Driving lesson services & prices
Start your driving journey with confidence
At Safe Travels Driving School in Palmerston North, we’re here to help you take the wheel with confidence. Whether you’re a teenager, a high school student, or a first-time learner, our patient, fully qualified instructor, Caroline, is dedicated to making your driving experience safe, stress-free, and enjoyable. We understand that learning to drive is a big milestone – and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Our services are designed with young drivers in mind. From beginner lessons to mock driving tests, we offer flexible, affordable packages that suit your schedule and learning pace. With a calm, supportive teaching style and a focus on road safety, we help you build the skills and confidence needed to pass your test and become a responsible driver for life.
Explore our pricing options and lesson packages below to find the right fit for you. Whether you’re just starting out or preparing for your restricted license, Safe Travels Driving School is your trusted partner on the road to independence.
Lessons designed for real people
– Not just test passes
Standard Packages:
🚗 1 hour lesson – $75
🚗 90 minute super lesson – $110 (best for faster progress)
Corporate & Fleet Services:
🚗 Comprehensive assessment – $150
Detailed written report for employers
NGOs/Charities: Free abbreviated feedback
Test Car Hire:
🚗 $160 for Restricted/Full test (after a check-in lesson)
For nervous beginners & foreign drivers:
🚗 “First Steps” lesson (90min | $110):
Low-traffic area | Learn controls without pressure | Build confidence before busy roads
🚗 ESL special (1hr | $75):
Focus on NZ road signs + “Kiwi driving culture” (e.g., roundabouts, zipper merges)
Note for Foreign License Holders:
Converting an overseas license? I’ll help you master the NZ-specific quirks examiners watch for.
I teach:
- Nervous/Anxious drivers
- Neurodiverse & gender-diverse learners
- Immigrants & ESL drivers
- Refresher courses for seniors
- Corporate/fleet driver assessments
What to expect in your lesson
Starter Lesson (1hr)
Available to all new clients. We run through the essentials you need to check before starting your car, and have a short recap on your road rule knowledge. Then I find out where you’re up to, if you’ve already started driving, and we take it from there – or we start with the basics.
Standard Lesson (1hr)
Working on your skill progression, or polishing up any manoeuvres that need work. Can be spent working on preparation for your next practical test if you feel you’re ready to pass – a professional second opinion never goes amiss. Tailored to suit your needs.
Super Lesson (1.5hrs)
Same as a Standard Lesson, but with more progress and extra time to practise and retain what you’ve learned. Recommended for pre-test assessments if you’re unsure if you’ll pass.
Senior Lessons (65+)
Available to all those aged 65 years old and over, on a Full Class 1 (car) Licence.
Each lesson is an hour long and customised to suit your needs. This lesson is not a test or medical assessment, but an exercise to assess (and improve, if needed) your road safety awareness, and to ensure that you are up to date with any recent changes made to the road rules. This lesson will be taken in your own vehicle, see Terms and Conditions.
MSD quotes available
Discount Bundles
- 5 Standard Lessons for $350 ($70ea*) or
- 10 Standard Lessons for $675 – the last lesson is on us!
- 5 Super Lessons for $500* – Save $50!
- Or 10 Super Lessons for $990 – Save $110!
* Bundled Lessons must be bought in advance with full payment required before or immediately after the first lesson. Discounts are applied on the last lesson, so for a bundle of 5, the 5th lesson reflects the discount. For a bundle of 10 lessons, you pay for the first 9 and the last lesson’s free! Refunds are available for purchased and unused lessons.
Cancellation policies apply.
FAQs
Can I just do a one-off lesson to try it?
Absolutely! There’s no obligation to commit
Do you pick up from school or home?
Yes! We will set a meeting point wherever you choose, within reason.
Do you teach automatic or manual?
Both! For manual lessons you need to provide your own vehicle (which must be roadworthy and compliant).
If you want to learn in your own (automatic) car that’s fine too, but I need reassurance that I won’t need my dual controls, so the first lesson/s or assessment will be in my car.
How long is a lesson?
It depends what you’re looking for. Lessons are typically 1hr in duration. 1.5hr Super Session is also available, allowing greater progress by giving more time to practice new skills and get that muscle memory locked in.
I also offer adaptive lessons with more discussion and theory before we get in the car, which can be ideal for extremely nervous, elderly or neurodiverse drivers, (if they find an hour of focussed driving too demanding).
Whatever you’re looking for, we’ll find what’s right for you.
How many lessons will I need?
It depends on your learning ability and goals, we’ll work it out together. If you can get extra practice in between lessons, you should expect to be up to standard within a relatively short timeframe.
Where do you teach?
Palmerston North and surrounds. Alternate weekends, I will be instructing between Bulls and Hawera, including Whanganui and Patea. Any students in remote areas beyond the main towns along that stretch of SH3 will be subject to travel costs of $70/hr. See map for details.
Who do you teach?
Nervous/Anxious drivers
Neurodiverse & gender-diverse learners
Immigrants & ESL drivers
Refresher lessons for seniors
Corporate/fleet driver assessments
Can you help if I’m very anxious or have learning difficulties?
Yes. My lessons are designed to support and adapt to your skills and personality. We go at your pace and there’s no lesson you won’t be able to understand.
I support and welcome all diversities, all degrees of social awkwardness, and all levels of English. My TEFL diploma helps me work effectively with non-native English speakers, while my training in neurodiversity-aware methods ensures comfort for all learners.
Will I always be learning with you?
Yes – I’m the only instructor at Safe Travels.
What makes Safe Travels different?
Inclusivity and a focus on real-world skills, not just test requirements.
With years of experience and a passion for teaching, I deliver lessons with patience, clarity, and adaptability, using clear communication and step-by-step guidance.
Can I use your car for the practical road test?
Yes – we recommend using us to book your test if you wish to use the Safe Travels training car, so we can ensure that the car and instructor are both available on the day of your test.
How do you adapt your teaching for neurodiverse learners?
By providing the right environment, energy and pace for them. Everyone’s different – some need more, some need less.. We find what methods work for them and with a creative and adaptive style, progress is always made.
Communication and respect is everything; we find the student’s comfort zone and get them where they need to be to begin their learning journey.
How do you help anxious students feel safe?
By giving space, time and reassurance. I support and guide students, starting with low traffic areas, progressing up to busier areas as their confidence and ability grows.
They are never put in danger or in areas where a situation may require more skills than they possess.
The instructor car has a 360 degree reversing camera display, so they can see all around the car from above, and get a feel for the car’s dimensions.
The car also has a dual-controlled brake pedal to prevent any movements from being made in traffic which may compromise our safety.
Can I drive in New Zealand on my overseas drivers licence?
Yes, if you hold a valid overseas driver licence. If your overseas licence is not in English then you are required to also have an International Driving Permit. You can drive in New Zealand for a maximum of 12 months.
Do I need to carry my licence with me at all times?
Yes. You must be able to produce your driver’s licence for inspection whenever required.
What can I expect at my Senior Session?
We will refresh your driving skills in your own car. The Senior Session focuses on topics that you, as a seasoned driver, want to learn about.
Self-awareness and safety checks are discussed, as well as solutions for managing slower reflexes and the familiarisation of new in-car technology.
What is the cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel or postpone your lesson, notice must be received 24 hours or more prior to the start time of your booking, to avoid being charged a $40 cancellation fee.
A no-show or being more than 15 minutes late will result in a cancellation fee equal to the session fee.
Exceptional cases will be considered at the instructor’s discretion.