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Daniel's Driving School York

Daniel's Driving School York

4.8(49 reviews)See reviews ↓·York

About the company

Daniel's Driving School is based in York. The instructor is a DBS-checked independent certified Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), DVSA approved and holds Grade A status. He is a Certified Driving Test Nerves Specialist through the LOF A WAY 2 PASS scheme, an advanced driver with IAM RoadSmart, and a Gold standard advanced driver with RoSPA. He has undergone specialist training in adult coaching, nervous driver techniques, client-centred learning and customer care. He previously owned a perfumery business in York.

The school offers automatic driving lessons, refresher lessons, and a free, no obligation, pre-lesson meet & greet visit to your home. It serves the York area including YO24, YO26, YO30, YO31, YO32, Acomb, Clifton, Heworth, Holtby, Nether Poppleton, Rawcliffe, Stockton-on-the-Forest, Upper Poppleton, Warthill, and Woodthorpe. It also welcomes clients from Dunnington, Elvington, Escrick, Gate Helmsley, Heslington, Heworth, High Catton, Low Catton, Holtby, Murton, Newton-upon-Derwent, Osbaldwick, Stamford Bridge, Sutton-upon-Derwent, Warthill and Wheldrake.

What customers say

Based on genuine customer reviews

Anxious learners, including some who had previously struggled with driving, form the group most often described in accounts of this York driving school. Reviewers frequently explain how Daniel's unhurried manner helped them move past long-held nerves and build belief in their own ability. A point made in several accounts is the careful planning behind each session: topics are covered thoroughly while time is set aside to revisit the areas a learner wants to work on, and pupils value being trusted to guide what they practise.

Punctuality, clear explanation and organisational support away from the wheel, such as arranging test bookings and seeking earlier dates, are repeatedly praised. Customers also highlight how mistakes are handled, with errors discussed calmly and constructively so they can be put right on the next attempt, and how different teaching techniques are adapted to individual learning styles. The combination of patience, encouragement and instruction aimed at producing safe independent drivers runs through accounts of first-time passes, including one achieved with just three minor faults. Enjoyment, thoughtful lesson structure and deep professional knowledge are mentioned again and again.

Daniel's Driving School York — Customer photo

Reviews

Reviews are taken from publicly available sources.

CW
Catherine Wheatley5 December 2025

I couldn't speak more highly of Daniel if I tried. As a nervous learner, I was unsure what to expect of myself and of my instructor, but I was immediately put at ease. His approach is relaxed, considerate and calm and each error when made is discussed in a friendly and supportive manner, to coach you and help you understand how to correct it the next time. I am pleased to say I passed first time with only 3 minors, thanks to Daniel! I highly recommend booking whether you're a nervous learner, learning for the first time or reintroducing yourself to driving- you won't be disappointed.

MB
Matthew Beswick12 November 2025

Daniel felt like a true teammate in my learning journey. He completes a significant amount of admin outside of lessons, such as booking tests and trying to get an earlier slot if possible. Which I consider going above and beyond. He was kind and considerate throughout. He is also clearly deeply knowledgeable within his profession. I would not hesitate to recommend him.

BG
bethan goodwin9 September 2025

Daniel is an exceptional driving instructor, and particularly excelled with a challenging client like myself. I have been diagnosed with anxiety, and whilst I had tried to drive previously, I'd been very unsuccessful as my anxiety would take over. Daniel's skill, experience and calm demeanor completely transformed my driving experience. He is incredibly well versed in using a variety of techniques and learning styles to explain himself, which meant I was able to understand driving in a whole new light. Within ten lessons, the confidence and skills he had imbued in me transformed my driving and I was able to confidently pass my driving test with one minor on the first try (for reference, I previously almost hit a pedestrian in a test some years prior and left with 3 majors and about 13 minors). But moreover, I'm able to drive independently now with continued confidence. He's a really lovely person, and I couldn't recommend him highly enough.

AZ
Anqian Zhou5 July 2025

Highly recommend Daniel — especially if you're a nervous or shy driver like me! His teaching style is very student-oriented and focused on helping you identify what you need to improve throughout your lessons. He’s incredibly supportive and tries to help you in many different ways. I started with standard 2-hour lessons, but he noticed I made more mistakes in the second hour than in the first. So, we discussed adjusting the lesson length — reducing it to 1 hour, gradually increasing to 1.5 hours, and eventually returning to 2 hours when I was ready. Daniel has lots of clever tips and tricks that help you understand what’s happening on the road and what you could do better next time. He doesn’t just teach you how to drive safely — he also encourages you to think independently about the best actions to take when you face complex situations. Finally, I passed my test with no faults! (even though it was my second attempt). I couldn’t have done it without Daniel’s guidance and patience. P.S. Thanks for the exclusive seat No.2 setting and the extra thick cusion :-)

IA
Izz Aust29 April 2025

I couldn't recommend Daniel's Driving School enough. I have had lessons over the course of 12 years and 3 different instructors, and Daniel is by far the best Instructor I've had! Reliable, kind and client-focused. After learning with Daniel I felt ready not only to pass my test but to drive safely and confidently after the test. Thanks Daniel!

HL
Helen Lodge17 November 2024

Before I started driving lessons, I wouldn't even sit in the driver's seat. As a VERY nervous driver, Daniel helped me feel calm and took away my fears to unlock a skill I didn't know I had. Daniels very calm approach helped massively and no question was a silly question. A very good teacher, especially if you're feeling nervous about driving. I would absolutely recommend.

JW
Joanne Wadsworth19 August 2024

Dan is the most excellent driving instructor I could have ever dreamed to work with! After learning how to drive in the USA at age 17, I was quite nervous to drive in the UK at age 25, but Dan instantly put me at ease and I truly looked forward to my lessons with him. Dan is a calming presence in the car and instills confidence in his students. I really enjoyed his teaching style. When I made a mistake, Dan would calmly and clearly explain the mistake and we would both reflect upon what could be improved for next time. Dan goes the extra mile for his students, for example having a meet and greet before starting lessons to get a feel for the car and sending lovely words of wisdom before the test. I could not recommend Dan enough! I am very happy to say that through Dan’s guidance I passed my test first time!

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★ 5,058No
5Yorkshire Driving Instructor★ 5,053Yes
10Daniel's Driving School York (this page)★ 4,849Yes
Contact
Working hours
Monday08:00–19:30
Tuesday08:00–19:30
Wednesday08:00–19:30
ThursdayClosed
FridayClosed
Saturday08:00–19:30
Sunday08:00–19:30