Welcome to
Making learning to drive fun, inclusive, and stress-free—whether you’re a new learner, need a refresher, or want ADI training!
Helping learners of all backgrounds, including those with anxiety and neurodiverse needs, gain confidence on the road.
From beginners to refresher courses and ADI training, we tailor lessons to suit your needs.
With years of experience, we make learning easy, enjoyable, and stress-free.
Proud dog parents, car enthusiasts, and mental health first aiders—we bring personality and care to every lesson!
Phil (he/him) and Debs (she/her) are experienced driving instructors covering Brighton, Hove, Eastbourne, Polegate, Seaford, and Hailsham, offering inclusive and enjoyable lessons for learners, refresher courses, and ADI training, with a strong focus on supporting those with anxiety and neurodiverse needs.
Yes! We have 100% 5 star reviews. You can read them here on our website or on our Google Page by following this link: Google Reviews
We both teach manual.
Phil drives a Peugeot 2008 and Debs drives a Peugeot 208.
Not necessarily. We can explain everything you need to know about the theory test, and help you prepare. Studying for the theory at the same time as talking lessons can make the theory easier to understand, as you see things in real life contexts.
Everyone is different, but the average time from beginner to passing is 45 hours of lessons with 22 hours private practice (DVSA figures). Not everyone has access to a car to practice between lessons and that’s ok, we will take you through everything you need, and make sure you are fully prepared for the big day. We will also give you regular feedback throughout your lessons, so you know how you’re doing and how close you are to test standard.
We always work in partnership with you, to teach you in the way you learn best, whether that is through lots of demonstrations, diagrams, discussions, or just getting stuck in.
Yes we can! We meet a lot of people who have various anxieties around driving, and more generally too. We understand how scary it can be, and will work empathetically with you to find ways to help you manage and overcome your driving anxiety.
No, we don’t. We are self-employed, as are all driving instructors, and Barker Driver Training is our own business. We have a franchise agreement with BSM, which means we pay them to lease a car and take care of other business admin, such as organising our insurance and maintenance, and some of our marketing and diary management. Because they do work on our behalf and provide the cars, we carry their logo on our cars as well as our own names.
Yes! We have 100% 5 star reviews. You can read them here on our website or on our Google Page by following this link: Google Reviews
