Driving Lesson Reviews

Feedback from students past and present. Please leave a comment below.
Here’s what others have said about learning to drive with Brighton Driving Lessons.co.uk:

242 Comments

  1. Ricky Walklett

    I have recently passed my test first time with Kat, only receiving two minors!

    I had been doing my lessons with another instructor who, to be quite honest, was bad at his job.

    Kat took me on and made me feel calm and confident. Talked through any problem i was having and made it feel easy.

    Will be recommending her to anyone i know who starts to drive.

    Thanks again

  2. Demir

    I passed my test after taking lessons with Kat. She is a great instructor, very calm and knowledgeable. She always gives her best and works hard to pass knowledge to her students. I would strongly recommend her to anybody. Thank you Kat very very much.

  3. Finn

    I learnt with Kat, and passed first time with only 20 hours of lessons! Kat is calm, collected and very friendly, and I have already recommended her to friends. Great brand new white car, and fantastic communication makes the whole experience very enjoyable. Kat is very easy to talk to, and lessons never drag on.

    Thanks Kat!

  4. Matt Goring

    Even at 32 I passed my test the first time with Kat. Patient clear instructions – I needed it with my reversing around corners and bad memory 🙂 . The car feels good to drive and I think the 2 hour lessons are a good idea.
    I had a bad habit of forgetting to look at the rearview mirror. That’s no longer a problem! Now I just need a job to go with the driving license 🙂

  5. Stuart

    Recently took a 5 hour refresher course with Richard. Had a really good time and now feel much more confident. We went through all the main manoeuvres (bay parking, parallel parking etc.) and now feel ready to drive again after about 6 years without doing so. Richard built up confidence really well, watching and just letting me know what I can do to be a better driver. Thanks a lot, and would definitely recommend this to any one!

  6. Simon

    I just recently passed my driving test with Zoe. I have been trying to
    pass my test for quite a while and used about 5 different instructors
    but could never seem to pass. Working with Zoe was a great experience
    as I tend to lose my concentration whilst driving and she kept me on
    my game through out learning until test day where I passed with flying
    colours. She has a few neat tricks that helped me pass. She gave me
    confidence and simplified test day it’s self. I would choose her again
    and again. Thank you Zoe.

  7. Aaron

    The pace of Zoe’s lessons were spot on, never pushing too far, but also encouraging me to get out and tackle roundabouts, dual carriages and central Brighton. Her manner is calm, collected and engaging,
    happy to chat but also to point out what I need to do in plenty of time for me to do it (check the mirrors, slow down, speed up, watch the space in front). I was in safe and competant hands. And now, after a block of eleven hours of lessons I’m confident on every type of road from the lanes and seafront all the way up to to the M25. I would recommend her highly.

  8. Gill (parent of a learner)

    Zoe was my daughter’s driving instructor. My daughter had 21 (hours of) lessons and managed to pass first time. She really liked learning with Zoe, found her car easier to drive than ours and grew quickly in confidence. Zoe taught her everything she needed to know to drive safely and confidently and also what she needed to do to pass her test including giving her mock tests. The price of lessons was reasonable and Zoe was always polite and tried to fit in with my daughter’s availability. We are so grateful!!!

  9. Chris R

    Kat is an excellent driving instructor. She is patient, supportive, tolerant, clear and reassuring. She knows when to push and challenge you and when to support and guide. I tried to learn and pass a few years ago and it didn’t work out and I was left feeling unmotivated. This time round, with Kat, I was able to pass first go. As a school teacher myself, I can honestly say that her teaching methods are spot on! Good sense of humour and conversation too!

    Chris

  10. Tiffany

    I’ve learn to drive with Kat, and she was the best instructor ever.. She really helped me feeling confident and let me go at my own pace but was still challenging me to knew task!! She really as been amazing and understanding.. Being a foreigner I thought it would be difficult, but she was really clear and patient..She always explain well and with the help of her Ipad draw what I couldn’t seem to understand!! She also been a great listener and I’m seriously going to miss my time learning with her.. Altho I didn’t pass first time (far to nervous) she always encourage me and motivated me to not give up!! I will recommend her strongly to anybody!! Thanks Kat you’ve been amazing.

  11. Effie

    I learned with Kat, and passed first time! Kat had confidence in me from the beginning, even when I was so unsure whether I could do it. Kat’s calm method and lovely white car put me at ease and created a very comfortable environment to learn to drive. The lessons were thorough and enjoyable, when mistakes were made Kat taught me to take my time, trust my instincts and think what the car was doing. I think very highly of Kat as a teacher for having this technique. Driving was something I was so worried about, but after learning with Kat I have some really good memories and confidence in myself.
    Thank you Kat!

  12. Martha Possegger

    I learnt with Kat, who has been an amazing instructor. She has always been very patient with me and gave me a lot of confidence when driving. I always felt relaxed when i was behind the wheel which was very important for me as i tend to get very nervous and thought it would be a while before i passed my test. However, i passed first time and have got Kat to thank for that and I would definitely recommend her to anyone who wants to start learning as she great fun – I will miss her now i’ve passed!

  13. Alex Kovalevskiy

    I greatly enjoyed learning with Kat. She always found a way to explain things very clearly, and stayed calm and patient during all my lessons, whatever I did. Kat’s lessons were very interesting and easy-going. Her explanations and demonstrations were remarkable and easy to learn. I will always be thankful for her help and support.

  14. Romain Elsair

    Zoe was a fantastic driving instructor. She helped me so much to control my initial fear of the roads as I am an older learner. She can be quite pushy at times but in my case it was for the best as I passed bith theory and practice first time. She has designed cool ipad apps to make you understand driving concepts. I highly recommend her!

  15. Dan

    Thank you Zoe for making my driving lesson so enjoyable and relaxed! i have had a bad experience with another instructor from another company and Zoe was the total opposite. thank you again Zoe for the great lessons and for getting me to pass my test 🙂 Dan

  16. Kirsty

    learning to drive with Zoe is great – very relaxed atmosphere in the car and she has good knowledge. I am a very nervous driver but Zoe is patient and calm with me which really helps. I never thought I could drive through Brighton city centre but I do!! Zoe not only works on the actual practical driving but also looks at how I think about it as well. Kirsty

  17. Hannah

    ‘ I learnt to drive with Zoe and it was really enjoyable. She is very calm and funny, and kept me calm throughout every lesson. I passed my test by combining lessons with Zoe and private practice. I only need 20 hours of tuition! Each week Zoe set me things to do in my private practice when i went out with my mum which really helped us know what areas to work on. i passed first time so was really pleased. Zoë also really helped with my theory and again, set me ‘homework’ between lessons to work on. I also took the Pass Plus with Zoe which was really useful driving on the M25 and across the country roads at night. i would highly recommend learning to drive with Zoe.’ – Hannah

  18. Rupert

    After taking lessons with Kat I was able to pass my driving test first time. She was a great instructor and made me feel really at ease. Although driving was really challenging at first she never got angry and really helped improve my confidence. She has a very comfy new car to learn in which made lessons all the better. Kat has been an amazing instructor with her friendly and calm approach to teaching, and I would highly recommend her to anyone wanting to learn to drive!

  19. Jessie La Brooy

    After recently passing my driving test I took Pass Plus with Kat. It helped me to feel a lot more confident with my driving, I particularly wanted to learn how to do difficult parking, she explained and I managed it perfectly straight away. I would recommend that everyone does Pass Plus. Thank you Kat

  20. Monica

    As I am starting a new job that requires me to drive a manual company car, after having driven my own automatic for several years, I decided to book a refresher lesson to get my confidence with gears back. My instructor was Kat, who is very calm and friendly and who I would definitely recommend. Her car is also lovely to drive, she arrived on time, and even let me switch to a 1 hour lesson from the 2 hour lesson I had booked when it became apparent I wasn’t going to need 2 hours after all. Completely stress free experience :o) Thank you!

  21. Alliah Arif

    Passed my driving test this January with the help of lovely Kat! She teaches you not just to pass your test but so that you’ll be a confident driver post test too. Felt very at ease with her and she has a great new Fiesta which was brilliant to learn to drive in. Would highly recommend her as a driving instructor.

  22. Jessie La Brooy

    I was very nervous about learning to drive, I had had previous driving lessons the year before and did not enjoy them. Then in September last year a friend recommended Kat as she was learning with her at the time. My lessons were instantly better than the last time, she was very friendly a encouraging and gradually I began to feel less nervous about driving. No matter what I did, however stupid she never got angry with me. At the end of January I passed my test first time and am planning to do pass plus with her. I would recommend Kat to anyone learning to drive. Thank you Kat.

  23. Bat sheva

    Recently passed first time with Kat. I’m an international driver for the last 29 years. Kat provided fantastic instruction and I can honestly say I learned a lot and I am now a much better driver.
    Great driving instructor and a lovely person, would highly recommend for new and experienced learner drivers.
    Thanks Kat.

  24. Taylor Richardson

    I learnt with Katrina White, and couldn’t of had a better instructor. Not only is she an excellent teacher, but an incredibly tolerable one aswell, not once did she seem the slightest bit annoyed if I did something wrong which always made me feel super relaxed behind the wheel. She is also a lovely lady and a joy to spend hours upon hours with, you hear stories of how driving lesson’s are a pain and people dread having them, but I almost looked forward to my time with Kat, and I highly recommend her to anyone wanting to learn.

  25. Natasha Giovino

    I literally never thought I’d be able to drive but today I passed my test first time! I started having lessons with Tom but had the majority of them with Richie. They are both amazing instructors. Richie is an amazing instructor and a really lovely person. I really couldn’t have done it without him. I have had SO many instructors before but Richie is the only one who managed to get me there. THANKS GUYS!

  26. Naomi Sloman

    Kat has been a fantastic driving instructor and helped me to pass my test first time. Her instructions are clear and she is a patient and thorough instructor. Rather than just saying that you’re doing something wrong she helps you to realise what your mistakes are and then works on the skills that are causing problems. Kat is really friendly and driving lessons were very enjoyable. I would recommend her to anyone.

  27. Beckie

    So far Zoe has been a great driving instructor- i’ve only had a few lessons with her but i’ve already gained confidence in the car. She’s very encouraging and has a lot of patience with me which makes learning to drive so much easier and more enjoyable. The way she uses things such as her iPad to teach me what to do on the roads really helps as it gives me a sense of space and how/where i need to do things. I don’t think i’d look forward to my lessons as much if it wasn’t for Zoe!

  28. Nat

    Zoe is a chilled driving instructor who is very easy to learn to drive with. She puts a lot of confidence in you, and keeps you relaxed and calm whilst driving a car. The fundamentals are drilled into you from the start, and you not only learn ‘how’ to drive a car, but how to drive it in the right way. Within lessons, different styles of teaching are used – for example sometimes Zoe allows you just to be independent so you learn for yourself, but others times she is guides verbally and makes sure you are doing things accurately within a car, for example checking your mirrors and making sure you are a safe driver. I enjoy driving with Zoe, and as well as being very clear about lesson dates and times, she gives you very good and useful information to enable you to become a good driver long term.

  29. Kathryn

    Only had one lesson with Zoe but felt very comfortable with her as a person. As an instructor Zoe was very helpful with the times in which she gave instructions and briefings at the beginning was good. I am confident that in time I will be able to pass my driving test thanks to Zoe’s lessons.

  30. Kerri

    Zoe is extremely calm which is fantastic quality for a learner driver to have in an instructor, she is also so knowledgeable- there is nothing you can’t ask that she doesn’t know about driving! What has been great for me is that Zoe doesn’t teach like a teacher, which is what I had experienced with 2 previous instructors, you don’t feel like you are at school- so learning to drive is fun. Zoe’s style of teaching is fantastic and allows you to learn in a practical, ‘prepared-for-any-situation’ way. Zoe allows you to work out where you have made mistakes or where you are struggling by coaching and guiding you to find a solution to the problem until you master the techniques. Zoe is supportive and motivational not only in all aspects of practical driving, but the theory side too. I would not hesitate to recommend Zoe to anyone looking for an instructor.

  31. holly mac

    If you want to learn to drive do it with Richie Downes. I met Rich after a really bad experience with another instructor that left me anxious and lacking in confidence. Through Rich’s laid back, but very meticulous approach to teaching I am pleased to say I passed today! Rich is an amazing instructor who actually made learning to drive fun. If you are feeling a bit overwhelmed or nervous about driving he’s the instructor for you. And he’s bloody funny too, which always helps.

  32. Stepha Roe

    Richie is a great instructor, he taught me not only to pass the test but to be a confident, safe driver. He makes a refreshing change to the other boring instructors with a great laid back and humourous attitude and he completely knows his stuff. Highly recommended! Thanks again Richie.

  33. Ishbel

    I had my first driving experience on my own more than a month after I’d taken the test (and last driven a vehicle). I was nervous, as you are in general, but also because I worried it had been so long that I’d be rusty and forgotten everything that I had spent so many hours learning! There was no need to be worried however – all of Rob’s words came back to me, making the drive comfortable and natural. I’ve had several driving instructors and Rob is different: he doesn’t just teach the mechanical skills of driving but goes above & beyond to prepare you psychologically for a safe life on the road after the test. As well as learning to drive, the many hours in the car with Rob are always well spent with humorous banter, enlightening lessons on various topics and sometimes even a bit of life coaching. You’ll suit Rob’s lessons whoever you are, definite highly recommendation.
    All the best
    Ishbel

  34. Maria

    Thank you Rob for helping me with my refresher driving lessons.I found you via a friend’s recommendation and I can say that I would not hesitate to recommend you further. I had never felt comfortable driving and hadn’t done much of it since passing my test twelve years ago. Having a new baby has meant I wanted to be able to drive around more and not feel anxious about it. You have been a great instructor for me and my driving and confidence is now transformed. I feel you have always given really practical advice which has meant I am road ready rather than just the mechanics of moving the car. You made me feel mentally stronger and ok about being concerned with safety but also pushed me to take on more driving so I improved quickly. Bring laid back and down to earth put me at ease and your explanations and practical advice has meant I am a better more confident driver. One less nightmare on the road hey! Thanks again, great job, Maria

  35. Bryony

    I’m very happy Rob was my driving instructor. He teaches driving techniques effectively and cured my problems with steering within our first hour, and he also does a great job of understanding what it feels like learning to drive (occasionally terrifying for both of us, I think!) and explaining how this can affect your driving, so that you learn not to let it. He did a good job of knowing when to stretch me and when I needed a break and didn’t wait until I had perfected everything before starting to make me feel responsible and independent as a driver. He’s also genuinely a really friendly guy, and has lots of entertaining stories, so if you are ever feeling down about not being able to do some manoeuvre or something you can at least feel glad you’re not being blinded by the light from a welding torch or thrown into a wall by a bolting horse!

  36. Megan Walton

    When i first started learning to drive i was taught by Tom; he was great at helping me to feel relaxed and in control of the car. However, for most of my lessons i had Kat as my instructor. She’s been a brilliant teacher, giving clear and constructive criticism when necessary but also acting as a friend, making the lessons enjoyable! I finally passed my test with the support of Kat there to calm my nerves. I would firmly recommend both Kat and Tom to anybody wishing to learn to drive.

  37. Jen Sandell

    Kat was a great driving instructor, calm, kind and good at giving feedback without making you feel like an idiot. A few months later and I passed my test first time!

  38. Lance R

    I took my lessons with Katrina and went from no experience and quite nervous to passing first time in no time at all. The lessons were structured but fun, informal but focused. Everything i needed to know was covered as and when i was ready whilst still maintaining a healthy level of pressure to push myself to get better and become a safe driver. Would recommend to anyone, i had a great time and gained a huge life skill!

  39. Peter Houtzager

    Katrina is a great professional — she carefully assessed what my weaknesses as a driver were and what I need to do to pass the DVLA exam (I’m 48 and had let me U.S. license lapse a few years ago), then we drove and I practiced, and passed the exam. Can’t recommend anyone more highly.

  40. Arren Wilkinson

    Having had (and failed) a test when I was 17 I decided to give it another go when I was 23. At first I was taught by Tom, and later by Kat, both of which were an absolute pleasure. There style is more of a good friend, as opposed to the architypal instructor I was used to. Their relaxed yet effective style had me pass 1st time, and I would highly recommend these guys for any learner drivers out there!

  41. Bridie Hembury-Stroud

    I’ve really enjoyed having lessons with Katrina and am almost sad to have passed my test (although also extremely relieved and grateful!) Would definitely reccomend her to anyone wanting to learn to drive, as she’s a brilliant teacher and great company!

  42. Nicolas Forte

    Each of the 16 hours of training I took with Robert was a pleasure. He didn’t only teach me how to pass the test, to be a good driver, but also to enjoy a safe driving. Every lesson was a pleasure. After I passed, I drove back to Geneva and I felt totally prepared. I would totally recommend him to anyone willing to pass their driving licence in a good atmosphere.

  43. Harry

    So i had a 15 hour intensive course with Richie Dawes and passed on the third day with only two minors. 4days later i drove to norway up through denmark and sweden over 5 days. I am still alive and have not been arrested and the car is still functioning perfectly.
    Thanks Rich what a legend and only a few jokes about me being a ginge good lad. Highly recommend to anyone reading this.

  44. Jade

    Robert is a great teacher. He instinctively knew what my problem areas were and the best way to overcome them. Most importantly, he didn’t just teach me to pass the test but how to be a safe and confident driver after the test.

    Thanks again, have been driving pretty much everyday, doing the nursery run 🙂

  45. Ross

    I took driving lessons from Mr McClelland on advice of my three friends, who successfully obtained their driving licenses completing his lessons. Mr McClelland’s approach to teaching is also very good. His previous experience shows, as Mr McClelland is a good psychologist – he can feel your driving progress and tunes very well to your condition: he will try to explain everything in terms which you would be able to understand, he will support you when you are frustrated, push hard when you need to be pushed, speed up if your progress is good and you feel confident, or make a good joke when you need to relax. He has a quirky sense of humor, though, and I certainly enjoyed his jokes (even more than making jokes of him!). Unfortunately, I do not know whether his jokes are repeated after some time as most of BBC shows, as I passed my test relatively quickly and did not have a pleasure of Mr McClelland’s company anymore.

  46. Amber

    Amazing Driving Instructor! i would recommend Brighton Driving Lessons to anyone interested in learning to drive, I had Tom teach me and he gave me so much confidence to drive i dont think i could have done it with any one else, the way he teaches is great, so you can not only pass your test but drive safely and well in any situation once you have passed too! I really enjoyed all my lessons and with the way Tom teaches has helped me now use everything I have learned to drive my own car!
    Thankyou so much Tom! 😀

  47. Owen Goldsmith

    I passed my driving test a few days ago first try with Katrina. She always put up with me being an absolute pain with availability and the lessons were always focused on building on my weaker driving skills and building me up from knowing nothing to a fully fledged driver. Katrina was always very fun to work with as well and there was never a boring moment whilst learning to drive which kept me interested and engaged in continuing to learn and improve.
    If I had to do it again a second time round I would go straight back to Katrina

  48. Dave Smith

    Just passed my test a week ago, aged 40, thanks to my fantastic instructor Kat.Tried for a driving license 6 or 7 years ago, and failed 4 times, mainly due to nerves. After a very long gap, I followed Toms recommendation and contacted Kat…what a result! Kat quickly assessed my strengths and weaknesses, and worked patiently and efficiently to bring both my driving skills and my confidence up to parr. She managed my learning skillfully, balancing progress with patience in a steady manner that I always felt comfortable with. End result? This time, passed my test at first attempt, with only 2 minor faults!Brilliant! It is also important to mention ( as have others!) what a great person Kat is. I felt comfortable in the car with her right from the word go, and came to enjoy her company on the lessons as a friend as well as a student…priceless! Kat,you are a highly competant instructor, and a lovely person, you will be missed.
    10/10 !!!

  49. Lindsey Robinson

    Kat was a brilliant teacher right from the start. She made me feel relaxed and at ease on every lesson. My driving experience had been patchy in the past and Kat helped me seamlessly integrate old knowledge whilst updating the manoeuvres I need to learn. She was very organised and at the end of every lesson we would discuss what needed to be improved on next time. I would highly recommend her as a teacher. Not only that she was funny and easy to talk too. Thanks a million Kat for teaching me the skills to pass my test.

  50. Tom Harvey-Jones

    Kat is a great Instructor. She conveyed information really well and allowed me to improve at my own pace. She was patient, informative as well as being nice to chat to during lessons. I passed first time with 5 minors, and I thank Kat more than anyone. Thank you Kat!!

  51. Oliver Barnard

    I really enjoyed all of my driving lessons with Kat. She’s a great teacher as well as being someone you can chat too.
    Learning to drive was something I had wanted to do for awhile, I used to really look forward to the lessons and they always put me in a good mood.
    I passed first time with just 3 minors and I must award all the credit to Kat, she taught me well and made me feel comfortable and confident in my ability to pass the test.
    Thanks a lot Kat 🙂

  52. Willy Nichols

    When I started driving I had the concentration of a bluebottle, well still do. But, this didn’t phase Tom. He taught me everything I needed to know in a matter of weeks and had no problem in doing so. I never saw Tom as a teacher, more as a mate just helping me out. The lessons never ceased to be fun. Ended passing my test with 1 minor, and hope that I get to see Tom outside of a learning environment. I would recommend him massively. The only the problem; his fetish for Lollipop ladies.

  53. carol

    Massive Massive Massive thanks to Richie for teaching me to drive and helping me pass my test 1st time. I was absolutely terrified when I first started but his patience, humour and gentle bullying made lessons a right hoot. I have already recommended him to friends and will continue to do so – if he can teach me to drive, he can teach anyone! Richie you are a hero – THANK YOU x

  54. Louis

    I just got my pass with Richard.
    He is a great teacher, very calm and relaxed but still focused. He obviously has a lot of experience and is able to highlight and develop areas that needed improvement as well as praise the good driving.

    There’s never a dull moment in the car, Rich is very funny and chatty and I would definitely recommend him.

    Thanks again Rich, see you soon for the past plus!

  55. Oli Roberts

    I learned to drive with both Tom and Rich. I was a very nervous driver when I started, and they gradually built up my confidence, while making sure I was learning everything I needed to know. Both instructors allow you to learn at a reasonable pace, and are very patient and understanding instructors. The value of money service they provide is, in my opinion, second to none. They are wicked awesome people, and I recommend either of them, or Brighton Driving Lessons to anyone learning to drive in Brighton. Cheers guys!

  56. Nick

    Rich was a great, calm teacher, who was also a lot of fun to spend time in the car with. His patience and knowledge were great, and it’s all thanks to him that I passed 1st time! I’d recommend him to anyone.

    He was so nice that I almost miss getting up for our early Saturday morning lessons. Almost. Thanks Rich 🙂

  57. Sachin Mahajan

    Hello

    I had an international driving license and have been driving in the UK for a year. But I learned so much about safe driving from Richard.
    I would recommend Richard to everyone. He is a good instructor and is calm too.
    I have a full UK license now.

    Sachin Mahajan

  58. Olly B

    Tom isn’t your run-of-the-mill driving instructor. He tailors his teaching to your strengths and weaknesses, and allows you to make mistakes so as to learn from them, instead of taking over with the dual controls before you’ve realised you’re about to make one. Completely calm in every situation, he will push you onto more advanced driving as soon as he feels you’re ready, even if you’re apprehensive. His teaching is thorough, and never lazy. He adds a really good amount of variety to the lessons, taking you to lots of different areas which helps enormously to prepare you for all the different road situations you can encounter. He wont “spoon-feed” you like many other instructors do, you will learn by doing rather than being told exactly what to do every step of the way. After a few lessons with Tom, driving and chatting with him was more like driving with a good friend than a formal driving lesson.

    I thoroughly recommend him if you want to learn how to drive safely and be completely prepared for “real” driving. I passed December ’11 with one minor fault. Thanks Tom!

  59. Krisitn Magnuson

    I enjoyed my driving lessons with Richie. His sense of humour kept us going through the more stressful moments. Due to his diligence, I managed to pass my test very quickly. Thank you!

  60. Kiera

    Having Tom as a driving instructor, especially around Brighton was such a great help, he was really really calm and patient with me, and an all round wicked guy who knows exactly how to drive! I passed first time with a few minors which which was unexpected! I would recommend Tom to anyone driving in Brighton!

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