Stay Safe Driving School prides itself on providing a relaxed, friendly approach to teaching whilst maintaining a professional attitude with positive results.
Don’t just take our word for it, read what our students have to say:
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Stephen Rice, Redhill says:
“I got recomended to Stay Safe driving school before learning to drive. My instructor was Amanda Blatch, she helped me through my experience of learning to drive and wanted to excel my talent of driving. I passed my test first time and would like to thank Amanda for being the best driving instructor. She was confident in my ability when I was doubtful and also a friendly indivdual that doesnt make learning to drive a boring experience.
I have passed my test and still have lessons with her to this present day, simply because I’m happy to build my experience up with Amanda and also complete my Drive IQ qualification which Amanda also recomended. It is a great course from which I have taken alot of tips from to become an even safer driver.
I am honoured to have had Amanda as my instructor as she was a star and guided me to become a safe and successful driver, without a doubt I would recomend Stay Safe driving school”. -
George Gardiner, Tadworth says:
“My learning experience was fun and interesting and Amanda, my Instructor was friendly, polite and helpful.
She was there whenever I needed her including on my test and answered any and all questions I had.
I would recommend this Driving School to anyone wishing to learn to drive!” -
Ekaterina Abramenko, Crawley says:
I’d like to say a big thank you to my lovely instructor Sam. I think what makes her a good instructor is that she combines all the important qualities. She is strict when she needs to be and will point out your mistakes, but at the same time she is patient and will always praise you for your achievements. When she does praise you, you know you truly deserve it. Most importantly, she didn’t just teach me how to drive, she taught me how to be a safe driver. Thank you for believing in me.
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Dan Bullock, Storrington says:
A massive thanks to Darren Gorman, who is an excellent driving instructor. He was really friendly which was very reassuring. Not only did he tell me what I needed to do, but he always explained why which helped my understanding of the roads and the car which I believe helped me to pass my test. As he promised, I was not just taught to pass my test but I was taught how to drive which has helped me be more confident on the roads since I passed my test. I would recommend him to anybody who want to learn how to drive.
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Katy Lavender, Crawley says:
I started driving lessons with Mary after moving to Crawley; having had sporadic lessons with an instructor some time previously. I couldn’t have been happier with my choice of instructor! Mary quickly identified the bad habits that I had already picked up and rectified them, expaining to me the reasons why they were disadvantageous.
I was nervous in a new car but Mary instilled confidence in me by providing me with situations that were challenging but did not exceed my capabilities as a driver. Her calming manner was very reassuring and I always had great fun on my lessons as Mary’s fantastic sense of humour got me through the odd stressful driving scenario.
Stay Safe encourages safe, green and economical driving. I’ve been taught to be more than a reactive driver, I’ve been taught to be aware of all the relevant information around me and how to interpret and act upon it safely. More importantly; how to prevent dangerous situations. The wealth of driving knowledge Mary has given me will be invaluable to me as a driver.
Thanks to Mary Gearing I passed my test first time even though I was incredibly nervous! Cheers Mary, I really couldn’t have done it without you! You have made me a confident driver and after taking your advice and completing the Pass Plus course with you (great day out to anyone considering doing it and also invaluable as it covers motorway driving and meandering country roads!) I feel ready to go it alone. I consider you a great friend and an even better driving instructor!
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Jordan Slark, Crawley says:
A massive thanks to Darren Paine who helped me believe in myself as a driver. I am so glad I passed my test. I would quite happily recommend anyone who is just starting to learn to drive to go with Stay Safe. They are a very good driving school and taught me a lot that I will remember when I am out driving on my own. A big thanks to Darren.
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Donja Creswick, Billingshurst says:
I haven’t passed my driving test yet, but am hoping to very very soon. My Instructor is the lovely Barbara, she is very understanding, reasuring and completely on my wave length! She listens to my approach and answers questions in a way that it’s easy to understand.
I never feel intimidated which I have felt before with previous instructors and if I do something wrong I don’t wait for a scolding because I know I will never receive one!! Barbara has already helped me achieve so much and helped me conquer fears of certain aspects of driving on the road.
If any one asked me to reccommend them a driving instructor I would say Barbara at Stay Safe Driving School, because let’s face it, why settle for second best when you can have the best!! -
Martin Reeves, Horsham says:
When I first started driving with Stay Safe my confidence behind the wheel was very low. My instructor Darren Gorman had a very friendly approach to instructing, and his standards were always exceptional. Over time my confidence grew and I became confident in my driving. The great thing about it was that I didn’t only learn the skills just to pass my test, but also plenty of other skills that are useful in real world driving. The quality I received from Stay Safe was excellent, and I would certainly recommend them to others.
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Emily Wilders, Horsham says:
I just want to say a massive thank you to my driving instructor Bev!
I was incredibly nervous when I first started lessons, but the fact that Bev was so relaxed and helpful put me at ease instantly. I thoroughly enjoyed my lessons and she helped me to build my confidence and progress through all the lessons.
The thing that I love about Stay Safe is that they go at your personal speed, so if you’re not comfortable with a certain manoeuvre then you don’t have to go on to the next one until you’ve mastered the previous one.
If you choose Stay Safe I guarantee you that you will receive lots of reassurance and an instructor that is very kind but at the same time knows what they’re talking about! If I had any problems or I wasn’t sure on something then I could just ask Bev and she would clarify it for me.
Thank you very much for helping me to pass first time! -
Tori Maddocks, Crawley says:
I had been putting off driving for years as it was something I had always been frightened to attempt. At the age of 27 I thought it’s now or never! I spent a long time researching driving schools and finally decided on Stay Safe. Their 1st time pass rate is exceptional and their prices and beginner deals were great.
I contacted them and explained that I was a total beginner and was very nervous. Mary Gearing was recommended to me and I booked up my first lessons.
On the day of my first lesson I was absolutely petrified, but Mary was great and immediately put me at ease. She is very encouraging, calming and has a great sense of humour which made the lessons fun and enjoyable. We took the lessons at my own pace and gradually Mary helped build my confidence.
I passed my test in November and can honestly say it is a great achievement for me, I feel I have not only gained independence but I have conquered a fear. I owe it all to Mary and her patience of a saint and nerves of steel! I haven’t just gained a license, I have gained a friend. Thank you so much Mary!
Also, thank you to Steve for all your advice and tips, they really helped me. I can not recommend Stay Safe highly enough! -
Steve Jones, Southwater says:
I started having lessons with Barbara in May. She is very calm and explains everything clearly and in detail. I never felt rushed and she always gave me confidence. I made great progress and passed first time with only a few faults. Thanks Barbara for everything.
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Aldwin Moneva, Billingshurst says:
Well done Mary! 3 of us passed the exam this week.. That’s proof that you’re one of the best instructors. Since I started my driving lessons with Stay Safe, I feel more confident and safe on the road. All my bad habits in driving were gone and I owe it to my lovely, and brilliant instructor Mary Gearing. 100% Highly Recommended driving school and driving instructor.!!!
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Monika Zuraw, Maidenbower says:
When I started to learn to drive with Stay Safe, I did not have a good experience with previous driving instructors but Mary changed my view 100%.
I would recomend Mary to anyone who wants to learn with a professional, friendly and encouraging person. Mary always made me feel comfortable and confident about driving. I could not wait for another lesson. Stay Safe is lucky to have Mary as a driving instructor – Thank You Mary. -
Zoe Fulton, Maidenbower says:
I began driving as a teenager and passed my test 20 years ago. When I recently became a mum, I bitterly regretted not having driven since passing my driving test; as is often the case with people living in Central London.
My Stay Safe driving instructor, Steve Lintott, has been fantastic. He was very polite, friendly, patient, gentlemanly, highly knowledgeable and an incredibly skilled driver. He built up my confidence, gave lots of encouragement, and I felt totally safe with him. He had lots of great driving tips that I have passed on to others including my husband.
Having had some refresher lessons, I now feel confident enough to drive on my own. I can honestly say that driving with Stay Safe is one of the best things I have done. I have now been able to regain my independence and freedom and can both take my children on outings as well as drive to the shops without having to rely on public transport, and lifts from friends and my husband.
I have found Stay Safe to be an excellent driving school and would recommend them to anybody.
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Mitch Walker, Crawley Down says:
My tuition from Mary was very good. I was not the quickest person to pick up the technique of driving but she had lots of patience with me and made me feel confident. We always had a good laugh with the driving but at the same time was professional. Thank you Mary.
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Natalie Howard, Slinfold says:
I started driving lessons on my 17th birthday with Barbara and thoroughly enjoyed them. Barbara was very relaxed, friendly and patient in her lessons. I never felt scared or nervous because she was calm and it put me at ease. She has given me confidence and I felt that I made process in every lesson. Barbara’s brilliant teaching helped me to pass 1st time – Thank you! I have also done the Pass Plus course with Barbara. I feel that this has helped to give me the confidence to drive on motorways without being nervous. I really enjoyed my lessons and I will defiantly recommend Barbara and Stay Safe to anyone! Thank you Barbara!
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Chiara Scalco says:
My driving instructor, Darren Gorman taught me and he helped me to understand everything about driving but most of all he helped with my confidence. The level of teaching was very high and I now have the confidence and knowledge to drive.
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Beki Hayley, Crawley says:
I started lessons with Mary after having a very hard year trying to learn with a national driving school. My dad bought me a car for Christmans and he was shocked at how awful I was driving after a year of lessons!! Once I started with Mary, I got my confidence back and actually started to enjoy driving. Mary made me feel like an individual not just another student to get through their test. Mary helped me quickly underline the troubles I had and I soon over came them. I really do wish I started with Stay Safe as I would’ve passed in a quarter of the time.
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Somya Sharma, Crawley says:
Mary is the best tutor ever! Both Anoop and I appreciate Mary’s help as she does not mind going the extra mile to help you. Mary is a cheerful person and that really makes one relax and makes driving easier and its no longer a task.
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Alec Kitchener, Southwater says:
I couldn’t imagine a better atomsphere for learning to drive than behind the wheel of a Stay Safe car with Darren as my instructor. I have always been the kind of person who works best in a friendly relaxed environment and I cant think of finding any other instructor better at this than Darren, he didn’t just teach me to pass. He taught me to drive to the highest standards, while also teaching me a number of smaller sub skills that allow me to be a more curtious and confident driver on the road. I feel like the quality of training that I have recived from Stay Safe, and Darren a like, should entitle me to a reduction in my insurance premium, alas it cannot but I’m more than certain that I will be securing my 1st years no-claims bonus thanks to Stay Safe.
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Hayley Moore, Coolham says:
When I first started driving with Darren I was a complete novice; I didn’t feel like I was rushed through anything and he let me go at my own pace. He always taught to the highest standards and over time my confidence started growing. I was made to feel at ease in the car and I never felt uncomfortable; even enough for him to make the odd joke and keep a lightened atmosphere. He was my only driving instructor; passing first time was a testiment to Darren’s method of teaching – I would recommend him to anyone.
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Greg McClarnon, Southwater says:
WOW….. I started having driving lessons with Stay Safe Driving school on my 17th birthday. I was nervous when I approached Darren’s car for my first lesson but Darren soon made me feel relaxed. My lessons were always exciting and I felt like every lesson I made significant progress, Darren was fantastic! He taught me in a relaxed, informed way at a very good pace whilst still teaching to the highest level. This high quality teaching level is reflected in their very impressive first time pass rate and I’m pleased to say that; with thanks to Stay Safe Driving School and my instructor, Darren Gorman I am part of this first time pass percentage. Thanks very much!
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Trish Emmans, Crawley says:
Even though I’ve been driving for 11 years, I didn’t have the confidence to drive on motorways and really wanted to change that. Having spent a day doing a pass plus style course, I now feel I’ve got the confidence and more importantly have the skills to drive on motorways. It was also useful to have a refresher to improve my day to day driving skills too. At the start of the day I was really nervous but Steve put me at ease and by the end of the day I was relaxed and really enjoyed the whole experience ..thanks Steve.
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Natalie Howard, Slinfold says:
I have been having lessons with Barbara since November and I am thoroughly enjoying them. Barbara is very relaxed, friendly and patient in her lessons. I never feel scared or nervous because she is so calm it puts me at ease. She has given me confidence and I feel that I am making process in every lesson.
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Katie Waples, Slinfold says:
I have been having driving lessons with Barbara since October. She explains everything clearly and I have never felt under pressure or scared, she gives me confidence. I really enjoy my lessons and feel I progress every-time.
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Emily Smith, Horsham says:
Hi Darren. Thank you very much for all your help, I couldn’t have passed without such a good instructor. You taught me a lot and I learnt a lot about safe driving. I would be very happy to recommend you to others. Thanks again!
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Jenya Khomyaky, Crawley says:
I would highly recommend Mary to everyone who wants become a safe driver. She is a great instructor – very patient, encouraging, easy going and with a very good sense of humour. The driving training I received from Mary was highly professional and enjoyable. On my first lesson I immediately felt at ease and as the months went by my confidence on the roads grew more and more. Each lesson I would feel that I was developing my driving skills because Mary was always quick to make me aware when I had done good.
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Theresa Clifton, Horsham says:
When I started to learn to drive with Darren, I was a slow learner but Darren never lost patience with me. When my confidence was low, he would support me. I listened to his advice and when he thought I was ready to take the test he helped me to revise for the questions. He always had time to listen to my concerns about driving. I would recommend him to anyone who wants to learn to drive safely. I passed my test first time, all the hard work paid off. Without Darren’s help I don’t think I would be writing this today.
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Gary Shayne-Kearns, Dorking says:
I just had to drop you a line about Emma who has recently spent the last three months or so teaching me to drive. I decided to learn to drive somewhat late in life having had some lessons previously. I was somewhat hesitant in taking up the challenge again. However I took the bull by the horns and booked some lessons through your website at the end of July this year.
I was contacted by Emma very promptly after my enquiry, right from the start she was great. She was enthusiastic about the company, explained the philosophy that all Stay Safe instructors teach and really made me feel that she knew what she was talking about.
We confirmed dates and times for my lessons and on first meeting Emma face to face it was a positive experience from the start.
Throughout the whole time Emma has been teaching me she has supported me in every step right up to the day of my test last week, I was a nervous wreck. Emma was a rock, she kept me calm and talked me through it and much to my surprise I passed my test.
So I just wanted to say a big thank you to Emma. -
Saqib Rana, Crawley says:
Mary – thank you so much for everything. You’re the best driving instructor I ever had (Lol). We will catch up soon because I want to do Pass Plus. Once again thank you for everything.
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Gary Smart, Horsham says:
To say I got into driving late would be a slight understatement. It was something I always put off until next year and never did. This year’s events in my life, redundancy and a pregnant girlfriend, forced my hand and I booked lessons with STAY SAFE. The day of learning finally arrived, Darren put me at ease straight away and the lessons really were good and thoroughly enjoyable.
Darren says that he doesn’t just teach you to pass your test but to drive for life. Something that at first I didn’t quite understand but as the lessons progressed I found to be the best possible way of teaching.
I passed my test 1st time and it is with great pleasure that I would recommend Darren to anyone learning to drive be it young or like myself a little bit older. I found Darren to be patient, a good teacher and very conscientious. If Darren and Stay Safe were an Ebay transaction I would rate them A+++++. -
Claire Tallamy, Horsham says:
Thank you Darren. When I started driving lessons I was nervous and lacked confidence. I certainly never thought I would pass my driving test first time. Darren put me at ease, was extremely patient and gave me the reassurance and confidence I needed. He taught me how to be a safe driver, not just what I needed to know for the driving test. I will be taking my Pass Plus with Darren and will be recommending him to my friends.
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Kirsty Holmes, Horsham says:
I want to say a huge thank you to my instructor Emma for helping me pass my test. Having previously driven with instructors unsuccessfully in the past my confidence with driving was pretty low and I was so nervous when I got behind the wheel. However even after my first lesson Emma gave me the self belief to realise that driving was something that I could do. Her patience, technique and great sense of humour made me feel so relaxed behind the wheel that I picked up the skills I needed to pass quite quickly. I always looked forward to my lessons as Emma always made sure we had a great laugh along with the teaching and it was such a great feeling when I passed it really made it feel like all the hard work was worth it. So thank you again Emma for helping me to become a safe driver, the only problem is you may now see me steal your space in Tesco car park!
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Carman Pasamontes, Crawley says:
Just a quick line to thank Mary for giving me the confidence and the skills for passing my driving test first time. Mary has always been friendly, approachable, encouraging and made me feel relaxed. I would highly recommend Mary to anyone. It has been a great experience and I hope we keep in touch.
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Ren Palacios, Horsham says:
I first started my lessons with Darren early 2009, coming from America I was used to very different roads and driving styles. Darren was a great driving instructor who helped me become a confident, capable driver here in the UK. He was patient and always made sure I knew both my strengths and areas that I needed to work on with my driving. Most importantly, Darren kept me focused and I never felt overwhelmed with everything I needed to learn. He was very good at tailoring his teaching methods to suit me and how I learned best. I would definitely recommend Darren to anyone as he was a great teacher and thanks to him I managed to pass my test first time round.
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Richie Barnes, Crawley says:
I would like to give huge thanks to my instructor Mary for her patience and understanding. My learning was tailored exactly to what I needed and vastly improved the existing driving skills I had to get me to the point where I could confidently take my practical test. I passed first time and must put that down to Mary’s thorough and rigorous instruction and it goes without saying I enjoyed the time spent learning. I would recommend (and already have) Stay Safe to anyone, regardless of their previous experience.
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Scott Haliday, Storrington says:
Just to say thanks to Darren for helping me pass 1st time. He’s the best driving instructor, ever. He explains everything so easy. Will recommend to friends
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Jo Slack, Crawley says:
Hello Mary. I will always be grateful for the lessons I had with you. Although I had driven for many years, I seem to have got out of the habit of driving and having a new car seemed to take away all my confidence. Fortunately you helped me overcome all my worries. Thanks once again. Love Jo. (Aged 77)
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Liam Cranfield, Horsham says:
I have found learning to drive with Darren enjoyable. He always makes me feel at ease and encourages my confidence. I am pleased now to say that I have passed my driving test and I feel that Darren’s instructing has been extremely good. I have decided to use Darren and “Stay Safe” to continue to achieve my Pass Plus, as I have found him trustworthy and very helpful. I would recommend Darren to any of my friends looking to take driving lessons.
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David Mckenzie, (Crawley) says:
My instructor Darren was quite simply magnificent. He taught me how to be a driver, not just how to pass a driving test. I was a complete novice when I started with him and he knew exactly how much I needed to learn and how much I could grasp in a specific lesson. Not only was he calm and patient with me as a nervous pupil but he also instilled me with a lot of confidence. Darren, I owe you so much and I’m eternally grateful.
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Steve Light, (Southwater) says:
I had attempted to learn to drive with a couple of other driving schools and felt as if I would never be able to drive and was on the verge of giving up. I decided to have one last attempt and started lessons with Darren at Stay Safe and had a completely different experience. Due to his combined patience, understanding and expertise I have now passed my test and the unteachable has been taught.
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Linda Whiting, (Southwater) says:
Just a short message to Darren to say thanks from us for getting Tom through his test successfully 1st time! He was delighted as we were of course. Will see you again in 4 years when the next one wants to start learning to drive.
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Shaji Matthews, (Crawley) says:
I got to know about Stay Safe through the internet and met Mary as my instructor. Mary is a person with commendable patience and is an excellent tutor. She helped me to gain the confidence to drive on UK roads and pass my test. It’s stress free, ‘fun and learn’ classes with Mary and she makes sure that the student is safe on road before he/she attempts the test and so a high pass rate. I would definitely recommend Stay Safe and Mary to anyone who is looking for an excellent driving instructor.
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Leonilo Roc, (Crawley) says:
I would like to say a BIG thank you to Stay Safe Driving School and most especially to Mary for getting me through my test 1st time. She was always happy, friendly, easy to be with and most importantly never shouted at me when I got things wrong. I really enjoyed my lessons with her, she made me feel relaxed, answered all my questions and was very patient. I would recommend her to everyone who is determined to pass the test from first time.
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Julius Bollozos, (Crawley) says:
Mary, I am so lucky I have you as my driving instructor, you’re so patient and give instructions very clearly especially that English is my second language. Your encouragements, support and the tips that you shared meant passed my driving exam. Most of all, you helped me have the confidence where driving is concerned. Now I already have peace of mind that whenever I drive my family I do so safely, my wife is so thankful too.
Once again, THANK YOU so much for everything. We hope that you`ll continue to share your great knowledge of driving so that reckless driving would be minimized if not completely stopped. A million thanks again for all your patience and the knowledge you shared and taught me. -
Gemma Lim, (Southwater) says:
Mary is a fun driving instructor, she has given me the confidence to pass my driving test. She makes sure that you have mastered the basics of driving and gives you the knowledge of safe driving for life. Mary is very easy going and makes you feel at ease. If you make a mistake, she goes through what you have done with you, so that you understand and (hopefully) won’t do it again. I have enjoyed our lessons and will do Pass Plus with her in the near future. I would like to thank her for all the hard work she has put in for me. And I would recommend her to anyone who is thinking about learning to drive.
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Carol Naughton, (Haywards Heath) says:
Having learnt to drive many years ago, I didn’t need or live by a motorway. So in the past when I have needed to use these roads I have found them daunting. Lessons with Steve on the proper use of motorways has given me a lot more confidence and I found him very patient and professional, and I have enjoyed learning all over again…so if there are ladies like me out there, Steve’s your man, Just tell him Carol sent you !!!
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Christina Stevens, (Crawley) says:
I was previously with another driving instructor and found that I wasn’t getting anywhere in my lessons. The instructor just kept taking my money without teaching me anything.
A family friend told me about Steve from Stay Safe Driving School, so I rang up to see if he could give me lessons. On my first lesson, I felt nervous to begin with, but Steve soon settled my nerves with his friendly manner.
Changing instructors was the best thing I did because he has made my driving ability brilliant. I really look forward to my lessons with Steve, he makes sure we have a good laugh and encourages me to make progress without feeling pressured in anyway, he has definately given me the confidence I need. -
Charlotte Thomassen-Kinsey, (Horsham) says:
Steve makes driving fun! There is no monotone or total dullness like with some instructors that my friends have learnt with. You learn everything you need to know at your own pace and making mistakes is never a problem – merely a learning curve.
Steve’s a funny guy and this definitely reflects in his teaching (and his weird drawings…they’re supposed to be pedestrians…) but the lessons are much more enjoyable because of this and are never a drag. I passed my driving test on my 1st attempt and this is all thanks to Steve. -
Alex Llewellyn, (Southwater) says:
Steve makes the environment in which I’m driving very casual and relaxed whilst maintaining a professional and efficient lesson. When learning with Steve, I feel like I’m driving naturally and the environment that I’m learning in will be the same as once I’ve passed. He is funny, friendly and teaches according to the individuals needs which makes the experience personal and special.
I have already recommended Steve to many of my friends and would encourage anyone who wants a fun and productive instructor to join Stay Safe.
Steve teaches the individual skills for life as opposed to the just a skill to pass a practical test and therefore includes details which many other instructors don’t provide. I started learning with Steve on my 17th birthday and haven’t regretted it once – I wouldn’t want any other instructor. I am coming up to test soon and feel really confident thanks to Steve. -
Musta Vere, (Crawley) says:
I’m glad I didn’t let Steve down when I passed my driving test. His coaching, driving tips and encouragement kept me going. I wish Steve all the best with Stay Safe Driving School and will certainly be recommending him.
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Ben Mullis, (Southwater) says:
I have had about eight lessons with Steve so far and have made really good progress in my driving and my road confidence. I started with a very basic knowledge of driving from an agricultural background. Steve has excellent ways of teaching, breaking manoeuvres and driving practices down into a format, which is easy to understand and follow. He makes you push yourself to make progress in your driving and has a really good sense of humour. He is always on time; I have never known him to be late. He is teaching me above and beyond what I need to simply pass my test, he is teaching me the skills that I need to be a competent and safe driver for the rest of my life.
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Hannah McFarlane, (Horsham) says:
Steve is a very patient teacher and explains everything fully to the degree it needs to be explained. I feel totally comfortable in his lessons and feel the lessons are suited to me and I can learn at my own pace.
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Lucy Hills, (Crawley) says:
My instructor Steve always makes the lessons fun and relaxed, never making you feel silly if you mess up, or hit the kerb as I did once or twice! He encourages you every step of the way and always lets you know when he’s happy with your progress.
I thoroughly enjoyed my lessons and I’m sad they are now over after passing my test a few days ago. Thanks again for teaching me and helping me pass my test – I’m still over the moon !!! -
Andy Jones, (Southwater) says:
Steve’s a great instructor, a great teacher and a great guy. I enjoy all my lessons which take place in a professional, but enjoyable and relaxed environment. Thanks for making learning to drive such a stress free time.