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Belt Up Driving School

Belt Up Driving School

4.8(51 reviews)See reviews ↓·Plymouth

About the company

Belt Up Driving School is a driving school based in Plymouth. The owner is Angie Presland, a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor Grade A who is on the ORDIT (Official Register of Driving Instructor Trainers) Register. She held the post of Training & Events Co-ordinator for the Association of Professional Driving Instructors for 4 years until November 2018 and holds the City & Guilds Level 3 in Education and Training.

The school offers one-to-one driving lessons, instructor training for PDIs, free access to Theory Test Pro until the pupil passes their Theory Test, and a door-to-door service. It has been awarded one of the Top 3 Driving Schools in Plymouth every year. Its service area includes Belliver, Cattedown, Crownhill, Devonport, Efford, Eggbuckland, Glenholt, Laira, Manadon, Mannamead, Mutley, Peverell, Southway, St Budeaux, St Judes, Tamerton Foliot, Whitleigh, and Woolwell.

The instructors include Gemma Hewlett, Nick Jones, Dan Ashley, Becky Clarke, Dave West, David Whalley, and Darren Heale. Becky Clarke has qualified as a Driving Instructor and brings an automatic option to the school, while Darren Heale adds another automatic lesson option for learners. The trainees include Mark, Mark, Izzy, Ellie, Darren, and Liz. The school's cars have air conditioning and are manual, except Becky's automatic BMW 1 Series Shadow Edition.

What customers say

Based on genuine customer reviews

Instruction here covers preparation for practical tests as well as training for those working towards becoming instructors themselves, and both strands draw consistent praise. Learners repeatedly credit Angie and Darran with patience, clear explanations and an ability to adapt their teaching style to how each pupil learns, with several passing on their first attempt and one passing with zero minor faults. Trainee instructors preparing for ADI assessments describe structured, supportive guidance through each stage, including help staying focused when the process felt overwhelming, with at least one pupil crediting the school with a successful Part 3 outcome.

Flexibility comes up often too, including accommodating a pupil who booked with only a week before their test and fitting in lessons at short notice. One reviewer who had previously trained unsuccessfully elsewhere found the right guidance after switching here. Continuity also features, with one pupil being taken on partway through their learning after their previous instructor passed away, and going on to pass first time. The school is based on Blackeven Close in Roborough, operating weekday mornings and early afternoons, split into two sessions before and after a midday break, with no weekend opening currently offered.

Reviews

Reviews are taken from publicly available sources.

ZN
zubair nazeer6 August 2026

A huge thank you to Darren Fice for helping me pass my automatic driving test today. From the very first lesson, Darren was patient, friendly and explained everything in a simple way that made learning easy and built my confidence. Even though I had already been riding a motorbike, but I realised I learned so much from him about road safety, observation, and following the rules correctly that helped me a lot to be a safe rider as well. What I really appreciate is that Darren doesn’t just teach you to pass the test, he teaches you to become a safe, confident, and responsible driver. These skills are something I will carry with me throughout my life. It was a short but unforgettable journey, and every penny I spent was absolutely worth it. I highly recommend Darren to anyone looking for an excellent automatic driving instructor. Thank you again, Darren!

AS
Amber Smith15 July 2026

I had Angie as my instructor and I couldn’t think of anyone better to teach me! She was very patient and a great teacher. She gave me tips and tricks that I use now in my every day drive. Thank you Angie

JS
j s5 June 2026

I had the pleasure of being instructed by Angie, who was brilliant! Helped me pass first go!, She accommodated me with very short notice, She made me feel comfortable and confident, gave clear instuctions and explanations to my daft questions :) I cant thank belt up driving school enough! Highly recommend, excellent experience, You will not be dissapointed.

HL
Hugo Loureiro25 April 2026

I had Darran Heale as my instructor, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Darran was patient, kind, and supportive throughout my whole journey to getting my licence. He always knew how to calm my nerves and explained every manoeuvre in the easiest way to understand. From day one, I knew he was a great instructor and a genuinely good person. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking to learn to drive. Belt Up Driving School has some of the most impactful instructors in Plymouth, helping pupils achieve their licence to the highest and safest standard possible. Thank you for all the support!

AC
Aidan Collins11 April 2026

I highly recommend Mark Smith and Belt Up Driving School. Despite being a very nervous driver, I was able to pass my driving test first time and get on the road thanks to lessons that were designed around me in a way that let me not just learn the skills I need, but also build up my confidence and perfect them. Belt Up is a top notch driving school with top notch instructors who will always offer as much support as you need to pass your test with as little faults as possible.

ID
Isabella Deacon10 April 2026

I first contacted Angie, in March 2025 for support with my instructor training, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better trainer!! With her guidance, I passed both Part 1 and Part 2 first time, which is a testament to her knowledge and teaching ability. Angie is incredibly passionate about what she does and genuinely wants to see you succeed. Her encouragement, professionalism, and commitment is next level. Over the past 7 months, I’ve been having regular Part 3 training sessions, she has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure I’m fully prepared and confident for my final exam. I would highly recommend Angie to anyone looking to become a driving instructor—her support is unmatched and she really goes the extra mile!

AT
Alex Timbers2 April 2026

If you want to pass your driving test first time, I cannot recommend Darran Heale enough. A superb instructor who can teach you how to pass a test with ease. Thanks again Belt Up Driving School and thank you Darran for getting me behind the wheel!

Driving schools in Plymouth 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 Plymouth are compared.

RankProviderRatingReviewsOpen Sat.
1Lendrums Driving School Plymouth★ 5,0132Yes
2AAA School of Motoring★ 4,8129Yes
3Com'Pass Driving School★ 4,854No
4Belt Up Driving School (this page)★ 4,851No
5letspass★ 4,818Yes
Contact
+447904611081www.beltup2drive.co.uk19 Blackeven Cl, Roborough, Plymouth PL6 7AX
Working hours
Monday09:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Tuesday09:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Wednesday09:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Thursday09:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Friday09:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed