Driving school
Driver training Rushden
Driver training lessons and instructor courses in Rushden, Irchester, Kettering and the surrounding areas.
our services
Driving Lessons and Instructor Courses
Get behind the wheel of a manual or automatic car for regular driving lessons at our school in Rushden, offering intensive courses, refresher lessons or training for aspiring driving instructors.
Driving Lessons
Learn to drive at our driving school in Rushden or one of our other schools in the Northamptonshire area.
Instructor Training
Learn how to teach driving lessons at our school and join our driving instructor team in Rushden to deliver quality driving courses for our students.
Intensive courses
Looking for a fast track? We offer intensive driving lessons at our school in Rushden, getting you on the road with a licence in just a couple of weeks.
about us
Driver Training Courses
Central Driver Training is a friendly family run business that offers beginner and advanced driving lessons as well as driving instructor training courses to help you kickstart your dream career.
Get in touch with us at our driving school in Rushden or to find out the cost of our driving lessons and book your slot on one of our manual or automatic driving courses.
what our customers say
Our Testimonials
Christian Parker
2 weeks ago
i had jonty as my driving instructor and he was outstanding, great communication skills regarding the lessons but also had great chats throughout them. i had never touched a pedal and in 3 months, i was able to drive constantly and passed my test. Couldn’t recommend more
aine browne
3 weeks ago
I had a great experience with CDT and especially learning with Hannah and couldn’t recommend her enough. I was a nervous driver with little confidence in myself, but Hannah was patient and encouraging every step of the way! Every lesson was structured and tailored to my specific learning styles round my schedule, and helped me gain confidence in such a short space of time.
She has helped me gain confidence and independence I never expected and I managed to pass my test first time! If you are looking for an instructor who cares about their students and wants to help reach their full potential, I would 100% recommend Hannah. 🎉🚗
aimee lincoln
1 month ago
i’ve taken driving lessons on and off for years and have had many different instructors but to no avail, two failed test attempts and barely any confidence behind the wheel—i joined this school with neil and ive never felt so good about my driving skills, i passed my test today on my first attempt since starting lessons with him! he’s a kind and patient person who taught me things my past instructors didn’t even mention, he explains everything well, corrects your mistakes in a gentle way and is just generally an incredible and helpful instructor. couldn’t have passed without him! definitely recommend him to anyone wanting to take lessons:)
Brandon Nunley
1 month ago
Done my lessons with Johnty , highly recommend him , very good at his job and got the pass , very happy with what he delivered
Lewis Smith
1 month ago
hannah was great, taught me so much about not just driving but myself, very easy going and a very good instructor, thank you!
Albert Hall
1 month ago
Incredible instructor, Jonty was super kind and relaxed which really helped with any nerves. He was super clued up on his job and noticed any mistakes or bad habits instantly. 10/10 recommended! Passed first time
Enya Mason-Partridge
2 months ago
Hannah is an amazing instructor and really helped on improving my confidence with driving throughout lessons and especially towards my test dates, cannot think of a better driving school to learn with.
Elise Ure
3 months ago
I had Neil as my driving instructor and couldn’t recommend him enough. He was very helpful, patient, and explained everything clearly. I learned a lot from him and passed my test first time thanks to his excellent teaching. A great instructor who helped build my confidence behind the wheel.
Honee Racher
3 months ago
Both Hannah and Andy were brilliant instructors. Patient, kind and happy to chat with you throughout the lessons no matter how long you’ve been with them. They’re lovely company during the drives and are more than willing to help you practice in any areas you feel less confident in. Thanks a bunch for helping me pass my test! ❤️
Jess Gamby
5 months ago
I passed first time after only 4 lessons with Jonty, which still doesn’t feel real. I’ve had other instructors before, and none of them even come close to him.
He’s so patient, calm, and genuinely kind, which made me feel comfortable straight away. I never felt nervous or pressured, and everything was explained so clearly. Lessons were actually enjoyable, it honestly just felt like going for a drive with a friend rather than being taught.
You can tell he really cares about what he does and wants his students to do well. That makes such a difference.
Genuinely a bit sad I passed because I won’t get to have more lessons. I’d recommend him to anyone without hesitation.
richie bailey
7 months ago
Neil was a great instructor. He was patient and remained calm with me in all circumstances. I couldn’t recommend Central Driving anymore!
Lydia Froome
7 months ago
Wouldn't recommend any other driving school. Andy has been a brilliant instructor who taught me everything i needed to know and really supported me where I struggled and because of him I have developed my confidence behind the wheel and passed my test. Thank you so much for the time and support throughout my learning journey.
Dineo S
7 months ago
100% recommend CDT! Andy was an amazing instructor, showed continuous support throughout my learning process, was patient and made me feel at ease - Thank you!
Hayley Starmer
7 months ago
Craig was the best instructor. He made me feel comfortable and confident from the get go and believed in me the whole time. I first started taking driving lessons with Craig in 2024, then came back to him in October 2025. I passed first time and its all thanks to him!
Pui Rumble
8 months ago
Craig was the great instructor,I can confidently say that I passed because of his teaching skills and teaching. Learning with him make is easy to understand and feels comfortable and not nervous. I would recommend Craig was a wonderful instructor for the new people who want to learn driving.
Scott Burnage
8 months ago
Started driving with Hannah shortly after I passed my theory in march 2025.
Couldn’t have had a better driving instructor. Hannah was very knowledgeable and i felt very relaxed and calm during her lessons which made me become more confident the more time we spent together. Hannah taught me that well I almost had a clean driving test with no minors and faults but towards the end of the test i hesitated, getting me 1 minor.
Once again thank you very much for pushing me to succeed in my driving.
Emily g
9 months ago
Andy was a fantastic instructor who helped me pass my test first time, each lesson was spent learning key skills and having a laugh to ease nerves- couldn’t recommend enough !
Alice Belcher
2 years ago
Having taken the step to learn to drive in my 30s, I was very nervous about being behind the wheel as I spent my earlier life in a city with good public transport.
On my very first lesson with Andy, he put me at ease and gave me the confidence to turn on the engine! I spent a few years on and off doing lessons, but couldn’t build up the confidence in myself to book the test for personal reasons. Even in months where I wasn’t doing lessons, Andy would occasionally check in to see how I was doing and how the driving was going. This gave me the confidence to know I could always go back to driving when I was ready.
In late 2023 I managed to find a test for May 2024- I booked this test and then undertook some intensive lessons with Craig who was another driver for CDT at the time (Andy was on holiday!). Craig was brilliant at calming my nerves and, although I didn’t pass the test, I do believe both Andy and Craig helped me have the best chance of passing. Craig also encouraged me to consider getting a car to continue my driving with my partner in between lessons. Craig and Andy’s encouragement despite not passing the test gave me the confidence to properly commit to driving.
Fast forward to December 2024 and I have just passed my practical test second time in my own car! I have done plenty of driving with my partner, and also undertaken another intensive with Andy to help me fine tune my driving. This intensive gave me the confidence to believe I was ready to do the test and potentially pass. Andy was also brilliant at giving me confidence in the manoeuvres and parking, and also ensuring that I kept a cool head on the day and didn’t let my nerves jeopardise the test.
Thanks to CDT especially Andy, I feel like I was not only prepared to pass my test, but also prepared to continue driving safely and confidently. I cannot thank CDT enough for all the support and faith over the past few years. If it wasn’t for CDT I can say 100% I would not be driving today!
Corey Wilson
2 years ago
Andy was amazing, very patient and understanding of the mistakes you make when driving.
Making me relax and see the fun side to driving rather than the constant worry of doing something wrong.
Andy made the lessons a lot more enjoyable and his teaching was very effective for me.
I passed after just 26 hours of driving with Andy and I couldn’t recommend him more.
If you’re looking to learn to drive with minimal stress. CDT is the place for you.
Caitlin
2 years ago
I passed my test with Central Driver Training. I thank Mark for being really supportive and for encouraging me to persevere. The Instructors gave me the confidence and skills that helped me to pass.
Lewis J Thurston
2 years ago
My overall experience with central was one of the best i could’ve asked for & then some. Andy was proper chill about everything & made me see driving as more of fun, laid-back experience rather than a boring & tedious one.
He’s a very good instructor for those who just want to get in the car & have a fun crack at driving.
Did always struggle round ‘dingleberry’ road but Andy made sure i was confident anywhere i went when driving & he can do the same for you.
Lauren Byrne
2 years ago
Where to start. Andy has been amazing. I was a anxious person ready to start driving a car after being a motorcyclist for 5 years. Andy made the learning environment so relax and chilled out while also maintaining a positive atmosphere. I learned to drive while having fun and having some "banter" thank you Andy. I owe my pass to you for being so patient and reassuring.
I only had 5 lessons and passed first try with 3 minors.
Jessica Hutchinson
2 years ago
passed my test 1st time yesterday due to andy teaching me.
he’s so amazing and so down to earth, had me laughing every lesson.
had so much patience and kept me calm whenever i was stressed, couldn’t thank him enough.
i feel confident and happy to be on the roads now.
i would definitely recommend central driver training.
thankyou andy and the team, superstars🌟🚗
sadie worrall
2 years ago
Just passed my test first time today after having an intensive course (25hrs + a few more) with Andy. I cannot recommend Andy and CDT more, I owe my pass entirely to Andy who provided a chilled, professional and enjoyable way to learn how to drive. Whether I passed today or not I would still recommend CDT just the same as they truly are (in my opinion) the best that there is. Thank you Andy and Tracey!
megan jackson
2 years ago
Andy and Craig, two of the most patient and genuine down to earth chaps have gotten me through my driving test for a 1st time pass 💪
Both were honest about my abilities and bouyed my confidence which was a little low , but I'm now happy and roadworthy thanks to them, and i look forward to my first solo journey on the 'me to you roundabout' 🙃
I'd happily recommend central driver training to all 😊
Thanks guys!
Meg 🚘
Beverly Gordge
2 years ago
Passed my test first time today, thank you so much to Andy for teaching me to drive and putting me at ease, 100% recommend
Keiran Bunker
2 years ago
I'd just like to say how friendly and safe you feel with the car and instructor. And to how they deal with you if you have any injuries and just in general
Conagh Johnston
2 years ago
Done an intensive driving course with Andy. Done 15 hours over 3 days. Cannot thank him enough, made me feel at ease and taught me everything I needed to know and I passed first time. A great instructor who makes you feel very comfortable. Thanks again mate.
Hollie Wood
2 years ago
So happy to finally pass my test 3rd time lucky. Thank you for all the support from andy. He kept me calm when i needed it. Wouldnt of done it without you.
FloC34
2 years ago
Just passed my test today first time and it is due in no small part to Andy's training which has been a brilliant experience from start to finish. I can only recommend CDT if you are looking for a competent driving instructor who will take you step by step into becoming an independent and effective driver. The lessons were always a pleasure with a good and friendly atmosphere. Thank you again Andy!
Resources
News & Learnings
- Learnings
Kick off your driving journey by booking your theory test now…
- Learnings
Be 100% prepared for your test with the show me tell me questions
- Learnings
You’re done all your lessons and prep, so now its time to take the final test!