Business Details
25 Years
experience
Your Trusted Driving School in South Devon
Established in 2001 by Dave Williams, Williams Driving School has grown from a single instructor to a team of over 12 qualified professionals serving South Devon. Our ethos centres on providing high-quality tuition with outstanding value, evidenced by our 248 successful pupils in 2019 alone. We implement rigorous quality assurance processes to maintain standards across all instructors, supported by DVSA client-centred learning policies that prioritise interactive, goal-oriented lessons. With 86 Google and 68 Facebook 5-star reviews, our reputation is built on customer satisfaction, transparency, and a unique 'Try & See' deal allowing pupils to trial instructors.Our team includes specialists in automatic transmission and intensive courses, with a proven track record of first-time pass rates exceeding industry averages. We maintain local offices in Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, and Newton Abbot, offering flexible booking systems and 24/7 customer support through multiple channels. Our commitment to continuous improvement is demonstrated through annual instructor training programmes and a money-back guarantee for unsatisfied pupils.
Services
Driving Lessons
Automatic Tuition
Intensive Courses
Refresher Training
Instructor Training
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- We've maintained a 95%+ first-time pass rate since 2007
- Our 'Try & See' deal lets you trial instructors risk-free
- 86 Google reviews with 5-star ratings as of June 2020
- Client-centred lessons tailored to individual learning needs
- Money-back guarantee if you're not completely satisfied
Associations and certifications
- DVSA Approved Driving Instructor
What people say
Patient instructors
Excellent teaching methods
High first-time pass rate
Great value for money
Personalised lesson plans
Services
Driving Lessons
Professional driving instruction for manual and automatic vehicles. Our DVSA-approved instructors use client-centred learning to build confidence and skills. Lessons include theory integration, practical application, and progress tracking. We cater to nervous drivers and those needing refresher training.
Automatic Lessons
Specialist automatic transmission training with experienced instructors. Ideal for nervous learners or those with physical limitations. Our two-pedal system simplifies learning while maintaining road safety standards. Includes theory test preparation and practical exam coaching.
Intensive Courses
Accelerated learning programmes from 20-45 hours. Designed for time-limited students needing rapid progression. Includes theory test preparation, mock exams, and test-day strategies. Courses structured around DVSA syllabus requirements with guaranteed test readiness.
Refresher Training
Tailored sessions for returning drivers or those needing confidence rebuilding. Focuses on modern road regulations, eco-driving techniques, and hazard perception. Includes vehicle familiarisation and advanced driving strategies for improved safety.
Instructor Training
Comprehensive ADI qualification programme covering all three DVSA tests. Includes theory test preparation, Part 2 driving skills development, and Part 3 teaching methodology. Features one-to-one coaching and real-pupil experience with our franchise support system.
People
Dave Williams
Owner & Founder
Qualified instructor since 2001 with 20+ years' experience. Developed school from single instructor to 12+ team members. Completed Advanced Customer Service Apprenticeship in 2011. Maintains quality control across all instructors.
Sharon Williams
Customer Services
Manages pupil-instructor matching and bookings. Handles customer queries and availability checks. Ensures smooth administrative operations since joining the business.
James Palmer
Head of Training
DVSA-accredited fleet trainer with specialist instructor qualifications. Oversees instructor development programmes. Provides advanced driving techniques instruction for corporate clients.
Jonathan Green
Automatic Instructor
Qualified in 2025 with specialist automatic training. Teaches in Teignmouth and Dawlish areas. Combines driving instruction with local on-call firefighting duties.
Rafik Abidi
Automatic Instructor
Former Red Driving School instructor with 2023 WDS qualification. Specialises in teaching nervous drivers and those returning to driving after breaks.
Questions
Do you offer both manual and automatic lessons?
Yes, we provide qualified instruction for both manual and automatic vehicles with dedicated specialists in each category.
What's included in intensive driving courses?
Our 20-45 hour courses include theory preparation, mock exams, and guaranteed test readiness with DVSA-approved instructors.
How do you match pupils with instructors?
We consider location, availability, and learning style preferences when pairing pupils with our DVSA-qualified instructors.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept bank transfers, card payments, and online transactions through our secure payment portal.
Do you guarantee first-time pass rates?
While we can't guarantee test outcomes, our 95%+ first-time pass rate reflects our proven teaching methodologies and quality assurance.
Can I try lessons before committing?
Yes, our 'Try & See' deal allows 6 hours of discounted tuition to assess instructor compatibility before booking further lessons.
