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Smart Driving Academy (SDA)

Smart Driving Academy (SDA)

5.0(167 reviews)See reviews ↓·Oxford

About the company

Smart Driving Academy is a driving school in Oxford that offers manual and automatic driving lessons. Instructors are DVSA-approved ADIs. The service area includes Oxford, Cowley, Headington, Summertown, Wheatley, Kennington, Abingdon and nearby villages. Lessons follow a DVSA-aligned syllabus and use progress reports and feedback. The academy provides realistic mock tests. Free pick-up and drop-off are offered in Oxford and nearby areas. Lesson times include evenings and weekends.

What customers say

Based on genuine customer reviews

Driving test preparation and learner driver training define what this Oxford driving school offers, and the feedback gathered from pupils centres consistently on the instruction of Hafiz. A number of customers describe him as patient and calm, explaining that he gives clear guidance and builds confidence step by step rather than pushing anyone towards a test before they are ready.

One thing mentioned again and again is the focus on safe driving habits and independent decision-making from the earliest lessons, with learners taken through the local test routes and shown what to watch for along the way. A number of reviews mention that lessons are well structured, including warm-up exercises when earlier material needs revisiting, so that progress feels steady and manageable. Those preparing for the practical test note that he makes sure they are ready before booking, and first-time passes are recorded among the accounts.

His manner is described as friendly and encouraging, with lessons kept relaxed yet productive. Adults returning to driving after years abroad also feature in the feedback, reporting sharper observation and greater confidence in complex city traffic. The thread running through the comments is careful, personalised teaching that equips learners both for the test and for driving afterwards.

Driver's Licence OfficeDriving Licence Training SchoolDriving test centerService establishmentTest preparation center
Smart Driving Academy (SDA) — Customer photo
Smart Driving Academy (SDA) — Customer photo

Reviews

Reviews are taken from publicly available sources.

SS
Sarah Shah5 September 2026

Great lesson! Helped me gain confidence for my first long solo drive after passing, and even helped me plan my route. Great teaching for crossroads too! Highly reccomend a super patient and competent teacher really built my confidence thank you very much!!!

TW
Thomas Whitehead18 August 2026

Hafiz is a brilliant driving instructor. He is patient, attentive and clear, and is very good at explaining things. He is always happy to answer questions and always wants to help his students in any way that he can. I would definitely recommend Hafiz.

SP
Sandra Probert2 July 2026

I can't recommend my driving instructor Hafiez highly enough. Over the last 3½ months, he has been incredibly patient, calm, and supportive throughout my lessons. He explained everything clearly, built my confidence step by step, and always made me feel comfortable, even when I made mistakes. He was reliable, professional, and genuinely wanted me to succeed. His teaching style helped me develop safe driving habits rather than just preparing me to pass a test. If you're looking for an instructor who is knowledgeable, encouraging, and patient, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him. Thank you for all your help and guidance over the last few months! Overall, a fantastic instructor — 5/5 ⭐️

CA
Courtney Ashley22 June 2026

Had 5 lessons with my driving instructor, couldn’t recommend him more he explains things so well and makes sure to always make conversation to make it a comfortable experience!!

UJ
UV Jones20 June 2026

Hafiz is a gifted teacher. I am 45 years old. I have been driving for 30 years, mainly in the US. We recently moved to the UK. I originally started with him for the sole purpose of passing a driving test. So far, I think I am well on track to do so. But I have noticed a marked improvement in my driving ability, especially in complex city driving. My observation skills improved dramatically. I feel safer and more confident when driving. Maybe now my wife will feel comfortable letting me drive 😂.

MC
Monty Cooper18 June 2026

My driving instructor has been fenomenal, he’s very patient and clearly knows how to teach. I feel I am quickly progressing with him, however, more importantly when I feel I have forgotten certain things my instructor knows how to start the lesson off with a warm up which makes the driving experience smoother and more enjoyable.

LR
Lily Richards28 May 2026

had some very progressive lessons with Hafiz, an excellent teacher and very good at installing confidence while not forgetting the details! great availability and good for intensive learning. Update! Passed first time, cannot recommend Hafiz enough!

Driving schools in Oxford compared

Ordered by rating, weighted by the number of reviews — businesses with only a handful of reviews do not jump to the top automatically. 12 businesses in this category in Oxford are compared.

RankProviderRatingReviewsOpen Sat.
1Oxford Intensive Driving School★ 5,0298Yes
2EXCLUSIVE Driving Academy★ 5,0227Yes
3Smart Driving Academy (SDA) (this page)★ 5,0167Yes
4Select Driving Academy★ 5,076Yes
5R S driving school Oxford★ 5,064Yes
Contact
Working hours
Monday07:30–20:00
Tuesday07:30–20:00
Wednesday07:30–20:00
Thursday08:00–20:00
Friday07:30–20:00
Saturday09:00–17:00
Sunday09:00–17:00