Drivers who passed their drivers licences legitimately will agree that hitting up an accredited driving school for a few driving lessons can really help you nail that test.
While possessing a driver’s license demonstrates basic driving ability, enrolling in a few lessons with a certified driving instructor can significantly improve one’s preparedness and confidence for the driving test.
After 14 years of unlicensed driving, a friend in his 30s confessed that he passed his learner’s driver test for the sixth time in his life and finally mustered the courage to schedule his driver’s license appointment.
Feeling like a fish out of water, he compared himself to an “Oupa” among a sea of Gen Zs and Alphas nervously taking their learner’s permit test for the first time.
Flushed and visibly shaken, he seemed traumatized, desperately googling for Cape Town Driving School instructors.
Unsurprisingly, “He and She” Driving School, also known as Hy&Sy, takes the pole position on Google search, prompting him to speedily contact them for a quote.
While it’s unwise to rely solely on Google search results for critical life choices, the man was visibly rattled, so I reserved my opinion and supported his decision. “He and She” is after all a household name in South Africa and the first that comes to mind when people mention “driving schools”, making them the obvious choice of many.
Google reviews for “He and She” is mostly positive, however, Facebook comments on driving school recommendations reads less favourable:
“Not he and she. Avoid them due to terrible admin and had to fight for my lessons” – Alexa.
“He and She Driving School” was slow to respond but super quick to request payment, leaving my friend feeling frustrated and stressed.
Response Time: 8 hours
Minimum driving lessons: 5
Cost per hour: R 245
Car Hire fee: R 570
To calm his nerves and broaden his search beyond Google, I offered to leverage the Vredehoek community Facebook group for driving school recommendations within the Cape Town City Bowl area.
The community of Vredehoek rose to the challenge and all credit goes to the contributors, whose input was instrumental in the creation of the list, featuring the top rated, most reliable and highly recommended driving schools in Cape Town.
*Prices recorded in February 2025 and subject to chance*
Sam’s Driving Academy
“From my very first interaction, I was given VIP treatment! The team at Sam’s Driving Academy is professional, kind and so supportive. They really help you face your fears of driving and push you to your full potential. On my drivers test day my instructor kept me calm and encouraged me to remember everything that I had been doing was for this moment. I walked out of the traffic department with my Driver License in hand!” – Sandi
Response Time: 5 min
Minimum Driving Lessons: 3
One Lesson: R 750
Car Hire Cost: R 750
k53 Champions
“My son used K53 Champions Driving School. They were reliable and got the job done. They were recommended by a friend in this community and their fees are market related.” – Adeshini
Response Time: 5 min
Minimum Driving Lessons: 3
One lesson: R 900
Car Hire Cost: R 800
Joys Driving School
“I had a great experience with Joys Driving School” – Nabeela
Response Time: 90 min
Minimum Driving Lessons: 5
One Lesson: R 1300
Test Day Car Hire: R 990
iDriving School
“Excellent service all round from iDriving school. I passed on my first attempt! Jason was on time, patient and he tailored the lessons to my personality. The service over WhatsApp was fast! My schedule was adjusted twice without any complaints. Thank you for the 6 hours of lessons, laughs along the way, car rental, and at such a great price. Epic!!” – Cameron
Response Time: 60 min
Minimum Driving Lessons: 5
One Lesson: R 1300
Test Day Car Hire: R 990
The Driver’s Seat
“Riaaz from the The Driver’s Seat worked an absolute miracle in helping me overcome my driving anxiety. I would highly recommend him.” – Lurwin
Response Time: 24 hours
Minimum Driving Lessons: 6 hours
One Lesson: 300
Test Day Car Hire: R 1500 (includes 1 hour before the test)
It’s worth mentioning that all of the above recommended driving schools offer bulk lesson packages at discounted rates.
