Humphreys Driving School

Looking for confidence building driving lessons, anxious about getting behind the wheel? You’re not alone — and you’ve come to the right place. At Humphrey’s Driving School, we specialise in helping nervous learners and anxious drivers build the skills and confidence to not just pass their test, but to feel calm, capable, and in control on the road for life.

Many learners find that driving doesn’t come naturally. Busy roads, fear of making mistakes, or a previous bad experience can all turn learning to drive from an exciting milestone into a source of stress. That’s why we’ve created a unique confidence-building programme designed to help you overcome anxiety and learn at your own pace.


Why Choose Humphrey’s for Nervous Driver Lessons?

  • Over 30 years of experience teaching nervous learners.
  • A proven track record of helping anxious drivers pass their tests.
  • Calm, patient, and supportive instruction every step of the way.
  • Both manual and automatic driving lessons available across the Isle of Wight.
  • Transparent pricing with flexible packages to suit your needs.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or returning after a long break, our lessons are built around you.

confidence building driving lessons, Humphreys driving School

Our Confidence-Building Approach

We don’t just teach you how to drive — we teach you how to manage your mindset. Every lesson is calm, supportive, and tailored to your needs.

Patient and Calm Instruction

Les is known for his patience, empathy, and friendly approach. There’s no pressure, no raised voices, and no judgment — just steady guidance and encouragement.

You Set the Pace

You decide how quickly or slowly you want to progress. If you need a full lesson focusing on clutch control or building confidence at roundabouts, that’s exactly what we’ll do.

Tailored Lessons to Your Needs

Every learner is different. We’ll take the time to understand your specific worries — whether that’s Ryde’s busy town centre, narrow country lanes, or tackling roundabouts — and build lessons that turn challenges into confidence.

Modern, Dual-Control Cars

Learn in a safe, modern car fitted with dual controls. With Les always ready to step in if needed, you’ll have peace of mind and freedom to focus on learning.


What You’ll Learn

Our confidence-building lessons cover the full DVSA curriculum while focusing on your individual needs:

  • Core Driving Skills – steering, clutch control, manoeuvres, parking.
  • Managing Nerves – coping strategies and techniques to stay calm.
  • Situational Awareness – anticipating other drivers and staying in control.
  • Challenging Situations – busy junctions, multi-lane roundabouts, fast traffic.
  • Independent Driving – preparing for the practical test and beyond.

Meet Your Instructor

Les Humphrey has been teaching on the Isle of Wight for more than 30 years. His passion lies in helping anxious learners discover the joy of driving. Many of his students arrive worried and nervous but leave as confident, capable drivers who enjoy being on the road.

I’m proud to be recognised among the top 6% of DVSA-approved driving instructors in the UK. This means I’ve been independently assessed at the very highest level, giving you the reassurance that your lessons are delivered to national standards of excellence.


Success Stories from Nervous Learners

Isle of Wight Driving School, Christina Mew

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I had lessons with Les after having a bad experience with another driving instructor. Les listened to me and took me on. All I can say is it was the best decision I made. Les is claim, supportive, friendly, and understanding. He got my confidence back. I would 100% recommend him. so if you need support and want an understanding instructor, then book yourself in with Humphreys Driving School, you won’t regret it. 5 ⭐️ keep up the good work, and thank you for your your help and support throughout 👍 😃🤗 – Christina M Ryde

“Before I found Humphreys Driving School, I had almost given up on driving. My previous instructor made me feel so flustered. From the very first lesson with Les, I felt at ease. He was so patient and explained everything calmly. Last month, I passed my test first time — something I never thought possible.”
– Chloe R., Ryde

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ After going through a few different driving instructors, Les was definitely the best fit for me. He was always very patient with me which as someone with anxiety was really important. His instructions were very clear and he made the lessons very fun. If nothing else, teaching the Doc Marten to drive a truck is super impressive as well! Very happy to have passed my test but will definitely miss seeing Les regularly Tiya R – Ryde

Automatic Driving Lessons Car with Tiya

“After not driving for ten years, my confidence was at zero. I needed my car for a new job and was terrified. The refresher lessons were fantastic. We went back to basics and built up slowly to the point where I was happily driving on the motorway. I can’t recommend them enough.”
– David S., Sandown


Lesson Packages & Pricing

We believe in clear, upfront pricing with no hidden costs. Choose from:

  • Taster Session (120 mins): A relaxed introduction to meet your instructor, try the car, and see if our approach suits you.
  • Pay As You Go (120 mins): Flexible lessons that fit your schedule.
  • Confidence Booster Block (10 hours): Our most popular package, designed for steady progress and saving £20 compared to single lessons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have a panic attack during a lesson?
Your safety and wellbeing come first. If you feel overwhelmed, we’ll pull over, talk it through, and only continue when you’re ready.

Can I learn in my own car?
We recommend starting in our dual-control cars for safety, but later lessons in your own car can be arranged if you’d like.

How many lessons will I need?
It varies for each learner. The national average is 45 hours, but we focus on your confidence, not the clock.

Do you cover my area?
We provide lessons across the Isle of Wight, including Ryde, Newport, Sandown and surrounding areas. Please get in touch to confirm availability.


Ready to Start Your Journey?

Learning to drive doesn’t have to be stressful. With Humphreys Driving School, you’ll find a calm, patient, and supportive path to independence.

👉 Contact us today for a friendly, no-obligation chat about your needs.

Call on 📞 07840 313390

Apply for your first provisional driving licence here: DVSA

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Driving Lessons Ryde, sign on approach to Ryde town.

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