Driving Lessons in Rushden with Gary Desborough
Driving Lessons in Rushden – Experience:
If you’re looking for driving lessons in Rushden, Gary Desborough is one of the area’s most trusted and patient instructors.
Based in Rushden, Northamptonshire, Gary provides high-quality manual driving tuition throughout Rushden, Higham Ferrers, Irthlingborough, and nearby NN10 postcodes.
Gary is known for his calm, structured approach that helps learners feel relaxed and confident right from the first lesson. His professional presentation, reliability, and well-maintained tuition car make him a popular choice for learners in and around Rushden who want both quality and results.
Why Learners Choose Gary
Gary’s lessons focus on building real driving confidence, not just test readiness.
Each session has a clear plan and goal, helping learners understand why decisions are made on the road. He uses reflective coaching techniques to encourage independent thinking, improving awareness and long-term safety.
He also supports nervous or anxious learners, using patient guidance and reassurance to help them progress at their own pace.
✅ Calm, friendly and professional
✅ Full Qualified DVSA Driving Instructor
✅ Structured lessons across Rushden & surrounding areas
✅ Excellent learner satisfaction (4.9/5 average rating)
Learner Feedback
Learners in Rushden consistently describe Gary as one of the best instructors they’ve had:
“Gary’s lessons are clear and easy to follow, he made me feel confident even when I made mistakes.”
“Always patient, explains things really well, and genuinely wants you to succeed.”
“Calm, professional, and makes learning to drive enjoyable — highly recommend!”
Average Rating: ⭐ 4.9 / 5.0
Areas Covered
Gary offers lessons across:
Rushden, Higham Ferrers, Irthlingborough, Raunds, Stanwick, and NN10 postcodes.
Pick-up and drop-off can be arranged for Rushden schools, colleges, workplaces, and home addresses.
Quality & Professional Standards
Gary is part of the Driving Skills Academy Rushden team, meaning he’s regularly assessed and Quality Assured to DVSA standards.
His lessons are monitored through our Quality Assurance process to maintain high professional standards and ensure learners receive outstanding value for money.
Book Your Driving Lessons in Rushden
If you’re ready to start learning to drive in Rushden, book your first lesson with Gary today.
My Car:
My driving school car is a Manual 1 Ltr Mild Hybrid Ford Fiesta. It is fitted with dual controls to ensure your safety on your learning journey. Very Comfortable to drive and is always kept clean inside and out.
Favourite Quote
“Sometimes the best therapy is a long drive and good music.”
Memorable Moment:
My wedding day
Hobbies
Family time,supporting man united,Long walks with my dog
Follow me on any of these social media platforms
How much are driving lessons in Rushden?
Pay as you go – from £45 per hour.
My prices are competitive for the area and offer excellent value for money.
Each lesson you and I will set targets to ensure you are continually moving forward and maximising your potential, getting you to your Driving Test as fast as possible.
I also use the Total Drive app which you can download to your phone and see exactly what progress you are making towards your full driving licence.
Included in the cost is FREE access to Theory Test and Confident Driver resources.
Cheaper Driving Lessons in Rushden
Make a block booking of 10 hours from £440.00
The prices shown should be taken as a guide and are subject to change. Prices may differ to reflect the instruction / course type, social or unsocial hours etc.
Our Driving Instructors are Rated out of 5 stars by people like you
- Morgan Norris19/02/2026Andy is a great driving instructor Andy is a great driving instructor, had some great lessons with him and many laughs through out the months he was teaching me. Helped me get test ready and took me there and I passed with only 1 fault which shows after a few months of driving with him u can come along way.read moreread less
- Unity Burton12/02/2026My experience at Driving Skills Academy was the best I could ask for. Chris himself is super friendly, chatty and comforting when you need it the most. He affors great advice and constructive criticism whilst also being up for a friendly chat and a joke. His car, Fernando, was the best car I could have learnt in. And the fact that Chris knew his own car so well really helped. I would recommend Driving Skills Academy to anyone, whether you're the most confident driver out there or the most nervous. Regardless of your situation Driving Skills Academy will be able to guide you to success.read moreread less
- CharlieS-58601/02/2026I had driving lessons with Andy Farley from early October to late January every Saturday at 1:30-3 pm, I would never have passed first time if it wasn’t for his calm approach and making sure i was comfortable with everything we did and calmly guiding me through the hard drives, he knows how to push his students to the maximum without going out of their comfort zone, he is a lovely person too someone easy to get on with and has an amazing sense of humour and i’ll miss our saturday afternoon drives, i’ll look out my window every saturday waiting for you andy! thank you so much for helping me pass and he is truly the best instructor i could have askedread moreread lessSteveS-261601/02/2026Andy was a very professional instructor that tutored my son Charlie. He made us feel very secure and that Charlie was in safe hands. Charlie really enjoyed his lessons and Andy made the very stressful act of learning to drive an enjoyable experience. We paid lessons in batches and Charlie managed to pass his test before the lessons expired and we got a refund for any lessons not used. Amazing experience all round would highly recommend.read moreread lessCj Stairs01/02/2026I had driving lessons with Andy Farley… I had driving lessons with Andy Farley from early October to late January every Saturday at 1:30-3 pm, I would never have passed first time if it wasn’t for his calm approach and making sure i was comfortable with everything we did and calmly guiding me through the hard drives, he knows how to push his students to the maximum without going out of their comfort zone, he is a lovely person too someone easy to get on with and has an amazing sense of humour and i’ll miss our saturday afternoon drives, i’ll look out my window every saturday waiting for you andy! thank you so much for helping me pass and he is truly the best instructor i could have askedread moreread less
- Steve Stairs01/02/2026An amazing driving experience Andy was a very professional instructor that tutored my son Charlie. He made us feel very secure and that Charlie was in safe hands. Charlie really enjoyed his lessons and Andy made the very stressful act of learning to drive an enjoyable experience. We paid lessons in batches and Charlie managed to pass his test before the lessons expired and we got a refund for any lessons not used. Amazing experience all round would highly recommend.read moreread lessGalaxy72001/02/2026I had driving lessons with Andy Farley from early October to late January every Saturday at 1:30-3 pm, I would never have passed first time if it wasn’t for his calm approach and making sure i was comfortable with everything we did and calmly guiding me through the hard drives, he knows how to push his students to the maximum without going out of their comfort zone, he is a lovely person too someone easy to get on with and has an amazing sense of humour and i’ll miss our saturday afternoon drives, i’ll look out my window every saturday waiting for you andy! thank you so much for helping me pass and he is truly the best instructor i could have asked forread moreread lessSteve Stairs01/02/2026Andy was a very professional instructor that tutored my son Charlie. He made us feel very secure and that Charlie was in safe hands. Charlie really enjoyed his lessons and Andy made the very stressful act of learning to drive an enjoyable experience. We paid lessons in batches and Charlie managed to pass his test before the lessons expired and we got a refund for any lessons not used. Amazing experience all round would highly recommend.read moreread less
- Lewis O'Rourke30/01/2026I had Andy F as my instructor and he was not only a friendly instructor but incredibly informative. His guidance assisted in refining my driving skills, and if I was nervous or hesitant at any point he knew how to change the subject into something funny to chill me out. Would recommend him to anyone that wants to learn to driveread moreread lessEmma Taylor29/01/2026I had Tony as my instructor, As a nervous person he made me feel and ease and relax from the moment I got behind the wheel. He explained everything clearly and carefully, if I didn't understand something would take the time to re explain in a different way so I understand.read moreread less
- Tori27/01/2026I had Gary Desborough as my driving instructor, he was amazing. He really helped me throughout all of my stages of driving, was incredibly patient and supportive through it all. I have recommended him to many friends. I passed my test today thanks to him, thank-you so much you've been the best!read moreread lessSharon Thomas26/01/2026I stated my Driving lessons with Jay and he is amazing ! He will give you confidence and guidance. He does not make you feel nervous or anxious and he trusts you with the car. He is also very helpful and friendly. Jay booked all my tests and I did not have to worry about anything. I would recommend Jay to everyone looking to pass their driving exam.read moreread less
- SofiaR-3114/01/2026I had Andy as my driving instructor and he was the best support and teacher through my learning. He is so friendly and really has an amazing way of teaching where it honestly makes you love driving. After having lessons with Andy I passed first time and will definitely be recommending him to others!read moreread less
- Katie McKone14/01/2026I really enjoyed my lessons with Andy - he put me at ease when I was nervous and helped me to gain confidence behind the wheel. Also a great sense of humour that helped me relax during the lessons. Would totally recommend him to anyone that wants to learn to drive.read moreread less
- Jenni Meadows09/12/2025Highly recommend Andy Andy is such a patient driving instructor. Always helping reassure me and listening to any concerns I have. If something has thrown me or made me a bit nervous Andy will help me understand what has caused it in order to help me deal with the issue. Andy is always on time for the lessons, always communicative and very much accommodating of any changes that are needed. Andy keeps a relaxed atmosphere and gives me the belief that I need. I thoroughly enjoy my lessons with him and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for lessons!!read moreread lessJenni Meadows09/12/2025Andy is such a patient driving instructor. Always helping reassure me and listening to any concerns I have. If something has thrown me or made me a bit nervous Andy will help me understand what has caused it in order to help me deal with the issue. Andy is always on time for the lessons, always communicative and very much accommodating of any changes that are needed. Andy keeps a relaxed atmosphere and gives me the belief that I need. I thoroughly enjoy my lessons with him and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for lessons!!read moreread lessJenniM-4109/12/2025Andy is such a patient driving instructor. Always helping reassure me and listening to any concerns I have. If something has thrown me or made me a bit nervous Andy will help me understand what has caused it in order to help me deal with the issue. Andy is always on time for the lessons, always communicative and very much accommodating of any changes that are needed. Andy keeps a relaxed atmosphere and gives me the belief that I need. I thoroughly enjoy my lessons with him and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for lessons!!read moreread less
- Taran Bains09/11/2025I passed my driving test with Zero minors all thanks to Andy !
Andy was always on time for lessons. His patience made learning to drive much easier and fun that what I thought it would be. His instructions were always clear and Andy always had solutions to problems that I'd come across. His encouragement and belief in you helps you to feel confident on the road. He is an incredible instructor that has a passion for teaching which makes every lesson enjoyable.
Thank you Andy for helping me gain confidence and become a good driver, would highly recommend him to anyone looking for an instructor !read moreread less - Leah Patel04/11/2025I passed my driving test on my first attempt with only 3 minors, and I couldn’t have done it without Gary!
Gary was always consistent, reliable, and patient throughout every lesson. He stayed calm and always took the time to explain things clearly. His encouragement really helped boost my confidence when I had doubts. I’d highly recommend him to anyone learning to drive, he’s a brilliant instructor!
Huge thank you to Gary! I’m grateful for such an amazing instructor 🙂read moreread less - Andy Farley16/10/2025I recently passed my ADI part three whilst training with Driving Skills Academy. After a period of self doubt Chris took me under his wing and gave me back some self belief. Chris is a great trainer, fantastic leader but above all a throughly nice person. I’ve achieved something I wasn’t sure could actually do but Chris helped me along the way. Driving Skills Academy is a great place to learn with a great team of people, highly recommended.read moreread lesssofia ross14/10/2025Andy has been so helpful and supportive as ive been learning to drive, being super friendly and patient the whole way through. I really look foward to my lessons and he is always encouraging me throughout all the teaching he does, he instructs in a way that doesnt knock down any confidence in myself but also helps to identify where I can improve and makes it an enjoyable opportunity to learn and further develop. He has additionally been super helpful when it has come to finding and booking the theory and practical tests- giving me a list of apps and information I needed to book these and where I could find cancellations, etc. I would 100% recommend andy to anyone looking for an instructor as he has helped me become a safe driver and has always made sure to highlight the areas which I do well in which really improved my confidence as a driver massively!!read moreread less
- Courtney03/10/2025Passed with Gary D🚗!!
After 3 months of meeting Gary I have passed! How amazing is that!!
Gary is calm and his mannerism is perfect for unsure learners! He doesn’t over explain the basics which I found great and he works at your pace.. if your determined to pass Gary will get you there in no time!read moreread lessLisa Warriner30/09/2025Chris has been the most fabulous instructor for all 3 of my children. My youngest Pippa comments that he’s so calm, friendly, supportive and the best driving teacher. He’s extremely knowledgeable and has earned his wonderful reputation allowing her to pass first time. Thank you so much for teaching all my children and it’s quite sad to say goodbye.read moreread less - JamesS-454902/09/2025Andy Farley was my instructor. He did a great job of teaching me everything I needed to know, which led to passing my driving test first time. Andy is very down to earth and made me feel comfortable and confident during my lessons. Thanks you for everything Andy your brilliant!!read moreread less
- Smiffy02/09/2025Andy Farley instructor Andy Farley was my instructor. He did a great job of teaching me everything I needed to know, which led to passing my driving test first time. Andy is very down to earth and made me feel comfortable and confident during my lessons. Thanks Andyread moreread lessEthan Taylor06/08/2025Gary Desborough had taught me from October 24 until August 25 and as an instructor I couldn’t ask for a better one, helped me through what I needed to know for my driving test and even when I’ve been driving outside of lessons if I needed a bit of assistance Gary was perfect in assisting me where he could. The way driving skills academy gradually brings you up from setting off in the car and to eventually first time passing. The reflective logs at the end are also a massive help towards improving my driving. Couldn’t honestly recommend it enough hence 5 starsread moreread lessMelanie Canuti29/07/2025Chris has been an amazing driving instructor for my daughter. He has such a calm and patient manner which really helps a new driver. He was concerned with ensuring she didn’t just pass her test but also learner to be a safe driver. I couldn’t fault Chris’ knowledge and approach and would recommend him to anyone.read moreread less
- Chloe Richardson30/06/2025Chris was such a lovely and helpful instructor, especially as a nervous driver. His car is wonderful for learning in and he created such a lovely environment to learn how to drive! He made sure that I was very prepared for my test, meaning that I could pass first time! Couldn’t recommend him enough! Thank you!!read moreread lessCameron Jones29/06/2025I have just recently passed my manual driving test in Kettering with Will F, initially I was full of nerves and lacked confidence on the road and would often let my nerves get the better of me, Will has been very patient and reassuring throughout all my lessons and helped me build confidence on the road and also off the road too. Will has an incredible teaching style and I cannot recommend him enoughread moreread lessAshlyn Lily27/06/2025i have just passed my driving test on the first attempt with Gary Desborough as my driving instructor. i cannot recommend Gary enough, he has been so calm and reassuring from the first lesson and has really encouraged me to become a confident driver. i have really enjoyed learning to drive, all thanks to Gary.read moreread less
- Carys Frost20/05/2025Unfortunately, I had lots of anxiety surrounding driving and often dreaded driving lessons with previous instructors. However, once I found Chris and began lessons, I found that he was a lovely instructor who made me enjoy driving again, whilst keeping my anxiety and nerves under control. I also found that he taught me to drive safely in everyday life rather than to drive safely purely to pass a driving test - it was clear that he cared about the safety of his students. I would 100% recommend Chris and his driving school for driving tuition, especially if you suffer with driving anxiety like I did.read moreread less
- Daniel Moore19/05/2025Gary has been incredible from start to finish. A remarkably patient man who does a great job at explaining anything you are unsure about. Even when I went through some personal stuff and had to stop for a few weeks Gary was very flexible for me which means a lot. Would highly recommendread moreread lessDan Baines17/05/2025I recently qualified as an Approved Driving Instructor with Chris Barker and couldn’t be happier with the standard of training I have received.I’ve wanted to be a driving instructor since my teens and it was my desire to be the best client-centred driving instructor I could be. When looking for a trainer, my priority was to look for someone who was exactly the kind of instructor I wanted to be and after reading some reviews and meeting him for a coffee, it was clear to me that Chris would be the ideal role model to follow and signed up to train with him. Despite a long and difficult journey, Chris was always available to provide advice, further training and sometimes even emotional support when things became particularly challenging. Chris’s expert advice and support allowed me to build on my skills and not only enabled me to pass all three ADI tests and become a qualified driving instructor, but has set me in good stead to becoming the driving instructor I’ve always dreamed of becoming. It’s a true honour to be a member of the team and cannot recommend Driving Skills Academy enough for driver and instructor training.read moreread less
- Harikrishnhaa Raghuveeran19/03/2025I can’t thank Shane enough for tutoring me to gain competency in my driving. As a beginner with no prior foreign driving experience, Shane’s helped me to learn driving from the scratch. His tips and techniques not only helped me to pass my road test but also in my day to day experiences to drive with full confidence. I highly recommend Shane if you are looking for top class driving instructor in and around GTA.read moreread less
- Trailyn Nagales06/03/2025Shane have been a great instructor. Very detailed with instruction and helped me boost my confidence in driving. I highly recommend the driving skills academy to everyone especially for people like me, who has no experience in driving. Shane have been very patient with me and always make sure I understand everything.read moreread less
- Eloudie Marslow02/03/2025As a first time driver I was nervous almost all of the times while driving, but the instructor ensures you’re comfortable and confident while encouraging you to believe in yourself and following the steps.Passed my G2 on the first try🥹🙏🏼I was so nervous the day of the exam as well but he made sure we were there early to familiarize ourselves with the test routes making it easier to drive with the instructor.Thank you so much Shane, much appreciated!!Will definitely recommend your school!!!read moreread lessGrant Carter28/02/2025Garry a amazing instructor I passed… Garry a amazing instructor I passed first time this academy brilliant I had issues with instructors in the past with red then I met driving skills academy they a re do brilliant if there was 6 million stars I would tick them all there amazing and thank you all and thank you Garryread moreread less
- Jess aan de Wiel18/02/2025Will is an amazing Driving Instructor. He was fabulous to deal with, from booking and setting things up to arriving on time, generally being accomodating and flexible with our needs. He is a lovely, kind and patient man. He really helped my stepson relax and also unlearn some bad habits! We would highly recommend him to anyone looking for someone to guide a younger and more nervous driver through their skills and learn to drive!read moreread less
- Eva Hayman17/01/2025I had a lesson with Chris just before my test to show me round Northampton as I don’t live here, honestly such a lovely instructor and really boosted my confidence in some of the area routes. He was really welcoming and helped me with some tips for when I’m driving! Thank you 🙂read moreread lessadam Hayman17/01/2025Chris took my daughter for a 2 hour lesson before her (out of local area) driving test. He was very friendly and professional. He pointed out a couple of things her local instructor had not told her, and she went on to pass her test first time in a new to her area. Thanks in no small way to Chris. Highly recommend to anyone seeking a knowledgeable, friendly instructor.read moreread less
- kenzie campbell10/01/2025I cannot recommend Driving Skills Academy enough! Thanks to their incredible guidance, I passed both my G2 and G with confidence. From the first lesson, Shane was calm, patient, and professional, always making sure I felt comfortable and prepared. His dedication and encouragement made all the difference. If you're looking for a driving school that genuinely cares about your progress and ensures you're ready for the road, Driving Skills Academy is the one to choose!read moreread lessNida Rashid25/12/2024Shane is extremely patient and has knowledge of what examiners are looking for. He prepares you accordingly and makes sure you get confident on the roads. I took 10 classes and passed my G2 in my first try. The examiner commented that I am a safe driver and hence she is passing me!I would definitely recommend Shane!read moreread lessOliver Martin13/12/2024Had a great experience with Driving Skills Academy John was able to tailor his teaching to me individually and helped me to pass first try, extremely reliable, never missed any lessons and was always accommodating to any changes I needed to make. Would absoloutley recommend as a driving instructor.read moreread less
How much are driving lessons in Rushden?
Driving Lessons in Rushden start from £40
Can I start lessons before my theory test
Yes, in fact we can help you study for your theory test with real life examples on your driing lessons in Rushden and free access to a theory test resource
Wellingborough Driving Test Centre
Our nearest Driving Test Centre is:
DVSA Driving Test Centre Wellingborough
Glamis Hall
Goldsmith Road
Wellingborough
Northamptonshire
NN8 3RU
Rushden Theory Test Centre
Park Road Baptist Church, Park Road,
Rushden,
NN10 0RG



