The Tarmac Guru School of Motoring

Information about The Tarmac Guru School of Motoring
Opening hours
- sunday: (closed)
- monday: 9h-17:45
- tuesday: 9h-17:45
- wednesday: 9h-17:45
- thursday: 9h-17:45
- friday: 9h-17:45
- saturday: (closed)
Our comment from DrivingSchoolsTOP.co.uk about The Tarmac Guru School of Motoring:
The Tarmac Guru School of Motoring is a highly recommended driving school in the United Kingdom known for its exceptional teaching quality and personalized approach. With Mark as the instructor, students have shared countless positive experiences regarding his ability to instill confidence and improve driving skills.
Key features of The Tarmac Guru School include:
- Individualized Teaching: Mark tailors his lessons to meet the specific needs and learning styles of each student, ensuring a comfortable learning environment.
- Confidence Building: Many students praise Mark for his supportive and encouraging teaching style, helping them overcome nerves and anxieties related to driving.
- Successful Pass Rates: Numerous reviews highlight students passing their driving tests on the first attempt, a testament to Mark's effective teaching methods.
- Patient and Genuine: Mark's approachable demeanor makes lessons enjoyable, allowing students to engage openly and build a strong rapport.
- Comprehensive Instruction: Beyond just passing the test, Mark focuses on teaching safe and responsible driving for the long term.
While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, there are a few mixed opinions regarding the intensity of Mark's teaching style, which some may perceive as tough love. However, this approach has helped many students thrive and attain their driving goals.
Overall, The Tarmac Guru School of Motoring stands out for its commitment to student success, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to learn how to drive in a supportive and effective environment.
The Tarmac Guru School of Motoring: Reviews
Fantastic experience: Having a gap from lessons caused a big dip in my confidence about driving and in just a few lesson I was a completely different driver thank to mark who really built up my confidence and helped me to realise that I was a good driver I can’t recommend him enough
Thanks Ruby, you’re a great driver, was glad to help someone that always wanted to work really hard to get better. Congratulations.
Fantastic experience: Now I never normally leave reviews. But I feel this is important. Mark is the best driving instructor alive. He has as some would say this charisma and eagerness to want to help you pass your driving tests. He is a good laugh too. Mark is very flexible with his schedule and will help you fit in slots when you are free. He helped me pass and I couldn’t have asked for anyone better. I would highly recommend !
I’ve really enjoyed your company and banter, you’re a master of giving lip where humility should exist. Glad I could.
Fantastic experience: Amazing experience, patient instructor. Helped me a lot, I definitely recommend!
Glad to have helped, enjoy your driving freedom.
Fantastic experience: If I could give more than 5 stars I would. Mark is a down to earth person who will happily tell you where you’re wrong but also explain why in a manner that makes you understand without feeling belittled or stupid. Can’t recommend The Tarmac Guru enough. Thanks for getting me another first time pass
Thank you George, glad to have helped, it’s always easier when someone can already drive, enjoy the hassle of gears.
Fantastic experience: I passed my practical test yesterday first time all thanks to Mark, I struggled with nerves and confidence but Mark took the time to reassure me every step of the way. He pushed me further than I thought I could go all while making learning to drive fun and safe, I really enjoyed the 2 months I was learning, cannot recommend Mark more.
Well done max, you stepped it up when it mattered. You’re a natural you just have to believe it.
Fantastic experience: Going into my lessons with Marks, I was really nervous and unsure of my driving abilities. However, Mark really built up my confidence and helped to realise that I was a good driver. I can’t recommend him enough.
It was a pleasure to meet such a driven motivated person. Glad I could help. Safe driving.
Fantastic experience: Always positive attitude, very supportive. For every recommendation.
Thanks N C, was a pleasure.
Fantastic experience: Exemplary Guru! I could not recommend his services more! I started my lessons unsure if I would even be able to drive, my confidence was non existent and my physical abilities are fluctuant (I also have severe Anxiety, Dyslexia and Autism). Because of this, I had struggled in the past to find an instructor who could teach in a way that worked for me. But Mark took the time to personalise my learning experience and create a strong rapport. He taught me that my diagnoses are not a barrier, yet a tool to form. We figured out how to adjust my thoughts and actions together. It worked best for me when he was quick and firm with instructions, it gave me no delay to respond and helped me focus and think quicker, keeping me safer on the roads. He encouraged and motivated me to believe in myself in a way I never had, he pushed me further than I thought I could go, yet was very mindful to not overwhelm me and regularly checking in on how I was feeling. I went into my practical test after approximately 45 hours of lessons, I felt so unsure as to what the outcome would be. But he encouraged me to take the leap and go for it, enforcing the mindset that I could do this! And in the end, I passed first time with only 5 picky minors! Even the examiner was extremely impressed! I cannot thank him enough for the counsel and support he provided. Even on the most difficult days he was always there to lift my spirits and show me I was a good driver. Because of Mark, I am now a more passionate about life and self-assured. Thank you for everything!
I’m glad to have been of service. You’re an incredibly capable person that has chosen not to be limited by circumstance. Safe driving.
Positive experience: Very good instructor is very straightforward with you and doesn’t lie about progress which is helpful. Helped me pass my test first time, overall nice guy.
Thanks Olivia, was great teaching you, you have sharp whit and a natural ability. Safe driving.
Fantastic experience: Mark is a great instructor, he will help you see exactly what you’re doing wrong and will teach you systems and ways of thinking to drive safely and pass your test
Thanks for the review, was a great to meet you and give you some help. Congratulations.
Fantastic experience: Mark is really a Guru (Best instructor). Helped me overcome many issues with my driving. Helped me pass my test in 1st attempt and that too, with only one Minor. Stay blessed Mark and thank you so much for not only teaching me how to drive but also for that motivational speech just before the test
Well done, was great to teach and get to know you. Good luck going forward.
Fantastic experience: Hi my names Tom I’m so happy that I have passed my driving test. If it was not for marks excellent work and Encouragement towards he pupils I would still be walking. Mark is a lovely man and he is Eager to make he’s pupils pass . Thank you so much I recommend everyone to do lessons with this man.
Cheers Tom, well done was great to teach and get to know. Enjoy driving to the lakes.
Fantastic experience: Mark was absolutely amazing in getting me test ready over so little time, amazing instructor and couldn't recommend enough!!
Fantastic experience: Mark is an amazing driving instructor! He was always calm and patient with me and always had confidence in my abilities. When I became stressed or worried, we would talk through how to fix these problems and how to change my mentality to become a more confident driver. He provided really clear instructions and simplified driving, alongside always being able to have a laugh. Couldn’t recommend enough and was able to pass my test on the first attempt!
Thank you for the lovely review. It was a pleasure teaching you. Enjoy driving.
Fantastic experience: Excellent instructor, very patient and understanding, passed my test after only three months of tuition, good price and definitely recommended
You’re a natural driver, learned in 13 hours. Well done enjoy safe driving.
Fantastic experience: Great instructor. Was very patient with me. I knew how to drive but my nerves were getting the better of me. Mark helped me realise that I was a good driver and was capable of passing. I passed on my 4th attempt. Really appreciate his help. Would recommend him.
You got there that’s the important thing. You’re a great driver so stop worrying.
Fantastic experience: Great instructor that adapts his teaching to the needs of each individual student. Will hold you accountable and will help you both pass your test and to be a safe and confident driver afterwards. Couldn’t recommend him anymore
You’re a Great young man, drive safe enjoy life.
Fantastic experience: Mark is a great instructor, I had a refresher lesson with him after not driving for 2 months after passing. He helped put my nerves at ease and gave me the reassurance I needed that I am safe when driving and gave great tips for planning and anticipation an area where I lacked confidence. He was also good at talking me through things whilst driving along. Highly recommend anyone anxious about getting back behind the wheel to have a lesson with him
Thank you. You drive well, be confident.
Fantastic experience: A driving instructor who will push you to be the safest and most efficient driver you can be, very helpful with simplifying driving and not letting it get overwhelming would recommend to anyone especially teenage drivers as I’m a teenager myself and passed first time using Mark’s teaching
Glad to have helped, enjoy your driving.
Fantastic experience: Amazing instructor. Highly considerate and patient towards driving, always making sure you are comfortable. Have been recommending for other people.
Thanks for the review, glad you found my help useful.
Fantastic experience: Getting a driving license in limited lessons is impressive, and it speaks for itself the effectiveness of Instructor Mark. My experience with Mark was highly positive, he taught me a deeper understanding of driving concepts, provided clear and considerate instructions as to how to handle situations and tailored lessons to my learning style. Mark’s patience and encouragement was crucial to building my confidence behind the wheel. I highly recommend Mark for anyone looking to efficiently and successfully get their drivers license.
Great driver, enjoyed helping you understand the roads better.
Fantastic experience: I was a very nervous driver and previously found it hard to drive before finding Mark. He helped boost my confidence and my driving skills! Would highly recommend to others.
You were nervous to start, so proud of you and seeing you drive around.
Fantastic experience: Amazing driving instructor, always pushed me to my very best leading to me passing 1st time
Well done, you deserve it.
Fantastic experience: Great instructor to teach with, a really easy going and relaxed guy to learn to drive with, couldn't recommend him highly enough
Great driver and nice bloke, glad to have helped.
Fantastic experience: Can't praise Mark enough, after our son Lee had major issues with his previous instructor we found The Tarmac Guru. He gained much needed belief and confidence in his own driving abilities which resulted in passing today. If I could give more than five I would!!!
Glad to have helped, Lee is a great driver and was from our first lesson.
Fantastic experience: I recommend Mark to anyone new to driving or someone looking to brush off their driving skills. Provides really practical and clear driving skills based on the level of the learner. 10/10. Passed my test with a breeze!
Thank you, really good to meet you and help get an already good driver through the UK test.
Fantastic experience: Really good teacher one always a fun and good lesson cheers
Thanks Charlie, was glad to help.
Fantastic experience: The instructor was amazing, honest and genuine. I can’t fault his service at all. He went out of his way to facilitate my son with his lessons and test. My daughter will be using him next
Glad to have helped.
Fantastic experience: Absolutely amazing instructor, I passed my driving test the first time ! He's an excellent instructor who makes you feel comfortable and confident when learning to drive. 10/10
Thank you Vivek, glad we got it storted.
Fantastic experience: I would highly recommend mark as a driving instructor, I really enjoyed all my lessons with mark and truly believe he did everything he could to help me succeed. He also really helped me to manage my anxiety and nerves so I could develop as a driver.
Enjoy your driving mate, glad to have helped..
Fantastic experience: Great instructor who taught me everything I needed to know to pass the test and be a confident driver.
Was a pleasure to get you know you
Fantastic experience: I found The Tarmac Guru (Mark) on the government’s website as he was close to my son’s secondary school, Canterbury Academy. Driving Instructor Mark was easy to communicate with to get my son’s driving lessons started. My son enjoyed being taught by Mark and looked forward to his lessons each week. He felt comfortable and confident driving with Mark and today he passed his driving test and he is ecstatic right now. I would recommend Mark as a Driving Instructor for his professionalism, flexibility and expertise. I am a very satisfied Dad.
Fantastic experience: I used to drive in India and approached Mark for some sessions to secure the license. He was a great help - assessing, sharing honest feedback, suggesting areas to improve, gaining confidence on UK driving and finally passing the test at Canterbury! Couldn't have done without him! Highly recommended. Thanks Mark for all the help
Thank you Amar, I enjoyed your company during lessons.
Fantastic experience: Highly recommend! Mark is an excellent driving instructor who really takes the time to understand his pupils and tailor each lesson to their individual needs. Mark helps you feel at ease when driving which helps you to gain confidence when driving that much quicker. I thoroughly enjoyed my lessons with Mark and looked forward to each one. I encourage anyone who’s looking for driving lessons to take up lessons with Mark
Thank you Millie, it’s nice to know I’m doing a job as well is I can works.
Fantastic experience: I highly recommend mark as a driving instructor, he was able to control anxiety and nerves from the start, he knows what to say and gives great feedback throughout and will never miss an opportunity to tell you when you have done well or when you need to be better, he makes his lessons enjoyable when you are in the car with him and he moves you on to progress at a very fair rate. I was able to pass with not only three minors but also being a confident driving which is due to his teaching. Great instructor, great guy.
Thanks Henry, much appreciated.
Fantastic experience: Mark is an excellent instructor and got me to pass my test on the second try. His knowledge is vast and helped me overcome a lot of problems in my driving. I would recommend Mark for any new learner.
Thanks Stan, you’re a natural you just need to believe that.
Fantastic experience: Highly recommend, helps you become the best driver you can.
Fantastic experience: I couldnt suggest the Tarmac guru more. He is one hell of an instructor putting up with me. I was the most nervous driver due to the fact i was a victim of a drink drive accident and also have severe ADHD so its always been difficult to concentrate. He was really supportive and more importantly honest (maybe to brutally honest sometimes haha) which is the way i learn best. Couldnt recommend him enough. Thanks Mark
Was a pleasure to help you Api, you’re someone people remember.
Fantastic experience: Absolutely first class. I cannot recommend highly enough. I have a specific set of needs but Mark was not fazed by this and helped me to build strategies to compensate for my difficulties and thanks to his dedication, understanding and knowledge he got me through my test at the first attempt. He has been nothing short of superb and would encourage anyone needing lessons in and around the Canterbury area to give him a call.
Was great teaching you. Hope you’re enjoying it.
Positive experience: Lots of encouragement, very good
Fantastic experience: Mark is an excellent instructor! He’s calm and collected, not like all these other instructors who scream at you for doing something wrong! Likes to delve in to the psychological side of driving which really does help. Have already recommended him to my partner who is loving driving with him, and would recommend to anyone else!
Fantastic experience: Great driving instructor! Really patient
Fantastic experience: Mark has honestly helped me so much and not just with my driving with my mentality as a person. I’m a person who love’s challenge but am afraid to mess up and hate losing and he’s helped me overcome that mentality and built me up the way I needed most. Honestly wish I could give more than 5 stars. MONEY WELL SPENT!!
It was a pleasure to teach you, you’re a wonderful person.
Fantastic experience: passed my test the other day thanks to Mark’s great teaching. he is thorough and helpful, and good at building your confidence.
Fantastic experience: Very experienced instructor, driving teste ain’t for the fainted heart but Marc will pick up on your weakness and turn them into your strength, highly recommended!
Was glad to help. The for the call.
Fantastic experience: Finishing my driving lessons with Mark was bitter sweet. I love the fact I've passed my test but will miss the wonderful company of an instructor that truly cares about his pupils. I had so much anxiety driving and Mark always adapted the way that he taught to be able to make me feel comfortable and build my confidence over time. I honestly can't explain how much I recommend Mark. He'll tell it how it is, which sometimes you need to hear even if you don't want to! But he will also have a laugh and joke and be able to give you feedback in a calm and constructive way. I went through a lot while doing my lessons with Mark which really impacted my confidence and the way I drove. But each time I sat in the car he helped me make me feel like I could continue with my lessons in the worst of times. When I say I was a difficult student I truly mean it. My confidence was so low and my anxiety so high that I wanted to quit. Having Mark as a driving instructor stopped this from happening and helped me to continue when I thought I couldn't. Not only was he a terrific driving instructor he was a great life coach! I hight recommend Mark to absolutely anyone and I'll forever appreciate him for helping me through the hardest time in my life with the hardest thing I've ever had to learn! Please if you're considering learning to drive contact Mark. Especially if you feel like you're going to be an anxious driver. I owe my confidence in driving to him!
I looked forward to our lessons, you’re great company and a strong person. It’s what we overcome that makes you and you’re capable of whatever you set your mind to.
Fantastic experience: Fantastic instuctor who ironed my imperfections and helped me to pass the drivig test. Officially, I can drive on the opposide side of the road . Thank you Marc.
Fantastic experience: Can't recommend Mark enough, he's a brilliant teacher and helped so much with my confidence. His lessons make every minute valuble and are always focused to what you need to work on. Mark is great at teaching you to self reflect on why things might be going wrong and how to correct them. If you want to not only pass your test but become a better and well rounded driver then Mark is the best instructor you could have.
Negative experience: 2021 review: Awful instructor. Leached me for my money for months just to turn last minute a week before my test to tell me I wasn’t ready and that he wouldn’t provide me his car to perform it in. Had plenty of time to tell me before that I wasn’t ready, but purposefully waited until the last minute to mention it, as an attempt to get me to pay for more lessons. I was more than ready to do my practical. Wouldn’t recommend. 2023 edit after author replied: My review is not unfair, it is called honest. You, as an instructor, claim to exercise patience with your students - yet in your reply to me, you choose to attempt to belittle me and my learning. It’s very much a ‘you problem’ if you can’t handle criticism. I think your reply is rather childish… insulting the reviewer for what reason as a response? My real review must have clearly struck a nerve of yours. A successful business takes criticism into account and uses it to do better. If would like to stoop that low, I kindly recommend you also take a long hard look at yourself and calm your arrogance. Your hot-headed attitude during lessons was off-putting and I completely agree with others who have left similar reviews mentioning this for you. Good luck to anyone who tries to drive with you! :) 2024 edit: There is no lie. Not once in my review have I said it was cancelled a day before, please learn basic comprehension. Pleased to let you know I passed first time with little to no minors, with a great alternative instructor who knew how to teach well.
Your review is unfair. I told you to move your test a month before because you still wouldn’t concentrate enough to even be able to stop at a junction. Whatever you struggle with is absolutely fine, we work with that but I’m not taking you to a test that you can’t pass. Your challenge here is a reality check and some self honesty. This won’t be given to you, you have to earn it with hard work and dedication, that is something you’ll do well to work on, without humility and commitment you won’t achieve much whatever the subject. I’m happy for honest review whatever your opinion but it should be based in truth. Reply 2024! I’m purely replying to a lie, I did not tell you to cancel the day before, lies always hit a nerve especially when you’re trying to harm someone’s living with it. I’m happy to accept that I can do better with every lesson and every pupil, I will never stop learning or trying to improve how I do my job.
Fantastic experience: 10/10 passed first time brilliant and patient instructor really boosted my confidence now
Fantastic experience: Mark is an excellent driving instructor, he doesn’t just teach you how to operate a car safely - but how to feel confident doing it. Throughout our lessons Mark was very aware of my personal sources of stress and gave me the tools I needed to overcome them. I passed my driving test today and feel not only that he helped me feel equipped to pass a test, but also to be a safe and confident driver now I have a license! Would absolutely recommend learning to drive with Mark at Tarmac Guru.
Was a pleasure to teach you.
Fantastic experience: The most professional and honest, efficient person I have ever met and I can't much more about him than thank you so much for helping me pass my test,God bless you
Was an enjoyable challenge with a great person.
Fantastic experience: If you are looking for a driving instructor who will teach you the exact test, how to pass it and repeated instructions that could essentially be replaced with an audiobook, then Mark is not what you are looking for. If you want someone who you can experience driving with, feel comfortable with in the car, learn and make mistakes your own way and walk away from each lesson learning how and where you have improved, well that is how Mark made me feel. Each lesson with Mark builds on what you already learn and pushes you to be better every time. Mark doesn't just teach a curriculum, he teaches each student individually and pushes you as far as he believes you should be pushed. He is reasonable, understanding and easy to talk to, have a laugh, discuss what you are good at, what you are bad at, how to improve and then the steps forward towards the test. I passed first time with ease because of Mark, this might sounds silly but my test was far easier than driving with Mark, this is because Mark is teaching you to be far better than the test requires so that things like nerves affect you much less in the test. Leading up to the test Mark will not only make you pass the test but make you a confident, efficient and smart driver, making the test a breeze. I am almost sad to have completed driving now as lessons with Mark start to feel somewhat similar to how parents teach their kids to ride a bike, there is a range of emotion over the process and many laughs along the way and by the end you see how well his process works, he builds your trust so that you can learn in your own way whilst nudging you towards success, he is everything you need in a teacher from frustrations, emotion, laughs and success. I am truly grateful to Mark for making the experience of learning to drive a fun, safe and exciting environment with all the success required at the end, I could not have asked for a better teacher. Mark, it has been a pleasure to have been taught by you as you are a brilliant teacher and a great man. You capture the essence and fine art of being both a teacher and friend at the same time, allowing students to thrive by placing their trust in you. I entirely recommend Mark as a driving instructor, especially to anyone with anxieties, doubts or fears in their own ability or driving itself. The experience Mark has allows you to push those anxieties and doubts aside and truly show the skills you have without fear.
Glad to have helped. Was worth the challenge you faced.
Fantastic experience: Mark’s an excellent instructor, sadly I wasn’t able to complete my training with Mark due to my relocation up north. However, I feel Mark has done a brilliant job preparing me to drive on any roads safely. His passion for teaching his student really helped to learn quickly in a supportive environment.
Fantastic experience: Mark is a great instructor he not only helped me pass my test but also helped me be a confident and aware driver for after I passed. I highly recommend him as a driving instructor.
Fantastic experience: I highly recommend mark as a instructor he is very thorough with attention to every detail needed to be a safe and aware driver and in my case I needed help with believing in myself and not second guessing myself and he helped massively to get me through this , mark will make you feel comfortable and make learning to drive more enjoyable. So I Passed my test today thanks to mark , never believed I would ever pass have failed too many times due to nerves (with previous instructor) , with help from mark driving and with hypno I went into my test much less nervous and believing in myself and came away with 1 minor
Fantastic experience: Mark is an excellent driving instructor. He taught me not only how to pass my driving test but also how to be an excellent aware driver so that once you have passed, you are a competent driver. I passed my test the first time due to the high standard of teaching.
Fantastic experience: Really good and productive - passed first time because of him. Taught me everything I needed to know
Fantastic experience: Was a very helpful with test roots as I’m from out the area and passed first time. Would highly recommend
Fantastic experience: Brilliant instructor, got me a pass quick and easy. Definitely would recommend.
Fantastic experience: Lessons with Mark were very productive and intense. I learned well thanks to his ability to see my mistakes and fix them as soon as possible. He doesn't mess around either and will be completely honest with you. Overall a good experience with a good instructor.
Fantastic experience: Mark at Tarmac Guru is excellent. Doesn’t just sit back and give you directions of when to turn left or right, always communicating and regularly pausing the lesson to share expertise or restore confidence when road-anxiety takes over. I was probably one of worst drivers his had but he stayed patient with me and had faith in me that I could achieve this. A genuinely decent guy who’s wants you to pass ASAP rather than drag things out as long as possible. So much more than just a driving instructor.
Fantastic experience: Great driving instructor. Passed first time
Fantastic experience: I just passed on my 2nd attempt at a test, thanks to Mark always pushing me to be more confident in my own driving, and holding me accountable for my own mistakes. My first failure was due to hesitation, but with Mark's reminders that I was a capable driver I nailed it the 2nd time. Learning to drive for the first time will always be a high stress situation, but Mark will keep you feeling safe in the car with other road users, and keep pushing you to test your own boundaries. He is also funny and down-to-earth, and sometimes I had to remind myself to enjoy the conversations less, and focus on the driving! - Kyle
Fantastic experience: Mark is a great instructor, definitely recommend!
Fantastic experience: Passed first time, would definitely recommend.
Fantastic experience: Mark is a great instructor, who helped me overcome my nerves when it came to driving. His lessons cater to your needs and through his help, he has made me a much more confident driver and helped me pass first time. I would highly recommend him to anyone.
Fantastic experience: Had a bad experience with a previous driving instructor who really wasn't worth his price, but after switching to the Tarmac Guru I can confidently say that the quality of Mark’s lessons were outstanding. Very easy to talk to and helped settle my nerves when driving. After passing first time, Mark’s eagerness to ensure that I was as confident and safe as possible definitely paid off. Would totally recommend to anyone learning to drive
Fantastic experience: Mark taught all three of our children this year and all 3 passed. - 2 first time, one 2nd time. They all loved Mark, he teaches them to pass but also how to drive well for the future. Always flexible, excellent value, great fun, I absolutely recommend Mark.
Fantastic experience: Mark is a really nice down to earth guy with a good sense of humour. He is great at attending to everyone’s different approaches and needs and really takes care in his work. He will improve your confidence and your skill fast and safely. He will keep you accountable which helped me go from never sitting in a drivers seat to passing first time. Couldn’t recommend him any more!
Fantastic experience: Was a really helpful instructor and helped me pass first time
Fantastic experience: Excellent and personalised coaching. With each lesson, I grew more confident and comfortable behind the wheel. All my needs were cattered to and all my weaknesses were made into my strengths. Top driving instructor and a top man. Couldn't recommend Marc from Tarmac Guru highly!!!!
Fantastic experience: A good driving instructor, picks up on any mistakes immediately and talks you through on to how correct them. If you have a good attitude towards wanting to learn how to drive, he'll certainly push you to your best. I passed my driving test first time with him!
Fantastic experience: Would recommend Mark to anyone! His professional manner combined with his sense of humour makes lessons enjoyable and valuable. Without his support, I wouldn't have been able to pass my test first time. Thank you so much Mark!
Fantastic experience: Driving lessons with Mark were enjoyable, we got along well and it was easy to talk to him about random topics as well as driving. He helped fill in knowledge gaps in my driving whenever I asked and he explained his methods precisely. He was also very flexible whenever it came to availability and was always bang on time for lessons! When we weren't having a laugh in lessons, he was drilling me to be a confident and safe driver. Very thankful to Mark and his efforts to get me to pass my driving test on my first attempt!
Fantastic experience: Mark was a great instructor for me. Failed a test with a previous instructor who did not fully teach me a lot of things. Mark was able to help me fill those gaps in my knowledge and directed me to improve a lot of the skills vital for passing the test. Appreciate your help Mark! Would recommend to any driver looking to pass their test.
Fantastic experience: Mark is an amazing instructor and has really developed my driving and enabled me to pass my practical test first time, he is very professional as well as a genuine, great guy.
Fantastic experience: Have had lessons with Mark and he is honestly such a good instructor, made me feel very comfortable and has helped me improve my driving skills expeditiously. I recommend him 100% and is definitely worth the money, thank you very much Mark
Fantastic experience: After having a very negative experience with a previous driving instructor Mark really helped me to regain confidence when driving. He was happy to answer any questions I had and knew when I needed pushing and when I needed coaching. His explanations were clear and concise, and he is an instructor that wants his pupils to succeed. I was able to recently pass my driving test thanks to my lessons with him!
Fantastic experience: Lovely bloke with a very effective and reassuring teaching style and was upfront when I didn't need more lessons. Totally worth the money.
Fantastic experience: Mark is a really great driving instructor who helped me overcome my nervous driving. His sense of humour made conversation easy and made it enjoyable to have driving lessons. He helped me gain confidence on the road and is incredibly patient when you make the inevitable slipups. all in all he is a great driving instructor and also a great mentor, thanks alot for helping me pass!
Fantastic experience: Awesome driving instructor! Mark’s patience and sense of humour made learning to drive fun, I now feel really confident on the road and can’t thank him enough for helping reach my goal. I will actually miss our driving lessons! But thank god I passed.... road trip!!!!!
Fantastic experience: Can’t recommend Mark enough! Started learning to drive with him and was initially a nervous driver, but Mark immediately instilled confidence in me and my ability to drive. I stopped learning to drive for a year and got in touch with Mark again and he helped me pass my test within 2 months of starting lessons back up. Great instructor with a great sense of humour and gets the job done! Always looked forward to my driving lessons with Mark. Without a doubt the best instructor in the Canterbury area.
Fantastic experience: Mark is just the right person to be a driving instructor. He not only teach you how to drive but help you to become a good driver. I always felt never and worried going on the road. Mark helped me through that and get my license.
Fantastic experience: I 100% recommend Mark if you’re looking for a driving instructor around the Canterbury area. He is knowledgeable and professional regarding his job. He is strict at times, but only because he wants his students to learn and reach their abilities. I wouldn’t have passed my practical driving test if it wasn’t for Mark’s encouragement and guidance!
Fantastic experience: Mark knows how to get the best out of you. I’m very glad I picked him as my driving instructor, wouldn’t pass my test without him.Thank you
Fantastic experience: I'm glad I picked this firm for a pack of 10 lessons. Mark was a thorough professional who knows how to get the best out of you. Thanks Guru !
Fantastic experience: Mark really helped me after I passed my test to build my confidence as I was still a very anxious driver, wish he’d taught me to drive from the start. Very accommodating and informed me on areas in which I could improve and always reviewed my driving with me after the lesson. Would highly recommend to anyone learning to drive or simply wanted to gain confidence on the road.
Fantastic experience: Mark will push you, but he does so in a constructive manner that will ultimately make you a much better driver. There is no room to get lazy or complacent and your driving will be the better for it.
Fantastic experience: Mark is a great driving instructor; he gets straight to the point and really helped me understand what my weakness and how I could improve. I was able to pass first time with him. Really recommend!
Fantastic experience: Mark is a great instructor, I managed to pass my practical test first time. I Would highly recommend driving with him.
Fantastic experience: Great instructor with a great sense of humour, makes you feel very comfortable and confident from the off set and has an amazing way of teaching you how to properly drive. If you don’t feel motivated and are a bit lazy; Mark is the one to teach you! He might put pressure on you and make you agitated at times but that’ll only make you more focused and dedicated to learning. All in all great company and you will be driving in no time!
Fantastic experience: I booked a block of 10 lessons with Mark after a taster session and being let down by the unprofessional approach of pass driving school. I can’t fault his ability or approach on getting the best out of each lesson. I passed first time on an extended test with only 1 minor so he must have done something right!! Would recommend him to anyone!! Thanks Mark!! Can’t wait to get out there driving!
Fantastic experience: I’d had a few lessons with another instructor before I started with Mark and I felt I wasn’t learning too much, as soon as I started my first lesson with Mark I realised I had learned more in that one lesson than my previous lessons combined. Mark has a teaching technique which may come across at times like he’s angry, but it was only because he knew I had the ability to drive well, he’s a quality guy with a great personality, I passed my test first time, I felt supremely confident in my test because of what mark had taught me, I left with my driving license quite sad that I wouldn’t see mark on a weekly basis again because he felt like a friend. I don’t normally leave reviews but I would highly recommend him if you’re serious about wanting to be a GOOD driver and not to just pass your test, listen to him and don’t get upset if tells you off because he does it to improve you, he’s basically like the Gordon Ramsey of driving. Thanks for everything Mark
Fantastic experience: I'm really glad to have Mark as my driving instructor. Though I hold a driving license in other countries, it has been ages since last time I drove. So I basically started all over again. My driving skills have been built up step-by-step through the lessons. Mark has an excellent analytic mind that he always points out specifically what I'm doing incorrectly. Meanwhile he is always encouraging me to make decisions, so that I can learn from the wrong decisions. He indeed builds up a safe environment for me to learn how to drive in the past few months. I've just passed my road test today. I'm super appreciated his help so that's why I recommend him to everyone who keen to learn driving in Canterbury area.
Fantastic experience: Mark has been a great teacher throughout my lessons he helped me pass my practical first time and he really makes you feel comfortable and relaxed
Fantastic experience: I'm delighted to provide Mark's 100th review on here. I definitely recommend Mark and can't thank him enough for helping me return to driving after many years absence. I also laughed, bickered and cried with frustration as this extremely kind and patient man coaxed, cajoled and pushed me to achieve my best level of competence and confidence in order to cope with real-life driving and survival. Mark is a lovely guy (we had great chats, too) and I particularly appreciated his insight which he drew on to adapt his clear, concise instruction to my learning style and personality- he often had more faith in me than I did! Constructive feedback was specific and with explanation, and his welcome honesty meant that a "good" thing definitely was and the converse was about keeping us all safe! Mark deserves a medal for putting up with my re-learning but I never doubted his commitment and because of his support, I felt competent and confident enough to buy, recently, my own little car: I'm arranging for Mark to come out with me in it for a familiarisation lesson. I fully endorse Mark as a fantastic instructor whether you're young or "mature", newbie or lapsed. Toot-toot!!
Fantastic experience: Mark is such an awsome guy. Firm but fair teacher, got me passing my test after 6 lessons. I wouldnt recommended anybody else.
Fantastic experience: Writing this on the day of passing my practical test, so I'm probably a little bit biased. Mark is a very helpful instructor, a bit of an aggressive way of teaching, which originally discouraged me, as I was quite lazy towards learning to drive at the beginning of our lessons, but if you are willing to put in the work, you will get the results you want. You will most likely get frustrated or angry but this only motivates you further, people that don't benefit from Mark's teaching are those that are not willing to listen or just want to be 'babied' throughout the process - which most certainly will not be the case here. I thought I was the first person to draw the following comparison, but disappointingly not: Mark is the Gordon Ramsey, of driving instructors, and I find this to be a highly apt comparison. Thanks Mark!
Fantastic experience: Mark was the third driving instructor I've had, and was by far the best. I don't say that lightly - Mark is a genuinely warm, funny, likeable bloke, and I can't think of anyone I'd have been happier learning to drive with. He's got an outstanding ability to understand & pinpoint exactly what you need to work on to improve, and his instructions are always clear & helpful. Driving lessons were always enjoyable, while being hugely productive, and Mark was always flexible and accommodating when it came to bookings. After failing my test twice with 2 other instructors, I passed first attempt with Mark's tutelage. If you're looking for someone to teach you to drive in Canterbury, whether you've learned before or have never set foot in the driver's seat, look no further. Give him a call, you won't regret it.
Leave your opinion about The Tarmac Guru School of Motoring:
The Tarmac Guru School of Motoring appears in the following listings:
Other driving schools that might interest you



LE4RNERS


John Harvey Driving School



Invicta Motorcycle Training

Podium Driving School


Pass Driving School




John Harvey Driving School

Add your business to our directory for free
If you own a driving school and want to appear in our guide, send us your business information, and you can be listed completely free of charge.