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Open Road Driving School

Open Road Driving School

5.0(20 reviews)See reviews ↓·Belfast

About the company

Open Road Driving School is a driving school based in Belfast, founded by Paul Scott, who started the school 8 years ago. Kyle Kennedy joined the school full time in 2018. The school offers driving lessons in the Greater Belfast and North Down area, covering Belfast, Greater Belfast and North Down (Newtownards, Bangor, Comber). It uses Balmoral, Dill Road and Newtownards test centres. Instructors hold full ADI (approved driving instructor) licences issued by the DVA.

All vehicles are fitted with dual controls. The school provides ADI training for those considering becoming a driving instructor, preparation for the extended driving test, theory preparation, pay-as-you-go lessons, prepaid block lessons, test packages including a 1-hour pre-test lesson, and intensive courses. Instructors have experience working with inexperienced and nervous drivers, and Kyle Kennedy uses modern coaching techniques.

What customers say

Based on genuine customer reviews

Open Road Driving School in Belfast draws consistent praise from learner drivers, with Paul Scott named across customer accounts as the instructor behind many first-time test passes. A recurring observation is his calm and patient manner throughout lessons, with mistakes corrected constructively so that pupils feel supported rather than discouraged. Reviewers describe his teaching as organised and methodical, breaking down manoeuvres and road procedure in a way that steadily builds confidence behind the wheel.

The structure of each session comes up often, with lessons tailored to the pupil's pace and particular weaknesses, and encouragement offered in the run-up to the practical test. Several customers note that they felt thoroughly prepared for the examiner's instructions, and clear communication and a friendly, approachable style are mentioned repeatedly. Kyle also receives warm words for keeping learners relaxed while ensuring they are test-ready. The consistency of the feedback over several years points to a dependable standard of tuition for those preparing for their driving test in the Belfast area.

Open Road Driving School — Customer photo

Reviews

Reviews are taken from publicly available sources.

PK
Prasanna Kumar H A16 October 2024

Kyle was fantastic! He is a great instructor—patient, professional and extremely knowledgeable. He took the time to explain everything clearly, making sure I understood every detail. His calm and encouraging approach really boosted my confidence. Thanks for all your help, passed the test on the first try! I couldn’t have asked for a better instructor

AR
Anna Robinson23 August 2023

I just passed my test today with Paul and I cannot thank him enough for getting me through my test would definitely recommend to my family and friends thank you so much Paul.

SD
Sian Davies11 August 2023

Kyle is a great driving instructor, always keeps you relaxed during your lessons and is great and getting you ready for your test. I passed first time after learning with him. Will really miss the laughs though! I will definitely be recommending to anyone that is learning to drive! 😊

MC
MORGANE cabella12 April 2023

Paul is excellent at teaching, he's organised, pedagogical, friendly and professional, he really helps you to build self confidence in your driving skills, preps you perfectly to pass 1rst time your test as long as you try your best slowing everything down, driving safe and legal, having a good observation and listening examiner's instructions. I’ve past my test first at test center Dill Road. Can’t wait now to sort my young driver insurance and be free like the wind with my husky pup . Highly recommend Paul for students based in East Belfast

SS
Sushant Sagvekar31 March 2023

Full marks to Kyle. He has been an excellent instructor for me through our the tenure. Very patient, polite and best to get trained under. He will make sure that when you go for the exam, you definitely clear it but more importantly will teach you the safe driving skills. Thank You Very Much Kyle for your help and support.

J
Julia21 January 2023

I just wanted to say a big thanks to Paul who I took refresher lessons with last year. I had had my licence for years, but had not been driving. Paul helped me get back into it and regain the confidence to drive. He is an excellent and patient instructor, very much recommended!

LL
Linda Lam22 December 2022

10/10 outstanding instructor! I highly recommend Paul to everyone. He's very supportive, patient and a very lovely guy. Very clear and concise teaching which I love too!

Driving schools in Belfast compared

Ordered by rating, weighted by the number of reviews — businesses with only a handful of reviews do not jump to the top automatically. 7 businesses in this category in Belfast are compared.

RankProviderRatingReviewsOpen Sat.
1Top Marks Automatic Driving School Belfast★ 5,0238Yes
2A New Start Driving School★ 5,093No
3easydriveni★ 5,084Yes
4Open Road Driving School (this page)★ 5,020Yes
5Lou's Learners★ 5,015No
Contact
+447796957072www.openroaddrivingschool.net12 Abbey Rd, Belfast BT5 7HS
Working hours
Monday09:00–21:00
Tuesday09:00–21:00
Wednesday09:00–21:00
Thursday09:00–21:00
Friday09:00–17:00
Saturday09:00–13:00
SundayClosed