Well Done

“I passed my test first time thanks to Pete’s patient, supportive and overall fantastic lessons. Built my confidence quickly and easily, a brilliant experience that helped me stop being nervous and enjoy driving!” Thanks again, Rob

Before I delve into my review I think I need to provide some background information. I reached out to Pete with short notice and quite a unique circumstance. A year and a month ago, I moved from the US to Plymouth. In America I confidently drove an automatic car for 9 years. Moving to the UK meant I was able to drive on my American license for one year before having to take the test for a UK license. I had intended to learn manual in my year’s time and took lessons but struggled and then...COVID 19 and lockdown. During this time I decided it would be easiest for me to test solely for automatic as it’s what I know. After lockdown, driving lessons were hard to come by. When I first contacted DriveNeale, I was told he didn’t have openings. I landed lessons with another automatic instructor who I will not name. The experience was terrible. The instructor raised their voice at me multiple times and grabbed the wheel as I was driving and then proceeded to get upset with me because I became anxious I was traumatised but had no other option than to just take the test on my own. I applied for an emergency keyworker test, secured a date but then learned my car was not suitable for the test. Panicked and desperate (as my American license was due to expire) I reached out to Pete, again. Although it was late at night, he agreed to take me for a lesson just 2 days later to assess my capabilities. He made time for me in his jam-packed schedule. Although I had a few American habits to break, he saw my potential. Through my countless lessons, he remained calm and patient. He used iPad applications to help me visualize various roundabouts. He provided me with the show and tell questions. He broke down my lessons into manageable concepts i.e., one lesson for push and pull steering, one lesson for mirrors and signals, one lesson for roundabouts. He battled through my anxieties with me and taught me the English way. Unfortunately, I did not pass my first test due to my nerves and my own personal struggles with multi step directions. I indicated too soon on a roundabout and failed immediately. Directly after, Pete took me to the same roundabout and we did it together correctly. We then watched the footage from his dashcam and analyzed my mistake. We checked test dates and the next available test in Plymouth was in 3 months time. I did manage to find one in Newton Abbot for about a month later. Pete being the kind of guy that he is agreed to accompany me for my test in Newton Abbot. We continued the following week on lessons to work on my confidence and my ability to follow multi step directions. Pete then somehow secured me a test in Plymouth a whole week sooner. Today, on 17 October 2020 I successfully passed my test on the second attempt. I know this is quite a long winded review. In short, Pete is incredible, professional and accommodating. He jumps through hoops for his students and my story serves as a prime example of that. I will forever be grateful for him and his teaching abilities. 10/10!

Thank you Pete, for all the help and assistance you have given me, you boosted my confidence and were a huge support. You were really kind and patient even with my special needs you treated me like anyone else learning to drive. I would be very happy to recommend anyone to you.

"I am ecstatic to say that I have officially joined Pete's first time passers club! After completing 30 odd hours in a manual car and really struggling I had given up hope of learning to drive until I was recommended to try automatic lessons and from that I found Pete. From the moment I sat in the car Pete made me feel totally at ease, he has a great personality and a good sense of humour. I have not once been made to feel stupid or silly for making mistakes Pete just talked me through everything and for all these reasons I cannot recommend him highly enough if you are looking for automatic lessons. Pete has even been on hand afterwards for help and advice about buying my new car and places to go to get sundries for my new car!"

"After several attempts to learn to drive with not much progress I decided to try in an Automatic to see if the stress I was experiencing was less, I found Drive Neale via Google and rang and spoke to Pete about my experiences with previous tutors, which weren’t great! I had a trial with Pete and he immediately put me at ease and I finally felt that I would one day be able to drive. It took a while to get passed the nerves but Pete was very patient and encouraging, I wanted to pass for Pete as much as for myself on the day. I would recommend Pete to anyone as a driving instructor if he could get me to pass first time he can get anyone there. Can’t thank him enough."

"Happy to say I am member of Drive Neale’s First Time Pass Club. Pete is an excellent teacher and judged each lesson perfectly for me. He put me at my ease very quickly from my first lesson, made each lesson fun but gave me a kick-up the bum when I needed it and this got me back on track. I can highly recommend Drive Neale as the perfect choice when choosing a driving instructor."

"Having Pete teach me how to drive over these past few months has been an absolute pleasure. Despite having a shaky start and getting used to my adapted vehicle's hand controls I can proudly say I have passed my driving test. Pete was able to clearly see any and all problems I had and found suitable ways to fix them effectively. If I had to recommend a driving instructor I would "Peter Neale". Thank you once again for this life skill."

"I had been learning to drive in a manual car for the past 2 years and was a really anxious driver due to lack of confidence in myself. I finally decided to switch to automatic lessons and chose Pete because of his fantastic reviews on Facebook Gossip Girls! As soon as i met him i felt at ease and so much more comfortable. Including my test day, i only had 10 hours with Pete, which i think is amazing. I would recommend him to anyone and thank him so much. I honestly could never see myself passing and i did it first time in an automatic. Its surreal! Thank you again Pete!"

"Having had a bad experience with an instructor whilst learning in a manual, I was nervous about learning to drive and rather dubious of driving instructors. After over a year of no lessons, I decided to have a change and try out learning to drive with an automatic instead. Pete was really understanding towards the situation and with his fantastic teaching, my confidence grew no end and allowed me to pass my test, as well as showing me what a great instructor is like! I really cannot thank him enough for all he has done for me and I can thoroughly recommend him to anyone. Kind Regards"

"There aren’t enough positive words to describe what an amazing instructor Pete is; supportive, kind, encouraging and patient -I passed my driving test after years of struggling with driving. I would not hesitate to recommend Pete!"