1st Time School of Motoring  Reviews 113

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.7

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Review summary

Based on reviews, created with AI

Reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers consistently praise the staff for their exceptional teaching skills, patience, and ability to build confidence. Many highlight the clear explanations and structured lessons, which contribute to a positive and effective learning experience. People frequently mention passing their driving tests on the first attempt, attributing their success to the high-quality instruction and supportive environment provided. However, some customers were dissatisfied with specific instructors, citing issues such as unprofessionalism, lateness, and poor communication. These individuals reported instructors refusing to complete lesson bundles and providing unacceptable excuses for cancellations.

What people talk about most

Staff

Clients share positive opinions on staff, frequently highlighting their instructors' patience,... See more

User experience

Consumers find the user experience to be highly positive, praising instructors for their clear explanations,... See more

Instructions

Customers consistently note positive experiences with instructions. Reviewers frequently praise instructors... See more

Service

Customers had positive experiences with service. Many reviewers praised their instructors for helping them... See more

Customer service

People report positive experiences with customer service, highlighting the support, patience, and... See more

Based on these reviews

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

After a few unsuccessful attempts with previous instructors, I finally passed first time with Anup on Erith test route.He’s incredibly focused and knows exactly how to build your confidence behind the... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I passed my driving test first time thanks to Anup. He is an absolutely amazing instructor . Patient, calm, and incredibly detailed in his teaching. He explains everything clearly and makes sure you f... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

After failing my test 3 times with my previous instructor (who rarely spoke or gave feedback) I was recommended Tony by a friend. What a difference! From our first lesson, Tony made me feel comfor... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I’m so happy and great full to pass my driving test today with my instructor Tony. He’s absolutely amazing instructor and I highly recommend him to anyone who want to learn and get confidence with... See more


Company details

  1. Driving School

Written by the company

We are one of the best known driving schools in South-East London & North-West Kent. Established since 1989, with over twenty five years experience helping over 50,000 people learn how to drive and pass their test. We are not a national school with a call centre, we are a friendly LOCAL school. We cover most SE, DA & BR postcodes. We offer male and female instructors manual and automatic in most areas. We offer great block booking packages, Student & Nurse discounts, Full hour lessons, Solo tuition & door to door service.


Contact info

4.7

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

113 reviews

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Replied to 100% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 1 week

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Anup is the best!!!

My instructor was Anup who was amazing. Very patient, supportive, and easy to get along with. Felt more like a friend than a driving instructor. Highly recommend him!

23 April 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I had a great experience learning with…

I had a great experience learning with Anup. He was patient, calm, and always explained things clearly, which really helped build my confidence. He stayed supportive and professional throughout, turning mistakes into useful learning points. Thanks to his guidance, I passed my driving test and I’d definitely recommend him to anyone looking for a reliable instructor.

16 April 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

First time pass

My driving instructor Ahmad was very patient and ensured i knew everything in time for my test. He also made sure I was confident enough with all the experience i acquired which led me to pass 1st time with only 3 minors!!

11 April 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Professional driving instructor

I highly recommend my driving instructor ,she is incredibly patient, professional, and supportive throughout the entire learning process. Her clear explanations and calm approach helped me build confidence behind the wheel, even in challenging situations. She always provided constructive feedback and made sure I fully understood each aspect of safe driving.
Thanks to her excellent guidance and encouragement, I was able to pass my driving test successfully. I’m truly grateful for her dedication and would strongly recommend her to anyone looking for a reliable and skilled instructor.

7 April 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I had a great experience with Suleiman

I had a great experience with Suleiman, the driving instructor. His way of explaining and breaking down the information was extremely clear and helpful. In just six hours, he helped me fully understand the Sidcup area and succeed in it. I’m very grateful for his support, and I truly recommend Suleiman to anyone looking for a patient, skilled, and professional driving instructor.

7 April 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Abeer is an amazing instructor!!!

I have to thank Abeer first and foremost she is a brilliant instructor she is very calm and she will encourage every step of the way. When you lose faith in yourself she will always be there to support you when you need her! She will ensure you get it right if you don’t the first time. I am so thankful and grateful to have had her as my instructor and I happily PASSED my test with NO minors or faults thanks to her!

30 March 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I started my lessons with franco last…

I started my lessons with franco last year. From minute one of getting in the car franco made me feel welcome and comfortable. As im a older person at the age of 48 I was a bit apprehensive and nervous about learning to drive but franco was patient and gave clear instructions of what to do which helped me settle in to my new challenge fairly quickly. After taking test on first attempt I was unsuccessful. franco was quick to build my courage back up and got me to jump straight back in the car and go again. I recently passed my test and can’t thank franco enough. Would recommend to anyone looking to start driving lessons, sort out franco! Top man!

25 March 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Passed first time round.

I told them the date of my test and they were able to find and instructor for me. Anup was great and funny. He was able to help me pass first time round, great guidance and excellent teaching style.

13 March 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Don't trust this company

Booked the 4 for 100 as I am a beginner learner , my friend done the same the day before me , my friend got collected from his house taken to a quite road and got right behind the wheel for 2 hours lesson and has been booked in for the following week for another 2 hours , my appointed instructor I thought was going to be the same but once I messaged him , asking his availability for the 4-100 driving lesson in my area with my post cod and he said am I available for such and such day I confirmed and was mentally preparing my self , the day before the lesson he says he don't do the 4-100 as he gets students behind the wheel right away so it'll be £62 for 2 hours or £124 for the full 4 hours , not much difference to but left a bad taste in my mouth after the advertised 4-100 wasn't honoured

4 March 2026
Unprompted review
1st Time School of Motoring  logo

Reply from 1st Time School of Motoring

Hi Wezley,

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.

After speaking with our instructor, Jamal, he explained that the reason the beginners’ offer could not be honoured is because you mentioned that you have had previous practical driving experience. As explained during the phone call and also outlined on our website, the beginners’ 4 lessons for £100 offer is specifically intended for students who have never driven a car before.

These initial lessons are designed to cover very basic skills, such as understanding the vehicle controls and fundamental driving concepts. For someone who has already had experience behind the wheel, these lessons are often not suitable and may not provide good value.

We always aim to ensure that students are placed in the most appropriate lesson plan for their experience level so they can make the best use of their time and money.

We appreciate your understanding and thank you again for your feedback.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

DO NOT BOOK FAHAD as a driving…

DO NOT BOOK FAHAD as a driving instructor. He is late to appts, does not update you of lateness, took money, refused to give lessons, refused to return outstanding monies, poor communication until I threatened to report transaction as fradulant to the police, bank and 1st school of motoring. Very unprofessional. Does not confirm the length of driving lesson until after he has delivered the lessons and then charges amount. He stated he only gives 2 hr lessons but does not make this clear from the outset.

After reporting him to the driving school (who took my fraudulant claims seriously and supported me to get somr of my money back). He did eventaully return some of my money. But i am currently still waiting the remaining monies.

I have basically been chasing him for 4 days for my money. And his excuses are unprofessional and unacceptable (out of town, funeral, busy etc etc).

This review is based of my experience with fahad ONLY (one of their driving instructors). This review is not based on 1st school driving as a company.

I have evidence to support all of my claims.

Will npt be using FAHAD again. Neither should you.

3 March 2026
Unprompted review
1st Time School of Motoring  logo

Reply from 1st Time School of Motoring

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.

We are truly sorry to hear about the issues you encountered. Please be assured that we have taken your complaint extremely seriously. Following a full investigation into the matter, the instructor in question is no longer working with us. The behaviour described does not reflect the standards of professionalism, transparency, and communication that we expect from anyone representing our school.

We would also like to clarify that Fahad has confirmed the remaining balance of £4.05 will be refunded to you. We understand the frustration caused by having to chase this, and we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and stress this situation has created.

At 1st School of Motoring, we are committed to providing reliable and professional instruction, and we appreciate you acknowledging that your experience relates to this individual instructor rather than the company as a whole. Feedback like yours helps us ensure that appropriate action is taken and that standards are upheld.

If there is anything further you would like to discuss, please feel free to contact us directly.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I passed my driving test today

I passed my driving test today, and I owe so much of this success to my instructor, Anup. He is truly one of the best instructors.. When I started, I had no driving knowledge at all—I was a complete beginner. From the very first lesson, Anup was so patient, organized, and supportive. He always made time for lessons, communicated clearly about what we’d be doing, and gave me the confidence I needed to succeed. He was never pushy—just friendly, calm, and always encouraging. I can’t thank him enough for guiding me through this journey. I highly recommend Anup if you’re looking for a top-notch instructor—he’s the best in town. Thank you so much, Anup, for all your hard work!

23 February 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Driving instructor Asif

I would not recommend using Asif at all. His lateness to our lessons and lack of communication is very unprofessional. Even taking days before getting a response. His response to me informing him of his unprofessional conduct was that "I should be professional too and get my maths right, that he was 16 minutes late not 26 minutes late" This makes no difference, late is late. He has been very disrespectful, would not recommend.

16 February 2026
Unprompted review
1st Time School of Motoring  logo

Reply from 1st Time School of Motoring

Thank you for taking the time to write to us and for outlining your concerns. We sincerely apologise for the experience you have had with our instructor Asif.

We understand your frustration. Punctuality and respectful communication are fundamental expectations of our instructors. While road traffic can occasionally contribute to delays, this does not excuse repeated lateness or poor communication, and it does not justify a response that comes across as dismissive or disrespectful.

This is not the standard of professionalism or customer care we expect from anyone representing our company. We take matters like this very seriously & will be discussing with Asif directly.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Passed First Time - Thank you!

A big thank you to my driving instructor Franco and 1st Time School of Motoring.
I had my ups and downs, and learning to drive did not come easy to me. Franco supported me every step of the process, was incredibly patient, and helped to build my confidence. These lessons allowed me not just to pass my exam (on the first try!), but to become a good and safe driver- which was very important to me!
Also, I never felt stressed or pressured during our lessons. I genuinely enjoyed them - they were always productive, fun and friendly.
Thank you, Franco!

16 February 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Driving Made simple

My driving experience was made simple, thanks to my Instructor Franco. Not only did he prepare me to take my driving test, but he taught me how to truly drive which makes the thought driving without an instructor a lot less daunting.

Therefore my feedback to 1st time School of Motoring is hire more people like Franco, and to a student just do what he says!!

16 February 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Very professional

Very professional, respectful and instructs with care. My instructor Mr. Anup is such a nice guy. He is super supportive and very skillfull. Wish them all the best .

9 February 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Passed no minors or faults 🥳

Anup was my driving instructor he was honestly amazing made me feel very confident on the road and has very good knowledge highly recommend- Passed my driving test with no minors or faults

6 February 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Pass in 3 weeks time

It did work perfect for me.
1 call, 1 instructor (Dipesh was spot on adjusting my driving habits), 3 weeks and I managed to pass the exam.

8 December 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The no.1 Professional Driving Institution.

The School has a very professional approach to teaching and learning at a very good price per lesson. The instructor Ahmed was an excellent instructor for me as he helped me navigate through all my shortcomings and mistakes. Thank you Ahmed for pushing me to my limit within 2months of time and 22 lessons.

3 February 2026
Unprompted review

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