Patient, reassuring tuition for nervous and new learners — backed by an extremely high first-time pass rate. Driving lessons and full instructor training across Ipswich, Felixstowe and Woodbridge.
DIA Member
RoSPA Gold
A short look at how lessons run at Hallwood Training Services — straight from Ian himself.
From your very first lesson to a full career change — and everything in between.
Patient, tailored tuition for new and nervous learners, with an extremely high first-time pass rate. You take your test when you're genuinely ready — not after a fixed number of lessons.
See prices below →Full ADI training across all three parts, taught by an instructor with 23 years' experience. A flexible, rewarding career change — taught honestly, with no hard sell.
See instructor training →Advanced, defensive and emergency driving techniques for drivers who want to sharpen their skills and stay safer on the road — taught to a Gold RoSPA standard.
Get in touch for details →For licence holders who've been off the road a while or want to rebuild confidence — lessons tailored to exactly the areas you want to brush up on.
Get in touch for details →Further training for newly qualified drivers to build real-world experience and confidence after passing — and potentially reduce insurance costs.
Get in touch for details →Lessons are tailored to you, and you progress entirely at your own pace. Test fees are not included in any price below.
Only the top 31% of instructors achieve Grade A — and that experience shows in every single lesson.
Grade A / Grade 6(A) Approved Driving Instructor — the highest grade achievable.
An extremely high first-time pass rate from learners taught to be genuinely test-ready.
Gold RoSPA standard in Advanced Driving — the highest advanced driving award.
Qualified Fleet Trainer and DVSA Fleet Registered, plus PTLLS qualified.
Hugely experienced with anxious and nervous learners — calm, patient and supportive.
A unique progress tracker means you take your test when you're ready — not on a fixed count.
DBS checked, ICO registered, DSA & DIA codes of conduct. All learners covered by company insurance.
Lessons in an air-conditioned car, with driving guidance notes provided to support your learning.
A flexible, rewarding career change — taught by an ADI with 23 years' experience running HTS.
Becoming a driving instructor can genuinely change your working life. This is taught openly and honestly — no hard sell and no false promises. If you'd like to see whether the teaching style suits you before committing, you're welcome to sit in on a lesson first.
Hallwood Training Services is DVSA-registered, with full ADI status. Trainees work toward their own qualification under official DVSA supervision.
Theory and hazard perception. A 90-minute test with an 85% pass mark (85/100 across 4 categories, minimum 20 in each). Can be retaken until passed — once passed, the other two exams must be completed within two years. Supported with an app and books.
A 1-hour test with a DVSA examiner: "show & tell" safety questions, two manoeuvres, a possible controlled stop and a 20-minute independent drive. Max 6 driver faults, no serious or dangerous faults. Limited to 3 attempts. The IPSGA advanced system is taught, with at least 3 mock tests beforehand.
Delivering a real driving lesson with an examiner observing, lasting around 1 hour. Marked on lesson planning, risk management and teaching & learning strategies. Minimum 31/51 to pass, with at least 7 in risk management. Limited to 3 attempts.
This allows you to instruct for 6 months before completing the third exam. You'll need 40 hours completed first (achieved across Parts 1 & 2). Full-price lessons can be charged — framed as gaining real experience rather than earning money. An additional 20 hours, or 25% of lessons supervised, is required in the first 3 months or before your first Part 3 attempt, whichever comes first.
| Training Part | What's Included | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 — ADI Theory Test | Tutor support + training materials | £150 |
| Part 2 — Driving Ability | Classroom + in-car + mock tests | £1,250 |
| Part 3 — Instructor Ability | Classroom + 30 hrs in-car + materials | £1,600 |
Ian is an absolutely amazing instructor. My son was made to feel very relaxed with Ian — patient, kind and understanding. He explained things step by step and would go over things until my son was confident. My son is over the moon he passed, but said he's really going to miss his weekly chats with Ian. A lovely man and brilliant instructor.
Sarah Darbyshire · Google
I've now had two daughters learn to drive with Ian and both passed first time. He's an excellent instructor and, most importantly, shows empathy and humour with his young students. He tailors his approach to the individual — having had two quite nervous learners, he's been superb in coaching their confidence as well as their driving skills.
Ali Naqvi · Google
Ian has been the most supportive, kind, considerate and caring instructor. If you're considering learning to drive I highly recommend Hallwood Training Services. I never thought I could pass but Ian always believed in me and kept encouraging me even when I wanted to stop. I'd give 10 stars if I could.
Charlotte Fensom · Google
Absolutely amazing experience with Ian on my intensive driving course last week! A very fun, efficient and comfortable experience learning to drive — and passed first time thanks to an awesome instructor. Couldn't recommend enough!
Logan Greenley · Google
Five days ago I didn't know how to drive a car at all, and after my intensive I passed with one minor! The best instructor I know for sure. Highly recommended.
Tommy Ramirez · Google
Ian is patient, professional and makes every lesson feel fun and eases all nerves. His knowledge, dedication and passion to help everyone he can achieve success is outstanding — I couldn't recommend his company enough. I can't think of anyone better to be by my side when I passed with 0 minors today.
Stephanie Gilmour · Google
Absolutely amazing driving instructor! I passed first time with 0 minors and couldn't have done it without Ian's help! Highly recommended Hallwood Training Services.
Kimberley W · Google
Such a brilliant teacher, who has made me feel so comfortable while driving. I genuinely have enjoyed every single lesson. He makes it fun and gives you confidence. I'm so glad we went with Ian — highly recommend him for anyone wishing to learn to drive!
Sophia · Google
Lots of experience and stories to relate to every aspect of driving, which makes every lesson interesting and enjoyable. Great fun at the McDonald's Drive Thru!
Harriet Gilmore · Google
Learning to drive with Ian was a fantastic experience for both me and my partner — we both passed first time! His supportive, patient and professional approach, combined with his sense of humour, made what could've been stressful genuinely enjoyable. His clear explanations and reassuring manner boosted our confidence and reduced anxiety. Highly recommended in Ipswich!
Nick Chernov · Google
I would highly recommend Ian. He was my daughter's second instructor — everything changed when she got behind the wheel with Ian. He made it fun, she enjoyed it, gained confidence and progressed. First-time pass!
Helen Haste · Facebook
Ian doesn't just teach you to pass a test; he sculpts you into a confident, capable driver. His lessons are fun and engaging, and by the time you pass he'll not only be a mentor but a friend. Highly recommended, especially if you're nervous about starting to learn.
Howard Upton · Facebook
As a lad who struggled with confidence while learning to drive, Ian was amazingly patient and respectful of my pace. Not to mention a great and funny person — two hours of lessons felt like five minutes with no stress about the test at the end. Would highly recommend to anyone wanting to learn.
Henry Booth · Facebook
You taught me to drive over ten years ago. I was on the M6 at 5am in persistent rain when a motorbike lost traction ahead and stopped in my lane. I not only stopped safely but controlled the skid on the slick road. I credit the muscle memory you instilled in me — I could literally hear your voice in my head at the moment of action. The snow lesson and the high-speed emergency stops made the difference. It works!
James BalmerFormer learner — now a doctor in emergency & intensive careWhen I decided to become an approved ADI I could think of no one better to help me through the process. Ian fully disclosed the process and costs, and supported me training around a full-time job. He offered a flexible, varied environment and went beyond the set criteria. When I lost confidence, Ian never let me down — "don't break down, breakthrough" were his words, which I still use today. I now follow in his footsteps as a Police Driver Trainer.
Rob HubertTrained as an ADI with HTS — now a Police Driver TrainerRecent Passes
← Swipe to look back →
Every service — lessons, intensive courses and full instructor training — is available right across all three areas.
Just outside these areas? Get in touch — it's always worth asking.
Hallwood Training Services is run by Ian Hallwood, who draws on a varied career across the Royal Air Force, the Suffolk Constabulary and the retail industry. Frustrated with working for others — and with customers not being given the respect they deserve — he made driver training the heart of the business. Whether you're a brand-new learner, someone returning after a nervous start, or thinking about a career change into instructing, you'll be taught patiently and treated with respect.
My aim is to provide honest, respectful training to the customers who want value for money and tangible results which are cost effective, not just in the short term, but forever.
— Ian
Ready to book a lesson or ask about instructor training? Send a message or call directly.
Prefer to chat first? Pick whichever way suits you — no pressure, no hard sell.
