Based my 10hr previous experience with an instructor and 15 hours in my partner’s car, I booked a 30hr – 5 day course, starting on a Monday with the test on the Friday. The booking process was simple and quick and I was assigned my instructor, Stephen Lee, within a few days of booking and sent confirmation of my test date and time on pretty much the same day. Stephen called to arrange my hours the week before my course – he was very friendly and calmed my pre lesson nerves and assured me that he would be able to help me build my confidence. And he definitely did just that ! Stephen picked me up on the first day and talked with me about my past driving experience and having assessed my ability / nerves then had me going through the basics, threw in a couple of manoeuvres and by the end of the day had me driving around Chelmsford with something close to confidence. On days 2 and 3, my confidence had grown enormously, thanks to Stephen’s constant support and coaching. He was very patient with my nervous breakdowns on roundabouts and dual carriageways and by the 4th day they had pretty much stopped altogether. The 4th day, Stephen had me carry out 2 mock tests, which he deliberately made difficult to give me a realistic idea of what I was going to face on my test. I failed both of these, but we then spent time talking about the mistakes and how to avoid them. On the morning of my test (Friday 1st December), Stephen picked me up early and throughout the morning kept me calm and focused – the test wasn’t until 1:35 so we had time to polish up manoeuvres and work on the mistakes from my mocks. At 10am, we got a call to say my test was cancelled. We carried on with the rest of the lesson, going over the requirements for the new test as it was now booked for the following week where the test would be in the new format. Stephen was so positive throughout and reminded me that this allowed me more practice time with loved ones over the weekend which was a real bonus. We arranged to have a couple more hours before the test on the Wednesday the following week in which I was able to show Stephen much more confidence and, incredibly, pretty calm nerves. Stephen had prepared me really well for the expectations of the new format of the test even though it was brand new. I passed first time with 7 minors! Thank you so much Steve! You were amazing! Could not recommend enough!

Learning to drive on the one week course was a really positive experience. Bob was a genuine guy, who I quickly felt comfortable and confident with. I felt I made progress very quickly under his guidance, due to his excellent teaching. Bob was able to answer all my questions clearly and thoroughly. As expected, when learning to drive, mistakes were made, but Bob’s style was to criticise constructively, so that my errors were quickly rectified, without any feelings of inadequacy at all. It was obvious that Bob wanted me to pass, not just for himself (as I’m sure all instructors get satisfaction from their pupils passing) but for me too. I would be happy to recommend him to other learner drivers.

John was a great instructor passed the test first time would highly recommend him talks things through well and makes things easier great instructor

The responses from one week driving were very quick and concise. The high point was by far the service from Stephen, I don’t think I could ask for better! It’s clear to see Stephen has a very high standards and gives you every tool to get to that level, as a complete novice before I started the course I’m now at a point where I feel confident to drive.