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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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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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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John Stainton
My instructor John has been such an incredible teacher, he helped me to pass my test first time and to stop me worrying about it beforehand! I will miss having lessons with him!
February 4, 2025
Unprompted review
Passed with jonny hoy
Passed with jonny hoy, made me feel really comfortable, i started lessons in may and passed in december! jonny wa a great help and really made me build up my confidence, recommend to anyone
December 19, 2023
Unprompted review
Absolutely amazing would recommend
Absolutely amazing would recommend! I passed first time with 0 faults!
October 24, 2022
Unprompted review
Reply from Harwood Driving School - Manual & Automatic
Good job, well done Tom
The best driving Instructor in Bolton 😁
After spending 18months with an "instructor" who didn't even teach me to steer and I was an anxious wreck, Dan has managed to turn that around in 10 months. I am now a calm and confident driver who has just passed first time with 0 faults
October 17, 2022
Unprompted review
Reply from Harwood Driving School - Manual & Automatic
Well done passing with a perfect drive
10/10!
Would wholly recommend Dan to anyone at all, especially to any nervous drivers as he is so calm and relaxed it really puts you at ease! Can’t thank Dan enough for all the encouragement and support he’s given me during my time having lessons - passed with flying colours with a very happy examiner and it’s all thanks to Dan! If you’re looking for a driving instructor, Dan’s the man! Thanks again :)
June 15, 2022
Unprompted review
Reply from Harwood Driving School - Manual & Automatic
A very impressive drive remarked the examiner. Well done
First rate Driving Instructor.
Can’t thank Dan enough for his encouragement, support and help. I was worried that I would struggle due to having dyspraxia, I was fortunate I didn’t. I really appreciated that the lessons were bespoke and tailored for my needs. Dan has a calm nature which I appreciated. Each lesson finished with goals for the next lesson. If I ever needed to recap anything from general driving to manoeuvres we did it either in the lesson I was having or the following week. I passed my driving test first time last week and that’s down to Dan and his support. He taught me to be a safe and confident drive, I am truly grateful. I would recommend him 100% to anybody!
March 22, 2022
Unprompted review
0 driving faults, passed on first test
There is nothing to say apart from how good he is. For the reasonable price you get a highly experienced and highly skilled instructor. During and between lessons you always know what to improve on. Excellent experience.
December 7, 2021
Unprompted review
Reply from Harwood Driving School - Manual & Automatic
great drive
Excellent driving instructor
Excellent driving instructor. Lots of willing to help his students. I took my driving test today and passed first time. I recommend him to anyone looking at learning how to drive☺️
December 3, 2021
Unprompted review
Reply from Harwood Driving School - Manual & Automatic
good driving
I passed first time with Dan
I passed first time with Dan, he helped me gain confidence and become a safe driver. He’s a tough teacher but he gets you ready to drive and teaches you everything you need to know to get ready for driving on your own.
November 12, 2021
Unprompted review
Reply from Harwood Driving School - Manual & Automatic
Great driving, well done. Keep waving as you pass by. All the best Dan
Passed my driving test today for the…
Passed my driving test today for the first time with Dan in Bury. Taught me well how to drive and become a confident driver. Very happy with my experience definitely recommend
November 10, 2021
Unprompted review
Reply from Harwood Driving School - Manual & Automatic
Fantastic result, well done. Enjoy searching for your first car.
First time pass very happy
Very happy with Dan he is very patient and friendly would recommend for anyone i passed first time with only 2 driving faults the car is a very good car to learn in 5 star
November 10, 2021
Unprompted review
Reply from Harwood Driving School - Manual & Automatic
Great result, well done Tom. See you on the road
Highly recommend!!
Dan was an amazing instructor and not only helped me become a confident driver but challenged me to be the best driver I could. He’s super reliable and was always flexible around my plans and I passed first time with 1 fault..thanks dan!!
November 3, 2021
Unprompted review
Reply from Harwood Driving School - Manual & Automatic
Fantastic drive and a great result. Enjoy driving your first car.
Dan is a great instructor
Dan is a great instructor, i passed first time with just a few driving faults. He was always helpful and flexible and i would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to learn how to drive manual or automatic.
October 13, 2021
Unprompted review
Reply from Harwood Driving School - Manual & Automatic
Thank you for taking time to leave your feedback. safe driving for your future.
Dan is a excellent driving instructor
Dan is a excellent driving instructor, he made me work hard and always asked if I was unsure on anything during the lessons. I passed my driving test first time with 0 faults because Dan gave me the confidence to perform to the best of my ability. I would without a doubt recommend Dan to anyone who is looking for driving lessons!
October 12, 2021
Unprompted review
Reply from Harwood Driving School - Manual & Automatic
Brilliant result and well deserved, safe driving for the future
Passed my test first time, great instructor.
Passed my test first time, great instructor and even better value for money.
September 29, 2021
Unprompted review
Reply from Harwood Driving School - Manual & Automatic
Thank you for your business, and safe driving for the future.
Dan has been a fantastic instructor and…
Dan has been a fantastic instructor and made me feel comfortable during my time with him. Passed today with 2 minors - thank you very much Dan!
June 15, 2021
Unprompted review
Reply from Harwood Driving School - Manual & Automatic
An outstanding result on your driving test. Thank you for choosing Harwood driving school
Excellent instructor!!!
Dan helped me gain confidence driving and always challenged me to become a better driver. He was always on time and never cancelled a lesson. I passed first time!
June 14, 2021
Unprompted review
Reply from Harwood Driving School - Manual & Automatic
Great result first time. Thank you for choosing us to learn to drive.
I would 100% highly recommend Harwood…
I would 100% highly recommend Harwood driving school. He made feel at ease when driving and able to control my nerves in the car. The lessons were good quality and good value.
May 18, 2021
Unprompted review
Passed first time!!
Passed first time!!10/10 instructor. clear and helpful instructing. would highly reccomend!
August 24, 2020
Unprompted review
Very pleased with harwood driving…
Very pleased with harwood driving school would definitely recommend
August 5, 2020
Unprompted review
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