Port Elizabeth, now officially known as Gqeberha, is a major coastal city in the Eastern Cape with several vehicle testing centres, including the Korsten and Uitenhage (Despatch) licensing departments. Choosing the right driving school is essential for passing the K53 test efficiently and developing safe driving habits. This guide covers 37 driving schools operating in Port Elizabeth, from highly rated academies to SAIDI-accredited instructors.
37 List of Driving Schools in Port Elizabeth
1. DRIVE2PASS Driving School
A top-rated driving school with an excellent reputation in Port Elizabeth.
DRIVE2PASS has earned 276 reviews with a 4.9 star rating, making it one of the most reviewed and trusted schools in the city. They operate weekdays from 06:30 to 18:00, accommodating early morning and late afternoon lessons.
Why it’s great: Massive number of positive reviews indicates consistent quality.
Price Range: Approximately R250 to R350 per lesson. Package deals available.
Best for: Students who want a proven, highly rated school with flexible hours.
Pros: Excellent review score. Extended operating hours. Large customer base. Cons: High demand may mean waiting lists. Weekday only operation.
2. Mardon’s Driving Academy
A well-established academy with nearly 200 five-star reviews.
Mardon’s Driving Academy operates weekdays from 08:00 to 18:00, offering comprehensive K53 training for code 8 and code 10 learners.
Why it’s great: Strong reputation with almost 200 positive reviews.
Price Range: Approximately R250 to R350 per lesson.
Best for: Students seeking a professional academy experience rather than an individual instructor.
Pros: Academy structure provides consistency. Highly rated. Extended hours. Cons: May be more expensive than independent instructors.
3. Thama Thama Driving School Summerstrand Branch
Highly rated branch of a trusted driving school brand.
This Summerstrand location has 109 reviews with a 4.9 star rating. They operate weekdays from 08:30 to 17:00, serving students near the Nelson Mandela University campus and surrounding areas.
Why it’s great: Convenient location for Summerstrand and university students.
Price Range: Approximately R250 to R350 per lesson.
Best for: Nelson Mandela University students and Summerstrand residents.
Pros: Excellent location near the university. Highly rated. Professional service. Cons: Weekday only operation. Limited to Summerstrand area.
4. Brian’s Dynamic Driving School
A highly rated school operating seven days a week.
Brian’s Dynamic Driving School has 98 reviews with a 4.9 star rating. They operate daily from 07:00 to 18:00, offering weekend lessons which many schools do not provide.
Why it’s great: Seven-day operation is ideal for students with busy weekday schedules.
Price Range: Approximately R250 to R350 per lesson.
Best for: Students who need weekend or early morning lessons.
Pros: Open daily. Early start at 07:00. Excellent reviews. Cons: High demand may limit availability.
5. Marcus Driving School
A well-reviewed school with 93 reviews and a 4.8 star rating.
Marcus Driving School operates weekdays from 09:30 to 16:00, focusing on quality instruction rather than extended hours.
Why it’s great: Solid reputation with nearly 100 reviews.
Price Range: Approximately R250 to R350 per lesson.
Best for: Students with flexible daytime availability.
Pros: Strong review score. Experienced instructors. Professional approach. Cons: Limited hours (09:30 to 16:00 only). Weekdays only.
6. Terry’s Driving School
Perfect five-star rating from 39 reviews.
Terry’s Driving School operates weekdays from 08:00 to 16:30, offering personalised instruction focused on first-time passes.
Why it’s great: Flawless five-star rating indicates exceptional customer satisfaction.
Price Range: Approximately R280 to R380 per lesson.
Best for: Students willing to pay a premium for a perfect-rated instructor.
Pros: Perfect 5.0 rating. Personalised attention. High first-time pass rate. Cons: More expensive than average. Limited hours.
7. Henryette’s Driving School
Five-star rated with 36 reviews.
Henryette’s Driving School operates weekdays from 08:00 to 17:00, offering patient instruction for nervous first-time drivers.
Why it’s great: Perfect rating and a reputation for patience with anxious learners.
Price Range: Approximately R250 to R350 per lesson.
Best for: Nervous first-time drivers who need extra patience and encouragement.
Pros: Perfect 5.0 rating. Known for patience. Professional instruction. Cons: Weekdays only.
8. Faizel’s Driving School
Five-star rated with 32 reviews, operating extended hours.
Faizel’s Driving School operates weekdays from 08:30 to 18:00, offering late afternoon lessons for students who work or study during the day.
Why it’s great: Extended hours until 18:00 accommodate working students.
Price Range: Approximately R250 to R350 per lesson.
Best for: Working professionals and students with daytime commitments.
Pros: Perfect 5.0 rating. Late operating hours until 18:00. Flexible scheduling. Cons: Weekdays only.
9. SSS Advance Driving (Pty) Ltd
A corporate driving school with 29 reviews and a 4.7 star rating.
SSS Advance operates weekdays from 08:00 to 17:00, offering both learner and driver training with a more formal, corporate structure.
Why it’s great: Corporate backing provides consistency and accountability.
Price Range: Approximately R300 to R400 per lesson.
Best for: Students who prefer a formal, corporate driving school over an individual instructor.
Pros: Corporate structure. Professional management. Consistent quality. Cons: More expensive than independent instructors.
10. Pro Skills Group
Five-star rated with 25 reviews, operating weekday hours.
Pro Skills Group operates from 08:00 to 16:30 weekdays, focusing on K53 preparation and defensive driving techniques.
Why it’s great: Perfect rating with a focus on defensive driving beyond just passing the test.
Price Range: Approximately R280 to R380 per lesson.
Best for: Students who want to learn defensive driving skills that last beyond the test.
Pros: Perfect 5.0 rating. Focus on defensive driving. Professional instructors. Cons: Limited hours. Weekdays only.
11. BlueChevron Driver Training Academy
Five-star rated with 17 reviews, operating daily.
BlueChevron operates daily from 08:00 to 17:00, offering driver training for code 8, code 10, and code 14 licenses.
Why it’s great: Seven-day operation and heavy vehicle training options.
Price Range: Approximately R250 to R350 for code 8. Higher rates for code 10 and 14.
Best for: Students needing heavy vehicle licenses (code 10 or 14) as well as car licenses.
Pros: Open daily. Offers heavy vehicle training. Perfect rating. Cons: May be more expensive for code 10/14.
12. Thama Thama Driving School Walmer Branch
Five-star rated with 15 reviews, serving the Walmer area.
This Walmer branch operates weekdays from 08:30 to 17:00, offering the same trusted instruction as the Summerstrand branch.
Why it’s great: Convenient location for Walmer and surrounding suburbs.
Price Range: Approximately R250 to R350 per lesson.
Best for: Residents of Walmer, Mill Park, and nearby areas.
Pros: Perfect 5.0 rating. Convenient Walmer location. Trusted brand. Cons: Weekdays only.
13. Bridgemeade Driving School Parking Range
A dedicated parking range for learner driver practice.
Bridgemeade offers a dedicated practice range where learners can practice parking, three-point turns, and other manoeuvres in a safe, off-road environment.
Why it’s great: Safe, controlled environment for practising difficult manoeuvres.
Price Range: Approximately R150 to R250 per hour for range time.
Best for: Learners who need extra practice on parking and yard manoeuvres before attempting the test.
Pros: Safe off-road environment. Focused on manoeuvre practice. Affordable. Cons: Not a full driving school. Range only, not on-road lessons.
14. SSHURLING Driving School
Highly rated with 13 reviews and a 4.9 star rating.
SSHURLING operates weekdays from 07:00 to 18:00, offering early morning and late afternoon lessons.
Why it’s great: Extended hours from early morning to early evening.
Price Range: Approximately R250 to R350 per lesson.
Best for: Students needing lessons before work or after classes.
Pros: 4.9 rating. Extended hours from 07:00 to 18:00. Flexible scheduling. Cons: Weekdays only.
15. K53 with Claire
Five-star rated with 11 reviews, offering extended hours.
K53 with Claire operates weekdays from 08:00 to 18:00, with a focus on the specific K53 testing requirements.
Why it’s great: Specialised focus on the K53 testing system.
Price Range: Approximately R280 to R380 per lesson.
Best for: Students who want an instructor who specialises specifically in K53 test preparation.
Pros: Perfect 5.0 rating. K53 specialist. Late hours until 18:00. Cons: More expensive than average.
16. Clint Driving School
Five-star rated with 11 reviews, operating daytime hours.
Clint Driving School operates weekdays from 09:00 to 17:00, offering patient instruction for learner and driver tests.
Why it’s great: Perfect rating with a focus on patient, stress-free instruction.
Price Range: Approximately R250 to R350 per lesson.
Best for: Anxious learners who need a calm, patient instructor.
Pros: Perfect 5.0 rating. Patient teaching style. Professional approach. Cons: Limited daytime hours only.
17. BC Driving Academy
Five-star rated with 7 reviews, operating daily from early morning to evening.
BC Driving Academy operates daily from 06:00 to 19:00, offering the most extended hours of any school on this list.
Why it’s great: Extremely flexible hours from early morning to late evening, seven days a week.
Price Range: Approximately R250 to R350 per lesson.
Best for: Students with unpredictable or non-traditional schedules.
Pros: Perfect 5.0 rating. Open daily. Hours from 06:00 to 19:00. Very flexible. Cons: Smaller number of reviews.
18. Spot On Drivers
Five-star rated with 5 reviews, operating daily.
Spot On Drivers operates daily from 07:00 to 17:30, offering K53 training for code 8 learners.
Why it’s great: Seven-day operation with solid reviews.
Price Range: Approximately R250 to R350 per lesson.
Best for: Students needing weekend lessons.
Pros: Perfect 5.0 rating. Open daily. Good hours. Cons: Limited number of reviews.
19. A 2 Zee Driving School
Five-star rated with 5 reviews, operating daily from morning to evening.
A 2 Zee Driving School operates daily from 08:00 to 19:00, offering late evening lessons for students with very busy schedules.
Why it’s great: Latest operating hours of any school, until 19:00.
Price Range: Approximately R250 to R350 per lesson.
Best for: Students who cannot take lessons until after work or evening classes.
Pros: Perfect 5.0 rating. Open daily. Latest hours until 19:00. Cons: Limited number of reviews.
20. Econo Driver Training
Rated 4.7 stars from 3 reviews, operating daytime hours.
Econo Driver Training operates weekdays from 08:00 to 16:00, offering budget-friendly options for students.
Why it’s great: More affordable than premium schools.
Price Range: Approximately R200 to R280 per lesson.
Best for: Students on a tight budget who still want quality instruction.
Pros: Affordable rates. Solid 4.7 rating. Cons: Very limited reviews. Limited hours.
Additional Driving Schools (SAIDI Members & Directory Listings)
The following schools are members of the SAIDI National (South African Institute of Driving Instructors) or appear in business directories for Port Elizabeth.
21. Baviaan’s Driving School
A SAIDI-accredited instructor serving a wide area.
Owner Lorrence Mintoor serves Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage, Kirkwood, and surrounding areas, making this a good option for students outside the city centre.
Why it’s great: Wide coverage area including Uitenhage and Kirkwood.
Price Range: Approximately R250 to R350 per lesson. Contact for specific rates.
Best for: Students in Uitenhage, Kirkwood, or areas outside central Port Elizabeth.
Pros: SAIDI accredited. Wide service area. Experienced instructor. Cons: May charge travel fees for distant locations.
22. Henryette Driving School
SAIDI-accredited instructor Henryette Kleinhans.
This is likely the same Henryette listed earlier (number 7) but verified through SAIDI membership.
Why it’s great: Dual verification through reviews and professional association.
Price Range: Approximately R250 to R350 per lesson.
Best for: Students who want an instructor with both great reviews and professional accreditation.
Pros: SAIDI accredited. Excellent reviews. Professional standing.
23. Ace Driving School
SAIDI-accredited instructor Andile Hogqoyi.
Ace Driving School offers K53 training with a focus on first-time passes for code 8 learners.
Why it’s great: SAIDI accreditation ensures professional standards.
Price Range: Approximately R250 to R350 per lesson.
Best for: Students who prioritise SAIDI accreditation in their choice.
Pros: SAIDI accredited. Professional instructor. Competitive rates.
24. Lesson2drive Driving School
SAIDI-accredited instructor Adel Van Der Mescht.
Lesson2drive offers personalised driving lessons with flexible scheduling for Port Elizabeth students.
Why it’s great: SAIDI accreditation with a focus on flexible scheduling.
Price Range: Approximately R250 to R350 per lesson.
Best for: Students needing flexible lesson times.
Pros: SAIDI accredited. Flexible scheduling. Professional instruction.
25. AJ Driving School
SAIDI-accredited instructor Arnold Granwell Plaatjies.
AJ Driving School serves Port Elizabeth with a focus on patient, thorough instruction for nervous learners.
Why it’s great: SAIDI accredited with a reputation for patience.
Price Range: Approximately R250 to R350 per lesson.
Best for: Anxious first-time drivers.
Pros: SAIDI accredited. Patient teaching style. Professional.
26. Bro-T Driving School
SAIDI-accredited instructor Trevor Samuels.
Bro-T Driving School offers K53 training with a focus on building confidence behind the wheel.
Why it’s great: SAIDI accreditation ensures quality standards.
Price Range: Approximately R250 to R350 per lesson.
Best for: Students who lack confidence in their driving abilities.
Pros: SAIDI accredited. Confidence-building approach.
27. Elsa’s Driving School
SAIDI-accredited instructor Elsa Claassen.
Elsa’s Driving School is known for patient instruction, particularly for older learners or those who have failed the test before.
Why it’s great: Specialises in helping students who have previously failed the driving test.
Price Range: Approximately R250 to R350 per lesson.
Best for: Students who have failed the driving test and need targeted help.
Pros: SAIDI accredited. Specialises in test failure recovery. Patient approach.
28. Safepass Driving School
SAIDI-accredited instructor Linda Smith.
Safepass focuses on ensuring students pass the K53 test on their first attempt through thorough preparation.
Why it’s great: Focus on first-time passes.
Price Range: Approximately R250 to R350 per lesson.
Best for: Students who want to pass on the first attempt.
Pros: SAIDI accredited. First-time pass focus. Experienced instructor.
29. Michelle’s Driving School
SAIDI-accredited instructor Michelle Smith.
Michelle’s Driving School offers personalised instruction for code 8 learners in Port Elizabeth.
Why it’s great: SAIDI accreditation with a personal touch.
Price Range: Approximately R250 to R350 per lesson.
Best for: Students who prefer a female instructor.
Pros: SAIDI accredited. Personalised service. Professional.
30. Easy Driving Academy
SAIDI-accredited instructor Patrick Michelle Bailey.
Easy Driving Academy focuses on making the learning process stress-free and accessible for all students.
Why it’s great: Emphasis on stress-free, easy learning.
Price Range: Approximately R250 to R350 per lesson.
Best for: Highly anxious learners who need an exceptionally patient approach.
Pros: SAIDI accredited. Stress-free teaching philosophy. Patient.
31. Wally’s Driving School
SAIDI-accredited instructor Andrew Walter Smith.
Wally’s Driving School offers K53 training with a focus on defensive driving techniques.
Why it’s great: SAIDI accreditation with a defensive driving focus.
Price Range: Approximately R250 to R350 per lesson.
Best for: Students who want to learn defensive driving, not just test passing.
Pros: SAIDI accredited. Defensive driving emphasis. Experienced.
32. Two Way Driving School
A driving school with 17 reviews and a 3.3 star rating.
Two Way Driving School has mixed reviews compared to top-rated schools. Potential students should read recent reviews before booking.
Why it’s great: Lower rates than premium schools.
Price Range: Approximately R200 to R280 per lesson.
Best for: Budget-conscious students willing to accept mixed quality.
Pros: Affordable. Available. Cons: Low 3.3 rating. Mixed reviews. Inconsistent quality.
33. First Time Driving School
A driving school with 8 reviews and a 3.5 star rating.
First Time Driving School has average reviews. Students should verify instructor credentials before booking.
Why it’s great: Lower cost than top-rated schools.
Price Range: Approximately R200 to R280 per lesson.
Best for: Students on a very tight budget.
Pros: Affordable. Cons: Low 3.5 rating. Limited reviews. Quality concerns.
34. Imsor Driving Academy
A driving academy with 4 reviews and a 3.5 star rating.
Imsor has limited reviews and a below-average rating. Caution is advised.
Why it’s great: May offer competitive rates.
Price Range: Approximately R200 to R280 per lesson.
Best for: Not recommended given low rating and limited reviews.
Pros: Potentially affordable. Cons: Very low rating. Only 4 reviews. Quality concerns.
35. Bright Future Driving School
A driving school with 4 reviews and a 3.0 star rating.
Bright Future has the lowest rating on this list. Students should exercise significant caution or choose another school.
Why it’s great: None identified.
Price Range: Approximately R200 to R280 per lesson.
Best for: Not recommended.
Pros: Low cost. Cons: Very low 3.0 rating. Only 4 reviews. Significant quality concerns.
36. Mike’s Driving School
A driving school operating in Port Elizabeth with contact number available.
Owner Mike can be reached at 072 538 3287. Limited online reviews available.
Why it’s great: Direct contact with the owner.
Price Range: Approximately R200 to R300 per lesson. Contact for exact rates.
Best for: Students who prefer to speak directly with the instructor before booking.
Pros: Direct owner contact. Available. Cons: Limited online presence. Few verified reviews.
37. SA’s K53 Driving School
A driving school with certified instructors and K53 specialisation.
Owner Steph leads a team of certified instructors focusing specifically on the K53 testing system.
Why it’s great: Specialised K53 focus with certified instructors.
Price Range: Approximately R250 to R350 per lesson.
Best for: Students who want K53 specialists.
Pros: K53 certified instructors. Specialised focus. Professional approach.
Quick Comparison Table
| Driving School | Best For | Approx. Price Per Lesson | Rating | Weekend Lessons? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DRIVE2PASS | Most reviewed & trusted | R250–R350 | 4.9 | No |
| Mardon’s Driving Academy | Academy experience | R250–R350 | 4.9 | No |
| Thama Thama Summerstrand | University students | R250–R350 | 4.9 | No |
| Brian’s Dynamic | Weekend lessons | R250–R350 | 4.9 | Yes |
| Terry’s Driving School | Perfect rating | R280–R380 | 5.0 | No |
| Henryette’s Driving School | Nervous drivers | R250–R350 | 5.0 | No |
| Faizel’s Driving School | Working students | R250–R350 | 5.0 | No |
| BlueChevron | Heavy vehicle training | R250–R400 | 5.0 | Yes |
| BC Driving Academy | Extended hours (06:00–19:00) | R250–R350 | 5.0 | Yes |
| A 2 Zee Driving School | Late evening (until 19:00) | R250–R350 | 5.0 | Yes |
| Baviaan’s Driving School | Uitenhage & Kirkwood | R250–R350 | SAIDI member | Varies |
| Econo Driver Training | Budget option | R200–R280 | 4.7 | No |
Hidden Costs Beyond the Lesson Fee
Many learner drivers sign up for lessons based only on the advertised hourly rate. Here is what you need to ask about.
Booking Fee for the Driving Test: Most driving schools charge a fee to book your driving test at the licensing department. This fee typically ranges from R300 to R600 and covers the school’s time spent queuing and submitting paperwork. Ask if this is included in any package or charged separately.
Learner’s License Preparation: Some schools charge extra for learner’s license classes or materials. Others include this in a comprehensive package. Ask before signing up.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Fees: Many schools include pick-up and drop-off at your home or work within a certain radius. Outside that radius, a fuel fee may apply. Ask about the pick-up zone and any extra charges.
Test Day Vehicle Hire: On the day of your driving test, you will use the school’s vehicle. Some schools include this in a package. Others charge a separate test day fee of R300 to R600. Ask clearly.
Extra Lessons After Failed Test: If you fail the test, you will need additional lessons before retaking it. Ask about the cost of extra lessons and whether the school offers a discounted retest package.
Cancellation Fees: Most schools require 24 hours notice for lesson cancellation. Late cancellations or no-shows may incur a full lesson fee. Ask about the cancellation policy.
Manual vs Automatic Transmission: Automatic transmission lessons are often R50 to R100 more per hour than manual lessons because automatic vehicles are more expensive to maintain. Ask which transmission you will be learning on.
Package Discounts and Expiry: Many schools offer discounts for booking 5 or 10 lessons in advance. However, these packages often expire within 3 to 6 months. If you do not use all the lessons before the expiry date, you may lose them. Ask about expiry policies.
What to Look for in a Driving School
Instructor Certification: All driving instructors should be registered with SAIDI (South African Institute of Driving Instructors) or hold similar recognised certification. SAIDI membership is listed for schools 21 to 31 above. For other schools, ask directly.
Vehicle Condition: The car you learn in should be in good condition, with dual controls (an extra brake pedal on the passenger side). Ask to see the vehicle before booking a package.
K53 Knowledge: K53 is the official South African driving test system. Your instructor should know it thoroughly, including the specific observation routines (shoulder checks, blind spot checks) that cause many learners to fail.
Pass Rate: Ask the school about their first-time pass rate. A good school will have a pass rate above 80%. Be wary of schools that refuse to share this information.
Testing Centre Familiarity: Different testing centres have different routes and quirks. Ask which testing centre the school typically uses (Korsten, Uitenhage/Despatch, or others) and whether the instructor knows that centre’s specific test routes.
What to Ask Before Booking Lessons
Use this checklist when speaking with any driving school:
What is the cost per lesson including VAT?
Do you offer package discounts for 5 or 10 lessons?
What is included in the package (learner’s license prep, test booking, test day vehicle)?
What is your first-time pass rate?
Which testing centre do you use?
Do you have dual controls in your vehicle?
What is your cancellation policy?
Is pick-up and drop-off included? If not, what is the extra fee?
How long is each lesson typically (45 minutes or 60 minutes)?
Can I see your SAIDI or other certification?
Do you have reviews from recent students I can read?
What to Bring to Your First Lesson
Your learner’s license (must be valid and with you at all times while driving)
Your ID or passport
Glasses or contact lenses if you need them for driving
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes (no flip-flops or high heels)
A notebook to record what you learn (optional but helpful)
Water (some lesson cars can get warm)
Conclusion
Finding the right driving school in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) can make the difference between passing your K53 test on the first attempt or failing multiple times. From highly rated schools like DRIVE2PASS and Mardon’s Driving Academy with hundreds of positive reviews, to perfect-rated instructors like Terry’s and Henryette’s, to SAIDI-accredited instructors serving areas like Uitenhage and Kirkwood, there is an option for every budget and learning style.
The key is to be honest about your needs. Do you need weekend lessons? Brian’s Dynamic Driving School operates seven days a week. Do you need late evening lessons? A 2 Zee Driving School operates until 19:00. Are you a nervous first-time driver? Henryette’s Driving School is known for patience. Are you on a tight budget? Econo Driver Training offers lower rates. Do you need a heavy vehicle license? BlueChevron offers code 10 and code 14 training.
Avoid schools with very low ratings like Bright Future Driving School (3.0 stars) unless your budget absolutely forces you to consider them. The money saved on cheaper lessons is often lost when you fail the test and have to pay for retests and additional lessons.
Ask about hidden costs including test booking fees, test day vehicle hire, pick-up zone fuel charges, and package expiry dates. Verify your instructor’s SAIDI certification. Ask about first-time pass rates. And if possible, speak to recent students before committing to a package.
A good driving school is an investment in your safety and your independence. Choose wisely, and you will be on the road with confidence in no time.
Disclaimer: Contact each driving school directly for current rates, package details, and availability. Always verify instructor certification before booking lessons.