Choosing the best driving school in Durban is essential for safe and knowledgeable driving in an ultra-urbanised city in one of South Africa’s wealthiest provinces. In this detailed guide, Mamzansi examines the leading driving schools in Durban, their prices, and helps you locate the cheapest options.
In addition, we will examine the specifics of code 14 and code 10 driving lessons in Durban, including the required number and duration of lessons.
Considering user reviews, passing rates, and longevity, the best driving schools in Durban are, in ascending order:
10. RJ Driving School
Located on Ettrick Road in Bluff, Durban, RJ Driving School, which offers a range of driving lessons for both Code 8 and Code 10 licences, is the 10th-best driving school in Durban. As an owner-operated driving school, it strives to provide students with a personalised and attentive learning environment.
Registration with the Department of Transport (DOT) and accreditation by the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) are two characteristics that distinguish RJ Driving School as one of the best driving schools in Durban.
These credentials indicate that the school satisfies the necessary regulatory standards and adheres to industry requirements, assuring students of the legitimacy and quality of their education.
RJ Driving School offers automatic and manual transmission lessons for both Code 8 and Code 10 licences, allowing students to select the vehicle and licence that best suits their requirements and preferences.
Operating Monday through Friday with slightly reduced hours on Saturdays and Sundays, RJ Driving School provides adequate scheduling flexibility for lessons.
9. Cy Driving School
Cy Driving School, located in Sangro House, Durban Central, and offering tuition for Code 8 and Code 10 licences, is one of the most prominent driving schools in Durban. With business hours ranging from early morning to early evening on weekdays and slightly reduced hours on Saturdays, they offer adequate scheduling flexibility for lessons.
Although Cy Driving School has acquired popularity among aspiring motorists, it has been alleged that it teaches outmoded lessons.
This raises questions about the relevance and efficacy of their lessons, as it is essential for driving schools to keep abreast of the most recent traffic laws, regulations, and best practices to ensure that students receive thorough and up-to-date training in an ever-changing driving environment.
8. Maggs Driving School
Primarily focusing on Code 8 and Code 10 licences, Maggs Driving School, located in Pinetown, New Germany, is the eighth-best driving school in Durban. With operating hours beginning at 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., they offer the most flexible scheduling options for students in Durban each and every day.
Maggs Driving School is one of the best driving schools in Durban due in part to their competitive prices for Code 10 lessons. The package begins at R3000 and includes truck rental, allowing students to acquire hands-on experience with the requisite vehicle type for Code 10 licencing.
Individuals seeking professional training for heavy-duty vehicles may find this comprehensive offering at a reasonable price to be appealing.
In addition to Code 10 lessons, Maggs Driving School also provides Code 8 lessons for students seeking a standard driving licence for light motor vehicles.
Watch this video on how to drive an automatic car on hills:
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7. Q/A Driving School
Offering a variety of services to individuals seeking driving lessons and related automotive training, Q/A Driving School, located at 28 Mackeurtan Ave., Durban North, is the seventh-best driving school in Durban. However, worrying reports of unprofessionalism among its instructors, including allegations of cell phone use while driving, have contributed to its low ranking.
Q/A Driving School offers instruction for Codes 8, 10, and 14, catering to students interested in various vehicle varieties and licencing requirements.
In addition to adult lessons, private lessons, teen classes, air conditioning services, auto maintenance, automatic lessons, bike learners and lessons, brake repair, car simulator training, drivers tests, driving programmes, heavy-duty vehicle training, learners classes, learners mock tests, refresher courses, and refresher lessons are also offered in an attempt to provide a comprehensive education.
Despite being one the best driving schools in Durban, concerns have been raised about the safety and quality of instruction provided by Q/A Driving School in light of the reported instances of unprofessionalism among their instructors, specifically regarding cell phone use while driving.
The use of a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle is not only illegal in South Africa, but also highly irresponsible and potentially hazardous; such conduct undermines the credibility and professionalism of the driving school and causes prospective students to question the overall quality of instruction.
Nevertheless, with business hours from Monday to Saturday, Q/A Driving School provides reasonable scheduling flexibility. However, their Sunday closure may limit options for weekend-available individuals.
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6. VIP Driving School
VIP Driving School, located on Shannon Dr. in Reservoir Hills, Durban, is the sixth top driving school in Durban. They have provided driver training since 1984, making them one of the earliest driving schools in the area.
This establishment, which is owned by Mr. Naveen Ambikapersad, offers driving lessons for Code 8 manual and automatic vehicles, as well as Code 10 vehicles.
One aspect that distinguishes VIP Driving School as one of the best driving schools in Durban is their dedication to price transparency.
They distinguish themselves from other driving schools in Durban by providing transparent pricing information, allowing prospective pupils to make informed decisions.
This commendable openness, can be advantageous for individuals seeking cost information before enrolling in lessons.
Concerns have been expressed, however, about the school’s approach to client quantity versus quality, with accusations suggesting that VIP Driving School prioritises the number of clients they serve at the expense of instruction quality.
In addition, there have been reports that their instructors lack professionalism, indicating room for improvement in this regard.
Operating from Monday to Saturday, with hours ranging from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., VIP Driving School offers flexibility in scheduling lessons.
It is important to note, however, that they are closed on Sundays, which may limit options for those with weekend availability.
VIP Driving School offers various options for Code 8 automatic and manual lessons, with packages that include a predetermined number of hours and car rental.
The prices range from R3200 for 10 hours to R5900 for 25 hours to accommodate learners with varying requirements and budgets.
In addition, they offer programmes for Code 10 (C1) truck lessons spanning from R3600 for 10 hours to R6950 for 25 hours, including vehicle rental.
5. AR Driving School
AR Driving School, located at 122 Westville Rd. in Dawncliffe, is the fifth best driving school in Durban due to its affordable pricing. With an hourly rate of R150, they are the cheapest driving school in the area.
This affordability can be a significant benefit for students seeking affordable driving lessons without sacrificing instruction quality.
As one of the best driving schools in Durban, AR Driving School provides a variety of lessons to accommodate various demographics.
Whether you are an adult pursuing a driving licence, a teen anxious to begin your driving voyage, or someone seeking private lessons, AR Driving School has options to meet your needs.
Operating from Monday to Saturday, with hours spanning from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., AR Driving School provides convenient availability for scheduling lessons in a wide window of operation, allowing learners to find suitable time slots that fit their daily routines.
4. Gregory’s Driving School
Gregory’s Driving School, located at 62 Ashvale Court, Phoenix, Durban, is a reputable institution in the field of driver’s education.
With a wide array of driving lessons on offer, including adult lessons, private lessons, teen classes, defensive driving courses, and more, that cater to learners of all ages and skill levels, Gregory’s Driving School is the 4th best driving school in Durban.
A distinguishing characteristic of Gregory’s Driving School is its dedication to providing comprehensive instruction in all driving disciplines.
Whether you are looking for driver’s education, driving courses or motorcycle classes, Gregory’s Driving School has you covered with a variety of offerings that demonstrate their commitment to meeting the demands of a diverse student population.
Mr. Mark Naidu, the most effective instructor at Gregory’s Driving School, personifies the institution’s dedication to excellence.
With his knowledge and teaching abilities, students have reported a highly effective and engaging learning environment.
Gregory’s Driving School distinguishes itself as one of the best driving schools in Durban by specialising in Code 14 driving lessons, which sets them apart from the majority of driving schools.
Learners seeking a Code 14 licence can rely on Gregory’s Driving School for exceptional training and lessons, as the school’s Code 14 pass rate is nearly 100 percent. In addition, they offer Code 8 and Code 10 instruction for automatic vehicles, catering to a broader spectrum of driving ambitions.
Gregory’s Driving School operates from Monday through Sunday with extended hours to facilitate hectic schedules. With shifts beginning at 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., learners have ample opportunities to incorporate driving lessons into their schedules during the week, with slightly reduced hours on weekends.
Watch this video on how to drive a manual car:
3. On-Track Driving School
Since its founding in 2008, On-Track Driving School, located at 135 Musgrave Rd, Musgrave, Durban, has been a dependable destination for individuals seeking quality driving education and is the third-best driving school in Durban.
This driving school is distinguished by its dedication to customer convenience, as they offer pick-up and drop-off services at clients’ preferable locations which is a significant advantage for students who value convenience and individualised service.
On-Track Driving School is proud of its inclusive approach to driver training, as it offers a specialised rehabilitation programme for individuals with disabilities.
By providing individualised instruction, they enable individuals with unique disabilities to acquire the skills and confidence necessary for safe road navigation. This commendable dedication to inclusivity demonstrates a commitment to providing accessible driver education.
On-Track Driving School distinguishes itself as one of the best driving schools in Durban by providing code 10 truck driving lessons, catering to those aspiring to obtain a code 10 licence and enabling pupils to develop the necessary skills and expertise required for confidently operating larger vehicles.
In terms of operating hours, On-Track Driving School goes the extra mile by accommodating busy schedules. With their extended hours, including Sundays from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., they emerge as one of the most reputable driving schools open on Sundays in Durban. This availability on weekends, including Sundays, allows students to pursue their driving objectives without sacrificing weekday obligations.
If you are patronising them, a highly regarded instructor at On-Track Driving School is Deryl, who is frequently sought after by students for his expertise and teaching style.
2. Zaks Driving School of Motoring
A well-respected institution in the driving education industry, Zaks Driving School of Motoring, located at 208 Fulham Road, Reservoir Hills, Durban, is the second-best driving school in Durban.
Operating from Monday to Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., they provide learners with ample opportunities to pursue their driving objectives. It is essential to note, however, that they are closed on Sundays.
Zak’s Driving School is one of the best driving schools in Durban due to the fact that the proprietor, Zak, personally instructs students to ensure that students receive direct guidance and instruction from a knowledgeable expert.
The emphasis on individualised instruction contributes to the admirable record of the majority of students passing their driving tests on their first attempt.
Zaks Driving School’s dedication to instilling enduring driving skills anda bilities is a significant factor in the school’s reputation as one of the best driving schools in Durban.
In addition to preparing students for their driving tests, they prioritise teaching them the skills and knowledge necessary to confidently navigate the roadways in any situation.
This comprehensive approach ensures that Zaks Driving School graduates are adequately prepared for real-world driving situations.
While Zaks Driving School offers valuable instruction and an emphasis on lifelong skills, it’s important to consider that they are positioned as one of the more expensive driving schools in Durban.
As such, prospective students must measure the advantages of specialised training and individualised attention against the increased cost.
Zaks Driving School offers both code 8 manual driving lessons and code 10 automatic driving lessons to meet the diverse requirements and preferences of its students.
This variety of offerings enables students to select a mode of instruction that correlates with their preferences and driving objectives.
1. Omar’s Driving School
Omar’s Driving School, located in the busy area of Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Durban, and claiming to be “Durban’s Premier Driver Training Specialists with the Highest 1st Time Pass Rate“, is the best driving school in Durban. It is evident that they have earned a solid reputation as one of the most popular driving schools in Durban based on the numerous testimonials attesting to their success in obtaining first-time passes.
The fact that Omar, the owner of the driving school, personally instructs students is a notable feature. His direct involvement demonstrates a hands-on approach and a commitment to ensuring the success of his students, as students can benefit from his guidance throughout their driving voyage due to his expertise and experience.
Also distinguishing Omar’s Driving School as one of the best driving schools in Durban is the fact that their business hours accommodate the needs of busy individuals. Operating from Monday to Friday between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., they offer their students flexibility and convenience. It is essential to note, however, that they are closed on Sundays.
Omar’s Driving School is commonly associated with the characteristics of professionalism, expertise, and knowledge. Numerous satisfied students have lauded the school’s dedication to providing high-quality instruction.
Sacha van Niekerk, a well-respected multimedia journalist for the online news website Independent Online (IOL), is one notable individual who obtained her driving licence through Omar’s Driving School. This recommendation from a media professional speaks volumes about the school’s instructional quality.