Driving Skills Academy

Driving school with DVSA approved instructors in Northamptonshire

Driving Skills Academy is a driving school based in Northampton that offers manual and automatic driving lessons in various areas of Northamptonshire. The company was incorporated as a limited company in 2021 by its founder, Chris Barker, and its activity focuses on driver training with DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) approved instructors.

The school presents a structured and calm approach, aimed at helping learners develop confidence and safe decision-making, both for the practical test and for everyday driving afterwards. According to its own approach, lesson availability and lesson type are communicated transparently before booking.

Coverage areas and locations

The activity extends across several towns in Northamptonshire: Northampton, Kettering, Wellingborough, Rushden, Raunds and Moulton, as well as nearby areas. The company has specific pages for each town, including one dedicated to Northampton, with information on coverage, prices and next steps. The main office is located at the Innovation Centre of the University of Northampton, on Green Street, Northampton.

Manual and automatic lessons

The driving school offers lessons in manual and automatic transmission vehicles, subject to availability and coverage in each area. Among the services and resources detailed on the website are:

• Driving lessons for beginner learners and for those looking to improve their confidence.
• Mock practical driving tests.
• Free help with theory test preparation.
• Guidance on the realistic number of lessons a learner may need.
• Information on the feasibility of intensive courses depending on the case.
• Specific support for neurodivergent learners.

The website indicates that evening and weekend slots can fill up quickly and that lessons are adapted to the learner's pace.

Training for future instructors and franchises

In addition to driver training, the company offers support to people interested in becoming driving instructors. This service includes guidance on the training process, support during training and ongoing development, with a structured path towards ADI certification. For instructors already active, Driving Skills Academy offers franchise opportunities with support in quality standards, working systems, brand image and growth, while maintaining local delivery of lessons.

Awards and reviews

The driving school is on the regional shortlist for the Driving School of the Year 2026 category and has Intelligent Instructor Top 100 recognition, according to information published on its own website. It also mentions a local Best of Northampton recognition. The company collects learner reviews on Google, Trustpilot and FreeIndex, and shows first-time pass stories in towns such as Kettering, Wellingborough and Northampton.

Location and contact

Innovation Centre, University of Northampton, Green Street, Northampton NN1 1SY · Phone: 03337722718 · Email: info@drivingskillsacademy.co.uk · Hours: Monday to Friday: 09:00-19:00; Saturday: 09:00-17:00; Sunday: closed