hello,

Can anyone recommend a driving school or instructor in Sheffield please?

Something not too expensive - i found one at £16:50 an hour, is this a good price?

Can't recomend anyone in particular, but I think about £15 an hour is the going rate. My sister's learning to drive, and she gets a discount for booking 10 lessons at once.

Does anyone know of a good driving instructor in Sheffield? There's so many, and nothing obvious to choose between them, and I don't know anyone who's learnt here... I just want one who's not too uptight, good with nervous beginners, gives full hour lessons... obviously if they're young and gorgeous, that would help...

any ideas?

thanks,

Welcome to the forum 8)

(tell a friend or two :wink: - click here (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/cgi-bin/recommend.cgi))

just use AA or BSM.. i think that they are the most reliable and trustworthy...

:D

DO NOT use BSM. I affectionatly like to call them Bring Some Money.

They are an absolute rip off. I started learning with them, I spent £540 with them and all they had taught me was how to drive like an old woman. After spending so much and having 30 lessons I was sure I must be nearly ready to take my test.

Not according to BSM who wanted another £270 or another 15 lessons, from me before they would put me in for the test.

I decided to change to a local instructor instead and had only 7 lessons with him, totaling £105, before he put me in for my test, which I passed first time.

I only wish I had gone to him first instead of BSM. I think he was right when he told me local instructors have to have higher standards otherwise they wouldn't get any custom, unlike BSM who rely on their well known name to keep them in business.

One problem I have with Driving Instructers is that they don't always put your own interest first. I mean, some have been known to keep you hanging on and bleeding more money out of you even though your ready for the test.

i must admit steelblade i had expected stories like that about bsm, and would rather use a local firm - who was the one you used?

My driving instructor was called Barry Myers. He's from Wisewood. I don't have his number I'm, afraid but if you look in the phone book he's probably in there.

i used bsm, (albeit in another city) and they were great...

Originally posted by "Lickszz"

One problem I have with Driving Instructers is that they don't always put your own interest first. I mean, some have been known to keep you hanging on and bleeding more money out of you even though your ready for the test.

I agree with you...my driving instructor was very reluctant to give me a lesson b4 my test!!!!!!......I got him back though :O) I passed on that day and he thought I would take pass plus lessons from him .........no way I said and pegged it......he also used to not turn up for some lessons too and that really made me angry :evil: GRRRR!!!

[mod edit please don't over use bold - Sidla]

Terry Goude School of Motoring.

I passed using his instruction, and at only £13 per hour he's great.
He may have put up his rates, but I only passed last September, so he may not have!

2 points to make tho!
1) He wants to retire soon!
2) He's booked up VERY quick.

You can find his number in the Yellow Pages!

Or PM me and I'll let you have it!

Originally posted by "MISS SIXTY"

One problem I have with Driving Instructers is that they don't always put your own interest first. I mean, some have been known to keep you hanging on and bleeding more money out of you even though your ready for the test.

I agree with you...my driving instructor was very reluctant to give me a lesson b4 my test!!!!!!......I got him back though :O) I passed on that day and he thought I would take pass plus lessons from him .........no way I said and pegged it......he also used to not turn up for some lessons too and that really made me angry :evil: GRRRR!!!

[mod edit please don't over use bold - Sidla]

Nothing worse than been unreliable. Can you imagine if he had come to pick you up and you had just thought sod it and gone out? He could have probably tried to charge you the lesson fee regardless.

Has anyone got any tales of driving instructors good or bad to cheer me up?!

Had a lesson today + the guy was contradicting himself all the time, told me it was fine to take speed bumps at 30 and i'm pretty sure the brake wasn't working properly. Scary nightmare lesson!! :(

My driving instructor is lovely, her name is Becky and she works for Carolines :)

The poor woman's taking Chris out on his first lesson next week though! :bigsmile:

Sounds a bit of a clown.

He's probably working on the assumption that the faster you take the bump, the smoother the trip. It works, but plays hell with the car's running gear though.

Don't try it with the so-called soft bumps though or your front wheels will argue and go off in different directions eventually.

Here's one from my army days when our driving instructors were lacking in bedside manner. In order to encourage us to get the hill start right, they'd ask for our wristwatch, fags and lighter, put them behind and under the back wheel, then say, " Go for it".

Get it wrong and you'd be scrounging fags off the next person who you asked for the time.

someone i know on their 1st driving test they finished everything perfectly exect a few misshaps, which would have meant a pass, untill she was reverse parking outside her house and hit a wheely bin and knocked off her wing mirror! and failed because of that

Can you PM me a contact number for them Caprice please?

Originally posted by designbunny
Has anyone got any tales of driving instructors good or bad to cheer me up?!

Had a lesson today + the guy was contradicting himself all the time, told me it was fine to take speed bumps at 30 and i'm pretty sure the brake wasn't working properly. Scary nightmare lesson!! :(

I was teaching for many years,get shut of that Idiot straight away!!!

thanks Halevan!

Thats what i thought too, tho my friend said that maybe i wasn't giving myself enough time to get used to the car + instructor (this is only my 2nd lesson with him) But i think i should feel comfortable too - otherwise i'l be scared to go driving and i don't want that!!

With my previous instructor who i had about 17 lessons with, i didn't feel i was getting anywhere - i'd only just got to do the 3 point turn, which i thought i should have been doing ages ago. I felt she was stretching the lessons out to get more money.
I stuck with it because i thought it was me, or she was just making sure i was ready for everything. But when it got to the point that i'd be driving round the exact same route i drove round on the previous lessons, with her rambling on about her daughters wedding instead of helping me with driving or even directions, i felt it was't my best option!

I know everyone goes at their own pace, but whats the average number of lessons for people? At her rate i wouldn't have even tried parking until my 30th lesson, but i felt i was more than ready for it at lesson 15.

Awh! moan over, sorry!!

Originally posted by designbunny
thanks Halevan!

Thats what i thought too, tho my friend said that maybe i wasn't giving myself enough time to get used to the car + instructor (this is only my 2nd lesson with him) But i think i should feel comfortable too - otherwise i'l be scared to go driving and i don't want that!!

With my previous instructor who i had about 17 lessons with, i didn't feel i was getting anywhere - i'd only just got to do the 3 point turn, which i thought i should have been doing ages ago. I felt she was stretching the lessons out to get more money.
I stuck with it because i thought it was me, or she was just making sure i was ready for everything. But when it got to the point that i'd be driving round the exact same route i drove round on the previous lessons, with her rambling on about her daughters wedding instead of helping me with driving or even directions, i felt it was't my best option!

I know everyone goes at their own pace, but whats the average number of lessons for people? At her rate i wouldn't have even tried parking until my 30th lesson, but i felt i was more than ready for it at lesson 15.

Awh! moan over, sorry!!

The average pass rate is 50% and the best pupils can pass the first time from an absolute beginner in 20 lessons, but I only had six of those in twelve years. Had I know you in the old days, I could have helped you to pass the driving test. People were ringing me up for months after I retired wanting lessons, but sadly, now I have sent my teaching licence back, sorry.

Originally posted by designbunny
thanks Halevan!

Thats what i thought too, tho my friend said that maybe i wasn't giving myself enough time to get used to the car + instructor (this is only my 2nd lesson with him) But i think i should feel comfortable too - otherwise i'l be scared to go driving and i don't want that!!

With my previous instructor who i had about 17 lessons with, i didn't feel i was getting anywhere - i'd only just got to do the 3 point turn, which i thought i should have been doing ages ago. I felt she was stretching the lessons out to get more money.
I stuck with it because i thought it was me, or she was just making sure i was ready for everything. But when it got to the point that i'd be driving round the exact same route i drove round on the previous lessons, with her rambling on about her daughters wedding instead of helping me with driving or even directions, i felt it was't my best option!

I know everyone goes at their own pace, but whats the average number of lessons for people? At her rate i wouldn't have even tried parking until my 30th lesson, but i felt i was more than ready for it at lesson 15.

Awh! moan over, sorry!!

i know some instructors are just out for the money and its a shame when they are because driving lessons are expensive as they are. where abouts in sheffield are you? if your in the south of sheffield i can recomend an excelent driving instructor. i'm in the north (it was a work colegue that recomended him and he gives he lesson because his friend asked him too) but he is not out for the money at all.

i failed my first driving test (30/11/03) for a stupid mistake due to nerves. i didnt have any lessons over christmas and the next lesson i had was just after the new year. he gave me plenty of praise and told me i was good enough for my test. but because i couldnt get a test date for quite a few months he wouldnt let me have driving lessons. i had one a month just to keep me re-freshed. my test is in a month and i'm having 1, 1hour lesson a week untill my test. he's not bothered about money or satistics he is bothered about teaching you to be a safe confidant driver.

he works for the AA and you learn to drive in an AA learner Ford Focus car which he gets a new one of every 6months. the lessons are £16 an hour and has all AA perks. EG if you pay for a block of 12 lessons you get free AA start up pack once you have passed (that is just an example).

if you would like his name and number please e-mail me at torz1984@yahoo.co.uk

B S M = Blood sucking monsters...most expensive school nationally i think... but u can check that yourself. a local guy called dave taught me to drive... sorted me some cd roms for theory and new hazzard perception test on free loan... nice fella his names dave... tel 07973 342 314...say shell gave you the number... hope helps..... byeeeeeeeeee

my instructor was v patient... good job really... borrowed me some free stuff for theory tests.... got me straight through pass-plus. drives a nice car... dont ask like i know make/model durrrr lol.
hes called dave...phone 07973 342 314 say shell recomended ya... good luck !!!!!

Originally posted by bikerbabe
my instructor was v patient... good job really... borrowed me some free stuff for theory tests.... got me straight through pass-plus. drives a nice car... dont ask like i know make/model durrrr lol.
hes called dave...phone 07973 342 314 say shell recomended ya... good luck !!!!!

If you want to advertise so desperately, there is a Noticeboard and Classifieds forum for you to do so. Also, he "lent you", not "borrowed you". Perhaps you could look into English tuition now you're driving skills are so good?

fone my old instructor... i passed first time.... just! his names dave 07973 342 314.... easy to talk to and understand... say shell gave u number if he asks......

Originally posted by bikerbabe
my instructor was v patient... good job really... borrowed me some free stuff for theory tests.... got me straight through pass-plus. drives a nice car... dont ask like i know make/model durrrr lol.
hes called dave...phone 07973 342 314 say shell recomended ya... good luck !!!!!

In standard English the person providing an item loans it and the person receiving it borrows it. :)

oh my god... how anally retentive... i may not be as well educated as you.... also such assumptions to.... thanks guys.... made me feel extra specially welcolm ( my appologies in advance for ant poor grammar)

I used Pass Time and now my daughter is having lessons with him, very reasonable price. My daughter has just passed her theory test - first time. He lives in North Sheffield so it may depend upon where you are.

Originally posted by bikerbabe
my instructor was v patient... good job really... borrowed me some free stuff for theory tests.... got me straight through pass-plus. drives a nice car... dont ask like i know make/model durrrr lol.
hes called dave...phone 07973 342 314 say shell recomended ya... good luck !!!!!

How is it possible you drove a car enough times to pass your test, yet you don't know the make and model? Now that's really scary!

The women's movement must be really proud to have you on board, sister! :)

Threads merged as subjects similar.

Originally posted by t020
If you want to advertise so desperately, there is a Noticeboard and Classifieds forum for you to do so. Also, he "lent you", not "borrowed you". Perhaps you could look into English tuition now you're driving skills are so good?

Fair comment on the borrowing of things, it's always annoyed the hell out of me when someone asked me if they could lend something (meaning could they borrow it).
But the comment about advertising is unfair and unnecessary, the thread was asking for recomendations and bikerbabe gave one. Perhaps you could look into social interaction lessons now that your grammar is so good t020.

Horizon School of Motoring are a very good local team of instructors. Their prices have gone up a bit since I passed with them a couple of years ago, but the quality of tuition was extremely good and I would think still worth it. Allan was my instructor and he was so patient and friendly that I actually enjoyed my driving lessons (and I passed first time!). Have a look at their website:

http://www.horizonschoolofmotoring.co.uk/main_page.htm

Which driving instructors / firms would you reccomend not to bother with? I can reccomend a couple.

If anyone kows a really good one, please PM me, i am fast losing faith in even bothering to learn!

I've been going with JDM, and they aren't too bad.

http://www.l-jdm.com/

I have only heard bad things about AA and BSM. For example, them not letting you put in for a test, also not giving you a full hour driving. Although I haven't had a lesson from them, so I can't say if they are true or not. But I know they are both expensive.

Originally posted by Cyclone
Fair comment on the borrowing of things, it's always annoyed the hell out of me when someone asked me if they could lend something (meaning could they borrow it).
But the comment about advertising is unfair and unnecessary, the thread was asking for recomendations and bikerbabe gave one. Perhaps you could look into social interaction lessons now that your grammar is so good t020.

When I posted that though, there were not 1, not 2, but 3 threads on driving lessons, all dragged up from months gone by and replied to with her "recommendation". These 3 posts were also the only posts she had made - seemed an obvious case of advertising to me, which is fair enough, but there is a forum to do that in rather than spamming the discussion boards with adverts.

Originally posted by bikerbabe
my instructor was v patient... good job really... borrowed me some free stuff for theory tests.... got me straight through pass-plus. drives a nice car... dont ask like i know make/model durrrr lol.
hes called dave...phone 07973 342 314 say shell recomended ya... good luck !!!!!

is his last name Chatterton?

Originally posted by t020
Also, he "lent you", not "borrowed you". Perhaps you could look into English tuition now you're driving skills are so good?

Hmm, how do you know that he didn't borrow something to help her through the test? It seems perfectly reasonable English to me. You changed the context just to make a needless jibe! :rolleyes:

It's nice to have a recommendation too! :thumbsup:

Originally posted by t020
If you want to advertise so desperately, there is a Noticeboard and Classifieds forum for you to do so. Also, he "lent you", not "borrowed you". Perhaps you could look into English tuition now you're driving skills are so good?

And since when are you the personification of the Oxford English Dictionary?! :lol:

Oh aye reet, they talk posh dun't they in that Eccleshall, in't that reet mate?

Originally posted by Tony
Hmm, how do you know that he didn't borrow something to help her through the test? It seems perfectly reasonable English to me. You changed the context just to make a needless jibe! :rolleyes:

It's nice to have a recommendation too! :thumbsup:

JESUS CHRIST! He said "my instructor was v patient... good job really... borrowed me some free stuff for theory tests". That is wrong use of the verb "to borrow". Also, it wasn't a recommendation! If you READ what I said rather than just seeing "t020" and then knocking whatever is written, you'd realise that this person had made THREE of these so called 'recommendations' (aka blatant adverts) on other driving threads too, but the mods removed them and then merged the threads. :loopy: Like I said, not that theres anything wrong with adverts.... just keep them in the Classifieds forum and not spamming the chat forum. Oh, and if you don't believe me she was just a spammer, she made 5 posts all on the same day, all advertising: http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/search.php?s=&action=showresults&searchid=88859

Originally posted by Rich
And since when are you the personification of the Oxford English Dictionary?! :lol:

Oh aye reet, they talk posh dun't they in that Eccleshall, in't that reet mate?

I think you're blurring the issue here. It may be acceptable to TALK like *************, but it certainly isn't OK to write like it :)

t020 - maybe you were right this time.
But you certainly seem to have gathered a reputation for being an uptight git who consitently knocks others comments... Enought to make 3 of us respond on her behalf... Cry wolf and all that.

A guy called Dave Tyler got me through and i was dire. His number is 07732032527.

Originally posted by mojoworking
I think you're blurring the issue here. It may be acceptable to TALK like *************, but it certainly isn't OK to write like it :)


Agreed, though I can't see why this was edited out - I saw the term used last night before Max edited it and it didn't involve swearing. If someone had used the opposite term, e.g. "posh toffs", I wonder if it would still have been edited out as 'offensive'?

Originally posted by t020
Agreed, though I can't see why this was edited out - I saw the term used last night before Max edited it and it didn't involve swearing. If someone had used the opposite term, e.g. "posh toffs", I wonder if it would still have been edited out as 'offensive'?

The reason I was given for the edit via PM was this:

Not only could some forum members live in the suburb I cited, but they may also fit the derogatory term I used.

Even though both terms were used figuratively and were not aimed at anyone in particular.

Overreaction? I think so.

Originally posted by mojoworking
The reason I was given for the edit via PM was this:

Not only could some forum members live in the suburb I cited, but they may also fit the derogatory term I used.

Even though both terms were used figuratively and were not aimed at anyone in particular.

Overreaction? I think so.


Me too. I wonder... if the suburb (wouldn't really call the Manor a 'suburb', more an inner city estate) concerned was Ecclesall, would there have been such a prompt edit to avoid offence? No, didn't think so...

Can't you guys try to stay on topic, i decided to read this thread because it was about driving instructors, but its mainly about your petty squabbling!

Who cares if someone can't spell properly in their posts or if they aren't grammatically correct?! This topic was about driving instructors, if you want to argue about who is posh and who isn't etc, please start your own thread for it.

Any tips on a good driving school for an intensive course with the test straight after?

thanks

Dora's helped me get through my test. v good.

01142813503 is her phone number. Been in business 13 years and has several instructors.

Similar threads merged.

In amongst all the petty b/s I don't think anyone has mentioned that driving instructors are graded by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA)?

I should know cos my momma recently retired as a grade 6 driving instructor.

For more info see here:
http://www.thepass.org/choosingadrivinginstructor.html

by far the best driving instuctor in the world is Ian Fletcher, he's a great laugh and puts you at ease.
and he's got some great stories about what he's seen out and about!!

If anyone wants to give us a try, then feel free to do so. Forum members will all qualify for student rate, regardless of actual status.

Take a look at the website.

So, at the tender age of 37, I am finally taking the plunge and am going to sit behind a driving wheel, press some pedals, and attempt not to kill anybody.

I'm still choosing between two driving instructors - the one Burngreave New Deal subsidise to offer cheap lessons, or the bloke who got most of my friends thru the test - if he can get some of those eejits thru, then he must be good!

But before I start I want to get some practise somewhere nice and safe. When most of my mates were learning, it was still possible to do that in supermarket car parks on a sunday, but that's obviously not a goer these days. John (the guy who got my mates thru) tends to start people on Carlisle Street cos its nice n long n straight, but that still seems a bit too cary and full of other cars and people to me.

Anyone suggest anywhere I can practise before going out on to big bad roads?

cheers,

Commie

I used to drive round the estate up Parson Cross on a Sunday morning when there was nobody about.

I've also driven round Morrisons' car park at Hillsborough after 4 PM when they were shut one Sunday afternoon.

There was and I believe still is a driver training center at Lightwood (Norton) which allows anyone on over age of 16 to practice. I have taken a number of people up there and they have easily got the hang of controls and basics before entering public roads. It was quite reasonable last time I went 3 years ago. You have to take your own car so you will have to bribe or beg your mates

Dont go to lightwood !!
I went about 6 months ago it's full of pot holes and over grown trees I scratched my boyfriends car he wasnt happy !!

I'm learning with a chap called ian broad he works for wighams he's very good and put me at ease, my 1st lesson we went up rivelin valley road where it's quiet if thats any help good luck.

A friend of mine went to look at lightwood the other day as he is considering taking his kid there for some driving practice.

I have been told there is a skidpan there, but it hasn't been used in a long time. Would be great if it was operational, anyone remember it ever being operational?

So what is lightwood actually like and whats the history behind the place?

Commie why can't you use supermarket carparks of a nightime on a sunday?

mainly because sunday follows saturday night! even in an empty space, with nothing at all for a mile in any direction, i'm sure i'd manage one write off/catastrophic accident!

As a professional driving instructor, I would also use Carlisle Street for the very reasons you state - its long and straight, and if necessary, you can get all the way from Burngreave to Ecclesfield without having to turn a corner.

Don't be scared about going out in traffic, at least with an Approved Driving Instructor. I would not suggest that you go out with anyone unqualified at first - they won't have dual controls, your instructor will. After you've got a bit of experience, then by all means venture out with someone but remember the following points:-
1. The car you drive must be insured for you as a learner
2. The person accompanying you must be at least 21 years old and have held a full UK licence for the last 3 years
3. L plates must be displayed front and rear and NOT in the windscreen - that is illegal. The L plates must also be removed when the learner is not driving.

As far as Lightwood is concerned, it provides a place for people to go who do not have driving licences at all, they do not need insurance (and even if you are properly insured yourself, it will not be valid if you have an accident at Lightwood as it is on private property - you will have to pay for the damage yourself), but having said that, it can help in the early days to get the hang of steering and changing gear. As someone else said, it is not very well maintained and is full of potholes and overgrown. It costs approximately £5 for admission.

Further details about learning to drive can be found on my website (the 'Links' page might help you) and the following site might be of use to you:-

http://groups.msn.com/UKLearnerDriversClub

Happy learning.

Originally posted by Saxon
As a professional driving instructor,............The L plates must also be removed when the learner is not driving.

AH! Just the person to answer a question I've often pondered..

..or rather the question has passed fleetingly and then I forgot about it

Why does the "L-plate removal when not driven by a learner" not seem to apply to the "L" signs mounted on the roof of the vehicle?

Threads merged again.

This is a quote from the Highway code:-

"Any vehicle driven by a learner MUST display red L plates..........Plates MUST conform to legal specifications and MUST be clearly visible to others from in front of the vehicle and from behind. Plates should be removed or covered when not being driven by a learner (except on driving school vehicles)"

The relevant law is the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1996 - regulation 15, schedule 4.

Hope that explains things.

Originally posted by qazitory

I have only heard bad things about AA and BSM. For example, them not letting you put in for a test, also not giving you a full hour driving. Although I haven't had a lesson from them, so I can't say if they are true or not. But I know they are both expensive.


i dont know about BSM but i've not had 1 complaint with the AA at all. i passed my test 1st april 2004, the AA instructor that i went with was recomended to me & was excelent. he turned up every time, he always gave me a full hour, i failed my first test back at the begining of november last year (my own stupid fault) & had lessons up untill 5th december after then i couldnt afford them due to christmas, but january i booked my test, the earliest 1st apr, so i booked that date. because it was such a long wait my d/instructor advised me not to bother having any lessons untill nearer the test date as it would just be a waste of money to me. they're not all out to waste your time & screw you for cash, and as for them not letting you put in for a test, well thats a lode of bol*ox, my d/instructor would have let me put in for my test even if i wasnt ready, he would have advised me not to but it is my choice.

he's a very pacient <spl> man yet firm when you make mistakes..i dont think i could have learnt to drive with any other d/instructor. the AA arent as expensive as BSM, BSM prices are £21 for an hour & the AA's prices are £16 an hour, there are special rates for studants & UB40's & discounts for block bookings.
you learn to drive in a ford focus which are replaced every 6 months, & they are all fully qualified instructors.

they guy that i learnt to drive with had was an independant driving instructor before he went with the AA & has a high first time pass rate. i think he only teaches to the south part of sheffield (he made an exception for me) & is very funny, he kept me at ease & made the lessons very enjoyable. i think the only reason i passed this time was because he prepaired me for it so well, he kept my confidance up but didnt make me overly confidant. his name is Roy Williams & you can book lessons with him direct with out going through the AA, if anyone would like his number then please PM me.

the AA's prices are £16 an hour

I think you'll find that the official AA price in this area is £21 per hour

Originally posted by Squiggs
AH! Just the person to answer a question I've often pondered..

..or rather the question has passed fleetingly and then I forgot about it

Why does the "L-plate removal when not driven by a learner" not seem to apply to the "L" signs mounted on the roof of the vehicle?

my driver instructors roof mounted one was magnetic so he always took it off when he was driving between his student's houses

All the roof boxes are magnetic, Jessycar

Originally posted by Saxon
I think you'll find that the official AA price in this area is Ù21 per hour


yes, if you pay the AA its £21 but you can pay the instructor direct, which works out cheaper (which i should have said really). but with BSM you dont have the choice as all the instructors work for BSM.

Does anybody have any experience with Safedrive Driving School? I have seen them about, just wondered if they're any good :confused: :thumbsup:

BSM are very expensive, but I thought the sheffield branch was very efficient and friendly. I recommend Lee at BSM who was a great instructor. Plus you do get free RAC cover for a year for your car.

Originally posted by SaxonLeigh
i passed my test 1st april 2004,

lol i passed on the 2nd, although I booked my text last november and that was the earliest i could get in for!!!

Originally posted by HarrietStar
BSM are very expensive, but I thought the Sheffield branch was very efficient and friendly. I recommend Lee at BSM who was a great instructor. Plus you do get free RAC cover for a year for your car.

You only got the cover if you passed with them within a certain time and there was many other requirements, also it was only basic cover, which I think is £30 a year.

Originally posted by Fire|Storm
just use AA or BSM.. i think that they are the most reliable and trustworthy...

:D

BSM have a bad reputation. They are apparently made up of failed driving instructors from elsewhere. Also, they are more expensive than many.

It also depends on whether you want manual or automatic. There are very few automatic driving intructors around and they do tend to charge more.

well i got free comprehensive car cover with RAC for a year and it didn't matter when or where i passed as i failed first time in london and passed second time in sheffield and I got the free cover no questions asked. BSM are very expensive, and choose your instructor well, but like I said, I was quite impressed with the staff at their sheffield branch :)

As a driving instructor I obviously have a vested interest in this thread, and I think its about time to dispel one or two myths and set the record straight.

Fire|Storm said:
just use AA or BSM.. I think that they are the most reliable and trustworthy...

Why is that, Firestorm? Because they charge more than anyone else? Instructors working for BSM or the AA are no better qualified than any of the independent schools (that is a fact), and as I note below, at BSM you might even get a trainee instructor who might not eventually make the grade. Do you want to pay over £21 an hour for that?

Lickszz said:
One problem I have with Driving Instructers is that they don't always put your own interest first. I mean, some have been known to keep you hanging on and bleeding more money out of you even though your ready for the test.

Why did you go to a driving instructor, Lickszz? Why didn’t you just get Joe Soap from down the road to teach you if you think you know when you are ready to take a driving test? Despite what you might think you know, we have to undergo an exacting 3-part examination process which takes about 12 months from start to finish before qualifying, and are teaching people to drive and taking them for their driving tests every week of the year. We know what the examiners are looking for. If you want to drive like most of the morons on the road, then fine – but if you want to drive safely for life, take the advice of your instructor. We like nothing more than to see someone pass their driving test, mainly because there are many more people out there looking for our services. We don’t need to keep you hanging on “bleeding more money out of you even though your ready for the test.” But we do have a reputation to uphold and won’t put anyone in for test unless, in our professional opinion, we feel they are capable of passing. So who knows best – you or us?

Miss_60 said:
......he also used to not turn up for some lessons too….

I fully agree there is absolutely no excuse for that. We are professionals and should act in a professional manner. :blush:

Troy said:
Horizon School of Motoring are a very good local team of instructors. Their prices have gone up a bit since I passed with them a couple of years ago, but the quality of tuition was extremely good and I would think still worth it. Allan was my instructor and he was so patient and friendly that I actually enjoyed my driving lessons (and I passed first time!). Have a look at their website:

http://www.horizonschoolofmotoring.co.uk”

Many thanks for the recommendation Troy!! As with most businesses, costs rise year on year and so do prices. Anyone quibbling over price rises should ask themselves whether their wages have gone up in the last 2 years.

qazitory said:
lol i passed on the 2nd, although I booked my text last november and that was the earliest i could get in for!!!

The waiting lists are horrendous at the moment. Expect a 3 month wait at Middlewood Road, a slightly longer one at Handsworth and an even longer one in Rotherham. This delay makes it very difficult for us to judge when to put someone in for test and may be a contributory factor to Lickszz coments.

slimsid2000 said:
BSM have a bad reputation. They are apparently made up of failed driving instructors from elsewhere. Also, they are more expensive than many.

I won’t comment on BSM’s reputation but I must defend their instructors. They are NOT failed driving instructors from elsewhere but rather failed businessmen or instructors who can’t be bothered. Let me explain. ALL driving instructors in this country are self-employed (hence the term ‘businessmen’) – even those working for BSM and the AA. They work on a franchise basis, paying the school they work for a weekly fee, which in the case of BSM is in excess of £300 per week!! If they were failed driving instructors, they wouldn’t be working as we have to be licensed by the DSA and are checked by a senior Supervising Examiner at least every 4 years.

What I will say though, is that BSM use a lot of trainee instructors, who are not yet fully qualified and may yet fail the final exam. It is a fact that out of every 10 people who start out training to be an instructor, only 3 will eventually get through. How do you feel about paying top dollar at BSM and then getting someone who isn’t even fully qualified? The AA only use fully qualified instructors and anyone who is working on their own account (as I am) MUST be fully qualified.

As far as automatic cars are concerned, no there aren’t many about – that’s why I put one on the road a few months ago. As far as the extra cost is concerned, that is because they use more fuel and are generally more expensive to run.

HarrietStar said:
BSM are very expensive……… but like I said, I was quite impressed with the staff at their sheffield branch

But you shouldn’t be paying for the office staff. However, if you go with the national schools, you WILL pay for their running costs in your lesson fee.

This is purely my opinion and I now stand back in my bunker, with my tin hat on, waiting to be shot down in flames!!
:shocked:

Wow,
just arrived on thread and found massively heated debate.

But what I really want to know is, does anyone know if any companies rent dual control cars? My mate said she'd teach me to drive, but not in her pride and joy...

Arnold Clark's on Burngreave Road

i don't consider that i was paying for office staff, i felt like i was paying an expensive rate for a driving lesson, but a good driving lesson. I think the office staff were just an added bonus thrown in as they were very efficient. However, at the north london branch i was with, the instruction was to the same standard, but the office staff were rude and useless, so I was just complimenting the sheffield branch as I found them very helpful and efficient :)

Originally posted by Saxon

Lickszz said:


Why did you go to a driving instructor, Lickszz? Why didn’t you just get Joe Soap from down the road to teach you if you think you know when you are ready to take a driving test? Despite what you might think you know, we have to undergo an exacting 3-part examination process which takes about 12 months from start to finish before qualifying, and are teaching people to drive and taking them for their driving tests every week of the year. We know what the examiners are looking for. If you want to drive like most of the morons on the road, then fine – but if you want to drive safely for life, take the advice of your instructor. We like nothing more than to see someone pass their driving test, mainly because there are many more people out there looking for our services. We don’t need to keep you hanging on “bleeding more money out of you even though your ready for the test.” But we do have a reputation to uphold and won’t put anyone in for test unless, in our professional opinion, we feel they are capable of passing. So who knows best – you or us?

I went to a driving instructor because I wanted to learn how to drive. The point is I learned how to drive quicker than normal, hardly my fault is it?

The facts are that I put in for my test because I thought I was good enough to pass. My instructor claimed I needed more lessons. I can understand this because I had only had 9 lessons but I picked it up pretty quickly. I was proved right as I passed the test first time with only 2 minor faults. I was 17 years old then and money was short. The driving instructor wanted me to keep having lessons even though I was clearly up to the standard required. After I had pased my test the instructor tried his best to convince me to take Pass +, motorway lessons and anything else that existed. I don't understand why you keep saying "we" I am not critisizing all driving instructors but you would have to be pretty naive and/or biased if you think that it isn't possible for some driving instructors to do such a thing. At the end of the day it's their livelyhood and if business is slow (which it was) then anything is possible.

I am not critisizing all driving instructors but you would have to be pretty naive and/or biased if you think that it isn't possible for some driving instructors to do such a thing. At the end of the day it's their livelyhood and if business is slow (which it was) then anything is possible

Fair comment! But it is fair to say that these instructors are few and far between.

Originally posted by Lickszz After I had pased my test the instructor tried his best to convince me to take Pass +, motorway lessons and anything else that existed.

Well I would recommend the Pass Plus as it's very handy. Although I wasn't forced into taking it.

I saw on the News yesterday that a group trying to reduce the number of accidents wants to make the Pass Plus compulsory for new drivers. I can see that it might be a good idea but only if it will be free of charge.

As if learning to drive, paying for the tests, paying for the licenses, paying for a car, tax, MOT and insurance isn't expensive enough :( I have seen some places that charge a bomb for the Pass Plus lessons :o

I paid £99 for it.... and i saved over £300 off my insurance. I can see why they want to make it compulsory. As you have no training in the test for on the motorway, etc.

Cost me £39 for the test
£9 for a full licence
£29 (i think?) for the provisional licence
God knows how much on lessons
£99 on the pass plus


... and thats before i bought the car!!!!!

Originally posted by qazitory
Well I would recommend the Pass Plus as it's very handy. Although I wasn't forced into taking it.

I couldn't afford it at the time and I don't think I need it now after over a decade of driving.

I had a pupil pas his test in March who then bought an 'R' reg Saxo. The insurance company wanted £2600 to insure it fully comp - after doing his Pass Plus with me, they halved it!!! Well worth the cost of Pass Plus.

I saw on the News yesterday that a group trying to reduce the number of accidents wants to make the Pass Plus compulsory for new drivers. I can see that it might be a good idea but only if it will be free of charge .

So you're wanting a driving instructor to give up 6 hours of his/her time for you to do your Pass Plus, then you're wanting the insurance company to give you a discount - all for free? If you're committed to becoming a safe driver, it should be something that you want to do for your own benefit - after all you are going to benefit from lower insurance premiums.

If you want to know what Pass Plus is all about, got to

http://www.passplus.org.uk/new_index.asp

I used MSM - Meadowhead School of Motoring
They are a local but professional company. The instructor Tony Messina is very friendly and extremely competent.
He uses a beautiful silver peugot 206 and has got to be the best tutor around - i should know cus i went through 6.

His number is 07930967581 or 0114 2378175

I can highly recommend an excellent driving instructor working in and around Sheffield - he's cheap, patient, friendly, has a fabulous new car - a Citroen C2 GT and has excellent offers when booking in blocks of 10.

Please see Phill Batty's School of Motoring @ phillbatty.co.uk

One point to remember when looking for driving lessons is that cheap isn't always the best. Look for value for money

Saxon - I completely agree with you that cheap isn't always better and should cetainly not be the main factor when you employ an instructor to teach you to drive or indeed purchase any product or service.

As you can see from what I posted today regarding driving insructors, cheap was not the only point raised. Phill Batty's school of motoring offers packages that are value for money which is very different to 'cheap.' What you need to look for is someone you can get along with, who is competent, professional and experienced in what they do and whether the car is one that you wish to learn to drive in

Check out his website for more details and infomation.... www.phillbatty.co.uk or call on 01909 774088

Originally posted by Leeroy
I used MSM - Meadowhead School of Motoring
They are a local but professional company. The instructor Tony Messina is very friendly and extremely competent.
He uses a beautiful silver peugot 206 and has got to be the best tutor around - i should know cus i went through 6.

His number is 07930967581 or 0114 2378175
Did Tony mention whether he used to be an electrician Leeroy? think I might know him from college

Bats said:

Check out his website for more details and infomation.... www.phillbatty.co.uk or call on 01909 774088

Hmm. Are you sure its not yours Bats? If it is, at least admit it - I don't hide mine.;)

Saxon - there's no flies on you. Its not me, no but the business does belong to and is run by my husband. I am biased but the info is true. Before you slate me for 'advertising' on these message boards, he will be advertising on the classifieds.

To be truthful I only stumbled across this website yesterday and posted a few messages on different topics and find the whole site in general very informative and worthwhile.

Can anyone recommend a good driving instructor? Either city centre or Millhouses area would be ideal.

Sorry but don't have any vacancies in your area at the moment!

Try Richard Grindrod - he lives on Abbeydale Road near Tesco and you'll find his number in Yellow Pages.

I have a friend who is a driving instructor. You could give him a try Des Sancho 0114 2487499, hope this helps

Can anyone recommend a good female driving instructor? x

Any particular reason you want a female instructor?

Anyone heard of Royale School of Motoring? I was looking for lessons as a birthday gift for my boyfriend and found their company when i searched on the internet.

They cost £16 an hour which i thought was quite reasonable but i don't want him to go with them if they are no good!

Obviously being in the business, I know of Royale School of Motoring. All I would say at the moment is that if you do want to go with them, you might have quite a wait as the main person is currently seriously ill.

It would be unprofessional of me to comment on how good or bad they are.

can u tell me where would i get the best deal for driving lessons,
you can email me on my hotmail address
akbarali96@hotmail.com
thanks

Hi, can anyone suggest good places in Sheffild to get good driving lessons / good instructors. I need somewhere thats not too expensive tho, and I'm wanting to pass my test soonish - ie - not wanting to have hundreds of lessons. Need someone who teachers you a lot of stuff rather than doing not a lot just to get more money of you.Thanks

Hiya
I can recommend a very old friend of mine who has a driving scool.He started off on his own & now as several people working for him.
It's called JDM.Not sure how much he charges & his name will be in the phone book but I can asure you he is a really,really nice bloke.
Look him up & give him a call.
Hope you do ok.

Check out the advertisements in The Star. I think thursday or friday there are loads of people advertising driving lessons. Many give big discounts on the first few lessons.

Try this thread.. names many driving instructors..

Driving Instructor (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=618&highlight=driving+lessons)

I can recommend Andy from Riverlin Driving School.

My mate's had something like 20-30 lessons and his got his test booked in a couple of months and I'm up to my 13th lesson and doing good.

Very good instructor, I'll PM you his number if you're interested...

if you have a bad experience with one instructor, from one company (e.g. bsm) then why not ask for a different instructor? i learnt first through an independent company (which was awful) then through bsm. i had an excellent instructor through bsm, and it made me a much better driver than the independent ever could have.

For all classes of HGV or LGV Truck Driver Training in South Yorkshire I would recommend Radleys on 0788 0544 010.

They don't rip you off by giving you more driving lessons than you need and you would take your test at Handsworth in Sheffield.

There are plenty of bad, short tempered Instructors around so I would only use someone that comes with a recommendation.

Good Luck.

Hi,
finally decided to bite the bullet and get my driving licence. Was wondering if anyone can recommend an instructor in Sheffield?
cheers
emma

OKay here is my deal. I need to learn to drive.

I have had my provisional icence 10 years and so far taken lessons with three different instructors. The first guy scared me to death and I didn't want to drive again.
Second intructor was fantastic I wish I could remember their name as I moved out of the flippin area and had to stop lessons with him.
The third guy I was fully prepared to punch out, he didn't help my nerves much by opening his passenger door to demonstrate how far from the parked cars I should be. I wouldn't mind if I had been going anywhere near them.

I know if I can get myself a decent teacher I will pass but it is finding the teacher...any recommendations?

Moon

Either PM me or contact me through the website (see below).

You'll have to be quick though because I go away on holiday tomorrow but I do have other instructors who can teach you.

hi,
i have just started having lessons with a guy called Andy at Rivelin......very pleasant guy, calm and encouraging, experienced and knowledgable, and very positive! Hes in the phone book.

Sue:D

I'm currently starting lessons again after a five year break with Horizon School Of Motoring. So far all is going well, I'm very pleased with my instructor and can highly recommend them!

Did you know that all driving instructors are rated but most of them dont advertise this fact - check this one out Robert Hawksworth 07970 539857 he is fab!

anyone know any in stocksbridge or deepcar

Hi,

I have been taking driving lessons in Manchester. I have recently moved to Sheffield (Woodseats). I need a car to drive to work.

I am looking for a good driving instructor to take me to test in Sheffield. So, I want to take the driving test as soon as I can. Is anyone could recommend a good driving instructor for me?

Many thanks,
Pak

in which area are you, if you are in the south of sheffield i know a fantastic driving instructor, PM me & i'll pass his number on!

Both my wife and our next door neighbour have used horizon school of motoring with the instructor being Mick Buckley they both passed first time with my wife having 14 lessons after not having had instruction for 10 years due to the last instructor ripping her off, our neighbour had only 16 lessons before passing her test, the horizon outfit could not be faulted from first class instruction through to the instructor being very professional and courteous and willing to put himself out to provide it.
Both are now going to go on to do the pass plus course.
The only downside was the 17 week wait for a test. They spent hours on the phone trying to get cancellations.

THANKS HORIZON :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

I know a superb driving instructor who taught myself and my two brothers.

Bad news is, he's dead, God rest his soul.

Originally posted by playman
Both my wife and our next door neighbour have used Horizon School of Motoring

Also passed first time with Horizon :clap:

Nice to know we're appreciated!!:thumbsup:

I'm just taking lessons with Mick from Horizon & can recommend him 100% he's just a normal bloke with a sense of humour who is excellent at explaining things in lamans terms. I hated driving with my previous instructors but I'm actually enjoying my lessons now & unlike before I am actually learning (which helps!!)

I also use Horizon (Allan) and am very pleased with what I'm getting, although I'm learning in a manual car.

They might not be the cheapest but my mind, you get what you pay for!

Hi

Can anyone recommend a good driving instructor in Sheffield ?

I want my wife to re start her lessons after having a few, a couple of years ago.

If you know the price they charge as well it would be helpful

Thanks

Coggy

I don't know any specifically, but if youcan find somebody giving lessons in a astra/focus sized car, she's a better chance of being able to drive a 'propper car' later.

The problem with the smaller runabouts is their short wheel base. The leaner can just follow the front wheels everywhere. That's why people park so badly at supermarkets or can't get into driveways without drastically altering half the body panels. And as for reversing...... don't even go there!

There's a good bloke who's a driving instructor (at least he says he is :P) who posts on here, he works for Horizon School of Motoring.

hello,

I know a good driving school- 'roadsafe' 0114 2668063.

Believe me the best driving instructor you could ever wish to meet is one that was recommended to me. We still meet up he's one of my good mates.
Tim school of motoring 07901786615

or PM saxon on here.

I am currently having refresher lessons in my own car with Richard, who now works for Martin Woodward SOM.

can find you the number if you're interested.
-
Katya

Originally posted by Strix
or PM saxon on here.

Yep Saxon's company passed me first time, excellent instructors :D

I'm having lessons with a bloke called Shaun Barton who comes highly reccomended. Pm me for his number.

Thanks for the comments folks!!

I can offer you the choice, depending on where you live and your wife's availability, of either a Ford Focus or a Renault Clio.

For prices, go to

http://www.horizonschoolofmotoring.co.uk/prices.php

I had Jim from Martin Woodward's SOM. Very good, patient, humourous etc... Doesn't take you round the same route every week which I have experienced before with a previous instructor. Infact, I've seen some parts of Sheffield in my driving lessons that I've never been to before!

He quizzes you on your theory as you drive, helping you to apply it to the road etc... I got full marks theory (first time), passed first time in my actual driving test with just 7 minors. My Boyfriend is driving with him too and appears to be heading down the similar path of success.

Jim is also really good if you need to change arrangements... We've had lessons from my Mum's, Chris' Mum's, Our Flat, Chris' place of work... He never complains!

His car is a clio... Nice easy drive (not like a big tank) with PAS and its only small so its easy to manouver. He charges £16.50 weekdays per hour, then £17.50 Saturdays. Give him a go - and say Caprice sent you!

Terry Goude School of Motoring
Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Tel: 0114 239 5281

Excellent and very reasonbly priced too!

I used Horizon as well and recently passed my test first time.

First class- thoroughly recommended

hiya wanting to start driving lessons and need names/numbers of decent instructors. and ones to avoid thanks

This was done a couple of weeks ago. Use the 'search' button.

I had my lessons with a guy called Lee kemp. i will try and dig his number out for you. He got me passed in no time.

Could anyone recommend a good driving school based near Crookes?

My little sister's just passed her driving test and I think it's about time I learnt!

Thanks!

PM Saxon on here.. Might be able to get you an instructor up this way :D

or go to his website (http://www.horizonschoolofmotoring.co.uk)

There used to be a huge thread about driving instructors in Sheffield but I couldn't find it! :suspect:

there's also a new forum for learning to drive - its pretty interesting:
http://iseekhere.com/learn2driveforum/index.php

try Roys School of Motoring, haven't got the phone number but he advertises in the sheffield star, top bloke,really patient n laid back, highly recommended

Well I can tell you two organisations to avoid, The AA and BSM, they both want you money instead of learning you to drive. But that is just my personnal experience anyway.

Ask any prospective Driving Instructor for their DVLA rating.

1 = Baaaaad
6 = top of the class.

Every driving instructor is test checked every (IIRC) 2 years.

im training to be a driving instructor!! I'll teach you?

hello,

'ROAD SAFE' are a good company- not too expensive at just £15.50 per hour and always relaible. Good teachers.

Originally posted by snaz
im training to be a driving instructor!! I'll teach you?

Presumably for free (unless you're on a trainee licence)?

ok thanx for the info guys, i learned to drive in shef, then legged it to oz for a year and drove over there, now im back i need a few fix up lessons and get me licence here, i tried a few last year here and yes AA and BSM r toss.
will let u guys noe who i get and how they r, as i only need a few refreshers i hope :)

I went with Martin at the Hallam School of Motoring. Had a lovely Ford Focus and he's a top bloke too!!

Hi,

My partner is wanting to learn to drive. Can anyone suggest a really good driving instructor/ school in Sheffield please? We'd prefer as cheap as we can get but that picks up at home as he has no transport!

Thanks guys.

Vicky

Hi,

Im with Martin Woodward School of Motoring, Richard L is my driver. He is a great instructor and very good value for money.

£17.50 per hour

You can look at my website

http://www.horizonschoolofmotoring.co.uk

We might not be the cheapest around but you will certainly get value for money.

Remember - as with anything in life, you get what you pay for.

HORIZON SCHOOL OF MOTORING - One of Sheffield's leading driving schools

Professional driving tuition in automatic and manual cars. All areas of Sheffield covered.

Hey Vicky

I am having lessons at mo' with guy called Steve Wells, has company called Drivewell.

He's a bril instructor and charges £165 for 10 hours (altho I know he is planning on puting it up 50p an hour soon!)

£17.00 an hour is not bad at all don't think! heard the other day of someone being charged £20 an hour!

His mob no. is 07899995682

Hope this helps!

Originally posted by Chezza
heard the other day of someone being charged £20 an hour!


So your point is??

You're probably amongst the vast majority of people who think that all you need to do is get in an car and tell people where to go, whilst showing them how to do it at the same time.

Driving schools are actually businesses and just like any other business, they have costs.

Out of your lesson fee they have to take the following typical costs:-

Cost of buying or leasing vehicle £2
Depreciation on car £1.50 (much more than normal)
Fuel £2.50
Insurance and road tax £0.40
Advertising £1.00
Allowance for office costs £0.50
Vehicle maintenance £0.70 (tyres, service, oil etc)
Tax & National Insurance £1.50
Pension £0.50
Total £10.60

Leaving £9.40

Based on a 35 hour week over 48 weeks (no paid holidays remember, the same as any other self-employed person) annual income equates to approximately £15800. Not megabucks like you might think.

Driving instructors are also very well trained, and are subject to rigourous exams before they are allowed to qualify. Only 30 out of every 100 people who start out wanting to be a driving instructor actually make it through all 3 exams, and of those 30, only 1 in 7 will still be trading after 5 years. Add to that the regular testing by the DSA (who can, if they feel you're not up to standard, stop you from teaching and you;ll see its not all a bed of roses.

So when you see £20 an hour, don't automatically assume its 100% profit.

One further thought - how much would you pay for a plumber? And are you learnign anything from him? And if you are, might that one day save your life??;)

i found A+ driving school to be really good, 1st teacher was bit of a plonker, but he left and 2nd one was ace. A subaru driver by night, micra by day - good laugh, forgot i was learning really! passed 1st time - prob cos im female!:hihi:

I learnt with Crown, numbers in book, shes called Sue, a top woman ya have a right giggle with her. She drives a little Peugeot. :)

Saxon

I understand your point,

however I was merely pointing out that I would recommend my instructor and as a plus point he is cheaper than many others I have heard of!

I am fully aware of all the training involved and costs they incur and I am by no means saying that those instructors who charge more are profit greedy. Infact as i mentioned in my last post my instructor is puting up his price as having his own business he is making only just enough to cover his overheads.


The point is, when someone is looking to have driving lessons which is often in their late teens - early 20's as i am , If i got 2 instructors highly recommended i would almost certainly choose the cheapest one!!!

Similarly to raegardner, I learnt to drive with Martin Woodwards SOM. My Instructor was Jim and he has a clio. The lessons are £17.50 on a Saturday, but during the week they cost £16.50. I don't know if this is a student only offer, but a pound is a pound!

He's very good, patient and friendly and most of all, he managed to teach ME how to drive! Yes - the most impractical person you could ever wish to meet! Passed first time with relatively few minors!

Originally posted by Chezza
Saxon

I understand your point,

however I was merely pointing out that I would recommend my instructor and as a plus point he is cheaper than many others I have heard of!

I am fully aware of all the training involved and costs they incur and I am by no means saying that those instructors who charge more are profit greedy. Infact as i mentioned in my last post my instructor is puting up his price as having his own business he is making only just enough to cover his overheads.


The point is, when someone is looking to have driving lessons which is often in their late teens - early 20's as i am , If i got 2 instructors highly recommended i would almost certainly choose the cheapest one!!!

Point taken;)

Wow,

Thanks guys.... lots of places to look! I'll get my other half to start looking so watch out everyone.... a very scary thing is about to happen... my other half is about to learn to drive !!! (eeppp!!!) *grin*

Cheers

Vicky

I could do it, ...Just as soon as i get my licence back!!

I could recommend Tony 2378175
Harry

Hi People

I was wondering if you guys could help me find a driving instructor who will teach me how to drive in an automatic car.

My theory runs out in the Summer!!!


any help would be greatly appreciated.

thank you.

Bob

Originally posted by bob_shamrock
Hi People

I was wondering if you guys could help me find a driving instructor who will teach me how to drive in an automatic car.

My theory runs out in the Summer!!!


any help would be greatly appreciated.

thank you.

Bob

I run an automatic Bob.

If you PM me with details of where you live and when you're available, I'll see if we can help you.

Similar threads merged.

HI check MARTYN'S s.o.m nice mini cooper and he makes learning to drive fun, very good if your not so confident very patient and friend . Hes in the YELLOW PAGES

Hi try MARTYN'S S.O.M mini cooper your partner will love, it £18 for an hour but block book and the price comes down picks up and does theory help puts youi in for your test when your ready doesn,t drag you out

Hi bunny , had the same trouble with my last instructor plonker!!!!!!! Then a friend put me on to MARTYN'S he was great made me feel more confident which meant i picked things up quicker and passed first time give him a call 07746318822 everybody i know i send to him ...... safe motoring and give him a call i'm sure he could help

I have just passed my test. My driving instructor was a great chap called Richard L from Martin Woodward driving school.


Very very good instructor and really nice guy.

Hi, try MARTYN'S hes very patient very nice too didn't string me along i only had 28 lessons and booked my test at about 20 he will put you in when your ready give him a call or text he will even ring you back 07746318822 .Have fun ~(:-)

haven't got time to read through the whole thread, so apologies if this has been said already

but i would 100% recommend Roy's School of Motoring, he's based in the north of sheffield but can pick up from most places, he was professional but friendly and very approachable should you have any questions (had some nightmares that you couldn't say a word to before him).

I don't have a phone number for him, but i think he'd be in the yellow pages as RSM.

also I would beware of Thurgoland driving school, as the driving instructer there was an absolute bully (my own opinion) completely unapproachable and actually had a go at me in the car for asking a question! :S needless to say I stopped lessons with him, also he was bleeding me dry and not allowing me to progress.

good luck with finding a driving instructor xx

hi eveyone, i am currently with MARTYN'S S.O.M, only started with him in october and got my test next week. He's been great especially cos i was a VERY nervous driver when i fisrt started but not anymore. He's brought my confidence levels up through great encouragement and he has really relaxed and patient teaching methods. Has great techniques for all monouvers to make them as simple as possible. Great for nervous learners as well as the more confident ones as isnt time/money waster and gets you to your test as soon as your ready. Would definetly recommend him to anyone wanting to learn to drive quickly and comfortably. Has great car (mini cooper). Give him a call or text him: (07746318822)
Good Luck! xxx :-)

Do people think that driving instructors have a tendency to drag their feet about putting their clients in for driving tests in order to get more money out of them? In other words are learner drivers being taken for a ride (if you'll pardon the pun)?

Also does anyone have any opinions about JDM Driving School in particular, good or bad?

Originally posted by slimsid2000
Do people think that driving instructors have a tendency to drag their feet about putting their clients in for driving tests in order to get more money out of them? In other words are learner drivers being taken for a ride (if you'll pardon the pun)?

I've never experienced that with any driving instructors, but then I've always used private instructors and not big motor schools, as have my friends. I failed my first test, and then dillydallyed about until I found a great guy, unfortunatly I did all that up on T'Side, and so my reccomendations are probably a little bit far away from home! :(

Have to agree with Da bouncer, and suggest Terry Goude. He was fantastic, thorough and explains things in a simple but not condescending way.

When teaching he tended to sing Frank Sinatra songs though!(something to do with a blue/pink toothbrush)

Anyway - on one of my lessons everything seemed to "click" and Terry noticed this and said that i should put in for my test.

Bragging slightly - but i passed first time!

But more to do withTerry's excellent teaching.

I know Terry's still teaching now as I still see his car driving around.

Good luck!

Has anyone used Wighams before? Ive been taking lessons but dont seem to be getting anywhere and might do their 1 week intentsive? Know quite a few people that have passed this way.

HI


I am looking for a patient and cheap DRIVING INSTRUCTOR !!! Ideally I would like to have the driving licence by June, therefore I need someone that can offer intense courses around city centre /Broomhall area!!!!!


MANY THANKS FOR YOUR HELP

pete johnson 0114 2341744,nice bloke and we've been using him in our family since 1988 when i passed,he charges 16 quid a lesson,i know this cos i'm paying for my daughters at the moment.

Do u know if he does automatic training?

try dave housely on 2207204 - he might be able to put you an intense course together.

You can try my Dad, John Clark, 0114 2641659, he's A.D.I and really very friendly, with an extremely high pass rate. He's taught all our family, friends and neighbours and he's official.

I am in need of a intensive course. Can anyone recommend one?

Also, has anyone had any experience with JDM - The Road to Freedom, or Bee-safe?

Thanks!

My dad's a private instructor, he's also rated ADI and DVLA, but he's extremely friendly and has a very high pass rate.
Not just pushing him cos he's my Dad, well I am, but he's been an instructor for over 20 yrs and will not rip you off lesson wise, draggin 'em out, he can't do that, as he'd get no referrals.

My driving Instructor is fantastic, I got him through work, his wife works at our place.

It's usually £15 per hour but £13.50 if you work for Norwich Union or are referred.

Also if you book a block of 10 it's only £120 so works out at only £12.00 per hour. I don't think there is anywhere in Sheffield where you would get it at that price nowadays.

Pm me if you want anymore details and i'll pass your number on.

Rach

:D

Its getting critical now. I need lessons fast. Royale School of Motoring seem to offer excellent value for money, given their top class instructors. And they offer, which I need, a intensive course. Any had nay experiences with them good or bad?

Try alans school of motoring female instructor 01142305454
works in your area, I passed my test with them and so did most of my mates, bonus you get to drive the new bmw mini.
kind regards Hell

Hi There,
Try Alans school of motoring established since 1966, not a fly by night company, proffesional instructors £19.00 an hour, I passed with them, so did most of my friends,
new bmw mini one,
www.alans.org.uk
01142305454
Kind regards and good luck Hell

Try Alans school of motoring passed me, very good female instructor, bmw mini one and great fun
01142305454
www.alans.org.uk
kind regards Hell and good luck.

Originally posted by pdoran
I am in need of a intensive course. Can anyone recommend one?

Also, has anyone had any experience with JDM - The Road to Freedom, or Bee-safe?

Thanks!

JDM - I've been with one of their instructors since Aug last year, having 2 hr lessons, but not done bay or parallel parking, just done turn in road in March and RRC(left) in April but then again I'm female, 40 and very nervous! so that's probably why! (30th lesson = 60 hrs next week) test not booked yet.

charges are 16.00 per hr if u block book, 19 pr hr (18 pr hr for students)

website jdmsheffield.com

Take a look at my website. Book through the Forum (ie by PM) and I'll knock you £2 off the normal lesson price

Hi cheap snoe always the best, and bsm are £22 an hour,
try Alans school of motoring, they tought me and my friends, they have been established a long time £19 an hour, great fun, and you get to drive BMW mini,
www.alans.org.uk
good luck skip rat

yes thats a good rate, im currently paying £16.50 a lesson.

I am wanting a new driving instructor, my current one always forgets my lessons etc, really annoying.

I'm wanting one that covers Dronfield though, any ideas?

Thanks :)

Try Alans school of motoring, I passed first time with them , female instructor very good, Julie,Had a great time and nothing was too much, give her a try.
www.alans.org.uk
good luck Skip

anyone heard of Owen & Cullen ( from Barnsley area) and LDC?

What have other people's experience of JDM been?

Hi , i used MARTYN'S great guy you will have fun and learn how to drive at your own pace , mini cooper or c3 take your pick lessons from £15 hes based in your area too .martyn was my pick but my friend has just passed with mark who works with him there in the yellow
bye pit stop parry

HI all,

Im in need of a driving instructor. Im starting my work placement for my university course and if anyone knows of a company called outokumpu stainless youl know how u need a car to get around.

I need to find a driving instructor who can offer the crash courses for a quick pass ideally but If anyone knows any reasonably priced instructors that are good at there job please reply to this thread or pm me.

Thankyou in advance :)

do a search for SAXON!! he's a driving instructor ....

*BUMP* Back to the top

http://www.horizonschoolofmotoring.co.uk/

Here is his website. A simple search found it.

Anyone know of the best priced instructors and their contact details

There have been MANY threads on this

Do a search on "Driving Instructors" and you'll find some highly recommended ones

Originally posted by manniefresh
Anyone know of the best priced instructors and their contact details


Im learning with the AA Driving School. I know you wana know the cheapest but i thought id tell you they are the DEAREST i know of! I'm only learnin with them cause i get a discount (and its still steep with that) but they are pro's in the 'learnin to drive department'

Finding an instructor I believe is something that just does not add up. I've been told some charge £10 will others twice that amount. So what I need is that inside information but on top of that I require contact details which I am not getting from the attractive quotes.

Originally posted by manniefresh
Finding an instructor I believe is something that just does not add up. I've been told some charge £10 will others twice that amount. So what I need is that inside information but on top of that I require contact details which I am not getting from the attractive quotes.

Be careful with the ones that charge you £10!

They may be cheap for a reason!

Originally posted by IanMitchell
Be careful with the ones that charge you £10!

They may be cheap for a reason!

Couldn't agree more!!:hihi:

Cheap instructors are usually part-time/retired from another job and just use the lesson income as 'pocket money'.

Any school worth its salt (:thumbsup: ) will charge a realistic rate for its services. Its supply & demand again I'm afraid - my price is £20 per hour because demand for my services is high. Simple as that

pelican driving school. I passed with them and so did my sister both 1st time. Brilliant instructors

Avoid the Crosspool motoring school. Nice bloke but he raises his voice, it put me off learning!

SCS in High Green - Highly recommended, Very patient guy (even with me - the worlds worst driver in the driving seat)

Mannifresh,

I bet it can get a little confusing at the moment with regards the best instructor to go with.

I know of Saxon in this thread albeit I didnt personally learn with him.

A chap who I learnt with was a guy called Alan who runs a driving school called Easyway who are based up at Stocksbridge and I passed 1st time with Alan right back as late as the early 1980s.

Even though he did change his little green Fiat about 2 weeks prior to my test for a Ford Fiesta which had all the controls on the opposite sides as I had got used to with the Fiat.

If you get chance to speak to Alan, tell him you were told about him by Richard in the traffic car, he'll know who you mean.

Not guaranteed to get you any discount though. !! ;)

I Passed with a guy called Steve pye from wighams, it cost £20 a lesson, but he was cracking and got me through it no problems.

Good Luck
Vanessa

Hi Folks,

Could anybody recommend a good driving Instructor (schoold) in Sheffield? I'm looking for one but loads around :( Difficult to choose a good instructor.

Cheers,
Nxx

Hi, at handsworth Keith Fessey School of motoring, ask for Brian, he is excellent, all i know passed 1st time, he is patient, reliable and will get you through quickly. Im not a relative just a satisfied customer.:thumbsup:

I used Terry Goude who is based at Gleadless.
He's in the yellow pages (i believe... deffo in the phone book) Terry Goude School of Motoring.

He's an excellent instructor, cheaper than most others and is usually in high demand.

1 bad point... he's a wednesday fan, but it had no bearing on his teaching skills :P

steve smith in all the books eg yellow pages did ok with me and my friend

Do a search on the forum, and you'll find loads of driving instructor related threads with recommendations...

I went with BSM many moons ago, found them to be very good if a little on the expensive side. Just out of interest, how much IS a driving lesson these days? It was about £15 when I was learning.

http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/search.php?s=&action=showresults&searchid=552236&sortby=lastpost&sortorder=descending

MOD: Threads merged - thanks for the link :)

Originally posted by susa41981
pelican driving school. I passed with them and so did my sister both 1st time. Brilliant instructors

Which instructor did you have at pelican?

Due to a recent run of excellent test results (26 out of last 35 have passed), we have a few vacancies coming up.

We also have a special offer for June of the first 3 lessons for £10 each on the manual cars, after that prices revert to normal - see http://www.horizonschoolofmotoring.co.uk/prices.php

Unfortunately this offer is only applicable to the manual cars and not the automatic

I used the AA. They are the only ones who offer fully qullified instructors. If you use a company just because it's cheap I think in the long term it's a false ecconomy. It will take you longer to learn therefore costing you more. My lessons cost £21 - that was 2 years ago and I learned to drive in the south, maybe it's a bit cheaper up North. Good Luck, it's hard work but nothing beats the euphoria you feel when the examiner tells you you've passed! xxx

Hi my driving instructer is from AtoZ school of motoring and she is really friendly and patient lessons are £18 or £17.50 if you block book them but I think she only does middlewood test centre and people from around greno chap parson cross etc

Originally posted by tulip
I used the AA. They are the only ones who offer fully quallified instructors.

Mmmm... just to correct that slightly - the AA are the only NATIONAL driving school to use fully qualified instructors. Other nationals like BSM use a lot of trainee instructors who haven't passed the last (and hardest) exam yet. ALL independent driving schools are fully qualified.

If you use a company just because it's cheap I think in the long term it's a false ecconomy. It will take you longer to learn therefore costing you more. My lessons cost £21 - that was 2 years ago

Got to agree with that. As with anything else, you get what you pay for.

As stated above, we have a special offer on at the moment - have a look here (http://www.horizonschoolofmotoring.co.uk/prices.php)

What do you mean by trainee instructors? Do you still pay the same price even tho' you're getting something less than 'perfect'?

Originally posted by Clumber
What do you mean by trainee instructors? Do you still pay the same price even tho' you're getting something less than 'perfect'?

no one is perfect but yes they are still in training, my mate does it. he is just needing to pass his final exam then he is a fully qualified instructor. he is an excellent instructor though. they do still charge the same price for him as to a fully qualified instructor

Anyone wanting to be a driving instructor has to pass a 3 part qualifying examination.

The first part is a theory/hazard perception test (100 questions, split into 4 x 25 questions, need to get 85% minimum in each section) then need to get at least 57/75 on the HPT.

The second part is another driving test - only allowed to make 6 minor mistakes in one hour of driving (learners - allowed 15 in 35 minutes)

Finally comes the hardest bit - the 'ability to teach someone to drive' test. In this one, a senior examiner plays the part of a pupil and you have to teach him/her a set subject to his/her satisfaction.

You only get three attempts at each part, and if you don't pass then thats it (at least for 2 years).

The training exams are so rigorous that for every 100 people starting out in Part 1, only about 8% will eventually pass, with the biggest failures coming in Part 3.

Yes, BSM do use instructors who have not yet convinced a senior examiner that they are up to the job and yes, they do still charge full rate. So you may find that you are being taught by someone who, for some reason unknown to you, suddenly disappears and you get another instructor, who a bit later on, might also disappear. This is probably because they were trainee instructors who failed the 3 attempts they have at their final exam and can no longer do their job.

You can distinguish a fully qualified instructor from a trainee by the colour of their licence to teach - fully qualified is green, trainee is pink.

my mate is wanting sum driving lessons but he wants to take them in a mini cooper can anybody help?

Search the site for "Driving Lessons Mini". There's been a few threads on this including some people with Mini's.

would that be driving with mini or driving 'a' mini? I can only help out with one of them;)

Can anyone recommend any good driving instructors in Sheffield? I'm learning to drive at the mo and bought a car to practice in. The second time I got in it I drove it into a brick wall and wrote it off.

:(

I've had some time off, and am now ready to get back in the saddle. Can anyone recommend a good (and patient) instructor?

oops - good not goo...

hello use the search option theres a big thread which will help you :thumbsup:

Far be it from me to push my business :heyhey: but if you use the search function, there have been many threads on this subject

I'm looking for an instructor myself, and thought it might be useful to list all the recommendations so far, to save other people having to trawl through all 16 pages.

These are the picks up to the end of page 10 (the rest when I get round to it).

I've noted the dates too as I guess the info could go out of date.

just use AA or BSM - takumi, 31/3/03

DO NOT use BSM - steelblade, 31/3/03

[Much subsequent discussion about the merits or otherwise of BSM and AA]

Barry Myers from Wisewood - steelblade, 1/4/03

Terry Goude School of Motoring 0114 239 5281 (but he wants to retire soon) - DaBouncer,15/5/03 and 18/12/04

her name is Becky and she works for Carolines - caprice, 1/3/04

Jim from Martin Woodward's SOM - caprice, 18/12/04

If you're in the south of sheffield I can recomend an excellent driving instructor. He works for the AA. If you would like his name and number please e-mail me at torz1984@yahoo.co.uk - SaxonLeigh, 3/3/04 [Identified as Roy Williams, 29/4/04]

Horizon School of Motoring - Troy, 22/3/04 [Also recommended by angel_b, 30/9/04; playman, 2/11/04; Deejay, 2/11/04; BarneyGumble, 3/11/04; Clumber, 6/11/04]

If anyone wants to give us a try, then feel free to do so. Forum members will all qualify for student rate, regardless of actual status - Saxon (of Horizon), 21/4/04. That offer still open, Sax?

I've been going with JDM, and they aren't too bad - qazitory, 22/3/04 [Also recommended by chocoholic, a friend of the proprietor, 12/9/04]

A guy called Dave Tyler got me through and i was dire. His number is 07732032527 - Smiler, 28/3/04

Dora's helped me get through my test. v good. 01142813503 is her phone number. Been in business 13 years and has several instructors - city_dweller, 19/4/04

by far the best driving instuctor in the world is Ian Fletcher - Memphis Bell, 21/4/04

I used MSM - Meadowhead School of Motoring. The instructor Tony Messina is very friendly and extremely competent. His number is 07930967581 or 0114 2378175 - Leeroy, 14/5/04

Phill Batty's School of Motoring: www.phillbatty.co.uk or call on 01909 774088 - Bats [who turned out to be Mrs Batty], 21/5/04

Richard Grindrod - he lives on Abbeydale Road near Tesco - Saxon, 31/5/04

I have a friend who is a driving instructor. You could give him a try Des Sancho 0114 2487499 - becca25's first and last post, 6/6/04

Check out the advertisements in The Star. I think thursday or friday there are loads of people advertising driving lessons. Many give big discounts on the first few lessons. - carsondaly, 12/9/04

Andy from Riverlin Driving School. I'll PM you his number if you're interested - IanMitchell, 12/9/04 [Also recommended by samsmum, 30/9/04]

Robert Hawksworth 07970 539857 - paul52, 2/10/04

I know a superb driving instructor. Bad news is, he's dead - Ousetunes, 2/11/04

'roadsafe' 0114 2668063 - jsg103, 17/12/04

Shaun Barton. Pm me for his number - brownieblade, 18/12/04

Lee Kemp. I will try and dig his number out for you - MarkB, 19/1/05

Roys School of Motoring - sheffield501, 21/1/05

Martin at the Hallam School of Motoring - christine, 24/1/05

Originally posted by CaptainSwing
Horizon School of Motoring - Troy, 22/3/04 [Also recommended by angel_b, 30/9/04; playman, 2/11/04; Deejay, 2/11/04; BarneyGumble, 3/11/04; Clumber, 6/11/04]

If anyone wants to give us a try, then feel free to do so. Forum members will all qualify for student rate, regardless of actual status - Saxon (of Horizon), 21/4/04. That offer still open, Sax?

Don't do a student discount anymore but the following offer is available to Forum members:

First 3 hours of tuiton £10 per hour
Pay as you go £18 per hour (normally £20)
10 hours pre-paid £175 (normally £180)

PM me if you want to book so that I know its from the Forum

And all lessons are one full hour (or multiple)

Originally posted by Guest
hello,

Can anyone recommend a driving school or instructor in Sheffield please?

Something not too expensive - i found one at £16:50 an hour, is this a good price?

You may find that this is for 30 minutes - not for 1 hour as you would see normally. Additionally, check the pass rates for these instructors. Please air on the side of caution for any1 offering less than £20.00 per session (which should be 1 full hours tuition).

Does anyone know if an instructor called Paul Fisher is still on the scene?

Originally posted by bigflesh
You may find that this is for 30 minutes - not for 1 hour as you would see normally. Additionally, check the pass rates for these instructors. Please air on the side of caution for any1 offering less than £20.00 per session (which should be 1 full hours tuition).

You might also find that the cheaper schools have you sat at the side of the road for a long time when yous should really be getting experience out on the roads, or that they operate a 'piggy backing' system, whereby the previous pupil calls for you, you drop them off, you then call for the next one, they drop you off etc etc.

Cheap isn't always best. Its all about supply and demand - if you're not getting recommendations, then you have to drop your price to get people ringing up.

Originally posted by Guest
hello,

Can anyone recommend a driving school or instructor in Sheffield please?

Something not too expensive - i found one at £16:50 an hour, is this a good price?

Hi, my best friend is an instructor, based in Hillsborough. His name is Richard. Please feel free to give him a call, he's easy going. Please mention my name (PAUL) and you should get discount. 07789 906554. You may get an answer machine as it's Sunday. All the best, hope you pass quickly.

I'm after some lessons too but would preferably like a female instructor. Any one know any good ones??

Thanks

Cath xx

I know afew, I wil try and find out there numbers for ya or ask my drivin instructor if he knows ne

hey
try MARTYN'S no piggy back ,full hour tuition mini cooper and only £18 price does not mean a good instuctor or BSM AA would be miles ahead , never spent more than was needed a the side of the road , hes in the yellow try him

Hi, Im looking for a good driving instructor in Stannington area who teaches in an automatic car ? Can anyone advise me ?

Thanks for your help !

owls11

When do you want to start?

PM me and I'll see if we can fit you in

If you can't PM due to low posts, contact me through the website (address below)

Originally posted by owls11
Hi, Im looking for a good driving instructor in Stannington area who teaches in an automatic car ? Can anyone advise me ?

Thanks for your help !

owls11

You couild try Roadsafe. There is a man on Oldfield Road who works for them.

I'm looking for a good, patient one who works in the High Green area of Sheffield.
I know there have been loads of posts in the past about this but I just wanted to make a new one as I've had a look through the older ones and they all seem to be the other side of Sheffield.
Please post her if you know any,
Thank you!

Helen
xxx

Got a friend who works for Martin Woodward called Bob ,a bit unorthodox in his teaching but he has an excellent pass rate:D

I would definitely recommend martin woodward

good luck