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CANTERBURY’S NO.1 DRIVING SCHOOL!

“TRY US & SEE”

Your 1st Six Hours From £36 Per Hour

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Welcome to John Harvey Driving School. We are different from other driving schools in Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Deal, Faversham & Folkestone.

Welcome to John Harvey Driving School. We are different from other driving schools in Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Deal, Faversham & Folkestone.

We offer you quality driving lessons in the Ashford, Canterbury, Folkestone, Herne Bay, Whitstable, Deal, Dover, Faversham, areas.

If you want to pass your driving test then look no further! 

Learning to drive is not just about passing the test, that is just the beginning. We aim to make your lessons as enjoyable and as fun as they can be whist teaching you the skills that will make you a safe driver for life. We will teach you according to the DVSA syllabus covering all you need to know to be a confident and safe driver for life.

We believe in providing the highest quality of service with no gimmicks or unrealistic promises. Every lesson will have an objective, we will always be aiming to improve your skills and our regular recaps will be used to check your level of understanding and skills. We may not be the cheapest, but we aim to be the best, providing excellent value for money, we so so confident we even back this up with our money back guarantee.

Choosing the right driving instructor often seems like a daunting task as there are so many to choose from, make sure you read their reviews on their website and social media, ask for personal recommendations from friends and relatives. Look at the whole package, what do they offer, can they fit in around your schedule, do they offer help with the theory test, do they offer any other incentives or have any guarantees.

Since John Harvey Driving School started in 2005 we have helped hundreds of new drivers pass their driving test in Canterbury, Ashford, Folkestone, Faversham, Dover, Deal, Herne Bay and Whitstable.

Try Us & See Deal

6 hours of tuition from just £36 per hour!

The Ultimate Training Package

Stress free all-in deal!

What our customers have to say about us…

Don’t just take our word for it, take a look at our learners reviews.

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Ann welsh profile picture
Ann welsh
1 October 2026
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I took refresher lessons and for the first time used an automatic car. I t was great the lady was patience with me and I enjoyed the lessons greatly. I now drive an automatic car and thanks to the driving school I am back on the road again. Thank you so much
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Antonios Kalyvas profile picture
Antonios Kalyvas
30 September 2026
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I can't recommend the instructor Jarno Keene highly enough. I came to him with zero driving experience, and I honestly never believed I'd get this far. Thanks to his teaching, I passed my test first time with just three minor faults. Jarno is dedicated to his profession and genuinely cares about his pupils. His manners are impeccable, and his patience never ran out, even when I needed things explained more than once. He built my confidence step by step until driving felt natural. Thank you, Jarno, from the bottom of my heart. If you're looking for an instructor who is professional, calm, and truly committed to getting you through your test, look no further.
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Olivia Jukes profile picture
Olivia Jukes
28 September 2026
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I had an excellent experience with JHDS, Nik was so patient and kind, which makes the lessons super enjoyable. As a previously nervous driver, JHDS helped me to become more confident in my driving abilities and I was finally able to pass my test. I would highly recommend their services.
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Jamal Idrisi profile picture
Jamal Idrisi
25 September 2026
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A massive thank you to Marcello! ❤️🚗 I can’t thank you enough for your patience, support, and encouragement throughout my driving lessons. You helped me build my confidence and achieve my goal of passing my driving test first time. I’m truly grateful for everything you’ve taught me and all the effort you put into helping me succeed. An amazing instructor and a genuinely lovely person. I highly recommend John harvey driving school and Marcello to anyone learning to drive! Thank you for everything! 🙌❤
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Au Ambrose profile picture
Au Ambrose
25 September 2026
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I started my driving lessons with John Harvey Driving School with my instructor, Cristian Ghita, and I would highly recommend him. He explained everything clearly and was always encouraging and motivating, even when I made mistakes. He helped me feel relaxed and confident, especially leading up to my test, and taught me how to be a safe and confident driver. I’m really glad to have passed my test with just 2 minors. Thank you, Cristian, for all your help and support!
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Alfie Oliver profile picture
Alfie Oliver
22 September 2026
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First time pass today! I can’t thank John enough for his patience and expertise, he made the whole driving experience feel so easy and stress free.
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Asish Gurung profile picture
Asish Gurung
17 September 2026
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I’m very happy with the whole driving experience I’ve had with Cristian , he’s very helpful and engaging, when I first drove with him , I knew he was the instructor I wanted to, I would highly recommend Cristian :)
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Holly Migden profile picture
Holly Migden
14 September 2026
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My instructor, Greg, was the most clear and patient guy you could hope to have teaching you. He relieved all stress and went above and beyond in meeting client need. What a fantastic learning experience! I'm now driving at 53 after a gap in learning of 36 years! Thank you so much.
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Drew Nutter profile picture
Drew Nutter
15 August 2026
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I passed last month driving manual, starting September last year. This company has been incredible, most importantly because of my amazing instructor Marcello. He is a credit to the school and helped me feel confident in driving when on my first lesson I thought I was going to crash immediately. I cannot thank him enough. If you ever get the option to be taught by Marcello take it up, you will not regret it!!!
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Why Choose Driving Lessons With Us?

  • DVSA Highest Grade Instructors

  • Male & female instructors

  • Manual & automatic lessons

  • Try Us and See deal from £36 per hour! (manual lessons)
  • FREE online theory test practice

  • Patient friendly instructors

  • Block booking discounts

  • Affordable, structured lessons

  • Driver record booklet

  • All cars are fitted with HE-MAN dual controls

  • Comprehensive car insurance for any driver

  • Public Liability Insurance (£10m)

  • Professional Indemnity Insurance (£5m)

  • Driving Instructors Assocation Member (DIA)

  • Pass Plus Registered

Driving Lesson FAQs

Should I learn to drive in a manual or an automatic car?

The right choice depends on you, your preference, how you learn and how you plan to use your licence.

  • Manual licences offer total flexibility. They let you drive both manual and automatic cars.
  • Automatic licences restrict you exclusively to automatic cars. However, students often pass their test faster and can be less stressful.
Will I have the same instructor and car for every lesson?

Yes. Consistency is vital for reducing anxiety. You will learn with the same dedicated instructor in the same car for every single lesson. This allows you to build a trusting relationship and get completely comfortable with how that specific vehicle handles.

What happens on my very first driving lesson?
Your instructor will pick you up and drive you to a quiet, wide-open road or suitable area. They will explain the car’s controls clearly and let you practice moving off and stopping slowly. You will only take the wheel when you feel safe and ready. You will be amazed at the progress you make on your first lesson.
I am nervous about learning to drive, is this normal?

Yes. Almost every learner driver feels anxious before their first lesson. Learning to drive is a brand-new physical and mental skill. It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed, but our instructors are calm and patient and will help you build your confidence at your own pace.

Our instructors use client-centred learning techniques. This means you are always in control of the pace. We will never force you to do something you do not feel ready for. If you feel panicked or anxious, we will pull over safely to talk it through, take a break, and adjust the lesson plan to keep you feeling comfortable and secure.

What’s included in “The Ultimate Training Package”?

The Ultimate Training Package covers everything from your 1st lesson right through to your practical test. You just need to turn up and learn to drive! Find out more about The Ultimate Training Package

Do you provide resources to help me pass my Theory Test?

Yes, all our pupils receive free, unlimited access to our online theory training portal. Your instructor will provide your login details.

Do you offer manual and automatic lessons?

Yes, when you book your first lesson please let us know which lesson type you prefer. Not sure which is right for you? No problem, get in touch with the team who will be happy to advise.

What is the “Try Us & See” Deal and do I qualify?

For new learners, our “Try Us & See” Deal, offers a £4 an hour discount off the 1st block of six hours! Plus additional savings on all future block bookings of 10 hours. Find out more about our Try Us & See Deal

Do you offer discounts for block bookings?

Yes, you can save money by block booking lessons in advance. We offer 10 and 20 hours blocks, plus for new learners our Try Us a See deal, click here for full details on lesson prices.

How much are your driving lessons?

Our pricing is straightforward and transparent, click here for full details on our driving lesson prices and options.

How can I book my first driving lesson?
You can book your lessons directly by calling our team on 0333 772 9629 during operating hours (Weekdays 9 am–5 pm, Saturdays 9 am–2 pm). Alternatively, you can message us via WhatsApp or submit a form through our contact page.

What areas do you cover for driving lessons?

We provide structured driving lessons in Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Deal, Faversham, Folkestone, Herne Bay, Whitstable, Sittingbourne, and Medway.

Do you offer manual and automatic lessons?

Yes, when you book your first lesson please let us know which lesson type you prefer. Not sure which is right for you? No problem, get in touch with the team who will be happy to advise.

What is the “Try Us & See” Deal and do I qualify?

For new learners, our “Try Us & See” Deal, offers a £4 an hour discount off the 1st block of six hours! Plus additional savings on all future block bookings of 10 hours. Find out more about our Try Us & See Deal

Do you offer discounts for block bookings?

Yes, you can save money by block booking lessons in advance. We offer 10 and 20 hours blocks, plus for new learners our Try Us a See deal, click here for full details on lesson prices.

How much are your driving lessons?

Our pricing is straightforward and transparent, click here for full details on our driving lesson prices and options.

How can I book my first driving lesson?
You can book your lessons directly by calling our team on 0333 772 9629 during operating hours (Weekdays 9 am–5 pm, Saturdays 9 am–2 pm). Alternatively, you can message us via WhatsApp or submit a form through our contact page.

What areas do you cover for driving lessons?

We provide structured driving lessons in Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Deal, Faversham, Folkestone, Herne Bay, Whitstable, Sittingbourne, and Medway.

Should I learn to drive in a manual or an automatic car?

The right choice depends on you, your preference, how you learn and how you plan to use your licence.

  • Manual licences offer total flexibility. They let you drive both manual and automatic cars.
  • Automatic licences restrict you exclusively to automatic cars. However, students often pass their test faster and can be less stressful.
Will I have the same instructor and car for every lesson?

Yes. Consistency is vital for reducing anxiety. You will learn with the same dedicated instructor in the same car for every single lesson. This allows you to build a trusting relationship and get completely comfortable with how that specific vehicle handles.

What happens on my very first driving lesson?
Your instructor will pick you up and drive you to a quiet, wide-open road or suitable area. They will explain the car’s controls clearly and let you practice moving off and stopping slowly. You will only take the wheel when you feel safe and ready. You will be amazed at the progress you make on your first lesson.
I am nervous about learning to drive, is this normal?

Yes. Almost every learner driver feels anxious before their first lesson. Learning to drive is a brand-new physical and mental skill. It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed, but our instructors are calm and patient and will help you build your confidence at your own pace.

Our instructors use client-centred learning techniques. This means you are always in control of the pace. We will never force you to do something you do not feel ready for. If you feel panicked or anxious, we will pull over safely to talk it through, take a break, and adjust the lesson plan to keep you feeling comfortable and secure.

What’s included in “The Ultimate Training Package”?

The Ultimate Training Package covers everything from your 1st lesson right through to your practical test. You just need to turn up and learn to drive! Find out more about The Ultimate Training Package

Do you provide resources to help me pass my Theory Test?

Yes, all our pupils receive free, unlimited access to our online theory training portal. Your instructor will provide your login details.

Recent Test Passes

Ready to Start Learning?

Whether you’re completely new to driving, returning after a break or looking for a new instructor, get in touch and we’ll help you find the right lessons and instructor in your area.