Anthony Lennard - Godstone
Passed - 1/12/11 - 3 Minors
Anthony booked a lesson on my website in August after looking around & deciding that the LD System was a better way to learn. We started off with a weekly 2hr lesson until he passed the theory test then increased to 3hrs to achieve his aim of passing before Xmas. Anthony fully utilised the LD Workbook & progressed steadily through the course, resulting in achieving his target of a 1st time pass before Xmas with only 3 minors! Enjoy not having to take the bus to work in the cold & look forward to seeing you on the Pass Plus in January.
I decided to book a lesson with Graham to see if his method of teaching would be suitable for me. About 30 minutes into my first lesson I could tell that it would. Graham is a very patient instructor and never rushed me, especially when I was having a problem with changing from 1st to 2nd. After I had passed my theory he suggested that we increase the lesson to 3 hours and after doing this the progress I made was very noticeable. I still cant believe that I passed 1st time with only 3 minors. I couldn't have asked for a better instructor and would recommend Graham to anyone. I look forward to seeing Graham in January for the pass plus. Its weird not seeing you sit next to me in the car and I can still hear you telling me to check my mirrors. Thanks Graham!
Ben Perry - Edenbridge
Passed 1st Time - 20/9/11 - 3 Minors
Ben's mum first contacted me to discuss whether Ben needed any assessment before driving as he has Aspergers Syndrome. I had no experience of this before so researched the condition before replying that he would be perfectly ok & if she wanted me to teach him I would research further to make sure I was fully aware of his needs. When Ben started lessons with me he was no different to anyone else, everyone needs to be taught in a way that suits how they learn & together we gradually developed the correct approach. I checked with Ben's mum a few times just to make sure everything was going ok & she assured me that if he wasn't enjoying the lessons he wouldn't still be doing them. Over time Ben's skills & experience developed until he was ready for his test which he passed 1st time with a excellent drive of only 3 minors. Enjoy your driving & thank you for helping me develop my skills & experience along the way!
My son Ben has a social communication problem, but he had no difficulty following Graham’s clear instructions and looked forward to his weekly lessons. It enhanced his self-esteem no end to feel able to control a vehicle on busy roads always knowing that Graham was there to guide and offer advice. Graham’s patient, quiet approach was ideal for Ben. Ben’s own wry comment on his instructor was “He must be very courageous!”
Alice Kitchenham – Edenbridge
1st Time Pass – 6/6/11
Alice first contacted LDC head office looking to book a 1 week intensive course, unfortunately no-one was available so I contacted her & booked an assessment lesson. From the assessment it was clear that Alice still had the control skills but lacked confidence in her control, knowledge & assessment skills. We agreed to book a 30hr semi intensive course & as I couldn’t start it for a couple of weeks it gave Alice the chance to revise using the LD Workbook & DVD. We made good steady progress through the course & by the time the test came around, although still nervous Alice believed it was achieveable, especially as she had told all her friends that she would pass 1st time, which she did with a creditable 7 minors.
From the beginning of the course I told my mum that I would pass first time with only 7 minors – which I did! Graham teaches in a calm and relaxed manner, which instantly made me feel at ease whilst driving. Graham helped me build my confidence in driving and was a pleasure to learn with! The DVD and Workbook are certainly helpful tools too as they compliment the lessons perfectly. As one of my friends said – if Graham could get me to pass [first time], then you are in very good hands :)
Max Gorman – Edenbridge
Passed – 6/6/11 - 2 Minors
I was recommended to Max by his friend Kristian who passed 1st time with me last year. Max made slow but steady progress to start with then had a break to concentrate on passing his theory test. Having got this out of the way we continued to make progress until Max's dad got him a car. This seemed to kick start his motivation & also the practice with his dad helped develop his decision making skills. Having narrowly failed his 1st test, the increase in confidence was clear on the build up to his 2nd test & as the result showed it was not misplaced. I would also like to point out that 1 of the minors was on the Show Me, Tell Me questions so that made the result even better with only 1 minor fault recorded during the drive, equal to my best ever result!
When I started driving I thought that the day of hearing "you have passed" would never come. However as my confidence started to grow I could slowly see the end in sight. A few lessons into the course the concept of driving finally clicked and things went up hill from there. I feel that Graham's hands on approach and practical work ethos boosted my confidence and was definitely the key to my success. Without actually putting the theories to practice and learning from your mistakes you will never pick up the key skills required. Thanks for the great result!
Pamela Craig - Westerham
1st Time Pass – 7/3/11 - 4 minors
Pamela contacted me in October, her daughter was going to start school in April so decided it was time to get her license. She had taken driving lessons before but living in London found them very stressful, so had the basic skills already. The LD workbook & DVD helped recap Pamela's previous knowledge & clarified her understanding as well as helping her understand the new subjects. This in turn helped her gain confidence along with the skills needed to pass 1st time with only 4 minors in time to drive her daughter to school after Easter.
I was nervous when I first booked my lessons but Graham made me feel comfortable and relaxed. With each lesson he rebuilt the confidence in my own abilities and driving skills. The workbook and DVD served as valuable tools to further my existing knowledge and understanding. I highly recommend Graham to anyone seeking driving lessons.
Thank you Graham for helping me pass first time.
Lauren Roberts – Biggin Hill
1st Time Pass – 25/1/11
I was recommended to Lauren by her boyfriend John who I taught a couple of years ago. Lauren had already had lessons before with a different instructor but not had any for a few months & wanted to restart lessons. She originally contacted me in August but as a surprise her Dad brought her a block of 10hrs for her 18th birthday with someone else so she had to cancel our lessons. Lauren then contacted me again in October to see if I still able to teach her as she didn’t feel she happy with the instructor. After a few lessons to rebuild her confidence I suggested that we book a test & despite feeling a little nervous she agreed. The next couple of months were all about getting Lauren to make her own decisions & follow them through in order to build confidence in herself. By test day she was looking forward to the test & passed 1st time with 7 minors, 1 test less than her boyfriend & less minors than her brother! Well done & look forward to your Pass Plus in March.
Graham was a brilliant instructor, he wasn't serious like my last two instructors, he managed to make everything more relaxed and that made everything feel more natural, so that it didn't feel like I was in school again, but more like a friend just helping. I never thought I could pass first time but with Graham’s help it happened. I would definitely recommend him to anyone. And now I'm actually looking forward to the pass plus! Thank you!
Amanda Arpino – Caterham
1st Time Pass – 28/5/10
Amanda’s husband contacted me after a recommendation from his brother who passed 1st Time with me last February. She had just had her 2nd child & decided 2 children on public transport was not a good idea. Amanda had been having lessons before her maternity leave but now wanted to book an intensive course & get passed quickly. After an assessment lesson I recommended the 20hr Midway Pass course & by using the LD Workbook & DVD to help with her understanding Amanda progressed quickly. In the last couple of weeks Amanda got a car to practice in which also helped boost her confidence & she after beating her nerves she passed 1st time with a creditable 7 minors just in time to drive to her son’s christening on Sunday!
I can’t believe I passed my test!! I had spent so long worrying about it & had tried a few different instructors before I got Graham’s number from my husband’s brother. I really enjoyed my lessons & was amazed at how quickly my test was booked. I found the book & DVD very helpful. Thanks Graham!
Susannah George – South Godstone
1st Time Pass – 25/5/10 – 3 minors
Susannah’s mum contacted me after looking at several companies as she liked the look of the LD system. A free home visit soon confirmed her initial thoughts & she booked a 30hr Semi-Intensive course to make full use of DVD & Workbook. Susannah also had a car to practice in & along with the lessons progressed quickly gaining valuable experience & confidence in her own car. After postponing her 1st test because of the volcanic ash, Susannah was on a school trip & couldn’t get back, the rescheduled date was a resounding success with a very confident drive & only 3 minors. Due to the amount of practice she has had & her confidence we Susannah will be completing her Pass Plus course within the next week & will be ready to start driving herself to school after the ½ term holidays.
Graham was a really good instructor and had a really good way of teaching that was always positive. I felt that the LD course really helped me with my learning. The Workbook and DVD meant that between my first lessons I had something that I could do that would help my driving before my parents were brave enough to take me out to practise. Graham really helped me become confident with driving right from the start and taught me that a positive attitude changes everything and I would recommend him to anyone.
Nigel Trivass - Tonbridge - Passed - 27/4/10
Nigel contacted me in December last year shortly after failing his 1st test. He had suffered a loss of confidence as the test had showed him that he was not quite ready yet as he still had some unresolved clutch control problems that were affecting his driving. After postponing the 1st test date we worked on his basic control skills & rebuilt his confidence from a much more solid base. Once the confidence increased along with the control everything else clicked back into place & after 1 false start Nigel gained a well deserved pass.
Graham provided me with first class tuition, and immediately made me feel at ease. As a result, I learnt fast and actually started to enjoy my driving. Graham’s lessons were varied and never repetitive, and by the time of my test although nervous, I subconsciously knew that I had had mastered a sufficient knowledge of the key driving skills and manoeuvres. I cannot recommend Graham highly enough, and fully endorse his method and technique.
Eerika Franklin –Edenbridge – Passed - 26/1/10 – 3 minors
Eerika contacted me last March, after looking at a few websites she decided on LDC because of the LD System & the offer of a home visit to explain how the system works. We made steady progress & the LD Workbook helped Eerika to fully understand why things were done in a certain way. After nearly passing a good 1st test, the 2nd proved a bit more difficult to get a date for. After a cancellation by the test centre & another due to the snow, Eerika finally passed her 2nd test with flying colours & only 3 minors.
When selecting a driving instructor I was looking for someone who would be focused and not waste my time or money. Graham takes pride in his work and aims to help his students to pass in the minimum amount of lessons needed, by encouraging a proactive approach on the side of the learner, and a professional, intuitive, organised style of teaching that helps the learner to think for themselves. I was very happy with my choice and would recommend him as an effective and pleasant driving instructor.
Claire Boulter –Edenbridge –1st Time Pass - 27/1/10 – 2 minors Claire contacted me last summer after qualifying as an English teacher. Having lived abroad for the last few years she had decided to wait until she was back in England before learning to drive. Claire already had her own car so had lots of opportunity to practice although her own mini, being rather temperamental created some interesting challenges. The LD Workbook & DVD helped with the lessons & kept the practice focussed ending in an excellent 1st time pass with only 2 minors. Hopefully you will be confident enough to drive abroad when you start you overseas teaching job in the summer!
Before I even started driving I was convinced I was going to be one of those people who would only pass on the 8th test! Graham helped build up my confidence and as the lessons went on I gradually believed that I was making progress and could see that passing the test was achievable. The LD DVD in particular was of great help to me as it helped cement things I had already done in a lesson or helped prepare me for what was in store in a future lesson. Graham helped me learn to trust myself and my skills as a driver and I would recommend him to anyone.
Claire
Daniel Atkinson –East Grinstead - Passed 4/2/10 – 5 minors
Dan contacted me in November 2008 & booked a Mid-way course of 20 hours. Although he hadn’t had lessons for a while he had been taking lessons & tests on & off over the last 20 years. After failing his 1st test we set to work gradually correcting each of the faults & bad habits, & also trying to overcome his fear of the test it’s self. This was a slow but steady process with a few more tests in between but resulted in finally gaining a well deserved pass.
Thank you for all you did to get me through the test. When we met in late 2008, the fact that I didn’t drive was almost a part of my personality. It must have taken great patience & skill to dismantle that obstacle. I would recommend Graham to any learner, especially one who is trying to learn later in life. He was able to instil the confidence in me that the test, far from being an insurmountable barrier, was entirely achievable. For all candidates, I would add that Graham’s attention to detail during each driving lesson gave me additional confidence.
Thanks again & very best wishes
Dan Atkinson
Libby Ashdown – Lingfield - 20/1/10 – 4 Minors
Libby contacted me after becoming disillusioned with driving & after an assessment drive it was very noticeable that although her driving was fairly good, Libby’s confidence was not. Our 1st aim was to increase Libby’s confidence & get her enjoying driving before even attempting to teach her anything new. Once this was achieved & Libby was looking forward to her lessons we then moved steadily through the course concluding with a good drive, passing with only 4 minor faults. All Libby needs now is a Sat Nav as she readily admits her sense of direction is non-existent!
Thank you so much for all your tuition & giving me the confidence to pass my test. I secretly thought I was going to be one of those people that takes about 9 tests to pass & then still drives dreadfully! I’ll be sending you pictures of my lovely little Fiat 500 (red with cream leather) hopefully very soon. All the best for the future & thank you once again.
Libby
Rose Bowles – Edenbridge - 1st Time Pass 19/10/09
Rose contacted me after she had been offered a company car due to her firm’s relocation. The only problem with this was that she didn’t have a driving licence! Rose initially booked an intensive course over 2 weeks but it quickly became apparent that the time pressure was stopping her from progressing so we agreed to change to weekly lessons. It was a long road of 2 steps forward & 1 back but finally we agreed that Rose was ready for her test. I final few lessons on preparing for test day paid off as Rose got a well earned 1st time pass. Now we just need to persuade your boss to pay for the pass plus!
I knew learning to drive in my late 30’s wasn’t going to be easy & it took a lot longer than I thought. Thankfully I had Graham’s expertise & patience to guide me every step of the way. He never gave up finding new ways to help me overcome any sticking points & kept me motivated right up to my test date when all his hard work paid off - I passed 1st time!
I am eternally grateful to Graham for teaching me a skill which will change my life & would thoroughly recommend him to anyone.
A big thank you Graham!
Jayne Pearce –Edenbridge - Passed 26/8/09 – 5 minors
Jayne contacted me to restart her driving after finishing Uni & starting work. She had previously had 2 tests a couple of years ago but didn’t feel she was ready so was almost pleased not to pass. Despite having quite a long break Jayne’s driving skills were still very good & the LD Workbook helped her understand some of the things she was unsure of. Gradually Jayne’s confidence increased to a point where her original test date was brought forward by 3 weeks. Jayne passed with only 5 minor faults & was complimented on a good confident drive! I look forward to the Pass Plus in October, M25 here we come!
I started learning to drive 5 years ago, had 2 tests then failed. I started learning with Graham and found the basics of what I’d learnt came back but I lacked confidence. Graham developed my confidence considerably. He really encouraged me whenever I doubted myself and made me prove that I could do it. Looking back I’m so pleased I passed with Graham as I feel so much more confident and now I know I can drive.
Tom Williams – Tonbridge - 1st Time Pass 3/6/09 – 4 minors
Tom started his lessons very soon after his 17th birthday & he was very keen to be driving as soon as possible. Having explained how using the LD Workbook & DVD correctly would help him progress quicker, he took this on board & was always well prepared for his next lesson. Tom progressed quickly through the course due to his preparation & confidence, & passed 1st time with 4 minors after only 28 hours tuition.
Well done Tom & hope you enjoy driving to your cricket matches from now on!
As soon as I was 17 I was desperate to get driving, and Graham was perfect for this as he was very happy to go at the pace I wanted. So as soon as we had our first lesson, I read through the LDC book which gave me a much better knowledge of driving and left me well prepared for lessons, and our progression every week was great. My aim was to be driving by the summer so I could get to my cricket games easily, and learning to drive with Graham meant this was achieved! He was also very flexible with our lessons, as I quite often had Cricket training a few days a week, so I sometimes couldn't attend our lessons, but this was no problem as Graham would offer me an alternate date (usually the next day or two) so that we didn’t slow down our progression, which was great for me! Thanks for all your help Graham; I thoroughly enjoyed learning with you! Regards, Tom
Rachel Toft – Lingfield - Passed 2/4/09
Rachel contacted me to restart her driving after initially taken lessons & a couple of tests at 17. Despite not having driven for a while Rachel’s driving was basically sound & didn’t need much work to get to test standard. Rachel however gave me a different challenge because she had decided that driving, especially the test & manoeuvres were very difficult. Eventually after convincing her she could do it & they didn’t have it in for her, Rachel finally got the pass she deserved. Good luck at Uni & hope you enjoy your new found freedom, life is less colourful without you!
After a couple of failed tests it was hard not to feel like giving up but after getting in contact with Graham - I gained the confidence to believe that I could pass. Graham helped with the technical aspects of my driving as well as the mental. In this sense, he helped me realise that I could drive and that the test was achievable! Without Graham's patience I don't ever think I would have passed - I would recommend him to anyone at any stage in their driving! Thanks so much Graham!
Chris Sinclair - Dormansland - Passed - 13/1/09
Chris contacted me before going on holiday to book a 30hr Semi-Intensive course as he now had some time & money. Chris had already had a fair amount of experience & bags of confidence but just needed some guidance. He made good progress & even managed to work on some more advanced techniques. Unfortunately that confidence got the better of him on the 1st test but we quickly rebooked a 2nd test which he passed comfortably. Good luck with the coaching course & triathlon later this year.
Although I had had many lessons before starting this course it was several years ago, it took me a few hours to get used to the car and my manoeuvres were awkward, however with each day that went I became more comfortable with the car and my capabilities. Learning from Graham was very easy as he always found the right way to pitch or explain what I needed to understand and being in a teaching profession myself I know how easy this is to get wrong. After the third day of the six I was still making stupid mistakes but we talked little of driving as all he needed was a question in his “I know that you know what you did wrong” voice to make me understand the problem much more by making me think about it. Over confidence was my downfall which he warned me about and as I said to him on the morning of the test it was only if I made a mistake that I wouldn't pass, which I did within the first few minutes. That said we rebooked the test, a few hours refresher just before and I sailed through as he said I would.
The lessons were fun and easy and I never thought I was out of my depth whenever we progressed onto something new.
Louise Jones – Edenbridge - Passed 12/12/08 – 5 minors
Louise 1st started driving at 17 but gave up after failing a couple of tests to go to University. She contacted me to restart her driving & once we recapped the basics it was all about refreshing her memory & gaining confidence. Louise appreciated the structure of the LD System & progressed quickly followed a bit slower by her confidence. After a couple of attempts she finally overcame the reverse left & passed with a creditable 5 minors.
“Graham is a natural driving instructor, his calm, patient and supportive approach to each lesson ensured I was able to gain the confidence I needed at a pace that was right for me. I thoroughly enjoyed learning to drive with Graham and would like to say a big thank you to both Graham and to his family for allowing him to give up some of his free time to get me through my test. Graham and his new LUCKY CAR come highly recommended. Thank you.”
Raquel Berlanga-Carrion - Tonbridge - Passed 1st Time - 24/11/08
Raquel started lessons last November & told me that she had no experience of cars as she had lived in a city for most of her life. It quickly became apparent that this would be a slow but steady journey, but Raquel’s preparation for each lesson & her determination to succeed kept me focussed on the task ahead. After 12 months & exactly 100 hours Raquel got her just reward with a well deserved & hard earned 1st time pass. I would like to thank Raquel for stretching my teaching skills & in the process making me a better instructor.
Amy Younger - Godstone - 1st time Pass - 14/3/08
After having had lessons with 2 previous instructors up until August last year but not yet taken a test, Amy decided to book a Test Booster course of 15 lessons in a week with a test on the Friday. Despite not having driven since last August Amy's standard of driving was very good. After helping her get used to my car, the test areas & some preparation for test day, Amy finished the week with a well deserved 1st time pass on the Friday.
"I would thoroughly recommend the test booster course. My Instructor Graham quickly identified my weakness so we could work on them before the test. It is great course if you just need a confidence boost before your test, and Graham was very helpful at pointing out and correcting those little bad habits that can result in failing your test. I passed first time all thanks to the test booster course and Graham's patients!!"
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