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.

Check Lesson Availability

  • 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.

Posted on Google Google
Ann welsh profile picture
Ann welsh
1 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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
Posted on Google Google
Antonios Kalyvas profile picture
Antonios Kalyvas
30 September 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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.
Posted on Google Google
Olivia Jukes profile picture
Olivia Jukes
28 September 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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.
Posted on Google Google
Jamal Idrisi profile picture
Jamal Idrisi
25 September 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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! 🙌❤
Posted on Google Google
Au Ambrose profile picture
Au Ambrose
25 September 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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!
Posted on Google Google
Alfie Oliver profile picture
Alfie Oliver
22 September 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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.
Posted on Google Google
Asish Gurung profile picture
Asish Gurung
17 September 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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 :)
Posted on Google Google
Holly Migden profile picture
Holly Migden
14 September 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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.
Posted on Google Google
Drew Nutter profile picture
Drew Nutter
15 August 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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!!!
Verified by Trustindex
Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

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

View Driving Lesson Prices

Check Availability