Regional Driving School of the Year 2025 & 2026
Driving Lessons in Newton Abbot & South Devon
Every photo here is one of our pupils passing their test. Calm, patient, 5-star rated instructors — ready to get you on the road.
An award-winning local driving school
At Cowley's we believe in going above and beyond for our learners and for road safety in our community. That effort has been recognised at the Intelligent Instructor Awards two years running — Gold, Regional Driving School of the Year, in both 2025 and 2026 — an award given to a driving school delivering for its local community.
We're a Devon school through and through — our instructors teach on the same roads you'll take your test on, from Penn Inn roundabout to the A380.
Not your average driving school
Every lesson comes with more than just time behind the wheel — all included free.
Free Pupil App
Lessons, payments and progress tracking in one place, with free reminders so you never miss a lesson.
Online Tutorials
Our own lesson tutorials covering everything from cockpit drill to Penn Inn roundabout.
Mock Tests
Realistic mock driving tests on real Newton Abbot test routes, so the big day holds no surprises.
Award-Winning School
Gold — Regional Driving School of the Year at the Intelligent Instructor Awards, 2025 & 2026.
Every learner welcome
Driving lessons for all
Cowley's is a safe place to learn. Whatever your background, ethnicity, gender or sexuality, you'll learn free from judgement or prejudice. Tell us your preferred pronouns and any names you'd like to be called, and let us know about any religious or cultural preferences we can help with.
Our instructors are experienced in supporting deaf pupils, neurodiverse pupils and anxious learners. If you have any concerns or specific requirements, get in touch — we're always happy to help.
Nervous drivers
Calm, non-judgemental coaching to build your confidence back up.
Neurodiverse pupils
Lessons adapted to how you learn best, at your pace.
Deaf pupils
Experienced in teaching deaf learners with clear visual methods.
Test rescue
Failed a test elsewhere? We’ll plan lessons around your existing skills.
Local to you
Where we teach
Driving lessons across Newton Abbot, Torbay and the surrounding towns — taught by instructors who know every roundabout, hill start and test route.
Plus Dawlish, Ashburton, Kingskerswell and surrounding villages.
Meet your instructors
All of our instructors are trained by us, so every Cowley's lesson meets the same 5-star standard.
Real pupil reviews
Don't take our word for it
Drag the cards to read what our pupils say. Every review is from a real Cowley's learner — read more on Google and Facebook.
“Both Phil and Ann-Marie are friendly and helpful. Phil was always calm and patient — this really helped me feel at ease at the wheel. A clear expert in his field. The extra time and effort put in made the examination as stress free as possible. I would recommend Cowley’s to anyone.”
Grace
Passed with Phil
“Recently passed my driving test first time with Phil and cannot thank him enough for his patience over the past months. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking at starting to learn to drive — even if you are not “a car person” like myself. I am now comfortable in the driving seat.”
Jess
Passed first time, 5 minors
“Phil was friendly, kind, patient and created a relaxed atmosphere in the car. He didn’t teach me rigid methods; his aim was to teach me how to instinctively make the right decisions. He prepared me technically and mentally, and pushed me ahead when I was down.”
Passed with 4 driver faults
After 25 lessons
“I first approached driving with an anxious mindset but now I feel confident to drive on my own. With a great sense of humour and a calm, supportive attitude, Phil filled me with confidence and helped me believe in my ability to drive.”
Katie
Passed first time
“Phil knew I struggled with roundabouts, so he drew diagrams for me to understand how they work and practised with me until I could approach a roundabout confidently without doubting myself. I highly recommend him!”
Evelyn
Passed with 4 faults
Booking is easy
Get in touch
Tell us when you’d like your lessons and what area you’re in.
Meet your match
We pair you with the right instructor for you and book your first lesson.
Say hello
Your instructor introduces themselves and explains your first lesson.
Away you go
Before you know it you’ll have passed and be enjoying the freedom driving brings.
Newton Abbot driving lesson prices
Simple, honest pricing. Every lesson includes the free pupil app and online tutorials.
Manual Lessons
£88/2-hour lesson
- ✓ Experienced, calm & patient instructors
- ✓ Free pupil app
- ✓ Free online lesson tutorials
10 Hour Block
£430/10 hours
- ✓ Save £10 on block booking
- ✓ Free pupil app
- ✓ Free online lesson tutorials
Automatic Lessons
£92/2-hour lesson
- ✓ Simpler, more relaxed learning
- ✓ Free pupil app
- ✓ Free online lesson tutorials
10 Hour Auto Block
£450/10 hours
- ✓ Save £10 on block booking
- ✓ Free pupil app
- ✓ Free online lesson tutorials
Send us an enquiry
Tell us your area and when you'd like lessons — we'll match you with the right instructor and get back to you, usually the same day.
Ready to get on the road?
Book your driving lessons with Cowley's School of Motoring and you won't look back — except in those mirrors.