Business Details
Driving Lessons in Blackpool with BDS Driving School
BDS Driving School has established itself as a trusted provider of driving instruction in Blackpool, offering tailored lessons for manual and automatic vehicles. With a team of certified instructors, the school specialises in intensive driving courses designed to prepare learners efficiently for their practical tests. Their approach combines structured training with flexible scheduling, supported by partnerships for additional services like free car maintenance sessions. The school's commitment to student success is reflected in numerous testimonials highlighting patient instruction, high pass rates, and a supportive learning environment. By focusing on individual needs and maintaining modern teaching methods, BDS Driving School aims to build confident, competent drivers ready for real-world driving challenges.
Services
Manual Lessons
Automatic Lessons
Intensive Courses
Test Preparation
Car Maintenance Sessions
Theory Support
Nerves Management
Flexible Scheduling
Refresher Courses
Pass Plus Training
Served areas
- Blackpool , Lytham, St Annes, Cleveleys. Thornton, Bispham, Fleetwood, Poulton
Highlights and features
- Experienced ADI-certified instructors with specialisms in test nerves management
- Flexible intensive courses available in 10-50 hour packages
- 98% customer recommendation rate based on recent pass records
- Free car maintenance sessions through partnership with Chapelhouse Blackpool
- Proven success with 78% of students passing first-time
Associations and certifications
- DSA
- DIA
What people say
Patient instructors
Great support
High pass rate
Flexible scheduling
Nerves management
People
Donna Sumner
Office Manager
Overseeing all operational aspects of BDS Driving School, Donna manages instructor scheduling, test bookings, and customer support. With extensive experience in driving education administration, she ensures smooth coordination between learners and instructors.
Paul Tilling
Driving Instructor
ADI-certified instructor specialising in intensive courses, Paul has helped numerous learners achieve first-time passes through structured lesson planning and patient instruction tailored to individual learning styles.
Emma Bird
Driving Instructor
Experienced driving instructor with specialism in learner anxiety management, Emma provides supportive lessons focusing on building confidence and mastering challenging driving scenarios in Blackpool's varied road conditions.
Liz Holding
Driving Instructor
Specialising in automatic transmission training, Liz delivers comprehensive lessons using modern teaching methods. Her students consistently praise her clear explanations and ability to create relaxed learning environments.
Shane McKenna
Driving Instructor
Certified driving instructor with expertise in intensive courses, Shane combines technical knowledge with approachable teaching style to prepare learners efficiently for practical tests and real-world driving situations.
Questions
What types of driving lessons do you offer?
We provide manual and automatic driving lessons, intensive courses (10-50 hours), theory support, and specialised test preparation packages tailored to individual needs.
How experienced are your instructors?
All our instructors are fully qualified ADIs with specialisms in areas like test nerves management, with many holding additional certifications in driving education.
What areas do you cover?
We operate primarily in Blackpool, covering the Fylde Coast, Preston, and surrounding Lancashire areas with flexible lesson locations.
Do you offer guaranteed test passes?
While we can't guarantee passes, our structured training approach achieves a 78% first-time pass rate, with free resit support included in our courses.
What payment options are available?
We accept online payments for lesson packages, with flexible payment plans available for intensive courses. Prices start from £35/hour for manual lessons.
How do intensive courses work?
Our intensive courses combine concentrated driving practice with theory training, typically completed over 1-5 weeks depending on experience level and course duration selected.
Reviews (37)
Fatima Hashemi
Oct 26, 2025
Report
Ive just passed my practical driving test today, and I couldnt have done it without Dave! Since the very first lesson, he was patient with me and made me feel at ease when driving. He made sure to teach me how to drive not only to pass the driving test but for everyday life. He always ensured I understood what I was doing and why, and most importantly, helped me build my confidence in driving. Every lesson was tailored to strengthen my weaknesses in different areas and thanks to him, I passed my test first time! Id highly recommend Dave to anyone learning to drive as he genuinely cares about his students and their learning experience!
Hannah
Oct 23, 2025
Report
Learning to drive with Dave Topley was a fun experience that I enjoyed. He provided excellent guidance and clear advice, and was always supportive, which helped me feel confident while driving. I would definitely recommend Dave Topley and BDS to anyone who wants to learn how to drive.
Mark Warren
Oct 17, 2025
Report
Brilliant from start to finish, Mike was fabulous and taught me everything I needed to know. I would 100% recommend him to absolutely anyone who needs to do their driving.
Daisy Hepworth
Oct 11, 2025
Report
my experience driving with BDS was very enjoyable and i felt not only safe but welcomed too. The entire process of learning to drive and passing my practical test was very smooth sailing due to effective organising of the school, who were able to book me a test at a near but appropriate time. This combined with the clear and detailed driving lessons means i passed first time with no hiccups along the way. If your leaning to drive i would highly recommend working with BDS!!
Leanne
Oct 05, 2025
Report
I have just finished my driving lessons with Steve Waterhouse and I am extremely satisfied with the experience. I felt comfortable driving from the initial lesson because he was patient and provided clear instructions in a professional manner. As I had stopped driving 14 years ago and was nervous about learning again, I valued his calm approach and supportive nature. I am grateful for everything and fully recommend him.
Eleanor Gorman
Sep 17, 2025
Report
BDS is an incredible team. Donna, thank you for planning and booking my tests.
Liz, thank you for being patient, helpful, and chatting with me. I couldn't recommend this driving school enough, thanks to you both, especially Liz, thank you, thank you, thank you.
Liz, thank you for being patient, helpful, and chatting with me. I couldn't recommend this driving school enough, thanks to you both, especially Liz, thank you, thank you, thank you.
Owen Bennett
Sep 03, 2025
Report
My instructor Nicola was exceptional, she supported me throughout everything and was very understanding, with a great personality, I highly recommend her.
Stacey Clark
Jan 21, 2022
Report
Very unprofessional driving school. Send you for your test, 0 minors but fail on parking so refuse to do another test with you even though offered to do another 6 weekly lessons before test, quoting not test ready, so why send me for my test then? Donna in the office is also rude, unprofessional.
Amy Bluff
Jan 06, 2022
Report
DO NOT USE! Will encourage you to do a test, then act like stevie wonder when it's time to book another and make out they never said this. Norrie shouldn't be a instructor, she is highly offensive with her comments on lessons and makes people feel uncomfortable with this! Shocking company and awful customer service!
Ian Barker
May 14, 2021
Report
Positive: Professionalism! did an intensive course and i passed in a week, The course was very well done and I'm so grateful to Cindy my instructor as she was such a help and made it happen
Em Sofia
Apr 18, 2021
Report
Amazing driving school! My instructor Simon was lovely he was really patient and a fantastic teacher. So much so I passed with no minors. Thank you once again Simon and BDS. Would 100% recommend
Harvie Taylor
Dec 03, 2020
Report
I had Paul as a driving instructor for about 20 hours was a great experience for me and very helpful communication. Donna was great and a massive help and really friendly I would recommend Blackpool driving school.
Rebecca Borowy
Nov 03, 2020
Report
Amazing driving school Ive Been trying to pass my driving for 7years with a different intructor I found BDS driving school only 4days before my test was due and they have help me so so much that Ive finally Managed to pass my test Simon my intructor was amazing and very patient with me I 100% recommend BDS driving school to anyone trying to get there licence
Matthew Schofield
Sep 26, 2020
Report
Absolutely brilliant team!! Donna is hot on booking the test and sorting out anything that is cancelled or rearranged. And a big thankyou to Cindy my instructor for teaching so brilliantly. I would definitely recommend the driving school and a intensive driving course
Saskia Willoughby
Sep 10, 2020
Report
Thank you so much to my driving instructor Cindy! After years of on and off driving lessons with different driving instructors, I found Cindy at BDS to be the most patient & helpful instructor. She always made me feel relaxed throughout lessons and helped me finally pass my test! I would 100% recommend BDS
Lydia Louise
Aug 28, 2020
Report
Had the best time doing my course, was put at ease and enabled in becoming a competent driver which I simply wasnt getting from weekly lessons. Can not recommend the whole team enough; everyone I dealt with was so helpful and answered all my questions, booked me in to a local hotel, sorted my test - everything! Special thanks to my instructor Mark!
Darren Naylor
Aug 19, 2020
Report
Originally had instructor Graham before lockdown, but he retired and then got Cindy who was absolutely amazing at what she does! Donna, the lady behind it all, was great she found both practical and theory tests quickly and everyone was just really welcoming. Would highly recommend for any learner looking for a friendly place to take away any nerves you might have.
Amy May Bood
Feb 26, 2020
Report
Booked a 10 hour intensive course through Donna at last minute. The process was easy and really stress free. On the way to my driving course our family car broke down and Cindy from BDS drove an hour a way to meet me and pick me up..... when I rang Donna to explain the situation and explain I couldn't get there... she didn't hesitate and was more worried about me losing my money. Cindy is a fabulous instructor and is lots of fun but very patient. I didn't pass my test, as I made a silly mistake. I will 100% be back to do my test with B.D.S
Ocean Chime
Feb 01, 2020
Report
I was deceived by being told that i was in good hands, only to be treated not like a student, but someone who is meant to be an advanced top level skilled driver then thrown aside as if i am just a cash cow, money grabbers treat ppl inhumane. I was taught to keep hand on to the gear stick at a junction to slip into 2nd gear immediately meaning two hands are not on the steering wheel when turning the corner, which is a deviation from what I have been taught, as an experienced learner, honestly? I would l would recommend ppl Google the article DRIVING SCHOOL SCAMS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM, as with these l feel that l was definitely not in good association.
Kirsty Deakin
Jan 20, 2020
Report
Absolutely amazing.... After having trouble with another company....
Bds managed to fit me in last minute
My instructor was Mike he was very patient very supportive very clear with instructions.... Its amazing how much I learnt from him in such a short space of time... Its a shame I didn't have my full journey with him... And today I passed my test first time... I couldn't have done it without Mike.... Thank you so much
Bds managed to fit me in last minute
My instructor was Mike he was very patient very supportive very clear with instructions.... Its amazing how much I learnt from him in such a short space of time... Its a shame I didn't have my full journey with him... And today I passed my test first time... I couldn't have done it without Mike.... Thank you so much
Steve Preston
Dec 06, 2019
Report
My Son had lessons with Liam but after 20 lessons I feel like we have been conned. Liam would drive the first 15-20 minutes to Fleetwood from Cleveleys then back with 20-30 minutes of actual driving time. After 20 lessons block booked my Son had not even reversed the car. We now have a new instructor and after just 2 lessons doing manoeuvres, reversing and driving for the full lesson. Also being given clear instructions and feedback each lesson. I would not recommend unless you want to pay for lessons ongoing, I also know someone else using Liam that has had well over 30 lessons with a similar lack of progress.
Jake Lundy
Oct 22, 2019
Report
Would 100% recommend BDS for anyone wanting to learn to drive. Had Liz as my instructor and can honestly say I dont think I wouldve passed without her. Massive thank you to all of the members at BDS especially Donna for arranging the course and test which fit around me.
Kerry Steeden
Oct 22, 2019
Report
Fantastic reliable service, great contact throughout with Sharon and other team members both online and via the phone. Easy and secure pay method. As for Simon, great sense of humour and very patient, as I didn't pass first time - nerves - sigh. Cannot recommend enough, fit around my work schedule. I took the intensive course as a major refresher first then Simon organised the rest for me afterwards. Thank You so much, will highly recommend B.D.S to everyone!
Luke Conway
Jul 17, 2019
Report
Called to book for first lesson. all book in pay then. call up on friday talk to donna and steve to move to today at 5:15pm. Wait 30 min. the driving as move you back to tuesday. Not happy and looking for a refused. what a waste of my time. Not happy at all Luke Conway. and office closed
Sian Morris
Jun 09, 2019
Report
Absolutely amazing! I had Paul as my instructor and he couldn't have been better! He was lovely, professional and also a good laugh. Especially being deaf, driving was always going to be slightly trickier for me, but Paul made sure I knew what I was doing and how to do it, making it clear step by step! And I passed first time! Thank you!
Luke Rawstron
May 30, 2019
Report
I had Stephen wild as my instructor. A very nice, polite and helpful man. He would always arrive dead on time for lessons and made sure lessons were useful enough for me in areas I struggled with. The most helpful thing for me is that Stephen was always very honest. I preferred him telling me my weakest areas more than my strongest areas as I was always wanting to improve my driving. Overall, I would happily recommend BDS to anyone as the process of starting lessons is very easy and informative and the prices are very competitive.
Kieran Whelan
My wife bought me a block of 10 lessons for my birthday and with the fantastic guidance from Dave, those 10 lessons were all I needed! Dave is a credit to B.D.S. and one of the nicest blokes I've ever met and I couldn't have wished for a better instructor. Thank you to everyone involved for such a brilliant and successful experience, I'll be sure to recommend B.D.S. to anyone who is considering learning to drive!
Emma Oliver
I came across BDS through one of my friends who had passed her test. Dave was my instructor and i am so pleased. He helped me every step of the way and is kind and caring towards his students. I passed 1st time this morning but i would not have been able to do this without Dave. A big credit and thanks so much
Sophie Corry
Brilliant, I did the 30 hours intense driving course and I am so glad that I did! Simon is lovely, dead chilled, Keeps you motivated when you want to give up, and has the patience of a saint. Forever grateful thank you all!
Neil Mair
I took the 10 hour starter pack with BDS which I found online and added another couple of hours later. My instructor was Liz and she was really great and patient with me and her teaching methods were first class. I would highly recommend BDS for those wanting to learn to drive.
Jadey Noble
Highly recommend BDS, I had Paul as my instructor, he is such a nice guy and amazing instructor, i was always extremely comfortable and calm with him, also passed my test today on the first attempt. Cant thank Paul enough. Thanks
Cheryl Searle
Absolutely fantastic driving school. Weekend intensive with Instructor liz who was amazing thankyou so much for the experience. Would definatly recommend!!
Joe Gawne
Took a 10 hour course with Simon, and passed first time with only 1 minor! Cant believe how much effort he put in to make sure I was ready in such a short space of time, 2 days on the road and then a test! Brilliant company, and will highly Recommend to anyone learning to drive!
Sian Copper
I came down to Blackpool and did a 3 day course and passed first time. Thanks to Liz my amazing driving instructor thanks again couldn't of done it without the help and support. Very easy to book the course and very friendly instructor thanks again :) would highly recommend Blackpool driving school.
Nicola Spears
I cannot recommend BDS enough, to get you through your driving and test. Tony and Donna are absolutely amazing and will put you at ease very quickly.
Tony was a brilliant driving instructor. Patient, informative and a good laugh. Thank you BDS for getting me through my driving and giving me some independence back.
Tony was a brilliant driving instructor. Patient, informative and a good laugh. Thank you BDS for getting me through my driving and giving me some independence back.
Stacey Goodman
So glad I chose BDS as my driving school! Donna is fab and always super efficient and helpful. I passed yesterday after an intensive 11 hour course with Liz who is completely amazing and has the patience of a saint! I don't think I would have been able to pass had it not been for her teaching techniques. Thouroughly recommend and will be doing so to everyone I know! Thank you so much! :)
Ellie Leadbetter
By far the best driving school around, did a 5 day driving course with Simon and passed first time and wouldnt of been able to do it with out him! Simon was so helpful and explained everything perfectly step by step which made everything so much easier. Use to dread thinking about driving but thanks to BDS and Simon I love it! Cant thank them enough!!