Humphreys Driving School

Welcome to Humphreys Driving School Isle of Wight

Learn to drive at Humphreys Driving School, offering friendly, patient and professional driving lessons in Ryde and across the Isle of Wight. Whether you’re a complete beginner, a nervous driver, or looking for an intensive driving course, we provide tailored tuition in both manual and automatic dual-controlled cars. With a DVSA-approved driving instructor and a proven track record of 5⭐ reviews from local learners, we’re here to help you gain the skills and confidence to pass your test and enjoy safe, independent driving.

As a DVSA-approved driving instructor, I have years of experience teaching learners of all ages. I’m known for being patient, friendly, and professional, with lessons carefully designed to help you feel comfortable behind the wheel while making steady progress towards your driving goals.


Automatic Driving Lessons Isle of Wight, Humphreys Driving School

Driving Lessons for Every Learner

No two learners are the same. That’s why Humphrey’s Driving School offers a variety of lesson styles to fit your needs:

Beginner Driving Lessons

If you’re new to driving, we’ll start with the basics in a quiet area of Ryde, helping you master steering, clutch control, braking, and essential road skills before moving onto busier roads.

Nervous or Anxious Drivers

Many learners feel nervous about driving, and that’s completely normal. My calm and reassuring approach helps you build confidence step by step, so you feel in control and safe at all times.

Manual & Automatic Lessons

Choose between manual driving lessons for full driving flexibility, or automatic driving lessons if you prefer a smoother, easier experience. Both options are available in modern dual-controlled cars for your safety.

Intensive Driving Courses Isle of Wight

Need to pass quickly? An intensive driving course in Ryde could be the perfect option, covering the DVSA syllabus in a shorter time frame.


Driving Instructors Isle of Wight: Meet Les Humphrey

Hi, I’m Les. As a 5-star rated instructor, my goal is to make you a safe and confident driver for life. I’m known for my patient, professional approach and specialise in helping even the most nervous drivers feel at ease.

When you learn with me, you are learning from an expert with unique, top-tier experience. I am proud to be:

  • An Advanced Driving Test Examiner (trusted to assess and qualify high-level drivers).
  • former HGV Instructor Trainer (I was responsible for training the trainers).
  • A holder of the Diploma in Driving Instruction.
  • 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.

This specialist expertise is why I was chosen to teach TV’s Martin Clunes to drive a lorry. I bring that same professional, calm, and results-focused approach to every single lesson here on the Isle of Wight. (1989)


Martin Clunes HGV training with instructor Les Humphrey

Are You Looking to Change Instructors?

Not every learner finds the right instructor the first time. If you’re already taking lessons but feel like you’re not making progress, don’t enjoy the teaching style, or lack confidence with your current instructor, it might be time for a change.

At Humphrey’s Driving Lessons, I regularly welcome learners who decide to switch instructors. With a fresh approach, patient teaching style, and personalised lesson plans, many students find their confidence and skills improve quickly once they make the move.

If you’ve been thinking about changing instructors in Ryde or anywhere on the Isle of Wight, get in touch today—I’ll help you feel comfortable, supported, and back on track to passing your test.

See what our customers say

Driving Lessons on the Isle of Wight, Humphreys Driving School

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “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

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Words can only provide a snippet of how grateful and thankful I am to Humphreys driving school. I had little to no professional experience, suffered from anxiety and was extremely self conscious when first starting. Les helped me flip those feelings on their head and in roughly 5 months I passed my test 1st time with one minor fault! I truly felt the caring nature from Les and knew at all times I was in safe and experienced hands who only wanted the best for me. Thank you again Humphreys driving school! – Josh R. Ryde

Driving Lessons for Nervous Drivers on the Isle of Wight Humphreys Driving School josh
Driving Lessons Isle of Wight, First time pass

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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 Martin 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


Local Knowledge of Ryde and the Isle of Wight

Learning to drive in Ryde means experiencing a wide range of road types – from town centre traffic to rural Isle of Wight roads and coastal routes. With my local knowledge, I’ll ensure you are prepared for the unique challenges of driving on the island, including hill starts, narrow lanes, and roundabouts.

This real-world experience not only prepares you for your driving test, but also gives you the confidence to drive safely and independently once you’ve passed.


🚗 7 Proven Benefits of Driving Lessons with Humphrey’s

1.🚘 Learn in Manual or Automatic

Choose the option that suits you best. Manual gives you the freedom to drive any car after passing, while automatic offers a smoother, simpler experience with no gears or clutch to worry about.

2.⏱️ Progress at Your Own Pace

Whether you’re learning in manual or automatic, lessons are tailored to your pace. Some learners reach test standard faster in automatic, while others prefer mastering manual for long-term flexibility.

3.⭐ Perfect for Nervous Drivers

Both manual and automatic lessons are delivered in a calm, supportive way, ideal for nervous or anxious learners who want to feel confident behind the wheel.

4.✅ Switch with Ease

Struggling with gears? You can start in manual and switch to automatic, or the other way around. I’ll help you find the learning path that works best for you.

5.👨‍🏫 Patient, Supportive Instructor

As a DVSA-approved instructor, I specialise in creating a positive learning environment — no pressure, just steady progress and encouragement.

6.📍 Local Knowledge of Ryde & Isle of Wight Roads

From quiet residential areas to busy town traffic and challenging test routes, you’ll gain real-world driving experience across Ryde and the Isle of Wight.

7.🏆 Trusted & 5⭐ Rated

Learners consistently rate Humphrey’s Driving School 5/5 on Google, praising the professional, friendly approach and proven first-time passes


❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much do driving lessons on the Isle of Wight cost?

Lesson prices vary depending on whether you choose manual or automatic, and whether you book single lessons or a block package. Please see my [Price List] for the latest rates and block booking discounts.

2. Should I learn to drive in manual or automatic?

It depends on your goals. Manual gives you flexibility to drive any type of car once you’ve passed, while automatic is simpler, less stressful, and often helps learners progress faster. I offer both, so you can choose the option that suits you best.

3. How many lessons will I need before I’m ready for my test?

Every learner is different. On average, it takes around 40–45 hours of professional lessons plus private practice to reach test standard. However, many automatic learners find they need fewer lessons as there are no gears to master.

4. Do you offer intensive driving courses on the Isle of Wight?

Yes. Ask me about Semi-intensive courses. If you want to pass quickly, I offer intensive driving courses in Ryde and surrounding areas. These courses cover the full DVSA syllabus in a shorter period of time, helping you get test-ready faster.

5. Can you help nervous or anxious drivers?

Absolutely. I specialise in helping nervous drivers feel calm and supported. My patient, step-by-step approach builds confidence so you feel safe and in control from your very first lesson.

6. Do you pick up and drop off in Ryde and nearby areas?

Yes. I’m based in Ryde but cover the wider Isle of Wight, with flexible pick-up and drop-off points. This makes lessons easy to fit around your school, work, or home schedule.


Final Word

With a DVSA-approved instructor5-star Google reviews, and a friendly, patient approach, Humphreys Driving School is one of the most trusted driving schools in Ryde and across the Isle of Wight. Join hundreds of successful learners who have passed their test with confidence and gone on to enjoy safe, independent driving.

Book Your Driving Lessons in Ryde Today

Ready to start your journey to independence? Whether you’re aiming for weekly lessons or an intensive driving course, Humphreys Driving School is here to help.

Spaces can fill quickly, especially for evening and weekend lessons, so get in touch today and take the first step towards driving freedom.

Apply for your first provisional driving licence here: DVSA

Driving Lessons Across the Isle of Wight

Humphreys Driving School is based in Ryde but covers towns and villages across the island.

Ryde, Brading, East Cowes, Newport, Sandown, Shanklin, Seaview, St Helens Wootton Bridge, Ventnor, Bembridge

Humphreys Driving School, Map of areas covered
Humphreys Driving School, Map of areas covered