1st Time School of Motoring, Plumstead

...started my driving tuition with 1st time because it was the cheapest I could find in the area. The first 4 lessons were only £60 and I even did a small amount of driving in lesson 1. The car was a new diesel corsa, which was a gem to drive. Only stalled it once. The instructor was flexible but wasn't fully qualified (ie trainee instructor). However the quality of the teaching was good. He was a bit too enthusiastic, and got frustrated sometimes, ...
...according to my instructor at 1st time. I found the car which was a micra petrol, a total nightmare to drive. The corsa I had with 1st time was a dream. I was made to feel I was terrible at driving at dave miller and the instructor used to grab the steering wheel constantly and that frayed my nerves. We carried out no new things at all, just straight road driving. I lost all my confidence. In all I had 6 lessons with Dave Miller and quit. I went ... more

Well I started my driving tuition with 1st time because it was the cheapest I could find in the area. The first 4 lessons were only £60 and I even did a small amount of driving in lesson 1. The car was a new diesel corsa, which was a gem to drive. Only stalled it once. The instructor was flexible but wasn't fully qualified (ie trainee instructor). However the quality of the teaching was good. He was a bit too enthusiastic, and got frustrated sometimes, possibly because he realised my potential, and I changed to Dave Miller after 8 lessons.

That was a mistake.

Dave Miller was the total opposite. Most of the lessons, which were slightly more expensive, were spent parked up talking, rather than gaining essential experience on the road. In 5th lesson 10 mins driving, 50 mins talking. The first couple involved much more driving. £20 per hour is for driving not talking continually at the road-side. After all I did get 35/35 and high marks in hazard perception on my theory test, and I could drive according to my instructor at 1st time. I found the car which was a micra petrol, a total nightmare to drive. The corsa I had with 1st time was a dream. I was made to feel I was terrible at driving at dave miller and the instructor used to grab the steering wheel constantly and that frayed my nerves. We carried out no new things at all, just straight road driving. I lost all my confidence. In all I had 6 lessons with Dave Miller and quit. I went back to 1st time in no time.

Same instructor, the only change was that the diesel corsa was now a petrol. My instructor told me it was returned after the lease expired. Some people may have their car changed for the next lesson due to the leasing. With the nature of petrol engines being different to diesels in that they have less torque this was comparatively easy to stall. It also had less weight so didn't feel as firm and stable to drive. However 5 lessons later I took and PASSED my test 1ST TIME, with just 5 minors. Not bad considering my experiences just 5 lessons prior. The car I passed in ended up being my first car, a corsa 1.0. Many young drivers seem to make this their first car.

Despite the fact the instructor at first time was slightly more aggresive he had confidence in me, and progess was excellent, I passed in 13 lessons with 1st time. I don't feel I gained anything was Dave Miller. It seemed I was held back so he could get more money out of me. I got praise when I did things well with 1st time and I feel I am a good driver, I gained confidence there. After passing I went on to complete Pass Plus and have now been driving my own car for 7 months without any events so far. I would recommend taking lessons from 1st time, also try to get a petrol, more challenging than diesel but the first car you own will probably be petrol anyway.

My experience depended on my 1st time instructor expecting the best from me all the time. Other instructors may differ in their approach so I cannot comment on all instructors. I got total value for money. At the end of the day I got 13 lessons with 1st time and passed 1st time with 1st time.

Good luck, to all learners. Make sure you get an instructor who makes you confident. 

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