About Me – Your Driving Instructor in Leeds

I’m Paul, a local driving instructor in Leeds with 19+ years of experience helping people become safe, confident drivers. I offer calm, structured automatic driving lessons across Leeds, designed to suit your pace and ability — no pressure, no upselling, and no time-wasting.

I’m also a former DVSA driving examiner, so I know exactly what’s expected on test day. Whether you’re a beginner or returning to driving after a break, I’ll help you prepare properly and feel confident behind the wheel.

From DVSA Examiner to Instructor

I worked for over five years as a DVSA driving examiner at Horsforth Test Centre, carrying out practical tests for learner drivers. That experience gave me a unique insight into what learners often get wrong — and more importantly, what examiners are really looking for.

Before and after that role, I’ve taught hundreds of learners of all backgrounds. I qualified as an instructor in 2005 and have since helped new drivers, nervous learners, experienced drivers from abroad, and people returning after years off the road.

Calm, Honest Lessons That Focus on You

I believe the best results come from calm, clear instruction — not pressure. My lessons are 100% focused on helping you improve at your pace. You’ll always get your full time, straightforward advice, and training that actually prepares you for everyday driving — not just the test.

I offer mock tests when you’re nearly ready, to make sure you know exactly what to expect. It’s one of the best ways to boost your confidence and deal with nerves before the real thing.

Leeds-Based and Proud to Be Local

I’m based in Horsforth and teach across Leeds, including areas like Guiseley, Pudsey, Headingley, and Ilkley. I know the local roads and test routes inside out, especially Horsforth Test Centre, where I used to work.

See the full list of areas I cover.

Over 19 Years' Experience in the Driver Training Sector

Paul Robinson Driving School Leeds was established by Founder, Owner and Principle Driving Instructor, Paul Robinson, who started his career as a driving instructor in Leeds during 2005.

From 2019 - 2025, Paul was employed by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), as a Driving Examiner, conducting Car, Tractor, Bus, Lorry, CPC and Extended Driving Tests for disqualified drivers.

In 2025, Paul retrained and after passing all the qualifying exams: ADI Part 1, ADI Part 2 and ADI Part 3 first time, he is once again, a Fully Qualified, DVSA Approved, Driving Instructor’s Association Advanced Driving Instructor and Examiner, providing Intensive Driving Courses, Weekly Driving Lessons, Mock Driving Tests, Driving Theory Tuition, Pass Plus, Motorway Driving Tuition, Driver Refresher Courses, Taxi training and taxi tests.

Former AA Driving School Instructor

Paul worked as a driving instructor for the AA Driving School, where he later qualified as a corporate driver trainer and became involved in the training of large fleets including British Gas and the Royal Mail.

Intensive Driving Course Specialist

Paul has also worked as a civilian driving instructor for the Ministry of Defense, delivering intensive driving courses to infantry soldiers on a 2:1 basis.

DVSA Registered Fleet Driver Trainer

In 2009, Paul attended a Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency, Accredited Fleet Driver Trainer Course, covering: presentation skills, initial driver assessments, advanced and defensive driving techniques, motorway driving and coaching techniques, before passing three examinations in fleet theory, advanced driving and coaching ability.

Bus & Coach Driver

During 2009, Paul also passed the driving test for Category D, entitling him to drive Passenger Carrying Vehicles including buses and coaches.

Driving Examiner Training (DVSA)

In 2011, Paul attended the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s training and development centre at Cardington, Bedfordshire, where he received four weeks of intensive, residential training comprising driver and test training. Following successful completion of the driver training, Paul spent the remainder of the course learning how to conduct driving tests. Topics covered: planning and control of the driving test, assessment and marking of a candidate’s driving, completion of all driving test paperwork, writing reports and customer care skills.

Energy Saving Trust Approved Ecodriving Trainer

In 2014, Paul successfully completed the Energy Saving Trust’s Ecodriving Train-the-Trainer course and obtained the qualification necessary to deliver the Energy Saving Trust’s Ecodriving Scheme.

Registered Trainer for North Yorkshire County Council's Enhanced Pass Plus & Older Drivers' Refresher Courses

In 2014, Paul also successfully completed training with North Yorkshire County Council in the delivery of Enhanced Pass Plus and Older Drivers’ Refresher courses.

DIAmond Elite Advanced Driver

In 2016, Paul passed the DIAmond Elite Advanced Driving Test.

DIAmond Advanced Driving Examiner

In 2016, Paul also qualified as a DIAmond Advanced Driving Examiner and is now authorised to conduct advanced driving tests on behalf of DIAmond Advanced Motorists including:

DIAmond Advanced Car Test
DIAmond Elite Car Test
DIAmond Taxi Test

IAM RoadSmart Taxi Driver Assessor

In 2016, Paul also qualified as an IAM RoadSmart Taxi Driver Assessor, authorised to conduct taxi driver assessments on behalf of IAM RoadSmart.

RoSPA Advanced Driver

In 2019, Paul passed the RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) Advanced Driving test, regarded as the most comprehensive and challenging available to the public, monitored and approved by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency).

The test lasts around 60 minutes, and is taken with a RoSPA Examiner, all of whom are serving or retired Police Officers in the UK.

IAM Advanced Driver

In 2019, Paul also obtained membership of the Institute of Advanced Motorists by exemption, through completion of professional and vocational advanced driver training with the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency).

Driving Examiner (DVSA)

2019, Paul attended the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s regional training and development centre at Chadderton, Oldham, as a new entrant Driving Examiner, where he received four weeks of intensive, residential training, comprising driver and test training. This was in addition to an initial week of training and assessment at Horsforth Driving Test Centre. Following successful completion of the driver training, Paul spent the remainder of the course learning how to conduct driving tests. Topics covered: planning and control of the driving test, assessment and marking of a candidate’s driving, completion of the digital test report on an iPad and all other associated driving test paperwork and customer service skills.

Paul then took up a permanent, full-time position as a Driving Examiner at Horsforth Driving Test Centre, employed as an Executive Officer, authorised to conduct Category B Driving Tests. These included manual, automatic, disability, Tractor, and by order of the courts, extended driving tests for cars.

Paul progressed quickly in his career and soon qualified as a Vocational Driving Examiner, authorised to conduct: Bus, Lorry, and CPC driving tests.

Paul remained in this role for over 5 years, typically conducting 35-42 driving tests per week.

Missing the immense job satisfaction gained from teaching, as opposed to just testing a learner driver, including supporting them through their learning journey and seeing them develop both competence and confidence, in 2025, Paul decided to retrain, requalified as a driving instructor and relaunched Paul Robinson Driving School.

Ready to Start Learning?

If you’re looking for a driving instructor in Leeds who’s calm, experienced, and actually understands what the test involves — I’d love to help. You can book your first lesson online or get in touch if you have any questions.