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Julie's Happy Driving Academy

Julie's Happy Driving Academy

5.0(18 reviews)See reviews ↓·Portsmouth

What customers say

Based on genuine customer reviews

Learner confidence and a calm, patient approach emerge as the clearest themes across feedback for this Portsmouth driving school. Various customers describe how Julie, the instructor, puts nervous pupils at ease, particularly those who had previously struggled with anxiety behind the wheel or had changed instructors before finding her. Several accounts note clear instruction, constructive feedback delivered kindly, and lessons tailored to specific areas a pupil wants to work on. Progress is described as steady, with first-time test passes noted by multiple learners, some after relatively few hours of tuition.

The atmosphere during lessons is consistently portrayed as friendly and enjoyable, with music and conversation helping to settle nerves. Safety-conscious driving and careful observation are highlighted as strengths, and the instructor's willingness to go beyond the basics, including local knowledge for newcomers to the area, appears in accounts. Communication is praised, with pupils feeling listened to and encouraged throughout their learning. Those who described themselves as apprehensive report feeling supported and believing in their own ability by the time they took their test. The recurring picture is one of patient, personable teaching that builds competence and composure, with Julie named throughout as central to the experience.

Reviews

Reviews are taken from publicly available sources.

KW
Katie Were13 July 2026

I had over 5 instructors before Julie and she was the only one I felt confident with and stayed with until I passed! She makes you feel so at ease, especially if you get incredibly anxious behind the wheel (like I did). Can’t recommend her enough, so lovely and so patient! Thank you Julie!

S
Scottharp27 March 2026

Julie is an amazing instructor, I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else. She’s very patient and observant and makes sure you drive with safety. I wouldn’t have passed if it wasn’t for Julie.

IH
Ian Harris5 December 2025

Julie is the best driving school around and knows her stuff inside out which made me pass first time with ZERO minors, would very highly recommend. :-)

PT
Pj tovey27 November 2025

Julie’s a great teacher who makes driving stress-free and easy, was great in terms of confidence! She gives clear instructions and pointers, and always has good feedback :)

TN
Tammy Norris30 September 2025

I can 100% recommend Julies Happy Driving Academy. 🌈 Our son passed first time after only 12 weeks tuition. 🥳 He truly was a 'Happy' Driving Academy pupil and was beaming from ear to ear with each lesson.😁 Can't thank Julie enough for her excellent teaching skills. Thanks again Julie 😄

CC
Chloe Cole3 July 2025

Julie is amazing driving instructor!! 100% recommend to anyone. I struggle with anxiety and Julie was able to keep me calm in all lessons. I’m so thankful she believed in me.

RH
Riley Harold22 February 2025

I absolutely recommend Julie as a driving instructor. She trains you very well and she will give you constructive criticism in a nice way rather than getting annoyed. She is very friendly and will also listen to you and if you have anything specific you want to work on, she will incorporate it into lessons.

Driving schools in Portsmouth compared

Ordered by rating, weighted by the number of reviews — businesses with only a handful of reviews do not jump to the top automatically. 6 businesses in this category in Portsmouth are compared.

RankProviderRatingReviewsOpen Sat.
1Eco Drives★ 5,038Yes
2DriveAway Automatic★ 5,034Yes
3PriPlus Automatic School of Motoring Portsmouth★ 5,019No
4Julie's Happy Driving Academy (this page)★ 5,018Yes
5Driving Lessons Portsmouth - 1st Top Gear★ 5,04Yes
Contact
+447919358885www.julieshappydrivingacademy.co.uk131 Aylen Rd, Portsmouth PO3 5HE
Working hours
Monday08:00–16:00
Tuesday08:00–16:00
Wednesday08:00–16:00
Thursday08:00–16:00
Friday08:00–16:00
Saturday08:00–13:00
SundayClosed