Learn to drive with a patient, professional driving instructor who knows Folkestone and the surrounding area.

Whether you’re starting from scratch, returning to lessons or feeling nervous behind the wheel, we’ll tailor your tuition to help you become a safe and confident driver.

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  • Manual Driving Lessons

  • Patient Local Instructor

  • Free Theory Test Training

  • Lessons Tailored to You

Driving Lessons Tailored To You

Everyone learns to drive differently, which is why your lessons will be tailored around your experience, confidence and progress.

Whether you’re getting behind the wheel for the first time, have already had some driving lessons or are returning to driving after a break, we’ll start from where you are and progress at a pace that works for you. Lessons focus not only on preparing you for your driving test, but on developing the skills, awareness and confidence you need to drive safely and independently.

With patient, professional tuition and plenty of encouragement along the way, you’ll be supported from your first lesson through to test day and beyond.

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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Sarah Price profile picture
Sarah Price
30 October 2026
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I have been with the John Harvey Driving School for a year, and they have helped me passed with just two minors. My instructor Marcello Rizzo was very good, very calm and helped me learn in a safe environment. I am overall very happy with my experience with my instructor and the school.
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Hannah Gomersall
28 October 2026
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I passed first time with Cristian. I had a great experience and felt really prepared for my test and beyond. Would really recommend JHDS!
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Martins Edum
28 October 2026
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Huge thanks to Jarno, I took my Manual test today, October 28th, and passed on my first try.
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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
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
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
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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Learning to Drive Around Folkestone

Learning to drive isn’t just about practising the skills needed to pass a test. It’s about becoming confident dealing with the roads and situations you’ll encounter when driving independently.

Your lessons with Chris will give you experience of a variety of driving environments around Folkestone and the surrounding area, progressing from suitable quieter roads while you master the basics to busier roads, junctions, roundabouts and faster routes as your confidence and ability develop.

As you progress, lessons will increasingly encourage you to plan ahead, make your own decisions and drive independently, so you’re prepared for much more than simply passing the driving test.

Meet Your Folkestone Driving Instructor

Chris Penfold - Manual Driving Instructor in Folkestone

Chris provides manual driving lessons in Folkestone, Dover and Deal, helping learners of different ages, abilities and confidence levels develop their driving skills.

Teaching in a Skoda Karoq, Chris offers a calm and supportive learning environment where lessons can be adapted to suit the individual. Whether you’re a complete beginner, feeling nervous about learning to drive or already have some experience behind the wheel, Chris will help you build your skills and confidence step by step.

Chris trained through the John Harvey Driving Instructor Training programme, helping us maintain the high standards of tuition and professionalism we expect across the driving school.

Driving Lessons for Every Stage of Learning

New to Driving?

If you’ve never driven before, don’t worry. Your first lessons will introduce everything gradually, giving you time to become comfortable with the car and basic controls before moving on to more challenging driving situations.

Nervous About Driving?

You’re certainly not alone. If you’re anxious about learning to drive or have lost confidence following a previous experience, your lessons can progress at a pace you’re comfortable with. There’s no pressure to rush — building genuine confidence is more important.

Already Had Driving Lessons?

Changing instructors doesn’t mean starting again. Chris can assess your current ability, identify any areas that need attention and build your lessons around the skills you’ve already developed.

Getting Ready for Your Test?

As you approach test standard, lessons can focus on any weaker areas, independent driving and putting everything together consistently. Mock-test style drives can also help you understand what to expect and identify anything that needs further practice before test day.

Driving Lesson Prices in Folkestone

We believe lesson prices should be clear from the start, with no surprises later.

Manual Lessons
£40 per hour

New Learner Offer
Try Us & See Deal from £36 per hour

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