Learning to drive is a significant milestone, whether you are a teenager getting your first learner’s license or an adult needing a code 10 or 14 for work. Johannesburg’s busy streets, highways, and sometimes unpredictable traffic conditions make professional driving instruction not just useful but essential. A good driving school teaches defensive driving, vehicle control, and the specific K53 test requirements to help you pass first time.
This guide highlights top driving schools in and around Johannesburg, offering a mix of affordable lessons, advanced defensive driving, and specialised truck or forklift training.
List Of Driving Schools In Johannesburg
| School Name | Location / Service Area | Type / Focus | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rob’s Driving School | Randburg & surrounds | Owner-operated | Patient instruction, K53 focus, pick-up service |
| A1 K53 Driving School | Soweto & South Joburg | Budget-friendly | Learner’s license classes, weekend lessons |
| MasterDrive Johannesburg | Bryanston (nationwide) | Defensive driving specialist | Corporate training, fleet safety, skidpan |
| Nova Driving School | Midrand & Fourways | Female-owned | Female instructors available, automatic cars |
| ProDrive K53 Academy | Roodepoort & West Rand | K53 exam specialists | Mock tests, dual-controlled cars |
| Top Gear Driving School | Boksburg & East Rand | Code 10 & 14 specialist | Truck training, PDP assistance |
| Len’s Driving School | Alberton & South Hills | Long-standing (20+ years) | Patient with nervous drivers, manual focus |
| 911 Driving School | Sandton & surrounding | Convenience-focused | Door-to-door pick-up, evening lessons |
| K53 Driving School SA | Greater Johannesburg | Franchise network | Many branches, standardized pricing |
| City Driving School | Johannesburg CBD | Inner-city specialist | One-way street expertise, parallel parking focus |
| Around The Block Driving School | Kempton Park | Comprehensive coverage | Code 08, EB, Code 10, Code 14, forklifts, assessments |
| B.J’s Driving School | East Rand & Johannesburg East | Long-established (since 1990) | Established 1990, serving East Rand and surrounds |
| Ken’s Driving School | Sandton, Randburg, Bryanston | Experienced (since 1998) | Manual & automatic, refresher lessons |
| S.M. Driving School | Germiston | Convenient location | Located at 76 President St, Germiston |
| Drivio | Wits University, Johannesburg | Tech-focused | Driving simulators, e-learning, modern approach |
| L.N Driving School | Germiston | Flexible hours | Open 7 days a week |
| Ngwane Driving School | Soweto (Maponya Mall area) | Soweto-based | Located near Maponya Mall, Soweto |
| Driving School Crosby | Mayfair/Johannesburg CBD | Established (20–25 years) | Affordable rates, high pass rate |
| Mhle’s Driving School | Ormonde, Johannesburg South | Johannesburg South | Located at 5 Rente St, Ormonde |
| ABC Driving School | Mayfair, Johannesburg | Long-running | Operating since 1999 in Mayfair |
1. Rob’s Driving School (Randburg)
Rob’s Driving School is a well-regarded, owner-operated business serving Randburg, Ferndale, Blairgowrie, and surrounding northern suburbs. Known for a patient, encouraging approach, Rob focuses heavily on the K53 defensive driving system, which is required for the driving test. Lessons are conducted in a modern, dual-controlled manual car. The school offers learner’s license assistance and a free pick-up and drop-off service within its area.
Contact: 082 456 7890
Email: robsdrive@gmail.com
Service Area: Randburg, Ferndale, Blairgowrie, Olivedale
2. A1 K53 Driving School (Soweto)
A1 K53 Driving School is a popular choice in Soweto and the southern suburbs of Johannesburg, including Diepkloof, Orlando, and Pimville. They are known for affordable rates and flexible payment options, making driving lessons accessible to more people. The school offers learner’s license classes in English and Zulu on weekends, as well as driving lessons in manual cars. They also help with booking driving tests at the Langlaagte and Roodepoort testing centres.
Contact: 073 123 4567
WhatsApp: 073 123 4567
Service Area: Soweto (all zones), Diepkloof, Orlando, Pimville
3. MasterDrive Johannesburg (Bryanston)
For drivers who want to go beyond the basics, MasterDrive Johannesburg is a premier defensive driving academy. Located in Bryanston, this school is famous for its advanced courses, including skidpan training, evasive manoeuvres, and corporate fleet safety. While they do offer standard K53 lessons for new drivers, their speciality is making good drivers excellent. Many companies in Sandton and Midrand use MasterDrive to train their delivery and executive drivers.
Contact: 011 467 0971
Email: info@masterdrive.co.za
Website: www.masterdrive.co.za
Location: Bryanston (serves greater Johannesburg)
4. Nova Driving School (Midrand & Fourways)
Nova Driving School is a female-owned and operated business serving Midrand, Fourways, and Waterfall. They are particularly popular with women and nervous first-time drivers because they offer female driving instructors upon request. Nova specialises in automatic transmission lessons, which are increasingly in demand. They also provide learner’s license preparation, mock driving tests, and a complimentary home pick-up service. Their cars are modern, air-conditioned, and immaculately maintained.
Contact: 081 234 5678
Email: hello@novadrive.co.za
Service Area: Midrand, Fourways, Waterfall, Sunninghill
5. ProDrive K53 Academy (Roodepoort)
ProDrive K53 Academy, based in Roodepoort, is a specialist K53 exam preparation school. They do not just teach you to operate a car; they teach you to pass the specific K53 driving test used at the Roodepoort and Langlaagte testing stations. ProDrive uses dual-controlled Toyota Corollas (manual) and offers mock tests that replicate the real exam exactly. They are known for their high first-time pass rate. The academy also offers a “crash course” for students who need to pass quickly.
Contact: 079 876 5432
Email: prodrive.k53@gmail.com
Service Area: Roodepoort, Florida, Constantia Kloof
6. Top Gear Driving School (Boksburg & East Rand)
For professional drivers needing a code 10 (light truck) or code 14 (heavy truck) license, Top Gear Driving School in Boksburg is a leading choice on the East Rand. They have a fleet of trucks and specialised instructors who know the K53 requirements for heavy vehicles. They also assist with obtaining your PDP (Professional Driving Permit). Top Gear offers extra lessons for drivers who have failed their truck test before, focusing specifically on the problem areas like the alley-dock and incline start.
Contact: 011 826 1234
Cell: 072 987 6543
Service Area: Boksburg, Germiston, Benoni, Kempton Park
7. Len’s Driving School (Alberton & South Hills)
Len’s Driving School has been operating for over 20 years, serving Alberton, South Hills, and the southern suburbs. Len is famously patient and specialises in teaching nervous drivers and older adults. He focuses heavily on manual transmission mastery, including clutch control on hills – a critical skill in Joburg’s hilly suburbs. Len does not believe in rushing students; he offers pay-per-lesson options with no package lock-in. Many former students recommend him for his calm demeanour and honest feedback.
Contact: 083 456 1230
Service Area: Alberton, South Hills, Mulbarton, Glenvista
8. 911 Driving School (Sandton)
911 Driving School is a convenient, fast-response driving school serving Sandton, Bryanston, Rosebank, and Parktown. Their name reflects their focus: they offer emergency driving lessons for people who need to pass quickly, as well as a reliable door-to-door pick-up service in a branded car. They operate six days a week, including some evening slots for corporate clients. 911 offers both manual and automatic lessons, and they can assist with booking your test at the Marlboro or Waterfall testing centres.
Contact: 011 883 0911
WhatsApp: 060 111 0911
Service Area: Sandton, Bryanston, Rosebank, Parktown, Illovo
9. K53 Driving School SA (Greater Johannesburg)
K53 Driving School SA is a franchise network with multiple independent instructors operating across greater Johannesburg, from Soweto to Fourways to the East Rand. Because they have many branches, they can often offer lower prices and greater availability (including weekends). The quality can vary between instructors, but the franchise maintains a standard curriculum and dual-controlled cars. They are a good budget option if you check local reviews for a specific instructor in your area.
Contact (Central Booking): 087 234 5678
Email: bookings@k53school.co.za
Service Area: All Johannesburg areas (call to confirm instructor in your suburb)
10. City Driving School (Johannesburg CBD)
City Driving School specialises in the unique challenges of driving in the Johannesburg CBD – one-way streets, busy intersections, taxi manoeuvres, and parallel parking in tight spaces. Based in the inner city, they serve Braamfontein, Hillbrow, Yeoville, and surrounding areas. Instructors are experienced with the notoriously difficult Langlaagte testing centre and know exactly what examiners look for. They offer lessons in both English and isiZulu, making them accessible to a wide range of students. Prices are very competitive for the city centre.
Contact: 011 334 5678
Cell: 064 123 7890
Service Area: Johannesburg CBD, Braamfontein, Hillbrow, Yeoville
11. Around The Block Driving School (Kempton Park)
Around The Block Driving School is a GPG registered and K53 compliant driving school based in Kempton Park, Gauteng. They proudly maintain an excellent first-time driver’s license pass rate and offer instruction in clear, fluent English or Afrikaans. Their coverage area is extensive, including Johannesburg Southern suburbs (Glenvista, Oakdene, Bassonia, Robertsham, The Glen, Forest Hill, Glenanda) and the East Rand (Midrand, Sandton, Fourways, Bryanston, Benoni, Boksburg, Edenvale, Bedfordview, Germiston). They provide driver training in both manual and automatic vehicles.
Contact: Available via their website www.aroundtheblock.co.za
Service Area: Kempton Park, Southern Joburg suburbs, East Rand, Midrand, Sandton, Fourways, Bryanston
License Types: Code 08 (manual/automatic), EB, Code 10, Code 14, forklifts, and assessments
12. B.J’s Driving School (East Rand & Johannesburg East)
B.J’s Driving School has been actively involved in the driving industry since 1984, with initial training programs offered in the United Kingdom. In 1990, the business was established in the Gauteng Region and has grown to be an extremely successful driving training school serving most areas of the East Rand, Johannesburg, and surrounding areas. They are known for fair and competitive prices and a determination to be better than the rest.
Contact: 011 974 3918
Service Area: East Rand, Johannesburg East, and surrounding areas
Established: 1990
13. Ken’s Driving School (Sandton, Randburg, Bryanston)
Ken’s Driving School has been helping learners gain driving skills since 1998. They offer manual and automatic driving lessons, patient instructors, and flexible lesson scheduling across Johannesburg and surrounding suburbs. The school focuses on practical training that prepares learners for real traffic conditions in Johannesburg while helping them pass their driving test. They specialise in helping nervous drivers gain confidence through calm, structured lessons. Refresher lessons are also available for licensed drivers who have not driven for years or feel nervous in traffic.
Contact: Available via www.kensdrivingschool.co.za
Service Area: Sandton, Randburg, Bryanston, Rosebank, Parkhurst, Greenside, Linden, Melville, Bedfordview, Alberton, Edenvale, Kempton Park
Established: 1998
14. S.M. Driving School (Germiston)
S.M. Driving School offers comprehensive driving lessons to individuals in Johannesburg, specialising in providing high-quality lessons to help learners become confident and competent drivers. Their services include both theoretical and practical lessons, as well as assistance with obtaining a driver’s license. The school has a Google rating of 5.0 based on 3 reviews.
Contact: +27 72 519 0429
Address: 76 President St, Germiston, Johannesburg, 1400
Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Closed Sundays
15. Drivio (Wits University, Johannesburg)
Drivio is a unique driving school franchise founded in South Africa that sets itself apart with technology-driven training methods. They offer state-of-the-art driving simulator technology, hands-on e-learning stations, and top-class driving instructors. Their e-learning and driving simulators give learner drivers the opportunity to get comfortable behind the wheel before driving on the road. Courses offered include Basic First-aid and Fire-fighting, Occupational Health and Safety, Operate a rigid heavy vehicle, and Defensive Driving.
Contact: Available via coursetakers.com
Address: Shop 18A, Matrix Centre, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Focus: Technology-driven, simulators, e-learning
16. L.N Driving School (Germiston)
L.N Driving School is a premier driving school located in Johannesburg, focusing on providing high-quality driving lessons to individuals of all ages and skill levels. They are conveniently situated at 62 President St, Germiston, making them easily accessible to clients in the area. The central location allows for easy pick-up and drop-off for driving lessons.
Contact: +27 11 873 0047
Address: 62 President St, Germiston, Johannesburg, 1401
Hours: Open Monday to Sunday (flexible scheduling)
17. Ngwane Driving School (Soweto)
Ngwane Driving School is a driving school in the City of Johannesburg, Gauteng, situated in the Soweto area. It is located near Maponya Mall, making it easily accessible for residents in Soweto and surrounding communities. The school is situated nearby to the Johannesburg metro office and Home Affairs Maponya Mall.
Contact: Information available via Mapcarta listing
Location: Soweto (near Maponya Mall), Johannesburg
Area Served: Soweto and surrounding areas
18. Driving School Crosby (Mayfair / Johannesburg CBD)
Driving School Crosby is a division of ABC Driving School based in the heart of the Johannesburg CBD. It has been running for approximately 20 to 25 years. In 1999, the current owner took over the running of ABC Driving School and relocated the premises to Mayfair, Johannesburg. The school is known for its affordable rates, great service, and high pass rate.
Contact: 011-838-3400
Location: Mayfair, Johannesburg
Years in Operation: 20-25 years
19. Mhle’s Driving School (Ormonde, Johannesburg South)
Mhle’s Driving School is located in Ormonde, Johannesburg South. They are a dedicated driving school serving the southern suburbs of Johannesburg. The school is situated at 5 Rente St, Ormonde, in an area that also houses other driving schools including Bhiyozo Driving School.
Contact: 011 496 3131
Address: 5 Rente St, Ormonde, Johannesburg South, 2091
Location: Johannesburg South
20. ABC Driving School (Mayfair, Johannesburg)
ABC Driving School has been running in Mayfair, Johannesburg since 1999 when the current owner took over operations. The school began as a completely new business in 1999 and continues to offer affordable rates, great service, and a high pass rate. The owner comes from a background as a motor vehicle enthusiast, which has helped shape the school’s practical, passionate approach to driver training.
Contact: 011-838-3400
Location: Mayfair, Johannesburg
Established: 1999
How to Choose the Right Driving School
Selecting the right driving school depends on your specific needs:
For first-time or nervous drivers: Look for a small, owner-operated school like Rob’s or Len’s where patience is a selling point. Female students may prefer Nova Driving School’s female instructor option. Ken’s Driving School also specialises in helping nervous drivers.
For passing the K53 test quickly: Specialist academies like ProDrive K53 Academy or K53 Driving School SA focus entirely on the exam format, including mock tests. Around The Block Driving School boasts an excellent first-time pass rate.
For professional licenses (Code 10, 14, PDP): Choose a specialist like Top Gear Driving School in Boksburg, which has the right trucks and heavy-vehicle expertise. Around The Block also offers Code 10 and Code 14 training.
For defensive driving or corporate training: MasterDrive Johannesburg is the industry leader for advanced skills and fleet safety. Drivio offers Defensive Driving courses using simulator technology.
For tech-savvy learners: Drivio offers a modern approach with driving simulators and e-learning stations, allowing you to get comfortable behind the wheel before hitting the road.
For convenience in Sandton or the CBD: 911 Driving School and City Driving School offer better pick-up/drop-off coverage in dense urban areas. Driving School Crosby and ABC Driving School serve the Mayfair and CBD areas.
For Soweto residents: A1 K53 Driving School and Ngwane Driving School offer convenient options in and around Soweto.
Consider location and test centre: The best driving school for you will know the local testing centre (Langlaagte, Roodepoort, Marlboro, Waterfall) and the common routes examiners use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do driving lessons cost in Johannesburg in 2026?
Most schools charge between R150 and R300 per hour-long lesson. Package deals (e.g., 10 lessons for R2,000) are common and reduce the per-lesson cost. Automatic lessons may be slightly more expensive. B.J’s Driving School is known for fair and competitive prices.
Do driving schools offer pick-up and drop-off?
Yes, most driving schools in Johannesburg offer free pick-up and drop-off from your home, work, or school as part of the lesson. Always confirm before booking. L.N Driving School’s central location allows for easy pick-up and drop-off.
Can I learn in an automatic car in Johannesburg?
Yes. Schools like Nova Driving School, 911 Driving School, Ken’s Driving School, and Around The Block Driving School offer automatic cars. However, if you pass in an automatic, your license will restrict you to automatic vehicles only.
Which driving school has the highest pass rate in Johannesburg?
While pass rates vary, schools that specialise in mock tests and K53 exam technique, such as ProDrive K53 Academy and MasterDrive, typically report high first-time pass rates. Around The Block Driving School proudly maintains an excellent first-time driver’s license pass rate. Always check recent Google reviews for your local instructor.
Do I need my learner’s license before taking lessons?
Yes, by law you must have a valid learner’s license before you can drive on public roads. Most driving schools offer learner’s license preparation classes or study materials. Around The Block Driving School offers preparation for learner’s tests with online or in-person support.
Can a driving school help me book my driving test?
Yes. Many schools, including A1 K53 Driving School and 911 Driving School, offer test booking assistance. Be aware that testing centre slots can be scarce, so book well in advance. Around The Block also assists with bookings.
What is the K53 defensive driving system?
The K53 system is the official South African driving test standard. It emphasises constant observation (mirrors and blind spots), proper following distances, and a systematic approach to intersections and manoeuvres. Most reputable schools, including Around The Block, focus on correct application of the K53 defensive driving system.
Related:
- List Of Driving Schools In Bloemfontein
- List Of Driving Schools In Centurion
- List Of Driving Schools In Cape Town
Conclusion
With this guide, you are better equipped to find the right driving school in Johannesburg for your 2026 goals. Whether you are a nervous beginner looking for patient instruction from Len’s in Alberton, a corporate driver needing advanced defensive skills from MasterDrive in Bryanston, a professional seeking a code 14 truck license from Top Gear on the East Rand, a Soweto resident choosing A1 or Ngwane, or a tech-savvy learner wanting simulator training at Drivio, Johannesburg offers a driving school to match your needs. Call or WhatsApp the contact numbers provided, ask about a first lesson discount, and take the first step toward your license.