Bloemfontein, the judicial capital of South Africa and capital of the Free State province, has a growing number of driving schools catering to students, young professionals, and experienced drivers seeking license upgrades. With testing centres including the Langenhoven Park DLTC and the Mangaung Traffic Department, choosing the right driving school is essential for passing the K53 test efficiently and developing safe driving habits.
This guide covers 23 driving schools operating in Bloemfontein, from highly rated academies to specialised code training centres.
23 List of Driving Schools in Bloemfontein
1. TEN2DRIVE
Highly reputable driving school based in Westdene with an excellent reputation.
TEN2DRIVE is located at 13 President Steyn Ave, Westdene, Bloemfontein, and has an impressive 4.8 rating from 263 reviews. They offer flexible hours from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays and Saturday morning lessons. With over 5 years in business, they provide comprehensive K53 training.
Why it’s great: Massive number of positive reviews indicates consistent quality and student satisfaction.
Price Range: Approximately R200 to R300 per lesson. Package deals available.
Best for: Students who want a proven, highly rated school with flexible early morning hours.
Pros: Excellent 4.8 rating from 263 reviews. Early 6:00 AM start time. Saturday lessons available. Cons: Weekday only afternoons.
Contact: 071 758 9305
2. Lusten Driving Academy
Well-regarded academy in Bloemfontein Central, conveniently located near test centres.
Located at 134 Charlotte Maxeke St, Lusten Driving Academy has a 4.7 rating from 28 reviews. They are known for their high success rate in helping students pass their driver’s license exams and are conveniently close to the Mangaung Traffic Department and other testing centres.
Why it’s great: Convenient central location near Bloemfontein’s testing centres.
Price Range: Approximately R200 to R300 per lesson.
Best for: Students who want to practice on roads near the actual testing centre.
Pros: 4.7 rating. Central location. High success rate. Cons: Limited number of reviews compared to TEN2DRIVE.
Contact: 051 011 2913
3. Just Another Drive
Top-rated driving school with excellent student satisfaction.
Just Another Drive boasts a 4.9 rating from 158 reviews, making it one of the highest-rated schools in Bloemfontein. They are open until 5:15 PM and offer on-site driving services.
Why it’s great: Near-perfect rating from a significant number of reviews.
Price Range: Approximately R220 to R320 per lesson.
Best for: Students who prioritise a near-perfect rating from a large review base.
Pros: Excellent 4.9 rating. 158 reviews. Convenient hours until 5:15 PM. Cons: No weekend hours specified.
Contact: 062 338 3416
4. Your Dream Driving School
Perfect five-star rated school with late afternoon availability.
Your Dream Driving School has a flawless 5.0 rating from 11 reviews. They are open until 6:00 PM, making them a great option for students needing late afternoon lessons after work or classes.
Why it’s great: Perfect rating indicates exceptional student satisfaction.
Price Range: Approximately R230 to R330 per lesson.
Best for: Students who want a perfect-rated instructor and need late afternoon lessons.
Pros: Flawless 5.0 rating. Open until 6:00 PM. Personalised attention. Cons: Limited number of reviews.
Contact: 051 448 6677
5. K53 Sim U Teach Driving Academy
Unique driving academy using high-quality driving simulators for safe practice.
Located at 142B Nelson Mandela, Brandhof, Bloemfontein, this academy uses driving simulators to help learners acquire basic driving skills in a safe, realistic environment before heading onto public roads. The training is based on K53 test standards with 12 modules including clutch control, parallel parking, incline starts, and driving in various weather conditions. This simulator-based approach is particularly beneficial for anxious first-time drivers.
Why it’s great: Low-pressure, safe environment to learn basics before real road driving.
Price Range: Approximately R250 to R350 for simulator sessions. Package deals available.
Best for: Anxious first-time drivers who want to build confidence in a safe environment before driving on public roads.
Pros: No risk of accidents during initial learning. Practice difficult manoeuvres repeatedly. 12 structured modules. Builds confidence safely. Cons: Simulator cannot fully replace real road experience. May be more expensive than traditional lessons.
Contact: 051 412 6512
6. DRVN High Tech Driving School and E-Learning Centre
Modern driving school combining e-learning with practical lessons.
DRVN High Tech has a 5.0 rating from 1 review and has been in business for over 5 years. They offer a modern driving education experience combining e-learning with practical on-site lessons, allowing students to study theory online before practical sessions.
Why it’s great: Blended learning approach suits tech-savvy students.
Price Range: Approximately R220 to R320 per lesson. E-learning package prices vary.
Best for: Students who prefer online theory learning combined with practical in-car lessons.
Pros: 5.0 rating. E-learning options. Modern teaching methods. Cons: Very limited reviews.
Contact: 051 011 5231
7. SBK Driving
Solid driving school with good ratings and evening availability.
SBK Driving holds a 4.6 rating from 22 reviews and is open until 6:00 PM. They offer on-site driving services for learners at various levels from beginner to test-ready.
Why it’s great: Good rating with reasonable evening hours.
Price Range: Approximately R200 to R280 per lesson.
Best for: Students who need lessons after work or classes until 6:00 PM.
Pros: 4.6 rating. Open until 6:00 PM. Solid reputation. Cons: Limited review count.
Contact: 087 821 3244
8. The One Driving School
Driving school serving Bloemfontein and Kimberley with a team of expert instructors.
The One Driving School has a 3.3 rating from 28 reviews and focuses on driving excellence with a team of expert instructors. They are open weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Why it’s great: Regional coverage serving both Bloemfontein and Kimberley.
Price Range: Approximately R200 to R280 per lesson.
Best for: Students who live or work between Bloemfontein and Kimberley.
Pros: Serves two cities. Team of instructors. Standard weekday hours. Cons: Lower 3.3 rating. Mixed reviews.
Contact: 051 101 4113
9. Active Driving School
Established school with solid ratings and late afternoon hours.
Active Driving School has a 4.0 rating from 34 reviews and operates until 5:30 PM. They offer on-site driving services with experienced instructors.
Why it’s great: Solid average rating from a reasonable number of reviews.
Price Range: Approximately R190 to R270 per lesson.
Best for: Budget-conscious students who want a school with a proven track record.
Pros: 4.0 rating. 34 reviews. Open until 5:30 PM. Competitive pricing. Cons: Not top-rated.
Contact: 076 785 3045
10. Gladiator Driving Academy & Logistics
Long-established academy with over 15 years of experience and online classes.
Gladiator Driving Academy holds a 4.8 rating from 23 reviews. They offer both in-person and online classes and are open until 6:00 PM, making them a flexible option for busy students.
Why it’s great: 15+ years of experience combined with modern online learning options.
Price Range: Approximately R220 to R320 per lesson.
Best for: Students who value experience and want the flexibility of online theory classes.
Pros: 4.8 rating. 15+ years experience. Online classes available. Open until 6:00 PM. Cons: Limited review count.
Contact: 081 531 3449
11. Rise & Shine Driving School
Accessible school for beginner drivers at affordable rates.
Rise & Shine Driving School has a 3.4 rating from 5 reviews and is open until 5:00 PM.
Why it’s great: Affordable option for students on a tight budget.
Price Range: Approximately R180 to R250 per lesson.
Best for: Budget-conscious beginner drivers.
Pros: Affordable rates. Accessible for first-time learners. Cons: Low 3.4 rating. Only 5 reviews.
Contact: 072 026 0898
12. BFN School of Driving
Long-standing school with over 7 years of experience.
BFN School of Driving holds a 3.7 rating from 19 reviews and is open until 6:00 PM.
Why it’s great: Evening hours until 6:00 PM with reasonable experience.
Price Range: Approximately R190 to R270 per lesson.
Best for: Students who need evening lessons and value a school with some track record.
Pros: 7+ years experience. Open until 6:00 PM. Cons: 3.7 rating is below average.
Contact: 083 324 8221
13. Scorpio Driving School
Established academy with over 15 years of experience and the latest closing time.
Scorpio Driving School has a 3.5 rating from 19 reviews and is open until 7:00 PM, offering the latest closing time on this list for students needing evening lessons after work or late classes.
Why it’s great: Latest operating hours until 7:00 PM.
Price Range: Approximately R190 to R270 per lesson.
Best for: Students who cannot take lessons until after 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM.
Pros: 15+ years experience. Open until 7:00 PM (latest on this list). Cons: Only 3.5 rating. Mixed reviews.
Contact: 072 119 7661
14. Siyabulela Driving School
Well-regarded school with over 10 years of experience and excellent ratings.
Siyabulela Driving School holds a 4.8 rating from 9 reviews, demonstrating strong student satisfaction despite a smaller number of reviews.
Why it’s great: Excellent 4.8 rating from students who have reviewed.
Price Range: Approximately R210 to R300 per lesson.
Best for: Students who trust a high rating even with fewer reviews.
Pros: 4.8 rating. 10+ years experience. Strong student satisfaction. Cons: Only 9 reviews available.
Contact: 051 448 7677
15. Pressbutton Driving Academy
Perfect five-star rated academy with evening hours.
Pressbutton Driving Academy has a flawless 5.0 rating from 3 reviews and is open until 6:00 PM.
Why it’s great: Perfect rating indicates exceptional quality.
Price Range: Approximately R230 to R330 per lesson.
Best for: Students who want a perfect-rated instructor and can pay a premium.
Pros: Flawless 5.0 rating. Open until 6:00 PM. Personalised attention. Cons: Very limited reviews (only 3). Premium pricing likely.
Contact: 072 367 9295
16. Tswelopele Driving School
Established school serving the Bloemfontein area.
Tswelopele Driving School has a 3.5 rating from 14 reviews and is open until 5:30 PM.
Why it’s great: Standard hours with reasonable pricing.
Price Range: Approximately R180 to R260 per lesson.
Best for: Students on a budget who want a basic, no-frills driving school.
Pros: Affordable. Open until 5:30 PM. Cons: 3.5 rating is average.
Contact: 083 761 0482
17. Apex Vision Driving Academy
Perfect five-star rated academy with evening hours.
Apex Vision Driving Academy holds a 5.0 rating from 1 review and is open until 6:00 PM.
Why it’s great: Perfect rating from the single reviewer.
Price Range: Approximately R220 to R320 per lesson.
Best for: Students willing to try a newer academy with a perfect record.
Pros: 5.0 rating. Open until 6:00 PM. Cons: Only 1 review available. Newer or smaller operation.
Contact: 071 456 6003
18. U Go Girl Driving School
Driving school with a focus on female learners.
U Go Girl Driving School has a 4.0 rating from 4 reviews and is based in Bloemfontein, potentially offering a comfortable learning environment for female students who may prefer a female instructor or a women-focused learning environment.
Why it’s great: Specialised environment for female learners.
Price Range: Approximately R200 to R280 per lesson.
Best for: Female students who would feel more comfortable learning in a women-focused environment.
Pros: Female-focused. 4.0 rating. Comfortable learning atmosphere. Cons: Only 4 reviews. May not have male instructors if preferred.
Contact: 061 443 0355
19. New Era Driving School
Long-established school with over 10 years of experience and online classes.
New Era Driving School offers online classes in addition to practical lessons and is open until 5:30 PM.
Why it’s great: Decade of experience with modern online learning options.
Price Range: Approximately R190 to R270 per lesson.
Best for: Students who want online theory learning from an experienced school.
Pros: 10+ years experience. Online classes available. Open until 5:30 PM. Cons: No rating data available.
Contact: 051 430 4488
20. Right Driving Academy Bloemfontein
Established school with over 7 years of experience.
Right Driving Academy has been operating for over 7 years and offers comprehensive driving instruction for code 8 learners.
Why it’s great: Nearly a decade of experience in Bloemfontein.
Price Range: Approximately R190 to R270 per lesson.
Best for: Students who value experience over flashy ratings.
Pros: 7+ years experience. Established in Bloemfontein. Cons: No rating data available.
Contact: 084 733 1535
21. Code 10 Driving School Bloemfontein
Specialist school for Code 10 (heavy vehicle) training.
This school offers comprehensive training tailored specifically for Code 10 vehicle drivers who need to drive trucks or heavy commercial vehicles. Their programme includes initial assessment, classroom theory covering road signs, traffic rules, and defensive driving techniques for heavy vehicles, practical driving sessions, mock driving tests, and guidance through the official driving test process. Code 10 is a professional qualification often required for careers in logistics, delivery, and transport.
Why it’s great: Specialised expertise for heavy vehicle licenses not offered by most standard schools.
Price Range: Approximately R300 to R500 per lesson. Package deals for full Code 10 training.
Best for: Students seeking a professional driving career requiring a Code 10 (heavy vehicle) license.
Pros: Specialised Code 10 training. Comprehensive programme including theory, practical, and test guidance. Career-focused. Cons: More expensive than code 8 lessons. Not for standard car license seekers.
Contact: Contact the school directly for current contact information.
22. Press Button Driving School
K53 driving school listed in Bloemfontein business directories.
Press Button Driving School is listed in Bloemfontein business directories as a K53 driving school offering standard driving lessons for code 8 learners.
Why it’s great: Established presence in Bloemfontein directory listings.
Price Range: Approximately R190 to R270 per lesson.
Best for: Students who want to try a school found through directory listings.
Pros: Listed in Bloemfontein directories. Standard K53 training. Cons: Limited online presence. No rating data available.
Contact: Contact the school directly for current contact information.
23. Nova Driving School
K53 driving school serving Bloemfontein and surrounding areas.
Nova Driving School is listed in business directories as a K53 driving school in Bloemfontein, offering lessons for learner and driver license preparation.
Why it’s great: Serves Bloemfontein and surrounding Free State areas.
Price Range: Approximately R190 to R270 per lesson.
Best for: Students living just outside Bloemfontein who need a school willing to travel.
Pros: Serves surrounding areas. Standard K53 training. Cons: Limited online presence. No rating data available.
Contact: Contact the school directly for current contact information.
Quick Comparison Table
| Driving School | Best For | Approx. Price Per Lesson | Rating | Evening Lessons? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEN2DRIVE | Most reviewed & trusted | R200–R300 | 4.8 | No (ends 5PM) |
| Just Another Drive | Near-perfect rating | R220–R320 | 4.9 | No (ends 5:15PM) |
| Your Dream Driving School | Perfect rating | R230–R330 | 5.0 | Yes (until 6PM) |
| K53 Sim U Teach | Anxious beginners | R250–R350 | Not rated | Varies |
| Scorpio Driving School | Latest evening lessons | R190–R270 | 3.5 | Yes (until 7PM) |
| Gladiator Driving Academy | Experience + online | R220–R320 | 4.8 | Yes (until 6PM) |
| U Go Girl Driving School | Female learners | R200–R280 | 4.0 | Varies |
| Code 10 Driving School | Heavy vehicle license | R300–R500 | Not rated | Varies |
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 Langenhoven Park DLTC or Mangaung Traffic 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 of Bloemfontein. 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. Most Bloemfontein schools teach manual, but ask if you need automatic.
Simulator Session Costs: For K53 Sim U Teach, simulator sessions may be priced differently from on-road lessons. Ask about simulator-only packages versus combined simulator and on-road packages.
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 in Bloemfontein
Instructor Certification: Ask if your instructor is registered and certified. While SAIDI registration is more common in larger cities, reputable Bloemfontein schools should have certified instructors.
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. For Code 10 training, ensure the truck or heavy vehicle is roadworthy and suitable for the test.
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 at the Bloemfontein testing centres (Langenhoven Park or Mangaung). 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 (Langenhoven Park DLTC or Mangaung Traffic Department) and whether the instructor knows that centre’s specific test routes.
Simulator vs Real Road Balance: If considering K53 Sim U Teach, ask what the balance is between simulator time and real on-road lessons. Simulators are excellent for practice but cannot replace real road experience.
What to Ask Before Booking Lessons
Use this checklist when speaking with any driving school in Bloemfontein:
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 at Bloemfontein testing centres?
Which testing centre do you use (Langenhoven Park or Mangaung)?
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 instructor certification?
Do you have reviews from recent students I can read?
For Code 10 training: What type of vehicle will I train on? Is it the same vehicle used for the test?
For simulator training: How many simulator sessions versus on-road sessions are included?
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, especially in Bloemfontein’s summer heat)
Conclusion
Finding the right driving school in Bloemfontein can make the difference between passing your K53 test on the first attempt or failing multiple times. From highly rated schools like TEN2DRIVE with 263 reviews and a 4.8 rating, to perfect-rated academies like Your Dream Driving School and Pressbutton Driving Academy, to specialist providers like K53 Sim U Teach for anxious beginners and Code 10 Driving School for heavy vehicle licenses, there is an option for every budget and learning style.
The key is to be honest about your needs. Do you want the most reviewed and trusted school? TEN2DRIVE leads the pack. Do you need evening lessons? Scorpio Driving School stays open until 7:00 PM, the latest in Bloemfontein. Are you an anxious first-time driver? K53 Sim U Teach offers safe simulator practice before you hit the road. Are you a female student who would feel more comfortable with a women-focused school? U Go Girl Driving School is an option. Do you need a professional Code 10 license for a driving career? Code 10 Driving School Bloemfontein specialises in exactly that.
Avoid schools with consistently low ratings like The One Driving School (3.3) and Rise & Shine Driving School (3.4) 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. 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, your independence, and potentially your career. Choose wisely, and you will be driving confidently on Bloemfontein’s roads in no time.
Disclaimer: Contact each driving school directly for current rates, package details, and availability. Always verify instructor certification before booking lessons. For Code 10 training, additional verification of vehicle roadworthiness is recommended.