Pupil Reviews 2012

Below are some of our many testimonials from pupils who took driving lessons and passed their driving tests in 2012. The testimonials below are the pupils own words and we would like to thank them for their kind support.

Shanie Hughes - Newbury
Manual

"Wow. I can't believe I have passed my driving test. Thank you so much for all your help. When I first started I was so nervous, but with your patient help and support I soon found myself able to drive. I now have the freedom I have longed for. Thanks again."
Joseph Tolman-Lopez - Kingsclere
Manual

"Peter managed to find the perfect balance between teaching and being a human that you could actually talk to. Being ‘locked’ in a car with someone, it is important that you get on well with them and Peter finds the balance of being easy to get along well with and teaching you how to drive. I like to think that I gained a license and gained a friend at the same time. I recommend Peter as an incredibly patient, practical and honest driving instructor as well as being a great laugh at the same time."
Joseph Vaughan - Thatcham
Manual

"What can i say Peter is a brilliant teacher not only can he teach you how to drive confindently and safely , he also is able to have a good laugh with and a good chat. i managed to pass first time round with 1 minor this alone shows you he is brilliant and a committed driving instructor you will learn from the best. Peter is easy to get along with and he’ll be very patient and he’ll teach you how to drive in the most simplest way and ways to do manoeuvres correctly. I would highly recommend him to you."
Jasmin Williams - Newbury
Manual

"Peter is a fantastic driving instructor. He’s relaxed, patient and easy to get on with. His cheerful, jokey, personality makes learning to drive a fun experience and makes you feel like you’re driving with a friend. I would recommend Peter to anyone wishing to learn to drive and particularly to those who are a little apprehensive about driving, as Peter makes you feel calm and relaxed and takes it at your own pace."
Keith Phipps - Thatcham
Manual

"Before I started learning to drive I thought it imperative to find the best instructor in the area, I was recommended to Peter and I’m pleased to say I found exactly that! Peters combination of expert techniques, teaching, advice and fun presence made the 4 months I was with him an absolute pleasure. He has been very supportive throughout and has been more then happy to help with any problem that occurred, including giving handouts to study on which I thought a brilliant way to study and improve. I work as a Chef and have a busy working lifestyle and Peter arranged that into his schedule so I never missed a lesson. There was never a dull moment whilst learning, and when he wasn’t teaching me how to not only drive, but drive safely, we would chat about the latest football news and gossip. With his help I passed First time and know I can go out with confidence knowing I’ve been taught to the highest and safest level. I would highly recommend Peter to anyone looking for a friendly and to be honest, all round fantastic driving instructor."
Robyn Bailey - Thatcham
Manual

"When I first started to learn to drive it wasn’t with Peter. My first driving instructor was a trainee. I managed to get into a lot of bad habits, and I was finding it very difficult. I then found Peter who is very understanding in a lot of ways, and helped me get out of those habits. Peter has helped me become a very confident driver."
Ellen Burnett - Newbury
Manual

"Although I found driving to be difficult and a bit scary at first, Peter really helped to build up my confidence and made everything easy to understand. His learning materials were also really helpful and he was very flexible with lesson times. Thanks to his unending patience and all the support, I have now passed first time and would highly recommend him."
Tom Meredith - Coldash
Manual

"I started driving with a different instructor to Peter who often failed to turn up. I later picked it up again with Peter and i could immediately see the difference. He’s very organised and the materials he gives you are very useful to read up on in your spare time. I fully recommend Peter to any new learners who want to pass first time!"
Doris Ndegwa - Hermitage
Manual

"I don’t know what you are waiting for! Pick up the phone, call Peter and run for your driving lessons. Iam absolutely delighted to have passed my manual driving test with Peter. I call it Manual because after several attempts of passing the manual practical test, several here means 7 times- I gave up and booked an automatic driving test. After just months of driving automatic car, I met Peter who has been so professional, patient and friendly in his approach to teaching the lessons that I can say now that all that I needed was to meet him at the right time. All in all, I have done the test for the 9th time ( and just one time with Peter) and can now confidently drive manual car which was only a dream.
Thank you very much Peter, I will forever remember you- your flexibility with my busy schedules made it possible. You were brilliant!!"
Jamie Futcher - Newbury
Manual

"Pete is the best driving instructor around Newbury. Even after ruining his 100% first time pass record for Park House students he still had patience and finally after passing second time I would happily recommend him to everybody."
Katya Storchak - Newbury
Manual

"Peter is a wonderful driving instructor. When I first started driving, I didn’t think I would be able to pass as quickly as I did. The amount of patience that he has is unbelievable, even when you would think that anyone else would have started shouting at you! I looked forward to Peter’s lessons as we always had a laugh and came away feeling like I had improved after each one. I would thoroughly recommend him to anyone. Thank you very much Peter for your patience and time."
John Morgan - Chieveley
Manual

"First may I say thank you for your time and patience. Just before I started my first lesson I was worried about driving but after meeting Peter and had my first lesson I felt so relaxed. He makes everything so clear and easy to understand. Peter’s down to earth easy to get along with you always have a laugh and come away knowing you’ve learnt and improved. I would and will always recommend him to anyone."
Eirwen Collier - Newbury
Manual

"Peter is a very patient and well mannered teacher. He is by far one of the best teachers I have ever had, making the lessons interesting and fun at the same time as being safe. I learnt a lot from having Peter as my instructor and intend on carrying on with him for pass plus. Thanks very much Peter for making sure I passed first time I would recommend him to anyone, he is the best there is."
Madeleine Grant-Jones - Kingsclere
Manual

"Hi, I just wanted to say a big Thank You to Peter for helping me pass my manual driving test first time – some 10 years after passing an automatic driving test!

Peter was endlessly patient, explaining changes to the test, to current thinking on driving safety, and the differences in different cars. He was able to help me distinguish between the ‘helpful’ and not-so-helpful advice from others. I particularly appreciated feeling able to challenge Peter on some points, which he could then explain in a different way…

He even coped with my toddler in the back of the car – the way parents everywhere have to drive, but I imagine driving instructors are less used to!

I would highly recommend Peter, especially if you’re a little nervous, need a refresher, or are just starting out. I wish I’d had a driving instructor like him 10 years ago!"
Candice Stockwell - Hungerford
Manual

"Learning to drive with you was one of the best decisions I could have made. You can see how passionate you are about your job and it was never about just getting me to pass, you want all your pupils to be good and safe drivers. Not only did you prepare me for my test, you prepared me for everything that comes after when there would no longer be someone in the car telling me what to do. Although you always made sure no lessons were wasted, I looked forward to every one as they were always good fun. I cannot thank you enough and I would reccomend you to anyone learning to drive."
Matt Sanders - Thatcham
Manual

"I passed my driving test on the second go, with only two minors. The instruction I received from Peter was second to none, and I intend to carry on with pass plus with him next year. Lessons were always fun and never stressful or pressured and I look forward to more lessons with him soon."
Martin Hitchcott - Newbury
Manual

"I found that all the revision that peter gives you in a folder really helps. also when i took my test this time last year peter sat in the car with me which also did help my confidence. I passed first time with only 3 minors. peter is the man to go with."
Peter Couling - Newbury
Manual

"Hi. I just wanted to say thanks for everything. I'm really happy to have passed :)"
Sarah Hitchcox - Newbury
Manual

"I never thought learning to drive could be so enjoyable. Peter Skelton's tuition was second to none, relaxed but firm with full explanations. This was without a doubt, the sole reason why i managed to pass first time with just one minor. He was always patient, taught me thoroughly and was great company at the same time. He always finds new and interesting ways to make you remember things, which have stuck with me to this day. I can honestly say I enjoyed every minute of learning how to drive and would not hesitate to personally recommend Peter to anyone."
James Davis -Newbury
Manual

"Peter's ruthlessly methodical and efficient teaching techniques are what I attribute to his particularly high pass rate for new drivers in Newbury. His memorable driving mantra's ("prepare, observe, move") will become burned into a new drivers' memory and will go a long way toward helping a driver pass their test. I would happily recommend Peter to any new driver looking to take their test in Newbury."
Virginia Crane - Hungerford
Refresher Lessons

"Dear Peter. I am writing to thank you for your patience and guidance you showed over the past few weeks when you effectively enabled me to regain confidence in my driving and thus change my lifestyle. After 10 years of relying on public transport whilst living in London, it came as quite a shock to realise that the free bus pass provided in West Berkshire, was virtually worthless as there are very few bus routes and even fewer buses to use. First Great Western does, of course, provide that valued direct service to Reading and London but for all other journeys, a car is essential. Although a qualified driver in the official sense, I felt that I required a “refresher” course to bring me ‘up to speed’ so to speak. From the very first driving session with you, I began to appreciate how things had changed since I was last behind the wheel but soon rebuilt that understanding necessary to drive with awareness and authority. Your encouragement and professionalism were key factors in this development and I would truly commend your tuition to beginners and not-so-beginners like myself, for a friendly and effective learning process."
Tom Bull - Newbury
Manual

"I passed first time with 4 minors, and would describe Peter as a patient and conscientious instructor, who has a great sense of humour and always has the pupils best interests first."
Ed Johnson - Yattenden
Manual

"I turned 17 on the 26th of May 07 and had my first lesson shortly after. I didn’t have much of an idea how to drive a car and thought it would take some time to get my licence. It turned out that I ended up passing my test with 2 minors on the 5th of July 07. Peter’s calmness, patience and excellent teaching skills were the driving force behind my passing so quickly. I have since recommended Peter to several of my close friends."
Daniel Milnes - Thatcham
Manual

"Peter is a brilliant instructor. I had 30 hours of lessons and passed my driving test 1st time with only 2 minors. He is a very pleasant person who can identify your strong points and weak points and push you in the right direction."
Alex Herriot - Thatcham
Manual

"Peter is a fantastic driving instructor. He pushes you enough so that you learn everything he teaches and so you will become a very good driver but not so much that it appears unfriendly or aggressive. He always makes sure that not only are his pupils good enough to pass when they want to take their test but that they are above standard;
that they will become safe and excellent drivers when unleashed onto the roads alone. He really cares about all his pupils and not only wants them to pass but want to make sure that they will be safe when allowed to drive on their own, and to this end I think he is a complete success. I would recommend him to anyone without a moments thought and have done so to friends of mine who all agree with me on how exceptional a teacher he is."
Leonardo Albanese - Thatcham
Manual

"Peter was a great instructor. He made it easy for me to relax when I was tense and nervous about driving! He gets you to pass when your ready and I passed first time with 2 minors. The two hour intense lesson technique really paid off! Peter was also the cheapest instructor around so he saved me a few bob. I'm now rolling around in my Ford KA all thanks to you Peter! The pass plus classes are also very informative and useful and I would recommend them after passing as there is still much to learn to ensure you're a safe driver! thanks Big Pete x"
Rob Lees - Newbury
Manual

"Peter is a great instructor, who takes you through all the things you need to know before test day. The additional material that he provided made such a difference as I could revise between lessons, making the time in the car with Peter all the more valuable. I really can't believe I passed first time, but it is all down to peter his excellent teaching style and knowledge. Thank you so much Peter and Newbury Driving School."
Lee Mildenhall - Burghclere
Manual

"I would just like to say Peter Skelton is a great driving instructor and a massive thank you to Newbury Driving School and Peter Skelton. I highly recommend him as an instructor as I passed first time after 12 weeks, thanks a lot for all the help and teaching :)"
Rob Connolly - Thatcham
Manual

"I would just like to say a massive thank you to Peter and Newbury driving school for all the help, support and patience that was given to me during my driving lessons. Peter is a great instructor and I would highly recommend him to anyone who is looking for a driving instructor. All the help and information I was given during my lessons was a great boost to my confidence that enabled me to pass first time.
Once again thanks Peter"
Harry Smith - Wickham
Manual

"Newbury Driving School, the perfect way to start your life of driving. You learn everything you need to before the big test. Peter is a good instructor with excellent knowledge of the test and the examiners mind. He may nag from time to time but that's a good thing i managed to pass first time much too my surprise so I would recommend Newbury Driving School to any first time driver. Thank you Peter for all the help."
Louisa Rayner - Driving Instructor NewburyLouisa Rayner - Newbury
Refresher Lessons

"Dear Peter,
I just wanted to drop you a line and say thank you again for the refresher lessons, now that I have seen the impact they have had. I now feel confident driving the children to school / friends houses / shopping etc, and even jumped in the car yesterday afternoon to take them up to Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre, without a second thought! I no longer have that nervous feeling before I get in the car, and am even negotiating the Robin Hood roundabout without worry!
Thank you for giving me my confidence back, and helping me see I wasn't such a bad driver after all."
Toby Ford - Thatcham
Manual

"I would highly recommend Peter Skelton and Newbury Driving School to anyone wanting to learn to drive. Peter is friendly and professional and makes it easy to pass. Everything is broken down into simple steps so it is easy to understand. You even get additional learning material to help you pass your test.
This was the 2nd driving school I tried and I felt a lot more confident learning with Peter. I liked the format of two hour lessons as you get more driving time. I found it helpful that he sat in the car during the test. Just like to say thanks for helping me get my licence."
Brett Dore - Newbury
Manual

"Learning to drive with Newbury driving school was a great decision for me and I would highly recommend them to others. Peter was a calm and reassuring instructor throughout. Learning was quick and easy and I passed my test first time. I am happy I chose Newbury driving school, it was great. I'm sure you will think so too."