxious brain. Mo immediately made me feel comfortable and safe from day 1, while still challenging me every single lesson. I am genuinely going to miss our lessons, and cannot thank HHDS and Mo enough for the kindness and care throughout this process. Not to mention all the fun and laughs along the way. Thank you Mo!Posted on Google![]()
Emma24 September 2026
I cannot thank Herne Hill Driving school enough for all of their help. Sarah was always on hand and replied to my messages quickly no matter the time of day. She allocated me with my lovely instructor Maliyr. Malyir was always on time and never let me down. He explained everything clearly and calmly. I was never afraid to make a mistake. And finally today after years of being too scared to even learn. I’ve passed my test at West Wickham. Thank you so so much for all the fun conversations and for believing in me. Emma
Below, you can explore our Frequently Asked Questions section for answers to common inquiries about our driving school, programs, and services. In addition, we’re here to provide clarity and address your concerns as you embark on your journey to becoming a skilled driver.
Make sure you have a provisional licence.
Remember your glasses/contact lenses if you need them.
Wear suitable shoes.
Book a lesson at a time that is suitable for you.
Ask questions if you are unsure about something
Automatic cars are now increasingly common, not only are they easier (and more relaxing) to drive than a manual, in some cases they can be better on fuel and can cost less to maintain. Automatic cars are generally easier and quicker to learn in since there is no emphasis on learning to use the clutch or gearstick, this means it´s more than likely going to be more expensive to learn to drive a manual car as you will need more lessons.
The first thing to bear in mind is if you learn to drive in an automatic car, you will only be allowed to drive automatic cars going forward whereas if you learn in a manual you can choose whether you want to drive a manual or automatic once you’ve passed your test.
A manual licence covers both types of cars while an automatic licence only covers automatic cars. However, the cost of driving lessons isn’t cheap and, inevitably, learning to drive in a manual car takes longer as you have to be trained to use the clutch and the gearbox. This means it’s more than likely going to be more expensive to learn to drive a manual car as you will need more lessons
However, automatic lessons are often more expensive so it’s worth doing the maths before you make your decision.
Yes. Lessons can be adapted to your experience and confidence level. For example, you can begin with quieter roads before gradually moving onto busier routes and junctions.
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