
1st 4 Driving

Information about 1st 4 Driving
Opening hours
- sunday: (closed)
- monday: 9h-17:30
- tuesday: 9h-17:30
- wednesday: 9h-17:30
- thursday: 9h-17:30
- friday: 9h-17:30
- saturday: (closed)
1st 4 Driving is one of the fastest-growing driving schools in the UK.
We're so confident you'll love our great value driving lessons, we've GUARANTEED them, meaning you can book with no worries or risk.
We've helped so many people pass their driving test since we were founded in 2000 by Dave Foster MA, Dip.DI, who is the most qualified driving school owner in the country.
Dave's years of research trickle down into YOUR lessons, meaning booking with us is the most fun, cost-efficient way of passing your driving test - and you'll even get free theory training with us!
Our driving instructors cover an ever-increasing number of cities and towns across the South of England, and you can find out if we cover your area by visiting our website.
Our comment from DrivingSchoolsTOP.co.uk about 1st 4 Driving:
1st 4 Driving is a highly acclaimed driving school in the UK, known for its exceptional instructors and effective teaching methods. Many students have praised their experience, especially highlighting instructors like Mark, Gavin, Donna, Damon, and Natalie for their patience, knowledge, and ability to make learning enjoyable.
- Students consistently report passing their tests on the first attempt, often due to the supportive and tailored instruction they receive.
- Each instructor is commended for their calming presence, making learners feel at ease and confident behind the wheel.
- The driving app provided is also recognized as a fantastic tool that helps track progress and aids in organizing lessons effectively.
- Overall, customers describe their experiences as positive, fun, and instrumental in developing safe driving skills.
While there have been isolated negative experiences, particularly concerning instructor professionalism in some cases, the overwhelming feedback emphasizes the quality and supportive environment provided by 1st 4 Driving.
For anyone looking for a reliable and effective driving school, 1st 4 Driving comes highly recommended by numerous learners who have successfully gained their driving licenses with confidence.
1st 4 Driving: Reviews
Fantastic experience: Just passed my test first go and couldn't be happier! Thank you, Mark, for being an awesome driving instructor!! Couldn't have asked for more patient, engaged and knowledgeable person. Thank you for making it a great and easy experience.
Fantastic experience: A quality driving school: thanks to my instructor Mark's thourough and effective teaching style, diligence and acute feedback during the lessons I was able to pass my test first time. I highly recommend Mark for anyone looking to become a confident and proficient driver.
Fantastic experience: 1st for Driving is a great company and definitely recommend Mark! who helped me finally pass he is very patient and helpful thank you ☺️
Fantastic experience: I had Mark as my instructor, and as someone who doesn't learn easily and is quite anxious, Mark was great at passing over information at a pace that worked for me, he knew the routes very well and it allowed for more detailed lessons and better tips to help me learn and drive safely, aswell as that, he was incredibly kind and patient no matter the circumstances and honestly i dont think i would have passed without him. And for the app it was really easy to use and had loads of cool features that helped me pass my theory :)
Fantastic experience: I had an amazing instructor in Gavin.C he supported me with all my nerves and anxiety and self confidence ,cant thank him enough
Fantastic experience: Gavin H was my instructor and definitely the best I could’ve found, he pushed me when I needed it but also reassured me when needed also, he didn’t feel like a teacher to me but a friend who was reliable and knowledgeable, each lesson was catered to my specific learning style which made them fun but also a great opportunity to learn a lot in the 2 hour lessons, I cannot recommend him enough, thank you
Fantastic experience: 10/10 review from me spent 3 weeks doing lessons and passed first time the app is easy to use and the company great and good to do business with Mark was a outstanding instructor and I can say I learnt a lot each day I was driving with him we worked on each topic until I was at a good level of ability I fully recommend learning to drive with 1st4 driving and specifically mark he has a great teaching method and was always helping me to be more confident on the roads thanks
Fantastic experience: Gavin was an amazing instructor and I can’t praise him enough for the dedication and professionalism he had during my time learning with him. I would recommend him to anyone who has a desire to start learning how to drive! He was always punctual and kind to me and also taught my sister how to drive which made learning an easy process and one thing he’d teach her she could pass onto me!
Fantastic experience: My learning experience with Gavin was such a positive one, and he was extremely supportive and patient with me when learning all the different aspects of the roads. Gavin as an instructor made sure that I not only passed my driving test but helped me to become a safe and confident driver and I will always be thankful for this! He made learning driving feel fun and I always felt like I had learnt so much after every lesson. I will always recommend Gavin as a driving instructor, there is no doubt that you will pass as a great driver when learning with him!
Fantastic experience: I had a really bad experience with an a driving instructor and stopped learning to drive for almost a year. I started learning again with Donna and i immediately got my confidante back! She is so patient and a really lovley relaxing instructor. I passed first time today thanks to her!
Fantastic experience: I would 100% 1st 4 Driving. I had Donna and she couldn’t have been more better in getting me ready for my test! She’s been so reliable and makes you feel so comfortable in your lessons. And because of her I passed my test today with only 1 fault!! Amazing instructor and company.
Fantastic experience: I began my driving lessons with Gavin with little to no prior experience. From the very first lesson, I knew Gavin would be an excellent instructor, and I was absolutely right. His lessons are meticulously detailed, ensuring every aspect is covered thoroughly until perfected. Gavin is incredibly patient and clear when explaining different maneuvers, making sure I felt confident every step of the way. Thanks to his outstanding teaching abilities, I passed my test on the first attempt. I owe my success entirely to Gavin's exceptional guidance.
Negative experience: Unfortunately, I had a bad experience with the instructor in the Bracknell area. He was so impatient and unprofessional that he made me lose my confidence in driving. The vehicle he provided for the last two classes was not in good condition, and when I asked, he was not ready to admit it. The car that was brought for the previous lessons kept changing; he kept changing the vehicle. Out of 13 classes, I only had the chance to drive the same car for 4-5 classes. He didn’t turn up for one of the lessons and didn’t inform me in advance. Later, he told me he hadn’t realized that the lesson was booked.It’s important to feel confident and supported during driving lessons.
Fantastic experience: I massively enjoyed my learning experience with Gavin! He helped me gain confidence on the roads, and his methods of teaching have been extremely helpful and easy to understand. I felt really comfortable and like I was in the car with a friend! When I came across things I struggled with, Gavin was extremely encouraging and found different methods of teaching to work on it. It's obvious how much he cares about people driving safely, and not just passing their test. I think the use of the driving app is great to track progress and write logs after each lesson, and the office themselves are very helpful with any questions or queries. I can't recommend Gavin enough as an instructor!!
Fantastic experience: I started learning to drive 2 years ago. I was nervous and felt like giving up at times or changing to automatic, but I pushed through it with the support from Gavin. He is a brilliant instructor who is kind, calm and taught me things in a way that I understood. Massive thanks to Gavin for not giving up on me and helping me to pass and drive safely on the roads.
Fantastic experience: Donna was great at teaching and helped me pass my test first time, after having switched instructors I didn't have much confidence in my driving ability however this was quickly fixed and I am now much more confident on the road thanks to Donna and her teaching style.
Fantastic experience: I would definitely recommend Mike - he's really calm and chill when you're driving and patient with you when you make mistakes. He makes driving lessons fun rather than scary and I will miss learning with him :)
Fantastic experience: Amazing experience, highly recommended these guys have changed mine and my family life forever friendly helpful would highly recommend them, instructor Gavin what a legend, you haven't gone deaf I'm just not there anymore
Fantastic experience: 1st 4 driving is an easily accessible and one of the more affordable options to help pass your test with, my instructor Gavin took the time to understand me and explain driving components in a way I understood, thanks to him and his flexible teaching style I was able to pass with no faults whatsoever.
Fantastic experience: Highly recommend Graeme, passed my test today first time with no faults, thank you!
Fantastic experience: I had a good experience with my driving instructor Graeme. His calm, relaxed and friendly demeanor created a comfortable learning environment. To my surprise, I passed first time with just two minors! I highly recommend him to anyone seeking to take driving lessons in the area.
Fantastic experience: Having Donna as an instructor was the best thing to happen I wouldn’t have got my license with out her ! She is so patient and let you go at your own pace and if I didn’t understand something instead of getting in a grump about it she would explain to me how to do it and if I didn’t get it again she would try another way . Donna was so kind to me and help me so much through my driving I couldn’t have asked for a better driving instructor!!!
Fantastic experience: Mark was an an amazing instructor and helped me an insane amount in the time he taught me. Would 100% recommend
Fantastic experience: Having had lessons with other driving schools and instructors and ultimately deciding they weren't for me, transferring to 1st4Driving (Southampton) and having lessons with Michael proved to be a great decision. Highly recommend him, very calm, relaxed driving environment which really helped me learn to drive (and pass!) whilst minimising anxiety on the roads and in stressful situations. Very easy going with good time management and flexibility.
Fantastic experience: This company has been brilliant, especially my driving instructor Mark. He was very patient, encouraging and helpful on every lesson, I couldn't recommend him enough!
Fantastic experience: Spencer my sons instructor was extremely professional and friendly .. Always on time and gave the full two hour lesson.. The driving app provided was brilliant for a parent and pupil to keep track off lessons , we would thoroughly recommend booking lessons with Spencer and my son will forever be grateful off teaching him how to drive safely.
Fantastic experience: Mike is an amazing passenger princess
Fantastic experience: Graeme is an absolutely wonderful driving instructor - incredibly patient, calm and encouraging. Having just passed my practical test, I can’t recommend him enough
Fantastic experience: Such a good experience driving with Gavin who was always friendly, calm and very encouraging. Never thought I would ever pass but Gavin gave me the confidence I needed. Excellent instructor highly recommend.
Fantastic experience: Passed my practical first time with the help of Donna, she helped me gain confidence whilst driving and I now enjoy driving instead of dreading it. Would highly recommend her to anyone!
Fantastic experience: Anthony is really very good and very experienced in teaching driving lessons. He made me perfect in driving and I passed my test in 1st attempt. Thanks for all the support provided.
Fantastic experience: Would highly recommend this driving company.I had instructor Mike who was a legend, always stayed calm even when I made mistakes and was really good at helping me progress as a driver. This resulted in my passing my test within 5 months.
Fantastic experience: driving with 1st 4 driving was great best they let me take things at my own pace and was so worth it 10/10 experience
Fantastic experience: Great instructor!!! From minute one Damon made me feel comfortable, his bubbly personality and calmness really helped me settle and got the best out of me. Without Damon I don’t think I would have passed as quick as I did. He is a brilliant and knowledgeable instructor, he’s very calm and composed in tricky situations and helped me beat my bad habits and get to the point of passing. He’s a really great guy and I’m delighted I was given him as an instructor. Thanks Damo
Fantastic experience: I had put off learning to drive for a couple months, and was struggling to find an instructor that could help me overcome my fear of driving and that would be able to work with my hectic schedule. Luckily, I soon met Damon and I could not have asked for a better instructor. My anxiety would dissipate within minutes of being in the car with him. It was like magic! Every lesson was flexible, tailored to any skills I wanted to work on or however brave I was feeling on the day, and most importantly, every lesson was a lot of fun. In the end, I not only passed my test first try, but I also fell in love with driving as a whole and for that, I cannot thank him enough.
Fantastic experience: Aleksandra is an amazing instructor!! I was a very nervous learner that doubted myself a lot. She helped me build my confidence and feel confident in my driving ability. I will be forever grateful for her help in getting me to pass :)
Fantastic experience: They are really good and the instructor is frankly fabulous and friendly. :)
Fantastic experience: Gavin has got to be one of the best driving instructors around town! after the first lesson just getting used to the car etc he started me off on the major things, roundabouts, junctions, turning right at a 4 way junction, meeting traffic … by the 6th/7th lesson i felt super confident in what to a new driver is a scary thing. as our lessons went on i was driving confidently and passed after 36 hours of lessons. Gav is super friendly and so easy to talk to he makes you feel and complete ease when in the car. i couldn’t have asked for a better instructor to get me driving! so thankful to him and will miss our lessons as i am now driving! BEEP BEEP!
Fantastic experience: Brilliant. My driving instructor Mike Smith was really helpful with getting my test booked, He’s probably one of the best instructors in the country. I wouldn’t have passed without him.
Fantastic experience: I had Donna soley as a driving instructor, she was absolutely wonderful and made me feel so comfortable driving. Would 100% recommend Donna to any person trying to learn how to drive.
Fantastic experience: I recently passed my driving test first time with Donna. She’s an amazing instructor who made me feel confident and comfortable on the road in my lessons. She’s been a tremendous help to me on my journey and I couldn’t recommend her more!
Fantastic experience: I can't express enough how glad I am to have been recommended Natalie for my driving instructor. The 7 months I had lessons with her she really boosted my confidence with driving and made my lessons enjoyable! She was always incredibly friendly and patient. I HIGHLY recommend to anyone. Over the moon to have finally passed with only 2 driving faults - all down to having an amazing teacher! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic experience: Amazing, recommend this company highly
Fantastic experience: Damon was a brilliant driving instructor and helped coach me from start to finish to pass on my first attempt. I admired his calm demeanour and fun attitude towards learning to drive truly made it a pleasure to be taught by him. I would thoroughly recommend.
Fantastic experience: Damon was amazing all throughout. couldn’t have asked for a better instructor!
Fantastic experience: My experience with 1st 4 Driving has been really positive. Lessons with Damon were really good. I knew he would let me know whenever I got something wrong, but he also was a good laugh and made the driving lessons seem fun! I felt prepared going into the test, which also was good.
Fantastic experience: I had an excellent experience learning to drive with Graeme! He was always supportive and encouraging and made me feel comfortable from the beginning. I also got access to a theory test practice app through 1st 4 Driving which I found really helpful and passed first time. Graeme was very helpful and advised me in getting a practical test booked - I would definitely recommend him as an instructor!
Fantastic experience: Really enjoyed my time learning and being tested what I can or can’t do. It was a great experience learning with my instructor Mike. Had to put up with me for a few too many hours, but a job well done on his side, helping me achieve my goal! Really would also recommend this company and Mike, himself, for any future learners!
Fantastic experience: My instructor Gavin helped me massively when it came to passing my driving test. He was very helpful and friendly throughout my learning experience and helped me to pass my test first time. I highly recommend Gavin as an instuctor.
Fantastic experience: Gavin is an exceptional instructor who goes above and beyond. Thank you so much Gavin and the staff at 1st 4 driving, Janette
Fantastic experience: Damon is an amazing teacher, he never gave up on me and I’m so thankful for that. Would recommend him to anyone and everyone!
Fantastic experience: 10/10. Would recommend for anyone looking to start driving. Helped me pass first time!
Fantastic experience: The best driving school! My instructor Donna had so much faith in me it made me feel so confident in the car for my test. Would recommend have had lessons all times of days and at weekends amazing school!
Fantastic experience: Mark was an amazing instructor! He was so patient and was always subtly pushing me in the right direction for a first time pass! Thank you
Fantastic experience: This company is very useful. My instructor had great techniques to help me with any struggles and made me really comfortable.
Fantastic experience: Damon was the best- so kind and taught me very well and quickly, thank you so much for everything!
Fantastic experience: Just passed my test and am ecstatic! Donna was a great driving instructor always patient with me and gave me so much more confidence than before. I am so grateful for her guidance and recommend her to anyone who wants to learn.
Fantastic experience: I had a great time learning to drive from scratch with Damon and will miss having my lessons! I’m very happy to say that I was able to pass on my first try!
Fantastic experience: Would highly recommend Damon, really good teacher, super knowledgeable and friendly and created a really nice vibe in the car, passed first time thanks to all his patience and encouragement
Fantastic experience: Would highly recommend Damon. He is an amazing instructor and the first time I got in his car it felt like I knew him for years. Managed to pass with only 1 minor first time thanks to him. He’s calm, clear and puts you at ease straight away. Would recommend to anyone.
Fantastic experience: Passed my test yesterday, I had Donna as my instructor and she was great, I had found some driving Instructors before to be quite intimidating however never felt this with Donna, she always made me feel very relaxed. I will definitely recommend Donna to any person looking to start lessons.
Fantastic experience: Fantastic service, passed extremely quickly thanks to my amazing driving instructor Donna, I couldn’t not recommend them any higher.
Fantastic experience: Damon was an excellent instructor, helping me pass my test in a very short window!
Fantastic experience: Damon is a brilliant instructor and helped my driving confidence
Fantastic experience: Had a great time learning to drive with Gavin. Really great guy. I'll be recommending him to friends at every opportunity! Always managed to have a good laugh while still teaching me what I needed to know, not only to pass my test, but more advanced techniques to keep myself safe. Great guy - highly recommended
Fantastic experience: Could not have asked for a better instructor than Mark. He was patient when I needed him to be, and always made me laugh during our lessons as well. Definitely going to miss him and our weekly lessons!!
Fantastic experience: Fantastic!
Fantastic experience: Passed with 0 driving faults! My instructor, Mike was as good as it gets. Easy to get along with for one and always knew how I needed to develop further.
Fantastic experience: Excellent experience using this driving school. Damon the instructor I had went above and beyond to make sure I was test ready and can happily say I PASSED! Highly recommend.
Fantastic experience: I had lessons with Damon September to December and passed my test first time with only two minors, which felt pretty awesome Damon was the best instructor I could have and I recommend him to all my friends. He was very flexible with lesson times for me and dropping me off at places. He was very knowledgeable and helpful as well as being calm in stressful situations. Plus he was really fun to have lessons with and part of me is sad I'm no longer having lessons with him .
Fantastic experience: Damon was hands down the best driving instructor I've ever had! And I had a few! After four, long years of driving lessons, it was Damon that finally gave me not just the skills, but the confidence to pass my test. I have no doubt that without him I would still be sat in the passenger seat, or worse, driving round with my L plates on. Thanks so much Damon. You rock!
Fantastic experience: Damien was fantastic! Really easy to get on with and makes you feel at ease quickly. He really knows his stuff and helped me pass first time! Highly recommended
Fantastic experience: Want to thank Damon for teaching me to drive, he’s been fantastic throughout. Just the right balance of challenge and encouragement. Could not recommend him highly enough. Was great at keeping me relaxed before my test, had a lovely chat about my Welsh ancestry. Thanks a lot Damon!
Fantastic experience: Just passed my test, i had Mark from Portsmouth, can't rate him highly enough, very helpful and patient, not my first instructor but I passed first time with him. Highly recommend
Negative experience: I had a lesson booked was waiting to be emailed my invoice and it never came so I assumed I had to pay in cash in person. I got in the car and told my instructor and all the faffing about of them sending it to me took 40 minutes out of my driving lesson and then the instructor tried to make me pay the full amount for the 2 hour lesson when I only had 1 hour and 20 minutes left which I refused because it wasn't my error. The instructor then became very rude towards me telling me I was lying about not receiving the invoice which is not true at all. You're receptionist lied about making an error to save herself. Very unprofessional staff making errors and then blaming the customer and trying to take their money. Absolutely disgusting. They will probably delete this review because no business doesn't have bad reviews on Google unless they're deleting them.
Fantastic experience: Had Gavin as an instructor. He was very patient and reliable. I passed first time under his guidance. I fully recommend him.
Fantastic experience: Mike was amazing! Best instructor ever! Super supportive and understanding, definitely recommend Mike, especially for nervous and anxious drivers! Thank you very much Mike for all the support
Fantastic experience: After being let down by a number of instructors prior to this, Natalie was brilliant and I cannot thank her enough. Her patience and calmness helped me massively and I’d recommend her to anyone.
Fantastic experience: Mike was the best instructor I’ve had. He always had faith in me and constantly encouraged me when I was ready to give up. He was always patient and lessons with him were always full of laughter! I learnt a lot from him, he’s easy to get on with and just so relaxed that lessons didn’t become something I was anxious about but instead looked forward to. I couldn’t have asked for anything more from him :). Would definitely recommend Mike and 1st 4 driving if you’re looking to start driving. (Southampton)
Fantastic experience: Passed my test with Damon in Exeter. very friendly instructor and he teaches very well. would defiently recommend him to others! :)
Fantastic experience: Did my lessons with Graeme (Guildford) and I would definitely recommend to everyone. He was always very patient during lessons and a very clear teacher. Really happy with my overall experience!
Fantastic experience: I was so lucky to have Donna as my instructor, I was terrified to begin with but Donna was amazing with me! She gave me confidence and I progressed every lesson. Today I bought my first car which is something I’d never thought I’d do as I was so nervous! I cannot thank Donna and 1st 4 Driving enough! She is kind and so patient and made learning a pleasure!
Fantastic experience: Mark was an amazing instructor. Very kind and helpful. Great tips and tricks. Helped me pass first time
Fantastic experience: I was taught by Louise Nicholas. I cannot thank her enough for helping me pass my test. I really struggled with learning to drive, due to my learning difficulties. She explained everything so well. She was very patient with me and had no problem with explaining the same things over and over again. She knew how to explain things in a way that I could understand. She’s also a lovely person and always made me feel comfortable ! I couldn’t recommend her more.
Fantastic experience: I was taught to drive by Nirmal, I was extremely nervous about driving and had put it off for 20years. Nirmal was so calm and encouraging and made me feel at ease straight away. I started my lessons in May and passed just 6 months later. I will be forever grateful to Nirmal for helping me conquer my biggest fear to freedom. Thank you Nirmal.
Fantastic experience: Louise is a brilliant driving instructor, very patient and relaxed. Lessons felt comfortable and I was able to progress at my own pace. Louise helped me to pass my test and has made me a really confident driver. I highly recommend!
Fantastic experience: Highly recommend, my instructor Louise was straightforward when it came to what I needed to know, she was great at fitting in with my schedule, and made sure I got through my test second time round. Great car to practice in also! Biggest thank you!!
Fantastic experience: Can not thank 1st4driving enough for all there help through my driving lessons and test Damon you did an amazing job and can’t thank you enough
Fantastic experience: Mike was a great instructor helped a lot and explained everything amazingly, I would recommend him to anyone who wants to learn to drive
Fantastic experience: Couldn't wish for anybody better my daughter hasn't been with James for long and felt so comfortable and grew in confidence every week and passed 1st time thankyou james
Fantastic experience: Natalie was very reliable and helpful, I was able to complete different parts of driving allowing me to become a better and more confident driver. She was also very kind and polite very, which made things very clear. Thank you very much !!
Fantastic experience: Mark was an absolutely fantastic instructor who made me feel really calm and confident while driving. Would definitely recommend both him and 1st 4 Driving
Fantastic experience: Passed today!! because of a brilliant driving instructor. Would highly recommend using Donna for lessons! Thank you for everything :)
Fantastic experience: My instructor Natalie was amazing! She was great at explaining things and gave me loads of motivation! She is very friendly and easy to get a long with. I highly recommend.
Fantastic experience: Natalie was a great instructor. Really helped with my confidence and helping me better my driving. Wouldn’t have been able to do it without her.
Fantastic experience: James was an amazing driving instructor, I couldn't of asked for anyone better. He was understanding, flexible with timing of lessons, and calm in the car. He had alot of knowledge and taught me in the best way I could learn. I would definitely recommend him as a driving instructor.
Fantastic experience: Mark(Portsmouth) is an amazing instructor, I was so nervous to learn to drive but he made me believe in myself and I passed first time!!
Fantastic experience: Could not have asked for a better driving instructor! Alex was really patient with me and took the time to thoroughly explain everything I needed to do to pass. 10/10 instructor!
Fantastic experience: Mark is an amazing driving instructor! Not only was he a great teacher who explained everything really well, but he was also a really lovely guy. He guided me from being a nervous driver with absolutely 0 experience to a some-what decent driver (who has now passed her test – whoop whoop! Thanks Mark!) 100% recommend to anyone looking for a driving instructor in Portsmouth!
Fantastic experience: I had Damon Grose as my driving instructor, really recommend him! I passed my test within 10 hours of driving lessons with Damon couldn’t thank him enough. 10/10 personality which is important when choosing your instructor, again - really recommend him!!
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