Current Castle

Castle Driving School is currently run by Shirley, who also teaches pupils, alongside her husband Paul, who specialises in organising and running intensive driving courses. Supporting them is a carefully selected team of local fully qualified instructors, offering both manual and automatic lessons to suit every learner’s needs.

Founded By Colin in 1966

Colin founded Castle Driving School when he was just 21 years old. Named both after the Colchester Castle and because of the then transport minister Barbara Castle.

Originally Colin taught alone, gradually expanding and later even his then wife Margaret became a qualified instructor in 1975.

Eventually Colins own daughter joined him at age 22. After Colin sadly passed away in 2007, Shirley his daughter took over Castle Driving School and still runs the business and teaches today.

Testimonial

Megan's Story

Passed my test today....i'm so happy! Thank you Shirley!...

I was always scared about learning to drive, I never thought the day would come. Due to physical impairments from spine surgery as a baby, and being in a wheel chair throughout most of my schooling I honestly never thought i'd see the day. Shirley has been amazing, patient, and very understanding. Quickly picking up the basics Shirley spent most of our lessons teaching me to move and position my car at junctions I otherwise would not be able to see safely even with extra blind spot mirrors, I can now fully qualified feel safe in any situation I may find myself in. Shirley has sheer skill, not only as an instructor but her ability to change how she would typically teach pupils to suit the individual she is teaching. A completely personal lesson which is never the same. I will miss our tuesday mornings. Thank you so much Castle!

Testimonial

Hannah's Story

I had an amazing experience with an amazing instructor called Shirley. I have dyslexia and dyspraxia and she ensured I always felt comfortable and supported from little tricks such as writing L and R on sticky notes for me to have on the dash, to many various spatial awareness tips. Her fantastic support helped me to achieve a pass first time.

Reviews

To view all recent passes - Castle Driving School | Facebook

Kelsie W - "Thoroughly enjoyed my weekly lessons with Shirley, she made learning to drive a breeze. Shirley is so calm and patient meaning if something went wrong it wasn't a worry.

I was able to learn at my own pace and was never pushed to do anything I was uncomfortable with which really helped with my anxiety. Even with a few wobbles i was able to build my confidence and passed first time - Dearnna C

India F - Pam is a fantastic driving instructor and is always on time and flexible which allowed me to work and study while learning to drive! She made the learning experience enjoyable and helped to soothe my anxiety around driving. Pam made sure we didn't move on from an area until I was fully confident with it. I wouldn't have been able to pass first time with no minors resulting in a clean sheet without Pam! So, thank you Pam and Castle Driving for making me a confident driver.

I would highly recommend Castle Driving School from initial contact the communication and support were great. I really enjoyed my intensive driving course with Paul, he was friendly and patient and his knowledge, advice and feedback allowed me to gain the skills to confidently tackle and pass my test first time - Toby C

Mark H - I had a fantastic time with Paul as my instructor he put me through my paces and reassured me that I could do it when I felt like giving it up not only was he right I could do it I passed with a clean sheet too can't thank him enough and I recommend Paul if you doubt yourself like I did he will have you pass just like I did. Being able to drive has changed my life so much since I can't ride motorbikes anymore due to an accident thanks again to every body at castle especially Paul and Shirley forever grateful to you both.