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Varney Driving School

Varney Driving School

5.0(58 reviews)See reviews ↓·York

What customers say

Based on genuine customer reviews

In York, learners repeatedly single out James as the reason they felt able to progress, describing a teaching style that stays calm, patient and professional while being adapted to individual needs. Several customers note that he takes confidence issues and conditions such as dyslexia and ADHD into consideration, tailoring explanations so that anxious or neurodivergent pupils can make sense of each stage. A point made in several accounts is the relaxed atmosphere during lessons, with instruction broken down clearly whenever a manoeuvre or road situation proved difficult.

Reviewers mention being guided from basics near home through to busier roads around the city, and many record passing the practical test at the first attempt. Reliability and consistency feature too, including flexible scheduling and the option of taking cancellation slots when a regular weekly lesson was not possible. Parents describe James putting a shy teenager at ease, while longer-term learners value the steady encouragement that helped them overcome earlier failed attempts. Praise centres on clear communication, patience and the confidence gained behind the wheel.

Varney Driving School — Customer photo
Varney Driving School — Customer photo
Varney Driving School — Customer photo

Reviews

Reviews are taken from publicly available sources.

MB
Mia B17 June 2026

James is amazingly patient and was so kind but still a fantastic teacher. I was so nervous to learn to drive but I passed first time! Would highly recommend to anyone neurodivergent, especially if you're anxious about driving.

LE
Lottie Eley25 April 2026

I couldn’t have asked for a better instructor than James. He’s patient, understanding, and especially great if you’re nervous like I was. He explains everything in a really easy-to-understand way and creates such a relaxed environment. I passed my test and felt fully prepared.

OL
Oscar Langford16 October 2025

I passed my driving exam with Varney Driving School. James is a really friendly and supportive teacher. He provides excellent insights in how to improve your driving skills and is very paitent and reassuring. For anyone with learning difficulties I would especially recommend James as I have dyslexia and ADHD which James puts into consideration and helps you through the extra challenges that can cause when learning to drive. Overall, Varney Driving School is a great instructor and a great guy.

H
Henry28 September 2025

Just passed my test with James. Our lessons have been excellent. He teaches safe and efficient ways of driving and has a good amount of patience. Notices things you need to improve on and helps you with it. A rather charismatic fellow too, which was nice. I'd certainly recommend him. As a bonus, he's a Dr. Who/Harry Potter fan, so that's good news if you're one too! However, he was rather unprofessional sometimes. He often raised his voice loud and made me feel intense anxiety, which has given me trauma and made me feel anxious driving. I nearly hit a cyclist today as a result, because I'm anxious of being berated for making a mistake. Just look out for him, he has questionable behaviour. Also he uses his phone a lot when you're driving and that's illegal so yeah. I'd maybe recommend him, it seems only I have this problem. Thing is, he says if his pupils give him a 10/10, he'll give them an extra lesson. I'd rather be honest with my thoughts. But he's kinda decent. Just tell him to ease up if you feel like he's treating you badly. It worked for my stepdad who also passed with him. 5/10.

TH
Trudy Hilary12 February 2025

James was great with my son Jake. Jake is v shy and James put him at ease and made him feel comfortable. James is friendly, calm and patient. We are delighted Jake has passed his driving test.

MG
Mariya Geneshka9 February 2025

Patient, thorough and considerate, I cannot recommend James enough. As an older learner, I appreciate his ability to adapt the lessons to match your unique style of learning. I also liked his focus on getting you to first understand the reasons behind the rules of the road instead of just telling you to drive a certain way. Because of that, I have passed my test feeling confident that I have good technique and can drive safely.

HO
Harry O'Brien17 November 2024

James is an excellent driving instructor, adapting his teaching style to fit me and make me into a safe and confident driver - and I passed by test first time. Cannot recommend enough!

Driving schools in York 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 York are compared.

RankProviderRatingReviewsOpen Sat.
1checkmirrors School of Motoring York★ 5,0324Yes
2York Driving School LTD★ 5,0102Yes
3Smart Pass York★ 5,075Yes
4Varney Driving School (this page)★ 5,058No
5Yorkshire Driving Instructor★ 5,053Yes
Contact
+447761379042www.facebook.com/varneydrivingschool39 Middleton Rd, Acomb, York YO24 3AT
Working hours
Monday09:00–18:30
Tuesday09:00–18:30
Wednesday09:00–18:30
Thursday09:00–18:30
Friday09:00–18:30
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed