Your local driving school
About Cowley's
An award-winning, family-feel driving school teaching across Newton Abbot, Torquay and South Devon since the very first L-plate.
Phil's journey
Cowley's was built the hard way. Phil has been on every side of this industry — franchise instructor, independent, he even left the driving world altogether before coming back to it. Each restart taught him something the last one couldn't: what great training looks like, what learners actually need, and what kind of school he'd want to learn with himself.
In January 2018 that school became real — one instructor, one car, and a lot of persistence. By that summer a second car had joined. By 2021 there was a team. By 2023, a full fleet of Cowley's cars teaching across South Devon. And in 2025 and 2026, the school was named Gold — Regional Driving School of the Year at the Intelligent Instructor Awards, two years running.
In Phil's own words: “It's not just about the numbers — I'm so proud of the atmosphere and culture we have as a school.” Every instructor is trained in-house, so whichever Cowley's car you're in, the lesson meets the same 5-star standard.
Want the full story — the false starts included? Hear Phil on the ADI Stories podcast →
From one car to a fleet
2018
One car, one instructor
January 2018: Cowley's School of Motoring hits the road — just Phil and a single car.
2018
The first expansion
By the summer, a second Cowley’s car was out teaching. The "one day maybe" plan was suddenly real.
2021
A proper team
A team of in-house-trained instructors, all teaching to the same standard across South Devon.
2023
A full fleet
A line-up of Cowley's cars covering Newton Abbot, Torbay, Teignmouth and beyond.
2025–26
Back-to-back Gold
Regional Driving School of the Year at the Intelligent Instructor Awards — two years running.
What we stand for
Road safety first
Our goal is to improve road safety by giving every learner a comprehensive skill set to deal with all situations on the road — not just to pass a test.
Friendly & relaxed
Lessons are friendly and relaxed, creating the environment pupils need to flourish. No shouting, no judgement — ever.
Modern methods
We use modern technology and coaching techniques to help you learn faster and pass sooner, while building real-world driving skill.
Always improving
We continually update our training, skills and resources so you get the premium service you deserve — recognised with national awards two years running.
Meet the team
Patient, friendly and trained in-house to the Cowley's standard.
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, any names you'd like to be called, and any religious or cultural preferences we can help with.
We have experience supporting deaf pupils, neurodiverse pupils and anxious learners — if you have any concerns or specific requirements, get in touch and we'll be happy to help.
What our pupils say
“Can't recommend Cowley's enough — highly professional manner, and the app is very useful too. Phil was incredibly calm throughout, very knowledgeable, and brilliant at calming nerves. If you get Phil as your instructor, you're in safe hands.”
“Natalia is an amazing instructor. She taught me with patience and clarity and made driving easy for me to learn. I'm glad I had her as my instructor because I only had to do the test once and I passed.”
“My instructor Phil Coatham was excellent — knowledgeable, calm and friendly, with a great teaching style. Every lesson was one to look forward to. The resources Cowley's use are also excellent. I couldn't have asked for more!”
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.