Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- warm
- awkward
- lazy sunday
- coming of age movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film charming and buoyed by spirited performances, especially from Julie Walters and Rupert Grint, but ultimately conventional, uneven, and weakened by plot holes.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Ben's work for retired actress Evie Walton exposes him to a freer, more theatrical adult life beyond his mother's control.
Ben's shy personality and choices are shaped by his domineering mother Laura, whose influence he struggles to resist.
Evie's retired-actress persona, unconventional behavior, and volatile interactions drive the film's offbeat humor.
Poetry, theater, and Evie's theatrical world give Ben alternatives to his authoritarian education and constrained home life.
Films like Driving Lessons, and why
Billy Elliot
british coming-of-age comedy-drama about a young person breaking free from restrictive social and family expectations
The Full Monty
warm british comedy-drama pairing unconventional mentorship with personal liberation and ensemble charm
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
coming-of-age drama centered on a sensitive young protagonist, artistic expression, and difficult family dynamics
Calendar Girls
british comedy-drama about eccentric adults helping younger characters challenge convention and grow emotionally
Movie Details
- Director
- Jeremy Brock
- Release Date
- 2006-09-06
- Runtime
- 98 min
- Rating
- 6.1 / 10 (171)
Cast
- Laura Linney
- Rupert Grint
- Julie Walters
- Michelle Duncan
- Oliver Milburn
- Tamsin Egerton
- Nicholas Farrell
- Jim Norton
- Chandra Ruegg
- Rose Keegan
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Driving Lessons about?
- A sheltered Scottish teenager finds an unexpected path to independence through a rebellious retired actress and the liberating world of theater.
- What is Driving Lessons like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Driving Lessons as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Driving Lessons violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Driving Lessons.
- What did critics think of Driving Lessons?
- Critics broadly found the film charming and buoyed by spirited performances, especially from Julie Walters and Rupert Grint, but ultimately conventional, uneven, and weakened by plot holes.
- Which films are like Driving Lessons?
- Films with a similar feel include Billy Elliot, The Full Monty, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and Calendar Girls.
- How long is Driving Lessons?
- Driving Lessons runs 98 minutes.
- Where can I watch Driving Lessons?
- In United States, Driving Lessons is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
