1,000+
Highly Rated Reviews
22
Year of Experience
500
Tests Passed This Year
Welcome to Herne Hill Driving School
We offer high-quality, personalised driving lessons across South London, including Streatham, Brixton, Clapham, Herne Hill, East Dulwich, and surrounding areas.
At Herne Hill Driving School, we’re committed to helping you become a confident, safe, and skilled driver.
Our team of experienced instructors tailor each lesson to your individual needs, ensuring you make steady progress at your own pace. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking for a refresher, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Local - we’re experienced in your local area and driving test routes ensuring you feel confident throughout your journey
Passionate - our diversified instructors are DVSA qualified and committed ensuring you feel safe whilst enjoying the process
Efficient - pass quickly with our tailored, affordable lesson packages
Hello! My name is Peter Western, the proprietor and supervisor of Herne Hill Driving School. I established HHDS in 2006 and am delighted to share that it has effectively assisted learners in acquiring driving skills since then. I vividly remember the joy of passing my driving test when I was 17. The independence and versatility of travelling wherever I desired left an enduring impression on me. Now, I witness the same enthusiasm on my students’ faces when they pass their exams.
I have 44 years of experience driving various vehicles and 23 years of experience as a driving instructor, with previous employment at two driving schools.
Herne Hill Driving School is particular about picking instructors with vast knowledge and experience. Our instructors strive to provide a secure and welcoming learning atmosphere while ensuring learning is fun for every student. Our primary objective is to assist each student in becoming a competent and responsible driver.
Flexibility tailored to your schedule: Select from 1-hour, 1.5-hour, or 2-hour driving lessons at Herne Hill Driving School.
Whether you're a beginner or in need of a refresher, our driving lessons cater to all skill levels at Herne Hill Driving School.
Our specialized lessons are designed to build confidence behind the wheel at Herne Hill Driving School.
07950780298
Make sure you have a provisional licence. …
Remember your glasses/contact lenses if you need them. …
Wear suitable shoes. …
Book a lesson at a time that is suitable for you. …
Ask questions if you are unsure about something
Automatic cars are now increasingly common, not only are they easier (and more relaxing) to drive than a manual, in some cases they can be better on fuel and can cost less to maintain. Automatic cars are generally easier and quicker to learn in since there is no emphasis on learning to use the clutch or gearstick, this means it´s more than likely going to be more expensive to learn to drive a manual car as you will need more lessons.
The first thing to bear in mind is if you learn to drive in an automatic car, you will only be allowed to drive automatic cars going forward whereas if you learn in a manual you can choose whether you want to drive a manual or automatic once you�ve passed your test.
A manual licence covers both types of cars while an automatic licence only covers automatic cars. However, the cost of driving lessons isn�t cheap and, inevitably, learning to drive in a manual car takes longer as you have to be trained to use the clutch and the gearbox. This means it�s more than likely going to be more expensive to learn to drive a manual car as you will need more lessons
However, automatic lessons are often more expensive so it�s worth doing the maths before you make your decision.
1. Cancellations
All cancellations must be made at least 48 hours before the time of the booked lesson, or the full lesson fee will be charged.
Your instructor will wait at your arranged pick-up point for 15 minutes. If there is no response from the pupil after this time, the instructor will leave, and the lesson will be fully chargeable.
2. Payments
All our driving instructors are self-employed franchisees, and Herne Hill Driving School acts as their booking agent. Payment for lessons must be made at least 48 hours before the lesson to reserve your slot. Lesson slots will not be held without payment. Herne Hill Driving School cannot be held responsible for any payments you choose to give directly to your instructor during lessons. As with any cash transaction, you are entitled to request a receipt. Please ensure you ask your instructor for one at the time of payment.
If you do not receive a receipt and would like one, you must inform us immediately after the lesson. Your instructor will then notify the office, and we will arrange for a receipt to be sent via email. In the unlikely event that you are unhappy or need help resolving an issue, please contact the office, and we will do our best to assist.
All personal information and details provided to Herne Hill Driving School are used solely to deliver the intended service. Records are kept strictly with Herne Hill Driving School and your driving instructor and are not shared with any third party.
3. Practical Test
We reserve the right to withdraw the car for a driving test if the pupil is not up to the required test standard.
A minimum of 10 days’ notice will be given to allow time to reschedule your test and avoid losing the DVSA test fee. We cannot be held responsible for the postponement of lessons due to illness, mechanical breakdown, or adverse weather, nor for any driving tests cancelled or rescheduled by the DVSA.
4. Lesson Utilisation
All payments made for lessons, including block bookings, expire after 6 months from the date of payment. Refunds for unused lessons are at the discretion of Herne Hill Driving School and must be requested within the six-month validity period.
Any refund will be based on the number of hours used, recalculated at the standard hourly rate (not the discounted block rate).
5. Pupil Responsibilities
Pupils must hold a valid UK provisional driving licence and present it at their first lesson. Pupils must ensure they are fit to drive, including being free from the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication that may impair driving ability.If an instructor believes a pupil is unfit to drive, the lesson will be cancelled and charged in full.Pupils must bring suitable footwear and corrective lenses (if required) to every lesson.
6. Instructor Responsibilities
All instructors are DVSA-approved or licensed trainees operating under Herne Hill Driving School.Vehicles used for tuition are fully insured, roadworthy, and maintained to a high standard.Lessons will be conducted in a professional, patient, and supportive manner and tailored to each pupil’s learning needs.
7. Liability & Insurance
Herne Hill Driving School and its instructors cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to personal property during lessons.
While every effort is made to prepare pupils for the driving test, no guarantee can be made that a pupil will pass.
8. Communication & Data Privacy
By providing your contact details, you consent to Herne Hill Driving School and your instructor contacting you by phone, text, or email to manage your lessons.
We comply fully with UK GDPR regulations and will never share your information with third parties without your consent.
9. Conduct and Behaviour
Pupils are expected to behave in a respectful and courteous manner during lessons.
Use of offensive language, aggressive behaviour, or any form of harassment towards instructors or other pupils will not be tolerated.Herne Hill Driving School reserves the right to terminate lessons immediately if a pupil behaves inappropriately. In such cases, the lesson will be fully chargeable, and the school may refuse future bookings.
