Passed my test at Bolton thanks to Darran. From day one until the end he was professional, patient and reliable. Every question I asked was answered very clearly, and every lesson is tailored to you... See more
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I had a great experience learning with Paul at Harwood Driving School. He was patient, professional, and explained everything clearly, which helped me build my confidence behind the wheel. Every lesso... See more
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Darren was an amazing support to my son Junior when teaching him to drive. Darren was so patient and really knew how to build Juniors confidence.... Darren was honest and clear at all times setting ex... See more
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I had john Stainton as my driving instructor and he was absolutely amazing i couldn't have asked for anyone better, i wouldn't have passed without him! He was very knowledgeable about all test routs... See more
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Company details
Written by the company
Welcome to Harwood Driving School, an independent, premium driving academy delivering exceptional manual and automatic driving lessons across Bolton, Bury, and the surrounding Greater Manchester regions. Led directly by our founder, Dan Ison—a DVSA ORDIT Grade A Trainer who achieved a perfect 51/51 score, a dual RoSPA Gold Tutor, and an IAM Advanced Driver—our school focuses on building high-performance, clinical road safety and long-term driving confidence. Every member of our instructional team is a local, Enhanced DBS-vetted professional who is personally trained and supervised under this master-level coaching. We specialise in structured weekly tuition, intensive driving courses, and comprehensive test preparation. Our instructors possess deep, firsthand knowledge of the exact test routes, challenging multi-lane roundabouts (such as Saint Peter's Way/A666), and complex junctions utilised by examiners at both the Bolton (Weston Street) and Bury (Smith Street) test centres. Operating a modern, dual-controlled fleet of premium vehicles including manual Volkswagen Golfs and automatic Toyota Yaris models, we cater heavily to complete beginners, advanced drivers, and nervous learners alike. Our training framework completely integrates the advanced IPSGA car control system to ensure a first-time pass efficiency that consistently outperforms local test centre averages. Our door-to-door driver training coverage spans all primary local postcode sectors, providing complete availability across BL1, BL2, BL3, BL4, BL5, BL6, BL7, BL8, BL9, and M26. This extensive framework guarantees structured tuition availability for students living in Harwood, Bradshaw, Breightmet, Tonge Moor, Astley Bridge, Smithills, Halliwell, Heaton, Great Lever, Farnworth, Kearsley, Westhoughton, Horwich, Radcliffe, and Tottington. By combining highly targeted, neighbourhood-specific route preparation with cost-effective 20-hour block booking packages, we deliver massive educational value that safely accelerates your path to a full UK driving licence. Book your local block booking package online today.
Contact info
47 Links road, BL2 4EY, Bolton, United Kingdom
- 07594310716
- dan@harwooddrivingschool.com
- harwooddrivingschool.com
4.9
Excellent
114 reviews
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Such a nice and funny instructor
Such a nice and funny instructor, always stayed calm and reassured me throughout lesson with anxiety. Would recommend to everyone 10/10.
May 2, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Harwood Driving School - Manual & Automatic
What an absolutely stellar result, Millie! Securing that first-time pass is a massive milestone, and the entire team at Harwood Driving School is incredibly proud of your success. Lee Green is a phenomenal instructor who genuinely understands that learning to drive shouldn't feel like a high-stress chore. His brilliantly reassuring nature and great sense of humour create the perfect, lighthearted atmosphere behind the wheel, which is the absolute best remedy for settling test-day anxiety. We design our training syllabus to build deep confidence alongside technical skills, ensuring our pupils feel completely relaxed and capable when it matters most. Nailing a first-time result while navigating the busy urban traffic, active roundabouts, and complex junctions around the Bury (Smith Street) Test Centre takes real focus, and your clean pass is proof of your excellent roadcraft. Thank you so much for the perfect 10/10 recommendation, Millie! We wish you the absolute best of luck out on the roads—enjoy the fantastic freedom of your full UK driving licence!
Passed first time
Darran OHara my instructor taught me from the start. He was a great instructor that gave me the confidence to learn how to drive and to pass first time. Would recommend him to new learners.
April 29, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Harwood Driving School - Manual & Automatic
What a magnificent milestone, Nathaniel! Going from your very first time behind the wheel to securing a brilliant FIRST-TIME pass is an absolute triumph, and the entire team at Harwood Driving School is incredibly proud of your achievement. Darran O'Hara is a top-tier professional who truly excels at structuring the early, critical stages of driver training. We know that climbing into the driver's seat for the first time can feel incredibly daunting, which is why Darran focuses so heavily on cultivating deep road confidence alongside fundamental vehicle control from day one. His calm, reassuring guidance is exactly what allows new learners to progress so efficiently. Overcoming the unique challenges surrounding the Bury (Smith Street) Test Centre on your very first attempt is proof of how thoroughly Darran prepared you. From managing busy urban junctions to executing precision manoeuvres, you have developed a fantastic standard of safe roadcraft. Thank you so much for highly recommending Darran to other new learners in the area. Wishing you many years of safe, happy, and independent motoring—enjoy the open road!
Patient driving instructor
John Stainton has been teaching me to drive for the last year. He has been patient and supportive throughout. I highly recommend him as a driving instructor.
April 15, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Harwood Driving School - Manual & Automatic
Huge congratulations to Alex on passing the practical driving test! The entire team at Harwood Driving School is incredibly proud of your success, and it has been a pleasure to support you through your journey from Ramsbottom. John Stainton is an outstanding, dedicated mentor who prides himself on his infinite patience and constant support throughout the entire training period. We understand that developing into a truly safe, independent driver is a long-term commitment, and John’s thorough, methodical approach ensures that every single lesson adds real value to your overall roadcraft. Mastering the challenging road networks connecting Ramsbottom to the Bury (Smith Street) Test Centre requires deep situational awareness—from managing long-distance navigation to handling the complex urban junctions and variable speed zones on test day. John’s calm, consistent guidance is precisely what builds the elite level of confidence needed to handle these routes safely.
Thank you for the massive recommendation of John and our school to other learners in the region. Safe driving out there on the roads, and enjoy the absolute freedom of holding your full UK driving licence!
My driving lessons with Lee Green
My driving lessons with Lee Green went amazing very good and calm instructor also very friendly and taught me a lot highly recommend.
April 14, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Harwood Driving School - Manual & Automatic
We are absolutely delighted to read this wonderful feedback! A massive congratulations from everyone at Harwood Driving School on your fantastic achievement. Lee Green is a superb instructor who completely embodies our client-centred training philosophy. We know that the best learning happens when you feel entirely at ease behind the wheel, so it is brilliant to hear that Lee’s calm, friendly approach created such a highly productive environment for you. Our structured training blocks are designed to ensure pupils absorb maximum information on every single drive, building strong roadcraft skills rapidly. Developing the situational awareness to comfortably handle the complex multi-lane layouts, active roundabouts, and bustling urban routes near the Bury (Smith Street) Test Centre takes top-tier coaching, and your success is a testament to how much you learned. Thank you so much for your high recommendation! Wishing you many years of safe, independent, and happy driving out on the roads.
Thanks so much to Lee Green
Thanks so much to Lee Green!
Passed FIRST time and as someone who is a bag of nerves, I am so grateful.
Such an informative, guiding and patient instructor.
Would recommend to anyone to learn with Lee, thanks so much! 😁
April 10, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Harwood Driving School - Manual & Automatic
Thank you ever so much for this beautiful review, Georgina! Securing a FIRST-TIME pass is an incredible milestone, but doing it while overcoming a bad case of nerves makes it an absolute triumph. The entire team at Harwood Driving School is incredibly proud of you!
Lee Green is an exceptional professional who genuinely specialises in transforming anxious learners into calm, collected drivers. We purposefully structure our training syllabus to be highly informative and supportive, ensuring that every pupil feels completely guided and never rushed. Conquering the tricky lane discipline, active roundabouts, and bustling urban routes around the Bury (Smith Street) Test Centre takes genuine focus, and your brilliant result proves how much your road confidence has grown.
We are so grateful for your high recommendation to anyone looking to learn with Lee. Safe driving out there on the roads, and enjoy every single moment of the absolute freedom that comes with your full UK driving licence!
Best teacher about bury got me from…
Best teacher about bury got me from knowing nothing to getting my licence s great guy to talk to aswell
March 31, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Harwood Driving School - Manual & Automatic
What a phenomenal achievement, Dave! Going from absolute square one to holding your full UK driving licence is a massive milestone, and the entire team at Harwood Driving School is incredibly proud of your success. Lee Green is a first-class coach who excels at breaking down complex car control into simple, stress-free steps, making him the perfect mentor for complete beginners. We believe that a great learning environment is built on clear communication and feeling completely at ease behind the wheel, so it’s brilliant to hear you enjoyed the chats along the way. Navigating the busy town junctions and challenging test routes around the Bury (Smith Street) Test Centre takes genuine skill, and you've developed an exceptionally safe standard of roadcraft. Thank you for the top recommendation, mate—enjoy the absolute freedom of the roads!
Passed my driving test will Lee…
Passed my driving test will Lee yesterday, he is a great instructor and got me test ready in no time! Thanks
March 27, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Harwood Driving School - Manual & Automatic
Massive congratulations to Daisy on passing her practical driving test yesterday! The entire team at Harwood Driving School is incredibly proud of this fantastic result. Lee Green is an exceptional instructor who specializes in delivering highly structured, focused lessons that eliminate unnecessary time wasting. Our training framework is specifically engineered to get pupils confidently test-ready by building sharp hazard perception and smooth vehicle control rapidly. Conquering the tricky speed changes and active junctions surrounding the Bury (Smith Street) Test Centre requires excellent road awareness, and Daisy clearly smashed it. Thank you for the wonderful feedback, Daisy—wishing you many years of safe, happy, and independent driving out on the roads!
Lee Green put both the kids through in…
Lee Green put both the kids through in a short period of time nothing but positive recommendations for him highly recommended
March 27, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Harwood Driving School - Manual & Automatic
There is no greater compliment than a family trusting us to teach multiple siblings, so thank you immensely for this wonderful feedback! Everyone at Harwood Driving School is absolutely delighted for Liam and sends a huge congratulations on the test pass. Lee Green is a standout professional who excels at delivering highly productive, structured lessons that maximize progress in a short timeframe. Safely navigating the busy urban layouts and fast roundabouts around the Bury (Smith Street) Test Centre requires excellent hazard perception, and Lee’s tailored coaching clearly gave both of your children the skills and confidence needed to succeed. Thank you for the massive recommendation—wishing Liam many years of safe, independent motoring!
Started my driving experience with Mike…
Started my driving experience with Mike and I’ve had a really positive experience.
He has made learning to drive a smooth journey and helped me with everything along the way. From there I have passed my test first time and it is because of Mike.
Great instructor and I would recommend him to anyone learning to drive.
March 17, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Harwood Driving School - Manual & Automatic
We are absolutely over the moon to read this, Mako! It is wonderful to hear that Mike made your transition into a full licence holder such a smooth, stress-free journey from start to finish. Our school specialises in delivering a calm, client-centred syllabus that eliminates the anxiety often tied to learning to drive. Your first-time pass at the Bolton (Weston Street) Test Centre is the perfect reward for that thorough preparation. Thank you for the wonderful praise—wishing you many years of safe, happy motoring!
mike harrison is a brilliant instructor…
mike harrison is a brilliant instructor and helped me in 2 months to pass my test with only 3 minors, could not have asked for someone better
March 13, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Harwood Driving School - Manual & Automatic
Thank you so much for sharing your brilliant experience, Kian! The entire team at Harwood Driving School is absolutely thrilled for you—huge congratulations on passing your practical driving test with such a fantastic result of only 3 minor faults! Mike Harrison is an outstanding instructor, and achieving a test pass in just two months is an incredible testament to both his expert coaching and your own hard work. We specialise in structured, efficient training blocks designed to rapidly build high-level roadcraft and confidence, proving that you don't need to spend many months dragging out your tuition to become an elite driver. Securing a high-quality pass so quickly across the Bury (Smith Street) Test Centre routes requires excellent situational awareness. Mike’s thorough preparation ensures our students can confidently handle Bury's unique road layouts, from busy town-centre junctions to fast-approaching roundabouts. You couldn't have asked for a better mentor to get you test-ready. Thank you again for your wonderful recommendation of Mike and our school. Safe driving out there on the roads, and enjoy the absolute freedom of your UK driving licence!
Passed 1st Time
Passed 1st Time. Really good instructor. Highly recommend
March 9, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Harwood Driving School - Manual & Automatic
Thank you very much for your brilliant recommendation, Tim! The entire team at Harwood Driving School is absolutely delighted for you—huge congratulations on securing that fantastic first-time pass! Mike is an exceptional driving instructor, and it is wonderful to see another one of his pupils pass on the very first attempt. We design our intensive and weekly training blocks to be highly efficient, ensuring our students can accurately read the road and make confident decisions under test conditions without needing multiple attempts. Achieving a first-time result while navigating the complex multi-lane layouts, busy dual-carriageway merges, and active junctions around the Bolton (Weston Street) Test Centre is a superb achievement. Mike’s structured, thorough approach to local route preparation ensures our pupils are transformed into genuinely safe, independent drivers who are fully prepared for anything the test routes throw at them. Thank you again for highly recommending Mike and our driving school to other learners across the region. Safe driving out there, and enjoy the absolute freedom of your new UK driving licence!
I have had Darren as my instructor…
I have had Darren as my instructor since September 2025 and have passed today I can’t thank him enough he is a brilliant instructor he has tough me so much and got me out of all my bad driving habits I can’t recommend Darren enough thank you
February 25, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Harwood Driving School - Manual & Automatic
Hi Shane, thanks for leaving a review about your experience of learning to drive with our instructor Darren, congratulations on passing your driving test!
Mikes a brilliant instructed got me…
Mikes a brilliant instructed got me through my test first time
February 24, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Harwood Driving School - Manual & Automatic
Thank you Kallum for sharing your experience of learning with our instructor Mike. Congratulations on passing your driving test first time!
Brilliant defo recommend Darren
Brilliant instructor Darren is passed first time with him defo recommend
February 12, 2026
Unprompted review
Mike
Mike is an excellent instructor he got me confident and ready for my test which I passed first time, I would strongly recommend using him.
February 11, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Harwood Driving School - Manual & Automatic
Thank you for sharing your experience of taking driving lessons with our instructor Mike. Congratulations on pass your driving test!
I passed my test today after being…
I passed my test today after being taught by Mike Harrison. I could not recommend him enough - he is a brilliant instructor and I couldn’t have done it without him!!
February 10, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Harwood Driving School - Manual & Automatic
Thanks for taking the time to share your experience of learning to drive with our instructor Mike. Congratulations of passing your driving test
Poor driving behaviour!!
Saw this driving instructor driving around Oldham and Rochdale - really poor, erratic driving. If that's good the instructor drives, not sure about how they teach new drivers!!
October 6, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Harwood Driving School - Manual & Automatic
Thank you for sharing your feedback on Trustpilot—we truly appreciate all perspectives, as they help us continue to improve. It’s much like watching a new learner driver on the road: their skills are still developing, and we extend patience and encouragement because everyone starts somewhere. That said, as you’re not one of our customers, we’d kindly note that Trustpilot is designed for insights from those who’ve experienced our services firsthand, which allows us to focus on the most relevant experiences. We must admit, your description raises some concerns for us, as it implies following a learner vehicle across Oldham and Rochdale, which feels unusual and a bit unsettling—our priority is always the safety and well-being of everyone on the road. We wish you all the best!
I have just passed my test this morning…
I have just passed my test this morning with jhon. Jhon is an amazing instructor makes you feel relaxed and confident and has helped me so much with my driving.
June 5, 2025
Unprompted review
John stainton is not only a brilliant…
John stainton is not only a brilliant instructor but also a very nice and funny person. Passed my test first time with his amazing explanations and helpful visuals to remember key things. Would 100% recommend this company for your driving.
April 24, 2025
Unprompted review
Thank you so much Tasha (Burnley)
Thank you so much Tasha (Burnley) for being so amazing, Patient and encouraging. Teaching me to drive from scratch without any private lesson from anyone else and getting me to pass on my first trial goes to show what an amazing Teacher you are. Coming from a country that drives on the right hand side of the road makes even crossing the road as a pedestrian difficult to navigate, but you were so helpful and calm with me that I figured it out with ease. If you are in Nelson/Burnley please book your driving lessons with her, she makes it fun and insightful.
March 20, 2025
Unprompted review
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