Business Details
Your Trusted Driving School in Portsmouth
Established to provide high-quality driving instruction in Portsmouth and surrounding areas, we specialise in delivering structured lessons with DVSA-approved instructors. Our advanced teaching methodologies focus on preparing learners thoroughly for tests while developing lifelong driving skills. With over 1,000 successful passes, our proven track record demonstrates our commitment to helping students achieve first-time success. We offer flexible lesson packages for manual and automatic vehicles, covering urban, rural, and motorway driving scenarios. Our instructors maintain consistently high pass rates exceeding national averages through patient, tailored tuition. Operating across Portsmouth, Southsea, Fareham, Gosport, and nearby regions, we combine local expertise with professional standards to ensure every pupil receives optimal preparation. Our Pass Plus registered instructors provide post-test training to enhance safety and confidence. Transparent pricing and package deals make quality instruction accessible without compromising on effectiveness. Customer testimonials highlight our instructors' professionalism, adaptability to individual learning needs, and ability to reduce test anxiety. We maintain strong relationships with local communities while continuously refining our teaching techniques to meet evolving road safety requirements.
Services
Driving Lessons
Driving Instructors
Theory Test Prep
Pass Plus Courses
Manual & Automatic Tuition
Served areas
- PORTSMOUTH, Southsea, Emsworth, Cosham, Wymering, Drayton, Havant, Bedhampton, Portchester, Fareham, Farlington, Eastney, Waterlooville, Milton, Widley, Purbrook, Paulsgrove, Bishops Waltham, Swanmore, Swanwick, Tichfield, Lee-On-Solent, Boarhunt, Gosport, Wickham, Botley, Whiteley
Highlights and features
- Fully qualified DVSA approved driving instructors available
- High first-time pass rates with proven results
- Manual and automatic driving lessons offered professionally
- Competitive pricing with special lesson package offers
- Advanced teaching techniques for faster smarter learning
- Over 1000 successful driving test passes achieved
Associations and certifications
- DVSA
- Pass Plus
Payment methods
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
What people say
High first-time pass rates
Patient instructors
Effective teaching methods
Flexible scheduling
Great value for money
Services
Driving Lessons
Professional driving instruction covering manual and automatic vehicles with DVSA-approved instructors. Lessons incorporate advanced teaching techniques to prepare learners for practical tests and real-world driving scenarios. Our structured approach ensures pupils develop essential skills for safe, confident driving while maintaining consistently high first-time pass rates exceeding national averages.
Pass Plus Courses
Post-test driving courses registered with the DVSA to enhance driving skills and safety awareness. These six-hour sessions focus on improving hazard perception, night driving, and motorway techniques. Designed for newly qualified drivers, the program builds confidence in challenging conditions while potentially qualifying for insurance discounts.
Theory Test Prep
Comprehensive preparation for both multiple-choice and hazard perception components of the DVSA theory test. Instructors provide targeted practice materials and strategies to ensure candidates understand road rules and develop effective hazard recognition skills. Lessons include mock tests and tailored feedback to address individual learning needs.
Instructor Training
Quality assurance program for driving instructors maintaining high teaching standards. Includes ongoing professional development, lesson structure guidance, and access to pupil referral systems. Instructors receive support with modern teaching methods while retaining autonomy in their instructional approach.
Local Area Instruction
Tailored driving lessons incorporating local road networks and test centre routes. Instructors possess detailed knowledge of Portsmouth and surrounding areas' traffic patterns, test routes, and challenging junctions. This regional expertise enables efficient route planning and targeted preparation for test-day conditions.
People
Garry Banks
Driving Instructor
Experienced DVSA-approved instructor with 18 years of teaching expertise. Former BSM and AA instructor achieving 75% first-time pass rate. Specialises in patient, structured tuition that builds confidence through clear progression frameworks.
Hilary Travers
Driving Instructor
Patient instructor with proven success in reducing test anxiety. Helps learners build confidence through supportive teaching methods. Specialises in preparing students for both theory and practical tests with flexible scheduling options.
Mike Smart
Driving Instructor
Qualified instructor using modern Renault Megane for lessons. Focuses on safety-conscious driving techniques. Brings extensive experience from previous roles while maintaining up-to-date teaching methodologies.
Dave Novis
Driving Instructor
Experienced instructor covering Fareham and Portchester areas. Known for meticulous approach to driver training. Provides thorough preparation for all driving conditions and test requirements.
Martin Scott
Driving Instructor
Local expert with extensive knowledge of Portsmouth and surrounding regions. Specialises in efficient test preparation incorporating regional road networks and driving challenges.
Questions
What provisional licence requirements should I know?
You need both photo-card and paper counterpart parts. Sign paper licence if it's an old-style version. Obtain application forms from Post Offices.
How does the theory test work?
Computerised test with multiple-choice and hazard perception sections. Must pass both parts. Find nearest test centres through official DVSA resources.
What happens during practical driving tests?
Includes eyesight check, 'Show Me Tell Me' questions, driving test with possible emergency stop. Lasts approximately 40 minutes with maximum 15 minor errors allowed.
Do you offer lesson packages?
Yes, we provide special price bundles for block bookings. Check our Prices page for current offers and package deals.
Are instructors DVSA registered?
All Brake-thru instructors are fully qualified and DVSA-approved with proven track records exceeding national pass rate averages.
What areas do you cover?
We provide driving lessons across Portsmouth, Southsea, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Waterlooville, and surrounding Hampshire regions.
Reviews (14)
Sam Whale
Apr 09, 2026
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Passed yesterday first time in Portsmouth with Garry. Brilliant instructor, extremely knowledgeable and is really helpful at calming nerves. Always had great chats in the car, would recommend to anyone looking to take lessons.
Laura George
Mar 27, 2026
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I started my lessons with 0 confidence and ended with a pass first time!
Garry was so patient, knowledgeable and friendly. He works hard with you on your weak points and doesn't judge you if you make mistakes. I will be recommending Brake-Thru and Garry to everyone who wants to learn to drive!
Garry was so patient, knowledgeable and friendly. He works hard with you on your weak points and doesn't judge you if you make mistakes. I will be recommending Brake-Thru and Garry to everyone who wants to learn to drive!
Samantha Cottle
Nov 28, 2025
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Amazing instructor Garry! Passed within 8 months I definitely recommend to anyone wanting to learn to drive! I highly recommend Garry hes very patient, friendly and professional
Hamish Dobbie
Nov 25, 2025
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Ive just passed my driving test first time this afternoon in Portsmouth, all thanks to Garry. Ive been learning with him since July and not only is he a great person to get to know but he is a very patient and knowledgeable driving instructor. I cant praise Garry enough for how he taught me to drive safely. I would highly, highly recommend him and this driving school to any new learners.
Amin Chryat
Oct 16, 2025
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Passed my test first time last Friday. Brake-thru is a great place to get your license and specifically Gary who helped me succeed while also being a great person to talk to and get to know. I would highly recommend to anyone wanting to get their license.
Jacob Hodgson
Apr 28, 2025
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I had lessons with Nick Bassett for 7 months after moving to Portsmouth for work and he was an excellent instructor throughout. He was patient, encouraging, and explained things clearly, which really helped me build confidence behind the wheel. Nick created a calm learning environment that made every lesson productive and enjoyable.
Unfortunately, due to scheduling circumstances beyond his control, Nick wasnt able to be there for my rescheduled driving test (which I passed first time!) but that wasnt his fault at all, and I truly appreciate everything he did to help me prepare. He gave me a strong foundation and set me up for success, and I would highly recommend him to anyone starting out on their driving journey.
Unfortunately, due to scheduling circumstances beyond his control, Nick wasnt able to be there for my rescheduled driving test (which I passed first time!) but that wasnt his fault at all, and I truly appreciate everything he did to help me prepare. He gave me a strong foundation and set me up for success, and I would highly recommend him to anyone starting out on their driving journey.
Luke Wheway
Mar 22, 2025
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I have previously failed my driving test 5 times, and it had been over 4 years since my last attempt. I started using Garry a few months ago and he completely turned things around. He does not let you forget a mistake, which is highly important for positive habit building. Both me and my partner passed this week because of his excellent teaching. Very grateful and he is highly recommended.
Dawn Hodges
Mar 03, 2025
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Gary from brake thru has taught two of my children to drive now and they both passed first time. Absolutely first class driving school professional, friendly , punctual and value for money ! As soon as my other son is old enough I will be contacting brake thru again to teach him. Can not recommend enough , fantastic !!
Nat Jones
Feb 28, 2025
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My partner and I both were lucky enough to have Gary as our amazing driving instructor. Despite us both being quite nervous drivers, Gary was a brilliant instructor whose in-depth knowledge of driving and the Highway Code really helped us to feel more confident. We had both failed previous tests with different driving schools, but passed first time since being taught by Gary!
Tom Cook
Apr 23, 2017
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Before I had even sat behind the steering wheel of a car I was incredibly nervous. However, having had lessons with Tony Ryan at Brake-thru, I have been able to overcome the jitters and learn to drive at a very high standard. The entire time I was made to feel relaxed and reassured which allowed me to focus on the road ahead and learn quickly and safely about driving. As a result of Tony's awesome teaching, I was able to pass my test first time which has done wonders for my confidence.
The price of the lessons was excellent value to learn such a valuable skill and I can't thank Tony enough for teaching me. I would heartily recommend Brake-thru to anyone who wants to learn to drive because the quality of teaching is so high. Thanks so much!
The price of the lessons was excellent value to learn such a valuable skill and I can't thank Tony enough for teaching me. I would heartily recommend Brake-thru to anyone who wants to learn to drive because the quality of teaching is so high. Thanks so much!
Edward Joseph Collins
Apr 23, 2017
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I found it very helpful and affordable. My instructor, Dilwar, arranged my lessons very easily around my busy timetable. He helped me with my nerves of driving and even helped me to pass my test first time. This was a great experience in my life. Thank you for everything.
Ami Everett
Apr 23, 2017
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Gary was the best instructor I could of asked for. He's great to get along with and is completely honest. His sense of humour is great and I thoroughly enjoyed every lesson I had. I was learning with Gary for around 7 months and passed first time. For that I have no-one to thank but a brilliant and patient instructor. Every time I sat behind the wheel I felt comfortable knowing Gary was next to me, guiding me through until the time came for my test. In all honesty, I will miss my weekly lessons with Gary and would say to anyone that Gary is definitely worth the time and money! Thankyou so much for putting up with me too!
Glenn
Apr 23, 2017
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The whole learning experience was made very easy, enough to feel confident about passing first time. Garry makes you feel very calm and comfortable, making the steep learning curve a relaxing experience.
Ben Close
Apr 23, 2017
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Hilary made me feel relaxed when I was driving, and she stayed patient all the time. I not only learned how to pass my test but also how to drive as safely as possible for the future. My main target was to pass first time and I achieved that with Brake-thru!