
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
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 and 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, with 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 →Only the top 31% of instructors achieve Grade A, and that experience shows in every single lesson.
Grade 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.

Your lessons are in a comfortable, air-conditioned car, with driving guidance notes provided along the way.
Lessons are tailored to you, and you progress entirely at your own pace. Test fees are not included in any price below.
Thank you so much Ian for stepping in 4 days before my test. My other driving instructor had some family issues which meant he couldn’t sit my test with me. My best friend recommended Ian and he managed to fit me in 4 lessons back to back leading up to my test. I got used to Ian’s car very quickly and managed to pass with 5 minors first try! Many thanks to Ian again, highly recommend, couldn’t have done it without him. Thanks Ian!
Jazmin Miller Client · Google
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 Parent · 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 Parent · 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 Client · 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 Client · 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 Client · 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 Client · 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 Client · 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 Client · 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 Client · Google
Just had a driving lesson today driving around Ipswich town centre practising crossroads and pedestrian crossings. I started off a bit heavy footed and nervous but thanks to Ian being calm and patient, by the end of the lesson I felt a lot more confident and am now able to handle them both with ease.
Oscar Jeffries Client · Google
I could not recommend Hallwood Training enough. Whether you're a first time driver or you've had some practice before in a car, you will pick things up very fast and get quick results with Ian. The teaching he provides is one of the best, if not the best, in Ipswich. He got me passed with only 11 hours of driving lessons, so I think that speaks for itself.
Marcus Friend Client · 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 Client · 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 Parent · 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 Client · 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 Client · Facebook
Ben passed his practical driving test with Hallwood Training Services in September. Press play to hear from Ben himself, pass certificate in hand.
Book Your First LessonYou 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
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Every service, including lessons, intensive courses and full instructor training, is available right across all three areas.
Our home town, and where most learners take their driving test.
Lessons from the quiet roads of Old Felixstowe through to the Ipswich test centre.
Driving lessons in Felixstowe →Lessons for Woodbridge, Melton, Martlesham and Kesgrave, planned from your first drive to test day.
Driving lessons in Woodbridge →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.