And… I PASSED!
Being new to Hereford and completely new to the world of driving I took to the web to find a suitable driving school and came across Go Driving. Not being local and being a late bloomer as far as driving was concerned (25!) I didn’t have anyone to recommend to me an instructor with a good reputation, all I had to go on was their website and the reviews I found on Google Maps. I choose Go Driving based on these and the straight forward, pleasant conversation I had over the phone at their office. I explained that I wanted to learn how to drive and not JUST pass my test, that I was not in a rush and wanted to become a confident and capable driver. I had no friends to impress (they passed years and years ago!) and unfortunately I didn’t have mum’s or dad’s car to practice in so it was all down to me and Andy, my Go Driving Instructor.
After my first lesson I was getting around a quiet estate, slowly but surely, changing into 2nd gear and getting to grips with the various controls of the car. After my 2nd lesson I drove home… via real streets… with other cars on them! I was pleasantly surprised by how much confidence I had gained over such a short period of time. The reassurance Andy gave me from the beginning and throughout my continued lessons was subtle but consistent which gave me the feeling as if I was in control of the car and the freedom to make my own choices and learn from them. More than anything I really enjoyed learning to drive with Go Driving; when looking back most of my friends felt learning to drive was a struggle, not the learning but the experience as a whole and couldn’t wait to get it over and done with.
When my position at work changed and I needed to pass sooner Andy was happy to bump up my lessons to two a week, fitting in with my work and other commitments. I found the relationship with Go Driving flexible and relaxed. I paid for my lessons on pay day monthly which worked for me financially and fitted in with the number of lessons we had agreed to complete …And didn’t those lessons fly by!
Due to test availability Andy booked me my test in Abergavenny, somewhere I had not driven around before. We booked in two 3hr lessons in Abergavenny and I felt confident enough to drive safely in any area, not just locally to where I had learnt, so I was not worried about taking my test somewhere more unknown. And… I PASSED!
Andy gave me a route to drive in my own car locally to build up my confidence and get used to my own vehicle. After passing in the morning I did the route in the afternoon and felt a great deal of accomplishment in being able to drive my own little car in such a controlled and safe way.
I have a great time learning to drive and found the whole experience enjoyable, uncomplicated, comprehensive and tailored to me, my skills and my pace of learning. I would recommend them to anyone who is looking to learn to drive or is looking for a pair of safe hands for their son/daughter to start their driving life.
I wish anyone reading this the best of luck with learning to drive and a great place to start is with Go Driving.
Amy (19/05/11)
