Customer Reviews
Providing manual driving lessons, It is our aim to provide you with a high quality learning process, with lessons to fit around your ability and aims. We actively encourage our students to be part of the teaching process by having full input as to what skills are learnt or improved in lessons.
“I started learning with Alan with no prior lessons, my first lesson couldn’t of made me feel more comfortable with getting used to driving a car safely, few months later and I’ve just passed my first driving test with no minors at all! I didn’t think that would be possible but Alan helped me all the way, couldn’t of had a better experience and would recommend to anyone in the area looking to start!.”
Grace Headon – >>>>> FIRST TIME PASS, NO MINORS <<<<<
2nd August 2024 at Southend Test Centre
“Alan is an amazing instructor. I’ve had a few who where either too impatient or just not adjustable. Alan was patient and very helpful with getting my head around the gears. He is friendly and very calm with his teaching. He took a 36 year old who was a nervous wreck to passing first time. Thank you Alan.”
Jake Slade – FIRST TIME PASS
31st July 2024 at Southend Test Centre
“My experience with Alan has been amazing. Couldn’t have asked for a better instructor, not a bad word to say. It’s only fair to say that his skills as a driving instructor are top-notch. Alan is very patient and guides you through each lesson. For all your help and knowledge I wouldn’t have done it with out you, so a a BIG THANK YOU for helping me pass.“
Rebecca Goodchild – ZERO MINORS – PERFECT PASS
4th July 2024 at Southend Test Centre
“Alan was a superb teacher from beginning to end! When I became test ready, he made sure that I was of the correct ability and kept me to the highest standards whilst somehow also being funny and kind too! Although probably too modest to say, he has a wealth of driving knowledge and frankly anything Alan doesn’t know about the manual driving test is not worth knowing! His many, many hours of experience helping pupils through their tests also made sure that I felt comfortable and confident on the day. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a driving instructor! Thank you Alan for helping me pass first time with only 1 minor! I couldn’t have done it without you… (and my driving shoes of course!!)“
Ellie Mortlock – FIRST TIME PASS
17th April 2024 at Basildon Test Centre
“I was only with Alan for a short period before passing my test first time, but in that month my confidence in my driving ability grew immensely and it is all down to him. From our first lesson it was clear that he was a calm but knowledgeable instructor and took pride in teaching. I loved the fact I could track my progress on the app and I actively looked forward to our lessons. Overall, he is a fantastic instructor and I would highly recommend him to anyone learning to drive!”
Samantha Taylor – FIRST TIME PASS
14th February 2024 at Basildon Test Centre
“With Alans’ brilliant guidance I was able to pass first time. From start to finish I was made to feel at ease, I couldn’t have asked for a better instructor and will be highly recommended to anyone I know wanting to learn.”
Thomas Van Beers – FIRST TIME PASS
27th December 2023 at Southend Test Centre
“I couldn’t be happier. I passed first time feeling ready as ever, apart from the natural nerves, I couldn’t be more grateful for the time and effort Alan put into my lessons and I would definitely recommend him for anyone. Thank you so much for everything it’s been much appreciated”
Amy Prendergast – FIRST TIME PASS
3rd October 2023 at Southend Test Centre
“Alan was brilliant every step of the way, from the first lesson to making sure I was as prepped as could be on the day of my test. Doesn’t just teach you to pass a test but how to be a good driver and is very learner-led in his teaching style to make sure you’re focusing on the bits you need/want to build confidence in. Would definitely recommend. Thanks for everything Alan!”
Mike Bowker
1st August 2023 at Southend Test Centre
“I could not have passed my test without Alan. I switched to him after failing my first driving test, with my confidence at an all time low. From our first lesson together, he boosted my self esteem and made me feel in control of the car as opposed to at its mercy. I would recommend him to anyone, he’s very understanding and easy to talk to.”
Owen Tucknott
5th June 2023 at Basildon Test Centre
“Alan’s a fantastic instructor. Patient, kind and a very good teacher. He was always supportive, calm and really taught me to drive – not just pass my test. He’s the best around and I’d recommend him to everyone.”
George Kemp
21st April 2023 at Southend Test Centre
“Alan is a fantastic driving instructor! I came to Alan after taking a 12 year break in my lessons. I have always struggled with my confidence and that was one of the main reasons I wasn’t successful my first time around. Alan is very kind, patient and honest! He believed in me even on days when I couldn’t believe in myself and made me feel at ease! I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better instructor to teach me to drive!”
Natalie Beard – FIRST TIME PASS
22nd February 2023 at Southend Test Centre
“Definitely the best driving instructor I’ve had! Passed with 5 minors in the end. Would recommend to anyone who wants a good instructor who is patient, knowledgeable and teaches in a relaxed way.”
Miles Lee-O’Dame – FIRST TIME PASS
14th February 2023 at Southend Test Centre
“I started my lessons with Alan, and am a slow learner but he was understanding and patient with me. Never once shouted or raised his voice. He made me feel at ease and comfortable and relaxed. Alan is a very knowledgeable instructor he is honest and reliable. He never let me down once! He goes out and above he really supported me through my driving journey. Lots of laughs and tears on the way. If he can teach me to drive he can definitely teach anyone else. I would 100% recommend him to anyone anytime who wants to learn their theory and get through their test! Best instructor in Southend by far! Will miss seeing Alan. Thank you for everything!”
Caroline Salkeld
9th February 2023 at Southend Test Centre
“Alan is a great driving instructor and I would highly recommend him to anyone looking to build confidence and gain experience on the road. He really helps make the driving experience as stress-free as possible, when explaining any problems or faults he is supportive and clear making it really easy to grasp the basics of driving and how to improve.“
Zayed Ahmed
2nd February 2023 at Southend Test Centre
“Alan is a truly OUTSTANDING driving instructor. His instructions are always concise and is very patient (which was a huge help at the start of the learning process). Alan uses an interactive app for his students to keep up to date with their lessons and the progress made on them. He remained consistent throughout in terms of updating my progress until I passed my driving test. I think the fact that I’m going to miss having lessons with Alan says a lot about how fun he is as a person. I’d always look forward to seeing him and learning something new! On the whole, if you’re wanting to learn to drive then look no further than Southend Driving School! You will not be disappointed.“
Charlie Taylor – FIRST TIME PASS
8th November 2022 at Southend Test Centre
“What can I say … learning to drive with Alan is an experience I’ll never forget, we had so many laughs along the way. From day one he put me at ease and every lesson I felt comfortable, it’s literally like learning to drive with your best mate! Even on the day of my test he put me at ease. Will definitely miss our weekly chats. I felt that reassured with Alan that he’s now teaching my daughter. Will 100% be recommending to anyone looking for lessons…See you on the road buddy 
“
Tracy Hammond – FIRST TIME PASS
25th October 2022 at Southend Test Centre
“What can I say, this is THE BEST DRIVING SCHOOL EVER!!! Alan is a brilliant driving instructor. I had two other instructors before him and they were not good, in fact I was a little bit nervous when I started learning to drive and I became more nervous and less confident with them. By the time I switched to Alan my confidence was probably at an all time low, but from day one Alan made me feel really comfortable and I actually started to really enjoy driving and within a short time Alan helped me to believe in myself and my driving ability. He is very patient and always goes the extra mile to put you at ease. He is not only an amazing driving instructor, he is also a genuinely nice person and we had a lot of laughs along the way. I would definitely recommend everyone to learn to drive with Alan. Thanks to him I am now a fully qualified driver. 10/10 BRILLIANT!“
Jordan Shepherd
28th September 2022 at Basildon Test Centre
“Alan was my second driving instructor, and I can’t rate him highly enough. I used to dread lessons with my first instructor; because whilst I was learning, I wasn’t gaining any confidence on the road. With Alan, however, I actively looked forward to lessons. He was always courteous, respectful, light-hearted and fun to learn with! And I was never anxious to ask a question, and he would always give a detailed well articulated answer. It was a privilege learning from him, and I could not fault him if I tried.“
Kristian King
31st March 2022 at Southend Test Centre
“I can’t recommend Alan highly enough. He was exactly the right person to teach my 17 year old daughter. He is very patient and he instantly was able to help her relax. My daughter looked forward to her lessons as Alan made it fun to learn. Alan was also prepared to discuss the lesson if wanted and was good to get the feedback.“
Gemma Hills
22nd February 2022 at Basildon Test Centre
“Alan is the BEST driving instructor! As soon as I started learning with him, he made me feel very comfortable. He will always make you laugh and feel at ease when you’re driving and you will always leave a lesson feeling happy, I would highly recommend him. If you’re looking for a driving instructor then Alan is the one.“
Jude Noble
6th January 2022 at Colchester Test Centre
“I highly recommend learning to drive with Alan, he’s super lovely and you’ll never be made to feel judged or in the wrong for not knowing something. He’ll also be your cheerleader when other drivers aren’t so great on the road! Alan proper put me at ease when driving and I always felt so safe, he created a comfortable learning environment. If you’re reading this wondering who to learn with, look no further!”
Lisa Charkiewicz – FIRST TIME PASS
6th December 2021 at Southend Test Centre
“Thank you Alan for being a great driving instructor, my son Jack loved every minute of learning to drive. It is through your help and support that he passed first time today at Chelmsford. I will highly recommend you to all my friends that have teenagers that are going to be 17 soon and learning to drive”
Jack Powell – FIRST TIME PASS
11th November 2021 at Chelmsford Test Centre
“What a fantastic driving school/instructor. I cannot recommend Southend Driving School highly enough. Alan made learning to drive a great experience. My son would look forward to his lesson each week and was pleased with the progress he made week on week. Thank you to Alan for supporting my son through his lessons and on to passing his test. I will most certainly be recommending you to others. Thank you again.”
Mac Petherbridge
17th September 2021 at Basildon Test Centre
“Been taking lessons since April and managed to pass my test with only 2 minors yesterday! The lessons were so amazing and is really helped by the fact that Alan is such a nice guy and really likeable. Thanks for all your help!”
Ollie Searle – FIRST TIME PASS,
13th September 2021 at Southend Test Centre