Phillips Drive

Phillips Drive: driving school in Godalming

Phillips Drive is a driving school based in Godalming (UK) run by Steven Phillips, a qualified driving instructor approved by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). The business was founded in spring 2026 with the aim of offering calm, professional, confidence-building driving lessons tailored to each pupil.

An instructor with aviation experience and over 27 years behind the wheel

Steven Phillips has over 27 years of driving experience across the UK, as well as in the USA, Europe and Türkiye. He has driven vehicles of different sizes, both automatic and manual, giving him practical knowledge of real-world driving. His main career was in aviation, a sector where professionalism, safety and precision were essential, and he brings those values to his teaching. He has been a qualified instructor for over six years, trained with BSM Driving School and has remained with that school ever since.

Approved and verified training

As an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), Phillips has met the rigorous standards set by the DVSA, demonstrating a high level of competence in both driving and instructional practice. This qualification ensures that all training is delivered professionally, safely and in line with current regulations and best practices. He is also DBS checked, confirming that he has undergone the relevant checks. He remains committed to the highest standards through ongoing assessment and professional development, with the aim of helping every pupil become a safe, confident and responsible driver.

Programmes for new drivers and refresher training

The driving school works with manual transmission vehicles and guides pupils step by step, from basic vehicle controls and traffic laws to more advanced techniques such as parking, manoeuvres and handling real-world driving scenarios. Instruction is patient, with clear explanations and a strong focus on confidence and safety, so that pupils feel comfortable, capable and prepared to drive independently.

For drivers who already have experience, structured refresher lessons are offered, tailored to individual needs. The work focuses on areas with less practice, such as junctions, roundabouts, manoeuvres or independent driving, in order to build confidence, control and real-world experience. Through clear guidance and patient instruction, with particular emphasis on road safety, he helps pupils overcome uncertainty, refine their decision-making and become a safe and competent driver.

Pass Plus and theory support

Phillips Drive delivers the Pass Plus programme, certified training that goes beyond the standard driving test. On completion, pupils receive a Pass Plus certificate recognising their improved skills and increased driving experience. The course builds confidence in night driving, on rural roads and in busy urban environments, with personalised feedback and practice in a wide variety of situations.

The driving school also offers free theory test support through the Total Drive app. Pupils get access to up-to-date revision materials, mock tests and a wide range of practice questions covering every topic in the theory test, allowing them to progress step by step. They can also practise hazard perception clips to improve their awareness, reaction time and ability to spot potential hazards early, an essential skill for both the test and real driving. The app tracks progress and highlights areas for improvement, allowing the instructor to provide more effective support during lessons. All of this makes it easier to learn at your own pace, stay motivated and approach both parts of the theory test with the best possible preparation.

Lesson and payment management with Total Drive

The driving school uses Total Drive, a modern driving-lesson platform, to deliver well-structured, flexible and stress-free lessons. The system allows lessons to be managed efficiently and helps pupils stay organised, confident and in control of their learning journey, as well as making it easy to manage payments and bookings.

Lesson times and how lessons work

Lessons are scheduled in two-hour sessions starting at 8:00, 10:15, 13:15 and 15:30. The opening hours published for the day of the enquiry were 08:00 to 15:15.

Location and contact

Godalming, UK · Phone: 0 77 66 21 21 25 · Hours: Open: 08:00 – 15:15. Lessons are scheduled in 2-hour sessions starting at 8:00, 10:15, 13:15 and 15:30.