Drive Automatic Reviews

maddie allinson 2026.04.20

     

Honestly couldn’t have had a better experience with my learning experience. Started my Driving lessons In Shildon with Anthony after trying manual automatic was the way forward for me I couldn’t recommend a better driving instructor as soon as I stepped in the car to my last ever lesson he has been so patience and walked me through anything I was struggling on . Thank you for all your help and helping me pass my test in Darlington . Enjoy your new car ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ps . If I could give a million stars I would

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Callum Fenton 2026.04.20

     

Anthony has been a total pleasure to learn with on my journey to becoming a fully qualified driver. He has a great sense of humor, knows exactly what he's talking about and it's always been a joy to jump into the car with him and progress a little bit further each time. I did my test at Darlington, even though I'm based in Shildon and we tackled some tough spots around Morton Park, the A66 and the Sainsburys roundabout, all of which are notorious for catching learners out. Really couldn't recommend Anthony enough. Thanks so much, man!

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kayleigh harle 2026.03.25

     

I had numerous instructors and just couldnt get my head around it all but the minute I got in the car with Anthony I felt completely relaxed, such a knowledgable instructor with the patience of a saint. Thank you for giving me my freedom.

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Reply from Drive Automatic 2026.04.11

Absolute pleasure, safest driver in newton Aycliffe now eh!!

Freddie Falconer 2026.03.21

     

Passed first time with Carl. I would Definitely recommend Drive Automatic. Carl was knowledgeable and courteous throughout the time. Thanks to him and Drive Automatic.

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siobhanp0209 2026.03.19

     

I can’t recommend Drive Automatic highly enough, especially my instructor Anthony. From the very beginning, he made me feel completely at ease behind the wheel, which made such a difference to my confidence. Anthony is incredibly patient and encouraging, always taking the time to explain things clearly and never making me feel rushed or pressured. What really stood out to me is how unbothered he was by my quirks and nervous moments he just took everything in stride and kept things calm and positive. He’s also very down to earth, which made lessons feel relaxed and comfortable rather than stressful. Thanks to his supportive approach, I was able to build my skills and confidence at my own pace. If you’re looking for a driving school that genuinely cares and an instructor who creates a great learning environment, I highly recommend Drive Automatic and Anthony. If I could give more than 5 stars I would!

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Reply from Drive Automatic 2026.03.19

Thank you so much for choosing us and your kind words. See you on the road

Shannon 2026.03.13

     

Anthony stepped in when I needed an automatic instructor due to being messed around previously, from minute 1 until today passing my test with only 1 minor I could not speak highly and recommend drive automatic enough.

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Reply from Drive Automatic 2026.03.13

It’s been a pleasure we’re always happy to step in and get the job done with a laugh along the way!!

Zoe Bell 2026.02.18

     

Absolutely incredible Company I passed first time with only 1 minor - my driving instructor Anthony was amazing, it was all thanks to his incredible patience, encouragement and skillful teaching since my very first lesson up until the end, I'm so grateful for his hard work which led to my result today. Thank you so much!! 🚘🚘

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Reply from Drive Automatic 2026.02.22

You did amazing worked hard and follow instructions well. You deserve it!!

Jax 2026.02.04

     

I had a lot of personal things get in the way of learning to drive after getting my provisional license a few years back. I opted for an automatic as I didn’t want to wait any longer for a manual instructor and I believe automatic cars are the future and rightly so. At the back end of last year, I decided I was going to go for it, I contacted Drive Automatic to look for availability and they were so flexible and willing to work with my busy schedule. I had 8 lessons with Anthony and within a month, I was good enough to take my test and today I passed first try with only one minor fault. Now I have a new start and I have so many new opportunities ahead of me. Not only was Anthony great at teaching me how to drive well but he’s also just a really nice guy and someone who I got excited to see twice a week. To be honest I’m going to miss our chats. I wish him, his family and the business a great future because good people deserve it. I’d recommend him to anyone learning to drive, choosing the right instructor is everything. Thanks again mate, here’s to many years of freedom. Finally!

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Reply from Drive Automatic 2026.02.04

Jack thank you so much for your kind words. We are happy to be part of your journey now enjoy years of safe driving!! Don’t forget to wave!! 👋😀

Connor 2026.01.07

     

Thank you so much to Drive Automatic, especially Anthony, absolutely amazing instructor so helpful even if you make a mistake on anything just shows you the correct way and is always calm about it, so many laughs always having banter was the best part about it never ever have a bad drive when you’re with him. who am I meant to ask now if I’m supposed to indicate or not?🙏 good luck with everything and once again thank you so much. 💙

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Reply from Drive Automatic 2026.01.17

Connor absolute pleasure!! It’s been good fun hasn’t it. You worked really well at your Automatic Driving Lessons and deserve the pass after your hard work. Least you can now drive yourself to work. Happy driving mate.

Stevenson St Juste 2026.01.05

     

Anthony has been amazing with our son Malachi who has Autism, Anxiety and is Type 1 Diabetic. To say he was nervous about learning to drive would be an understatement! But from day 1 he made him feel so comfortable and confident in his abilities, so much so, he passed first time with zero faults! We would reccomend Anthony and Drive Automatic to anyone who has concerns about learning to drive.

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Reply from Drive Automatic 2026.01.05

It’s been an absolute pleasure lovely young man and an amazing driver now too! Thank you for your kind words.

Chas Hobson 2025.12.22

     

brilliant driving school! couldn’t have done it without anthony! 😊

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Reply from Drive Automatic 2026.01.04

Amazing dedication now just enjoy the Mini (even Sports mode!)

Katie-Louise 2025.12.07

     

Absolutely amazing company - I passed first time with only 2 minors!!! - my driving instructor Anthony was amazing at putting my fears of driving completely at ease!! Each lesson was a great laugh as well as a learning experience and I cannot thank Anthony enough for the support and time he put into teaching me how to drive!! I would 100% recommend Drive Automatic to anyone wanting to learn to drive - you won’t regret it!!

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Reply from Drive Automatic 2025.12.07

Thank you Katie this means so much to us. We will see you on the roads!!

Hannah Anderson 2025.11.06

     

I can’t thank anthony enough for making learning to drive an easy and fun experience. He made me feel super at ease and confident the whole way through. I would recommend to anyone. Thank you !!!

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Reply from Drive Automatic 2025.11.06

It’s been a pleasure!!

Sosyfo 2025.10.20

     

Anthony is an amazing instructor, very kind and knows how to explain things really well. Passed my test thanks to all his support and encouragement, 100% recommend!!

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Reply from Drive Automatic 2025.10.20

Such kind words we really appreciate it and we wish you many many years of happy driving.

Abigail Blankson 2025.09.26

     

Words alone can not express my sincere gratitude to you Anthony. You took me in even though I had a short notice deadline to meet. I couldn't have passed without your encouragement, patience, and reassurance. I was privileged to drive with Carl as well, thank you very much. Drive Automatic is the best, you have a great and an excellent team and I will recommend you to everyone I know. Thank You :)

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Reply from Drive Automatic 2025.09.26

Amazing team work! We wish you many happy miles

Shannon Clarke 2025.09.17

     

Just passed today with Carl!! Couldn't have done it without him, he has the patience of a saint. Carl was not only patient teaching me but acknowledged my feelings when I was going through something personal. Loved our chats & he was always on time. Thank you Carl, will honestly miss you :)

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Reply from Drive Automatic 2025.09.17

Thank you for the amazing review. Carl is an absolute legend! We wish you may happy miles of driving.

Freya Cosgrove 2025.09.09

     

I was very nervous when I started but after a few lessons I became more confident. He was very patient and supportive, always willing to go over things I wasn’t confident with. I Couldn’t have imagined passing first time. Big Thanks to my instructor (Anthony)

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Tiegan Paige 2025.09.05

     

I’ve been learning with DriveAutomatic for about a year and finally passed today. Couldn’t thank my instructor Carl enough for putting up with me and helping me through my test with only 2 minors🥳 THANK YOU

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Reply from Drive Automatic 2025.09.05

Thank you Tiegan! Enjoy safe driving.

Liam Pringle 2025.07.10

     

Carl has been class over my time getting lessons, made everything feel calm and relaxed and helped me get a pass with only two minors. Made sure I felt ready and well equipped to deal with not only the test but also what comes after. Absolutely class

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steph harris 2025.04.17

     

If I was able to give a million stars, I absolutely would in a heartbeat! 🌟 Anthony was amazing throughout. Down to earth, and able to put everything across in a simple manner for my brain to absorb more easily. I have ADHD & Autism, and so i have a processing delay and do silly mistakes literally fluently 😆 but nothing was ever a bother. Anthony was so laid back but amazingly informative in a gentle, simplified manner. Learning to drive with Anthony has been so fun & relaxed! I couldn't praise DriveAutomatic enough, honestly. It's truly a dream come true to pass my test.. because i thought i wasn't clever enough, and my brain doesn't work the same as everyone elses, i had so much doubt, but Anthony had more faith than I did, and today I passed!!!! Woohooooo! 🥰 Thank you so much for all of your help, support & guidance throughout! 🌟

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