Categories > Education

5 of Johannesburg’s Leading Truck Driving Schools, Reviewed for You
1. NDS Driving School

Website: https://www.ndsdrivingschool.co.za/
Address: Office 113, 1st Floor, Southdale Mall Cnr of Alamein Rd &, Landsborough St, Southdale, Johannesburg South, 2091, South Africa
Contact Details: +27 78 196 1821
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Saturday 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Google reviews score | 4.8/5 |
Facebook reviews score | 3.9/5 |
Total reviews | 5/5 |
Score consistency | 4.6/5 |
Credibility | 4.5/5 |
>Wealth of experience | >4.5/5 |
>Accreditations | >4.5/5 |
Instructors | 4.6/5 |
Quality of student assistance | 4.5/5 |
>Availability | >4.5/5 |
>Attitude | >4.5/5 |
Tuition fees(A higher score means better value) | 4.6/5 |
Pros
- Registered with SAIDI
- Vehicles are well-maintained
- Well-trained instructors
- Efficient team and processes
- Also helps with the booking of learners and drivers tests
- Affordable prices
Cons
- Complaints about instructor tardiness
- Some reports on having rude and unprofessional staff
NDS Driving School is a popular driving school in South Africa that offers driving lessons and training for learners and experienced drivers.
They’re a reputable business and is authorised by the South African Institute of Driving Instructors (SAIDI) to provide training for different vehicle classes, including light motor vehicles, heavy motor vehicles, and motorcycles.
Their vehicles, including the trucks used for practical learning, are all well-maintained, which is one of the reasons why we prefer this driving school. We also commend how their practice grounds are spacious and safe, too.
NDS Driving School is also preferred by many for its brilliant instructors. We made sure that each one of them is licenced and there is not doubt about their skills.
Previous students commend NDS Driving School’s driving instructors for their patience and professionalism when assisting newbies. Students also appreciate how the team and their processes are easy to follow and very efficient.
They also help out with the booking of learners’ and drivers’ tests, as well as in preparing for these tests, which is awesome.
We also like how NDS Driving School has affordable course rates, pricing their full package for Code 10 at R 3618 and Code 14 at R 5868.
Nonetheless, there are a few minor complaints about repeated instances where the driving instructor was late for the appointment, which can be an inconvenience.
It’s also worth mentioning that there are a couple of reports about a staff behaving rudely and unprofessionally after a student made a mistake, which is a dismay.
2. Thembalethu Driving School

Website: http://www.thembalethudrivingschool.co.za/
Address: 4 beit and, Pearse St, New Doornfontein, Johannesburg, 2094, South Africa
Contact Details: +27 73 961 2362
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Google reviews score | 5/5 |
Africabz.com reviews score | 4.8/5 |
Total reviews | 4.8/5 |
Score consistency | 4.9/5 |
Credibility | 4.55/5 |
>Wealth of experience | >4.5/5 |
>Accreditations | >4.6/5 |
Instructors | 4.6/5 |
Quality of student assistance | 4.6/5 |
>Availability | >4.6/5 |
>Attitude | >4.6/5 |
Tuition fees(A higher score means better value) | 4.6/5 |
Pros
- Driving instructors are experienced and qualified
- Offers flexible training schedules
- SAIDI-accredited
- Comprehensive courses
- Competitive prices
- Also offers course packages
Cons
- In-demand
- Isolated complaints about instructor being disrespectful
Thembalethu Driving School is one of the leading driving schools in and around Johannesburg. They’re very popular and are actually one of the most- and highest-rated learning centres for driving.
They’re a full-service driving lessons provider that offers driving lessons for Code 8 (manual and automatic) and Code 10 (trucks) licenses.
Aligned with this, Thembalethu Driving School has a wide range of vehicles available for training, including manual and automatic cars and trucks. We also made sure that the vehicles function perfectly and are safe to use.
The school has a team of experienced and qualified driving instructors who provide both theoretical and practical training to their students. All of them are highly trained and seasoned with years of experience as driving instructors.
Thembalethu Driving School’s instructors are often complimented for being hands-on and patient when handling students.
In addition to basic driving lessons, Thembalethu Driving School also offers advanced and defensive driving courses, which aim to improve the driving skills of experienced drivers.
Another thing we love about this driving school is they offer flexible training schedules and can accommodate learners who want to take lessons during evenings and weekends.
Thembalethu Driving School is also registered and accredited by the South African Institute of Driving Instructors (SAIDI).
They have a good reputation and satisfied reviews from previous students who have successfully obtained their driver’s licences to drive trucks, which we commend. Take note, though, that they are in demand so you might need to schedule in advance.
We also appreciate how the fees for driving lessons and courses at Thembalethu Driving School are competitive and reasonable, and the school also offers package deals for learners who want to take multiple lessons.
3. WaterPlus Driving School

Website: https://waterplusdriving.co.za/
Address: Southdale Shopping Centre, Alamein Rd, Southdale, Johannesburg South, 2091, South Africa
Contact Details: +27 71 036 1173
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Google reviews score | 5/5 |
Africabz.com reviews score | 5/5 |
Total reviews | 3.9/5 |
Score consistency | 5/5 |
Credibility | 4.25/5 |
>Wealth of experience | >4/5 |
>Accreditations | >4.5/5 |
Instructors | 4.6/5 |
Quality of student assistance | 4.5/5 |
>Availability | >4.4/5 |
>Attitude | >4.6/5 |
Tuition fees(A higher score means better value) | 4.6/5 |
Pros
- Open 24 hours
- Commended for always being on time
- Cheap course rates
- Instructors are qualified and highly regarded
- Vehicles are accredited and properly cared for
Cons
- Relatively new business
- Delayed response to inquiries
WaterPlus Driving School is one of the newer established driving schools in Johannesburg. They only started their operations over five years ago, but have already grown to be one of the best in and around the city.
They’re highly sought after for their excellent service and comprehensive driving courses. We love how their driving lessons are hands-on and are tailored for the student’s needs.
WaterPlus Driving School’s team is composed of determined and qualified driving instructors who are highly regarded by their previous students.
From what we’ve seen, each instructor is knowledgeable and very patient while assisting students, which we appreciate.
WaterPlus Driving School also offers free pick-ups and drop-offs for their students, which is a plus for us. Students also appreciate how they’re always on time for appointments.
What sets WaterPlus Driving School apart from its competitors is its availability. The centre is open 24 hours every day, which is awesome as it allows flexible schedules for students who have other commitments.
Another feature we love about this driving school is their cheap rates for courses. You can avail of ten code 10 lessons only for R 2000 and ten code 14 lessons for only R 3500.
Take note, though, that you might need to pay an additional cost for the truck hire, which is usually around R 800-1500.
We also like how WaterPlus Driving School’s vehicles are accredited and properly cared for. Students told us it was easier to learn how to drive a truck without having to worry about the machine being too old or difficult to control.
Our only concern is WaterPlus Driving School’s recurring delayed responses to potential students’ questions and concerns, especially because they advertise “quick response”.
4. BK Driving School

Website: https://bk-driving-school-in-johannesburg-south.business.site/
Address: 15 Ellerdale Ave, Southdale, Johannesburg South, 2091, South Africa
Contact Details: Not available
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM, Saturday 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM, Sunday 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Google reviews score | 4.9/5 |
Facebook reviews score | 5/5 |
Total reviews | 4.2/5 |
Score consistency | 4.9/5 |
Credibility | 4.5/5 |
>Wealth of experience | >4.5/5 |
>Accreditations | >4.5/5 |
Instructors | 4.6/5 |
Quality of student assistance | 4.25/5 |
>Availability | >4/5 |
>Attitude | >4.5/5 |
Tuition fees(A higher score means better value) | 4.5/5 |
Pros
- Well-structured courses
- Commended for their brilliant instructors
- Hands out useful resources for driving test preparations
Cons
- Rates are not publicly-displayed
- Difficult to contact
BK Driving School is an up-and-rising driving school in Southdale. Despite keeping their online presence minimal, they’re actually one of the most popular and highly-rated driving instruction schools in Joburg and surrounding areas.
The school is small but efficient, and the instructors are highly experienced and patient with their students.
BK Driving School’s team is often complimented by previous students for being calm, professional, and very accommodating, which are green flags for us.
Another thing we appreciate is the school’s equipment and facilities. The training vehicles, including the trucks used for practicals, are modern and well-maintained, making the learning experience for students more comfortable and practical.
The school’s facilities are basic but functional, and there is ample space for practical driving lessons.
One thing that sets BK Driving School apart from other schools is its emphasis on safety. The instructors prioritise the importance of following traffic laws and driving regulations, which makes students feel confident and responsible.
BK Driving School also offers assistance in preparing for driving tests and they also give out useful resources to help with preparations, which we appreciate.
Unfortunately, unlike other driving schools, the rates for their courses aren’t available on their website and you’d need to contact them to inquire.
This could be a difficult task though, considering how many of their previous and potential students find it hard to get ahold of their representatives, which is a bit of a letdown.
5. Mr. Salt Driving School

Website: https://www.mrsaltdrivingschool.co.za/
Address: 91 15th Ave, Alexandra, 2014, South Africa
Contact Details: +27 11 036 6314
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Google reviews score | 4.9/5 |
Facebook reviews score | 5/5 |
Total reviews | 4.6/5 |
Score consistency | 4.9/5 |
Credibility | 4.45/5 |
>Wealth of experience | >4.3/5 |
>Accreditations | >4.6/5 |
Instructors | 4.7/5 |
Quality of student assistance | 4.55/5 |
>Availability | >4.5/5 |
>Attitude | >4.6/5 |
Tuition fees(A higher score means better value) | 4.7/5 |
Pros
- Offers both theoretical and practical courses
- Free pickups and dropoffs
- Great-conditions trucks and cars
- Efficient and easy to follow courses
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- Some complaints about tardiness
- Slow to respond to customers’ questions
Last but not least, we have Mr. Salt Driving School, another promising driving school that’s rising in popularity in Joburg. We included them on our list for their apparent dedication to providing high-quality service.
They offer both theoretical and practical courses for codes 8,10, and 14, and what we love about their programmes is how efficient and easy to follow they are for students.
It’s a big plus for us how the trucks and other vehicles used are safe and in great condition. We also have high regard for Mr. Salt Driving School’s team of experienced and motivated driving instructors.
Many of their previous students shared with us how pleased they are with the instructors’ composure and apparent know-how especially when it was time to bring the truck out on the road.
Mr. Salt Driving School also offers free pickups and dropoffs, even at your workplace or anywhere you are, which is awesome. It’s worth noting, though, that there are a handful of grumbles about tardiness.
Another thing we found remarkable about this driving school is their competitive pricing for their driving courses. They offer ten code 10 lessons for only R 1700 plus a truck hire fee and ten code 14 lessons at a low price of R 3000 plus a truck hire fee.
However, we noticed that Mr. Salt Driving School needs to strengthen their communication with students. We’re told they can be very slow in responding to customers’ questions and requests, which isn’t ideal.