Pass on your first try with the 5 best driving schools in Glasgow!
Watching a 14-year-old stare down the Kingston Bridge at rush hour is exactly why I’m doing my homework. I want my son to drive properly when the time comes, so he’s not relying on car rentals later because Glasgow roads spook him.
Our road network is a proper obstacle course, so local route knowledge matters as much as patience. I want him to train around Anniesland, Baillieston, and Shieldhall, so lessons feel like practice for the test, not just laps.
At this stage, I’m not just browsing; I’m comparing prices, pass rates, and whether the school can fit my kid’s schedule. Add in needs like automatic cars, intensive courses, patient instructors, and the shortlist gets real, fast.
Here’s the result of my search: a review of some of the best driving schools in Glasgow today.
How much does a driving school cost in Glasgow?
Most driving schools in Glasgow charge about £35–£45 per hour for standard lessons.
If you book in bulk 10-hour blocks, it often works out cheaper at roughly £32 to £40 per hour, while automatic lessons usually add a small premium of £2 to £5 extra per hour compared to manual.
For faster turnaround, intensive week-long courses (around 20 to 30 hours) typically cost £1,000 to £1,500, and some packages may already include the practical test fee.
1. MM Driving School
Address: 485 Allison Street
Contact: +447403088667
Hours: Daily, 6 AM–10 PM
My niece was juggling school and a part-time job, so she needed a driving school that could move the needle at 8 hours a week. Luckily, MM Driving School didn’t blink at this request and fully accommodated it.
They’re set up for intensive and semi-intensive learning, including evenings and weekends. My niece felt real progress instead of having one lesson here, and one panic there.
The lessons were structured to her pace, and they even used diagrams and reference points to make tricky bits stick. On the practical side, they run manual and automatic tuition across Glasgow, with modern dual-control cars (diesel for manual/electric option for automatic).
Her mum liked the no-nonsense, calm coaching involved. If your learner is a bit nervous like my niece, rest assured, the whole vibe here is patient and confidence-building rather than shouty and stressful.
They also focus on local test readiness around Anniesland and Shieldhall, plus they’ll pick up and drop off from home, work, college, or uni!
Value-wise, pricing is upfront, and block bookings make planning easier, with gift vouchers and add-ons like Pass Plus, refresher, and motorway sessions if the learner wants to be properly road-ready.
That said, intensive slots can be limited, so if you’re picky about days/times, you’ll need to move to secure one fast. Also, intensive rates jump compared to standard hourly lessons, so don’t book big blocks unless you’re sure of your calendar.
Customer Reviews
Lessons fit my work schedule.
Had a great experience with Mac as my instructor. Attempted manual lessons to begin, but I decided automatic was a better fit for me. Lessons fit my work schedule, and Mac always had a calm and patient presence to make me feel at ease. Passed on my first attempt at Sheildhall. Absolutely would recommend!
- Carly Bach, Google Review
I’m a nervous driver, but the lessons always felt calm
Great instructor, I passed the first time. I’m a nervous driver, but the lessons always felt calm. I’ll certainly be back for Pass Plus! Highly recommended!
- S Humphreys, Google Review
2. F1 School of Motoring Glasgow
Address: 1 Waverley Gardens
Contact: +443333222221
Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 9 AM–7 PM
Friday, 9 AM–6 PM
Saturday, 9 AM–5 PM
I have a colleague who’s learning to drive for the first time, which I think is nifty. However, she refused to start unless the school would properly back her up (logical and reasonable of her, really).
F1 School of Motoring ticks that box with complimentary test support, a free theory test app, and even an hour of help studying for regular clients! That’s the kind of energy she wanted, and it helped that, teaching-wise, they leaned into client-centred learning (CCL).
According to her, there’s more coaching than commanding involved, with the premise of safe driving for life and not just scraping through a test. If you’re time-poor like my colleague, they’re ideal for intensive training because they build plans around your availability, including heavy weekly hours when needed.
She reported that the vehicles are dual-controlled. The school makes it a point to keep them clean and well-maintained, which is a plus for my meticulous work pal.
They also gave her advice on what the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency would expect so she’d be prepared.
Do note that intensive and semi-intensive routes usually start with a mandatory 2-hour intro session, so you can’t just jump straight into a big block cold. And because scheduling is dependent on instructor availability, you’ll need to be flexible on days/times.
Customer Reviews
Tony was clear, precise & respectful with his coaching
I cannot recommend Tony enough! Without him, I would never have been able to pass the first time with only 3 minors at Shieldhall. Tony is calm, considerate and gentle in his approach. I never felt nervous or at risk, even as a total beginner, because Tony was clear, precise & respectful with his coaching. I always looked forward to my lessons and genuinely enjoyed learning how to drive despite us having to do it on routes that are known for being complex and challenging. I highly recommend Tony, and I will genuinely miss our lessons now they’re over!
- Polly McFarlane, Google Review
A first-class instructor who has patience and knowledge in abundance
Usman has now taught both my sons to drive. Both passing first time. In Usman, you will have a first-class instructor who has patience and knowledge in abundance. I couldn’t recommend him highly enough.
- Marty McNeill, Google Review
3. Elite Gears Driving School
Address: 10 Batson Street
Contact: +447557662408
Hours: Open 24 hours
We’re raised on automatic transmission, but Glasgow-to-Hamilton driving is when manual made sense to my brother, as he can have more control when the road gets busy, hilly, and roundabout-happy.
Elite Gears Driving School leans into the driving properly mindset, with lessons tailored to the student’s pace so you’re not rushed into bad habits. For manual, they’re upfront about pricing (£45/hour, or 10 lessons for £400).
They also have a confidence-first approach, not a one-size-fits-all method. My brother found this handy when he was still nervous and his left foot was still negotiating with the clutch.
On the coverage front, they’re not just one wee car doing laps. They don’t publish an exact fleet size, but client feedback strongly suggests a multi-instructor, multi-car setup, along with long hours that make lessons doable around work and school.
If you want a faster track, their Elite Package goes big with a pass-in-12-weeks style guarantee and bonus add-ons. They also cover support theory, plus progression from beginner to motorway/advanced.
My brother recommends them for those switching from auto to manual and want proper techniques like clutch control, gear changes, and calmer decision-making.
The downside is that, because they cover so many areas, instructor and time slot availability can vary. Your perfect weekday schedule might take a bit of juggling, as my brother experienced.
Customer Reviews
Sohail has been the best driving instructor I have had
Sohail has been the best driving instructor I have had so far, and I managed to pass my driving test 1st time with him and would definitely recommend him either as your first instructor or as your next instructor. My previous instructor was not the best fit for me, and I was anxious about getting a new instructor. I was learning to drive an automatic car, and lessons went smoothly as he was great at teaching and explaining everything in a calm manner.
- Linda Laura Sigai, Google Review
He’s very patient, calm, and explains everything clearly
I’ve been learning with Nabil since October, and he’s been an amazing driving instructor. He’s very patient, calm, and explains everything clearly, which really helped boost my confidence. Lessons are always comfortable and well-structured, and I’ve made great progress with his guidance. I’d highly recommend Nabil to anyone looking to learn to drive.
- Aisha Ashraf, Google Review
4. Topgear Driving Tuition Limited
Address: 15 Alderman Road
Contact: +447776272023
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 AM–8 PM
My neighbour’s wee 16-year-old lass is shy as anything, so the dealbreaker with her and driving lessons was a female instructor. It’s a good thing her doting Da found Topgear Driving’s women instructors who have a genuinely friendly, non-judgmental vibe.
The young lady described the experience as less like getting barked at for stalling, and more like getting coached through Glasgow’s surprise roundabout lifestyle. Meanwhile, her dad likes that they have fully qualified, DVSA-approved instructors to ease his mind.
There are around 15 instructors, with coverage across Glasgow and out to places like Paisley, Dumbarton, Motherwell, and more. That scale matters because it usually means better odds of landing the right instructor, in the right area, without waiting for ages.
They cover manual and automatic driving lessons, and they’re strong for intensive courses when you need momentum (or, in the case of our young neighbour, wants to get it done before the nerves win).
Her Da loves that they can also do the practical stuff: block bookings, refresher lessons, Pass Plus, and theory-test help. Plus, there are promos for new pupils, so it didn’t feel like he was funding his daughter’s overseas holiday.
The downside is that if you need a female instructor at a specific time, you might have to be more flexible, as popular slots go fast.
Customer Reviews
I passed my driving test on my first time
I had a great experience learning with Johnny. He was patient, clear, and very supportive throughout my lessons. Everything was explained in a way that made me feel confident on the road. I passed my driving test first try thanks to his excellent teaching. Highly recommend Johnny to anyone learning to drive.
- Rekha, Google Review
I can’t recommend him highly enough as an automatic driving instructor
At 58 years old, I passed my driving test today- proof that you’re never too old to learn something new!! Johnny never treated me any differently from his younger students- he gave me the same support, respect, and confidence-building guidance throughout every lesson. I can’t recommend him highly enough as an automatic driving instructor. He is an exceptionally good teacher with endless patience, a brilliant sense of humour, and a calm, reassuring manner that instantly puts you at ease. If you’re looking for an instructor who makes lessons enjoyable and believes in you every step of the way, Johnny is the one to choose.
- Colette McQuade, Google Review
5. I Passing Smiles Driving School
Address: 40 Orchard Park Ave, Giffnock
Contact: +443332004576
Hours:
Monday to Friday, 8 AM–6 PM
Saturday to Sunday, 8 AM–5 PM
I was wondering if there’s a driving school in Glasgow that can get you road-ready in 1 to 4 weeks, and I Passing Smiles came up. Their fast-track menu is basically built for that, with 5-day, 7-day, and 10-day options with the practical test lined up at the end.
Their teaching vibe is confidence-first and properly legit, with DVSA ADI-certified instructors and a tailored approach that adapts to how the student wants to learn. Former student feedback mentions how it feels like coaching for real-world driving, not just rehearsing manoeuvres.
They use modern dual-control cars (manual and automatic) and push fast track tests, plus flexible scheduling for people who don’t have months to spare. You won’t be paying to commute just to learn either; coverage is from Glasgow to the West End.
The key services include pay-as-you-go or block bookings, with intensive packages that scale from short refreshers to multi-week crash-course-style learning. They’re ideal for busy students, shift workers, or anyone trying to beat the procrastination spiral.
If you want a first lesson that quickly turns into an actual plan, I reckon this is a solid first call. That said, the “pass fast” pace may be too intense for some, and still hinges on your availability, instructor slots, and securing a test date.
Customer Reviews
He created a comfortable environment for every lesson
Learning to drive with Asif was genuinely a great experience. He was incredibly patient from day one and always flexible with scheduling. He created a comfortable environment in every lesson, never rushed anything, and focused on actually helping me understand what I was doing. Because of the way he teaches, my confidence grew massively each week. If you want an instructor who’s calm, supportive, and really invested in your progress, Asif is the one to go to.
- Kristina Roze, Google Review
He is a great instructor and is very knowledgeable
I had passed my driving test in first attempt after taking lessons from Mr Mehfooz from IPS Driving School. He is a great instructor and is very knowledgeable. He designed his way of teaching in such a manner that one feels comfortable. He had a strong grip on delivering lessons and always emphasised one’s faults. I strongly recommend Mr Mehfooz as an instructor because he made my day today. I had lessons before from an instructor, but that was a waste of money and waste of time. Moreover, I would like to share that my husband also passed just by taking 2 lessons from Mr Mehfooz. Highly recommended instructor.
- Faiza Javed, Google Review