Turtle Driving School

14 Footland Rd, TQ4 5NU, Paignton
Turtle Driving School
14 Footland Rd
TQ4 5NU, Paignton
+447879785919

Opening hours

  • sunday: (closed)
  • monday: 6h-20:30
  • tuesday: 6h-20:30
  • wednesday: 6h-20:30
  • thursday: 6h-20:30
  • friday: 6h-20:30
  • saturday: 6h-20:30

I offer Automatic Driving Lessons across Torbay and surrounding areas. I also offer refresher lessons for people who may already have a full driving licence , but just wish to build their confidence back up.
Due to my professional background and training, I specialise in supporting learners with anxiety. Please contact me for more details.

Paul

Our comment from DrivingSchoolsTOP.co.uk about Turtle Driving School:

Turtle Driving School, led by the exceptional instructor Paul, has garnered a reputation for excellence in driving education. With numerous positive reviews highlighting his patience, supportiveness, and calm demeanor, students have consistently expressed how he makes the learning process enjoyable and stress-free. Many have passed their driving tests on their first attempt, crediting Paul with instilling the confidence they needed to succeed.

Clients particularly appreciate Paul's personalized approach, where he tailors lessons to fit individual needs, whether for new drivers or those returning after years without practice. His ability to create a relaxed atmosphere helps ease anxiety, making students look forward to each lesson. Moreover, his knack for teaching practical driving skills has resulted in students feeling well-prepared for their tests.

While the majority of feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, some users experienced challenges prior to joining Turtle Driving School, which were quickly resolved through Paul’s effective teaching methods. Overall, Turtle Driving School is highly recommended for anyone looking to learn how to drive in a supportive and friendly environment.

Turtle Driving School: Reviews

5/5 (51 Reviews)
Chloe Barton 8 months ago

Fantastic experience: Highly recommended turtle driving school (paul). He is extremely patient, and reassuring and made me feel confident for my test just 3 months after starting lessons. Paul began taking me on test route areas on the very first lesson which was very helpful. He is very trusting and patient which really helped me to build up my confidence. Thankyou very much Paul.

Zsuzsanna Nagy 9 months ago

Fantastic experience: I was struggling with learning to drive and felt I was making no progress at all. I was very close to giving up when Paul was recommended to me by a friend. A little bit over a month learning with Paul and I passed first time. I cannot tell how grateful I am! He is a great instructor and I highly recommend him!

antonia tomlins 9 months ago

Fantastic experience: Thank you Paul! Been such an amazing driving instructor, so patient and friendly. Couldn't have done it without you!

Sophie taylor 10 months ago

Fantastic experience: Paul is an amazing driving instructor offering a calm and friendly environment to really put you at ease. Helped my husband go from never driving a car to passing in just 7 lessons! Cannot thank him enough. For someone brand new or maybe someone who needs a fresh start with a new instructor I rules recommend him!

V Braun 11 months ago

Fantastic experience: Paul is an absolutely incredible driving instructor. After a disastrous experience with another instructor who wasted my time and money with impractical methods, I was incredibly fortunate to find Paul. I explained my frustrations, and he assured me he could help me get my license quickly. Within just 5 lessons, Paul helped me unlearn the ineffective techniques I'd previously been taught and instilled in me the confidence and skills to drive independently and safely. His knowledge and teaching style were exceptional, and I was truly amazed at the difference it made during my driving test. Throughout my lessons, Paul was incredibly encouraging and patient, always believing in me even when I doubted myself. This license means the world to me. My child has both Autism Spectrum Disorder and Type 1 Diabetes, requiring frequent hospital appointments. The hospital is an hour's walk away, and my daughter refuses to travel by taxi or bus. This license provides me with the freedom and independence to get her to the care she needs.I am eternally grateful to Paul. He is an exceptional instructor, and I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone.

Cheryl Mckenzie 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: I previously spent 6 months going around a "Loop" with another instructor gaining nothing from it..No manoeuvres..No dual carriageway..No preparations!!..Then I got in contact with Paul ..From day one I was driving down the carriageway..reversing into parking bays..he has been fantastic..Builds your confidence and encourages in every Lesson..I highly recommend Turtle driving school every time you have so much to gain from this instructors professional experience ..Paul puts you at ease from the start..It's been a great journey with him..I couldn't have passed without him..Enjoy your experiences Learning to drive I wish his new pupils all the best..Thank you Paul

sophia ferguson 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Paul was a great instructor - calm reassuring & patient, after a few lessons, with the help of him forwarding my test date a few months I was able to pass first time!! I cannot thank him enough it still doesn’t feel real. Thankyou Paul!!!

Lucy Cocker 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Paul is a fantastic driving instructor who instantly built rapport with my daughter and helped ease her anxiety. He is patient, calm, clear in giving instructions and friendly. I have seen her confidence grow over time as she learnt to drive. She was able to pass her practical first time which is amazing and this is thanks to the preparation and guidance that Paul gave in the lead up to her test. I know she is going to miss her lessons with Paul as they became something she looked forward to each week.

Louise Benson 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: My 19 year old son was adamant he didn’t want to learn to drive but after much persuasion he agreed. I had seen Paul’s Facebook page and we thought we would give him a try. Today NOT even 4 months on after never even driving a car my son passed his test 1st time. After every lesson Paul would send me an update and videos for my son to watch to give him tips etc. Paul also searched tirelessly to get him a cancellation which he did with a weeks notice and he then found him space to give him some lessons leading upto his test. I literally cannot recommend him enough . Thank you so much Paul

Paige Allen 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: I can’t recommend turtle driving school enough!!! my nerves got the better of me and I cancelled lessons for years, my friend recommended Paul as she said he was amazing and it’s the best decision I ever made, he’s so relaxed there’s no pressure, he brought my confidence up to the point I actually looked forward to my driving lessons, thanks to Paul I’ve passed and I couldn’t have done it without his calming and kind nature. So grateful!!

Moni Petrova 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: I will hand's down always recommended Turtle driving school Paul is so patient, supportive and kind he is the best. I had been struggling prior with a manual so i decided to switch to an automatic the best decision I ever made. Now i have passed i will forever be thankful to Paul.

Sam Hayes 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Highly recommend !!!!! Paul is a amazing teacher, very patient and encouraging. As a mature learner. I passed first time with only 2 miners. Thank you Paul

Sarah Pinhorne 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: After not having a lesson or test for 21yrs it took a lot to start over again. However the owner and instructor Paul put me at ease straight away. He made my lessons both informative and fun. And I'm so happy to say I passed first time with Turtle Driving school.

Jas 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: I was learning to drive for about a year in a manual car with another instructor who was unreliable and would always stick with the same lesson every week. With Paul he was amazing, he would show me all of the possible routes of test day, would show me how to use a range of skill needed to actually pass and is a lovely person to be taught by. He is a great instructor who makes you feel confident when driving even if you are anxious. I highly recommend going with him!

susie knights 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Passed today, Paul is very patient and a great instructor, I would highly recommend turtle driving school to anyone, especially if your anxious

Rachel Mclean 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: I started driving with Paul approx 3 weeks ago after failing my test twice. 3 lessons later and I passed! My confidence was very low but within the first lesson Paul had spotted the gaps in my driving and made sense of everything I was struggling to understand. He made me feel very relaxed and confident and that’s something I don’t feel often I 1000% wish I’d of known him from the start of my driving journey! I really can’t recommend Paul enough just like the person who recommended him to me.

Bethany Arnold 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Could not recommend Turtle Driving School enough! Paul is calm and patient and just a fantastic teacher. He is such a nice person and I could have hope for anyone better to help me pass my test

Leah Conroy 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Paul is absolutely brilliant instructor!! He was able to boost my confidence when driving! I really wouldn't have passed any of the tests without his support!! Thank you so much!

Tris Northcott 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: I've been with Paul from May to December of 2023, and I don't think I could of asked for a better instructor. All throughout that time he was informative, supportive, and overall an absolute pleasure to be in a car with. I cannot recommend taking lessons with Paul enough.

Jordaine Riding 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: The absolute best instructor you could ever wish for! I was so scared and nervous but Paul gave me such huge confidence, even as an anxious person I felt ready for my test within very very few lessons. He never gave up instilling that confidence to the very end and I’m happy to say I passed 1st time!!!!

Rob Hastings 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Been doing lessons with Paul for a little while absolutely amazing

Aisa Withey 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Paul at Turtle Driving School is a fantastic teacher. He is patient and supportive and has a brilliant knack for making students feel relaxed and safe. I would absolutely recommend him if you are looking to learn to drive. Thanks so much Paul.

L05 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Paul is incredible!! He makes you feel so calm and confident when you’re driving and is constantly reassuring you as well. I passed today with zero minors all because of him. Thank you so much for all your help Paul, will miss our Saturday chats!!!

Abbie Laakso-Twaites 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Excellent instructor! Have used 3 different driving teachers in the past that didn’t work out but would Paul to anyone and everyone. Great guy, and brilliant instructor!

charlie pavey 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Every lesson I had with Paul made me feel like accomplished something, made me feel more confident with driving more than I ever thought I would! Even helping me get an earlier test than I was able to get. Can’t thank you enough for all of your help! Charlie

Devon Perry 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: I cannot recommended Paul enough. He made me feel so at ease when driving and i could not have passed without his help, patience, support and guidance. Thank you so much

Miriam Hill 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: I started learning with Paul in June. I had a bad experience with manual and so I decided to switch to automatic. What a joy it's been. I have absolutely enjoyed it so much and I love driving. Paul has been the best instructor. So encouraging and patient. I'm truly so thankful to him. I passed my test 8 weeks after starting with him. I'm so happyyyyy and many thanks to Paul. He's the best.

J a z z o 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: I passed first time with Paul after switching from manual. He is very easy to get along with and He’s an amazing instructor.

Mia May 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: I passed first time with Paul and I couldn’t recommend him enough, he’s an incredible instructor I’m so glad I chose turtle driving school

Hannah Pyne 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: I passed my driving test first time today 10/05/23 and I cannot recommend Paul enough. He is an incredible driving instructor with amazing patience which I feel is what you need when learning. He makes me feel at ease and makes me feel very confident and never puts me down like I have had in the past with other instructors. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for him. So a massive thank you again, I truly appreciate your time and patience. :)

Michelle Plummer 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: If you looking at doing Automatic car lessons...Paul is your guy..Hes amazing!! On our first meeting he put me at ease, we chatted and laughed. Paul's confidence and positivity is Contagious. Thank you Paul, for getting me through my Theory and Practical test, which were both Passed first time!!

Daisy gascoigne 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Paul is an amazing driving instructor and i could not recommend him enough! From the very start i knew i made a great choice to go with him as i instantly felt comfortable and at ease. He always boosted my confidence no matter what, especially if i was struggling with something! I would always look forward to each and every lesson, he has such a great sense of humour and he is so easy to get along with, resulting in me enjoying each and every one of my lessons and then smashing my driving test! Could not recommend or thank Turtle Driving School enough! ❤️

Tara Hawthorn 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Amazing instructor, I had quite a few different ones prior to Paul but Paul managed to get me confident enough to pass in only a few lessons. He created such a calm environment. Thanks Paul!

Georgia Wyatt 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: After struggling with manual for a few years with different instructors I decided to switch to automatic with Paul. Due to being pregnant I wanted a quick pass, automatic instantly worked well for me, made me a much more confident driver...Paul got me test ready in no time at all and today I passed my test with 6 minors. I am over the moon! Such a great guy to learn with, highly reccomend Paul!

Izzy R 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Best driving Instructor ever!! Had the most amazing experience learning to drive with Paul, he was so easy to get along with and made me feel comfortable with driving a car. Passed my test within 8 weeks of my first lesson and I’m almost sad to say I won’t be having any more Thank you for everything Paul!! ❤️

paul mansfield 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: I've been putting off learning to drive for decades. When a passenger I use to treat car journeys like white knuckle rollercoaster rides - the thought of being behind the wheel was a distant dream. Now in my mid-50s I decided it was time to change all that. I contacted Paul and explained my situation. During the driving lessons I really warmed to Paul's calm and knowledgeable approach, mixed with some humour (and a little footie talk in quiet periods). This morning I passed my test. I'm happy - Paul's happy. 100% recommended.

Emily Randal 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: I have started my lessons with Paul, he is such a wonderful guy very calm and explains everything and also very patient And he is such an amazing driving instructor my driving is coming along nicely thank you Paul!

sheyda 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Paul is an amazing instructor. Really good at answering my questions using his iPad to draw out and patiently explain things to me. When I was struggling with certain manoeuvres he would give me tips to make sure I could get it perfect. Most of all he really boosted my confidence, he was like my personal cheerleader! I know he wanted me to pass as much as I did. Thank you Paul, happy to have passed but will miss having you in the car.

Trisala Morris 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Paul is just the best! I was quite nervous deciding to take the plunge to learn considerably later than the average bear! From the first lesson I knew I had made the perfect choice going with Paul. He is so knowledgable, kind, understanding and fun! Learning and progression is done at a pace that gives you the confidence to not only fully prepare for your test but become a safe driver. I cannot recommend Paul at Turtle Driving School highly enough if you are thinking about learning go automatic and go with Paul!

joanna piastowska 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Great driving instructor passed first time. Thank you for all your help

Laura O'Reilly 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: I have had lessons with different schools over the years, I had all but given up, but then I found turtle driving school and I absolutely couldn’t recommend it enough. My instructor, Paul, was patient, understanding, a easy to get on with, it helps he’s down for a laugh and it is 100% down to Paul that I passed my driving test first time. Paul’s professionalism, understanding, insight and encouragement was 100% key to my success which made these lessons worth every penny and more.

Danielle Turner 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Paul is an amazing instructor and I’d recommend him to anyone, especially anxious drivers. From the first lesson he made me feel completely at ease & I can honestly say I enjoyed each and every lesson with him! He’s very passionate about what he does & I got a lot out of every lesson. He goes above & beyond for his students, always making time to fit me in & accommodating to my schedule/awkward location. I passed my test first time with only two minors & because I didn’t have any practice outside of lessons I can confidently thank Paul for that!! 10/10 would recommend.

Deborah Ramm 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: I can't recommend Paul highly enough, such a brilliant teacher whom also has great people skills and a sense of humour too! When I first started learning in the summer I was absolutely terrified of driving and was only learning through sheer necessity, now I love driving and feel so much more confident as a person. Thanks for putting up with me, encouraging me and being the best Paul!

Claire Dumbrell 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Paul is a fantastic driving instructor. Just passed my test today. He is so calm,patient and really easy to talk to. Helps you learn things at your own pace and listens to any concerns you have. I hadn't had a lesson in over 20 years and was very nervous getting back behind the wheel again but Paul really helped put me at ease and get back my confidence, making lessons so enjoyable too with his great sense of humour. Would highly recommend him to anyone wanting to learn ..

Nicole Bacon 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: I highly recommend Paul at Turtle Driving School. With his excellent teaching style, super calm attitude and great sense of humour I have not only passed my driving test (first-time) but also genuinely feel confident behind the wheel. Thank you

mai liliana 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: I started driving lessons with Paul back in mid May and had been having lessons every other week (as I live further away) it has been nothing but a pleasure to be taught by someone as professional, knowledgeable, extremely helpful and lovelier than Paul. I started with not a lot of knowledge on driving, I had very briefly drove with Paul and our progress had proceeded very quickly! Paul would say small things that I will always remember, like tyres and tarmac!! Eventually it becomes automatic and feels a lot easier than it is. I passed my test first time with only 3 faults and I cannot thank Turtle driving school enough for what it has taught me in such little time!! I will forever appreciate what I have learnt from Paul and will take it all under my wing. Best driving school ever, I cannot recommend enough. Thank you Paul!

Dilshad Khalil 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Paul is a fantastic Instructor He professional in short time he helped my wife made her ready for her test will dune Paul and thank you

Jon Batten 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Paul is a fantastic Instructor. He helped me pass after failing twice with 2 other companies. He teaches in a very positive and easy to understand style. It made ever lesson enjoyable. Paul also made it very clear that i didn't need any more lessons after my initial block of 10 and wasn't trying to get more money out of me then needed which i have found with a lot of driving schools. I cant recommend Paul and Turtle Driving School enough!!

Lisa M 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Even though I was a driver my son's severe special needs had knocked my confidence when it came to exploring new routes. Sat-nav or pulling over when lost could be problematic for my son therefore finding 'Paul''s driving school was a God send. I enjoyed the new feeling of confidence Paul was effortless in offering with his calm, friendly & professional teaching. He often 'thinks ahead' & will test your multi-tasking abilities without you even being aware. I did not feel drained by the end of the 2 hour lesson but enthused to drive even more! Paul had a knack of getting you out of your comfort zone while felling comfortable in your driving abilities. With areas I needed to pay more attention to, Paul did not belittle the skills I already had. I would 100% recommend Paul to anyone needing to brush-up on a few skills/ or to any anxious drivers as he is skilled in helping you to feel calm & comfortable with any level of driving ability.

kerry Packer 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: I haven’t driven a car for over 10 years due to being scared and nervous, but now my children are getting older I felt I needed to try and over come it. I went with Paul and I’m so glad I did. He was so good at calming down my nerves, and explaining everything again. While I was driving he was very good at picking up things I did well, that it made me feel more at ease, which made me drive a lot better. I honestly didn’t think I would be happy to drive a car again, but after going with Paul, I am more confident driver, and I’m even looking at buying myself a car. Thankyou so much Paul, I will definitely recommend you to anyone.

Jack Willetts 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Learning to drive with Paul was very enjoyable and i felt like i was progressing with every lesson i had. He would inform me of what i needed to improve on to get the best out of each lesson, as well as asking me how i felt i was progressing. Paul was friendly, calm and professional in his teaching, and is very knowledgeable on the rules and driving skills needed to pass your driving test. I enjoyed my time learning to drive with Paul, thank you for your help and guidance.

Turtle Driving School
Turtle Driving School

Thank You Jack. Your feedback is very much appreciated. Enjoy your driving. :0)

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