Great Western Driving Academy

Driving school in Swindon with personalised lessons

Great Western Driving Academy is a driving school based in Swindon (United Kingdom) that provides driving lessons in the town and surrounding areas. It was founded in 2022 by Steve Nichols and Jolene Smith. Nichols had previously worked as an instructor with a national franchise, an experience that led him to set up his own venture with a more personal approach and greater support for the learner. Smith, for her part, shared his interest in driving instruction and the same idea of helping learners gain confidence and independence behind the wheel.

The school presents itself as a team dedicated to supporting people from diverse backgrounds and with particular needs, adapting lessons to each individual case. Its approach combines preparation to pass the test with training safe, confident drivers for the long term.

Lessons, intensive courses and theory preparation

The school's offering includes driving lessons tailored to each learner's learning style and needs, with prices that the website listed from £38 per hour. It also offers intensive courses for those who prefer to concentrate their training into less time; the website itself invites you to get in touch to assess which option suits each case best.

Among the resources for learners, the school provides free access to the DTS platform to practise for the theory test, with the option to log in at any time and from any device.

Training for new instructors

Great Western Driving Academy is looking to bring in people who want to train as driving instructors and work with the school. The offer includes choosing your own hours and coverage areas, with the backing of an established business. Training packages start from £250 and payment options are available. The school also notes that it offers support, training and progression opportunities to instructors who join the team.

History and team

According to the school's own account, the venture started with two instructors and has grown to form a team that shares its way of working. The company states that it continues to take on new learners every week and is open to instructors with a similar approach.

Coverage area

Great Western Driving Academy's instructors operate in Swindon and the surrounding areas. The school notes that, depending on where the learner is located, it finds the right instructor to accompany them up to their driving test.

Resources for new drivers

The website also brings together insurance options aimed at new and learner drivers, with links to products from My First UK, Marmalade and Cuvva. In the case of My First UK, the school explains that it assesses each person's situation in order to tailor the insurance product to their needs.

Location and contact

3 Clover Grove, Redlands Village, SN3 0AJ Swindon · Phone: +44 7472354234 · Email: support@greatwesterndrivingacademy.co.uk