What My Pupils Say

“I Definitely recommend Dave as a driving instructor, he’s amazing at teaching and he’s a super kind and caring person. I was super nervous about my test today and Dave reassured me and helped calm my nerves and gave me so much confidence. Thank you so much Dave for helping me pass I couldn’t have done it without you!”

🗓️ 2026
👤 Aimee – Swanwick

“Dave is a fantastic instructor. I’d recommend him to anyone and everyone! I have ADHD and Autism, and he just gets it - he puts you completely at ease. I’ve had many driving instructors over the years, but none as good as Dave. He’s calm, caring, and genuinely wants what’s best for you as a driver. Having lessons with him will be the best thing you ever do!”

🗓️ 2024
👤 Lizzie – Heage

“Absolutely fantastic instructor 🤩 Dave’s so patient, and whatever you’re worried about, he puts your mind at ease and works through it with you. If you’re nervous, Dave works through it with you — and if you need to go over something again, it’s no problem. He caters to your needs.
Today I passed 🥳 after coming from another driving instructor… Dave corrected it all, and I could not have done this without him!
I would highly recommend - he made me believe in myself again, and now I know I can do this 🤩🤩💪🏻”

🗓️ 2024
👤 Tammy – Somercotes

“Dave is such an amazing driving instructor. I passed today with zero faults and I couldn't have done it without Dave. He's extremely patient, comes up with different strategies to fit each pupil and is just a lovely guy! Was always happy to answer any questions I had whether it be in lesson or over Facebook. I can't fault him at all and anyone would be lucky to be taught by him. He has the ability to put you at ease in any situation! 10/10 - thanks for everything Dave!”

🗓️2022

Amy – Ripley

“Dave is the best instructor to ever have. He is kind and helpful and puts you at ease while driving. I wouldn't have passed without him.”

🗓️ 2020
👤 Rosemary – Ripley

“When I started driving with Dave I had already been learning with a previous instructor but had then stopped for a few months and completely lost all of my confidence. As soon as I got into the car Dave made sure I felt comfortable and listened to what I wanted out of lessons. After the first lesson I had already gained back some of my confidence and also realised I still had a lot to learn. Over the course of 6 months Dave showed me that I can be a safe and confident driver while dealing with everything the roads throw at you. As someone with ASD and ADHD, having an instructor that understands neurodivergence turned out to make a massive difference in my ability to learn how to drive safely. Today I passed first time with no faults and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without Dave. Not only is he a great driving instructor, he’s a lovely person and I always enjoyed our conversations while driving. If you’re looking for a driving instructor I would 100% recommend Dave if your end goal is being able to drive on the roads safely. I couldn’t have asked for a better instructor and I can’t thank Dave enough!”

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🗓️ 2026
👤 Marcie – Ripley

“I truly could not recommend Dave more! After switching from manual lessons (I’m neurodivergent and although I could drive manual, I absolutely hated it) and taking a roughly 3-year break from driving, I passed today on my first try - with zero driving faults!
Dave has been patient and kind throughout our lessons. Everything he does is logical and easy to understand, which helped me massively. I went into my test knowing I’m a safe driver and felt prepared to tackle anything.
Thank you, Dave, for a fantastic experience and for helping heal my relationship with driving!

🗓️ 2024
👤 Lucy – Ripley

“I started lessons when I was 18 and had three different driving instructors. I struggled with all of them and assumed I was the problem so I gave up on driving.
Fast forward to age 24, I decided to try automatic and came across Dave, who is an absolute life saver! I have ADHD and really struggle with meeting new people and overthinking, and Dave completely understood me from the first lesson. I didn’t have to over-explain — he just knew exactly what I needed to progress.
I’ve just passed my test, and I have my freedom! I’m so, so happy and so lucky I found Dave. He teaches you how to drive not just how to pass the test — and now I’ve been driving around without feeling nervous, even on new roads. I know what to look out for.
Thank you so much again!”

🗓️ 2024
👤 Megan – Ripley

“David is a great driving instructor very calm and helpful. I was the worst driver ever to start with but still managed to pass with no faults and he helped me get a driving test quickly as soon as I was ready and has made me a confident driver. Would 100% recommend.”

🗓️ 2021
👤 Rhianne – Somercotes

“Just passed my test first time with Dave. Was great help and very patient if I was unsure with anything. Would definitely recommend if you are confident or nervous. Thanks Dave”

🗓️ 2020
👤 Max – Swanwick

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“Dave is an amazing driving instructor! I’ve just passed my test first time after choosing Dave to teach me how to drive. At the age of 34, I was never interested in driving - but now I absolutely love it, and that’s all down to Dave. He’s such a calm, kind, friendly instructor. I’m so glad I chose him and would 100% recommend him to anyone learning in an automatic!”

🗓️ 2025
👤 Lisa – Somercotes

“I have to say I could not recommend Dave more. He is one of the most kind, caring and empathetic driving instructors - not only teaching you, but taking the time to build trust while harnessing your own abilities and confidence.
It’s about so much more than passing a driving test with Dave; it’s about giving you everything you need to be a safe, confident and happy driver on the roads.
His attention to detail is second to none, and nothing is ever too much to ask. He’ll answer any question seriously and without judgment, no matter how silly it might feel to ask.
I passed my driving test today with zero faults - something I never imagined possible. I never thought I’d have the confidence or ability to drive, and I’ve struggled massively with confidence.
The only negative is that once you pass, your time with Dave comes to an end - and by then, he doesn’t just feel like an instructor, but also a friend.
It was an absolute privilege and pleasure to be taught by someone with such patience and wisdom. I’ll truly miss our time together. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me and my newfound freedom.”

🗓️ 2024
👤 Emily – Somercotes

“I recently passed my test with. He is a calm, patient and kind driving instructor who made learning to drive a comfortable and enjoyable experience for me. I cannot recommend him enough, if anyone is wanting to start learning in the Ripley area, I'd strongly recommend getting in touch with Dave. 👍”

🗓️ 2023
👤 Sam – Ripley

“I feel so lucky to have Dave to be my instructor, he is very detail, caring, patient, considerate, understanding, humor person... i will definitely recommend Dave to everybody. he is a superb instructor, Thank you very much Dave.”

🗓️ 2020
👤 Susan – Somercotes

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