Business Details
Your Trusted Driving School in Portsmouth
Established to provide high-quality driving instruction, Brake-thru School of Motoring delivers tailored lessons across Portsmouth and surrounding areas. Our DVSA-approved instructors utilise advanced teaching methodologies to ensure students develop safe, confident driving skills. With a proven track record of over 1,000 first-time passes, we prioritise individual progress through structured tuition and flexible scheduling. Our services include manual and automatic vehicle training, Pass Plus certification, and comprehensive theory/test preparation.Operating from Emsworth, we serve Portsmouth, Southsea, Fareham, Gosport, and beyond, combining local expertise with competitive pricing. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in consistently high pass rates exceeding the national average. We offer block booking discounts and 24/7 customer support to accommodate learner needs. All instructors undergo rigorous selection to maintain our reputation for exceptional service. Our mission remains focused on delivering value-driven instruction that prepares drivers for lifelong road safety.
Services
Driving Lessons
Manual Lessons
Automatic Lessons
Pass Plus Courses
Theory Test Preparation
Practical Test Coaching
Block Booking Packages
Instructor Training
Local Area Lessons
First-Time Pass Guarantee
Highlights and features
- DVSA-approved instructors with advanced teaching methodologies
- Proven track record of 1,000+ first-time passes
- Manual and automatic vehicle instruction available
- Competitive pricing with block booking discounts
- Pass Plus registered instructors for enhanced safety training
Associations and certifications
- DVSA
- Pass Plus
What people say
Friendly and patient instructors
High first-time pass rates
Advanced teaching techniques
Flexible lesson scheduling
Money-saving packages
Services
Driving Lessons
Comprehensive driving tuition covering all aspects of road safety and test preparation. Our structured lessons develop essential skills for urban and rural driving conditions. Instructors adapt teaching methods to individual learning paces while maintaining DVSA standards.
Pass Plus Courses
Post-test skill development programme focusing on motorway driving, night visibility, and adverse weather conditions. This DVSA-endorsed course enhances confidence and reduces insurance premiums. Delivered over six hours with practical assessments.
Theory Test Preparation
Specialised training covering hazard perception and multiple-choice question formats. Lessons include mock tests and revision techniques for the official DVSA theory examination. Instructors provide personalised feedback on improvement areas.
Automatic Lessons
Tailored instruction for automatic vehicle operation, ideal for nervous learners or those with physical limitations. Covers all test requirements while focusing on smooth gear transitions and clutch control alternatives.
Intensive Courses
Accelerated learning programmes combining multiple lessons over condensed periods. Designed for time-constrained learners requiring rapid skill development while maintaining safety standards and test readiness.
People
Garry Banks
Driving Instructor
Former BSM and AA instructor with 18 years experience. Maintains 75% first-time pass rate, specialising in confidence-building techniques for nervous drivers. Recognised for patient instruction and structured lesson planning.
Hilary Travers
Driving Instructor
Specialises in theory and practical test preparation. Proven record helping students pass both exams on first attempt. Known for adaptable teaching style and flexible scheduling around educational commitments.
Mike Smart
Driving Instructor
Experienced instructor operating from Fareham. Focuses on defensive driving techniques and test preparation. Utilises modern training vehicles with dual controls for enhanced safety during lessons.
Martin Scott
Driving Instructor
Local expert covering Portsmouth and Hayling Island. Combines 15+ years experience with up-to-date teaching methods. Specialises in preparing learners for challenging test routes and adverse weather conditions.
Nick Bassett
Driving Instructor
Top-performing instructor with hundreds of successful passes. Works flexible hours to accommodate learner schedules. Recognised for thorough preparation of show-me/tell-me vehicle safety questions.
Questions
What are your driving lesson prices?
Lessons start from £37 per hour with discounted block booking packages available.
Do you guarantee passing the driving test?
While we can't guarantee passes, our 75% first-time pass rate exceeds the national 43% average.
Are your instructors DVSA-approved?
All instructors are fully DVSA-registered with extensive local experience.
Which areas do you cover?
We operate in Portsmouth, Southsea, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, and surrounding Hampshire areas.
Do you offer automatic driving lessons?
Yes, we provide both manual and automatic vehicle instruction with specialist instructors.
Reviews (6)
Tomer Boulton
Dec 13, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Passed today with Gary! Brake-thru provided a great instructor, was patient and informative. Very professional. Would recommend to anyone learning to drive.
Passed today with Gary! Brake-thru provided a great instructor, was patient and informative. Very professional. Would recommend to anyone learning to drive.
Charlotte Squibb
Nov 28, 2021
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Managed to pass on my 1 st time today with only 3 minors! I am so happy and would definitely recommend Gary. He really helped me with my nerves which I really struggled with when I started and helped to build my confidence into the driver that I am today! I am so thankful and am so happy with the support I received. Would definitely recommend!
Josh
Nov 18, 2021
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Passed today, 1 minor with around 26 hours. Very professional lessons performed by Gary, realised I needed to move on without doing the stuff he knew I could do. Would recommend to anyone who wants it over and done with.
Hassan Raza Shariff
Jun 02, 2021
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After initially beginning my driving lessons at a different school and feeling like I wasnt progressing; I contacted Brake-Thru and asked to be put in touch with an automatic instructor. I was swiftly introduced to Douglas M, I appreciated the speed and communication efficiency from the admin team at this driving school. I was initially apprehensive to learn in a new car but Douglas took the time to analyse my current skills and formulate a plan with me to aid me in passing my driving test. After a few lessons we developed my confidence in the various necessary manoeuvres and booked a test.
Ewan Rones
May 26, 2021
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After 42 hours of driving lessons, even with several months break between lessons due to lockdowns, I arrived at the driving test confident in my training and ability to understand road rules and to operate a car in a variety of situations. I passed the first time with 5 minor faults. The price of lessons is very reasonable, especially so given the quality of the tuition itself. I was always able to organize a lesson even around the instructor's busy schedule and my university work and job.
Gary's tutorage across the lessons was very effective for me. His attention to your actions, combined with
Gary's tutorage across the lessons was very effective for me. His attention to your actions, combined with
Archie Read
Jun 17, 2019
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So today I passed my test, first time and feeling like a confident driver! It's all thanks to the brilliant teaching skills of Garry and his professional, friendly, calm and patient manner. I can't praise Garry and Brake-Thru highly enough and would recommend them 100% to anyone looking for an amazing driving instructor! Thanks Garry, you're a star! Archie
