Checkmate Driver Training - Manual & Automatic

Fantastic experience: Lisa was a fantastic instructor at Checkmate. Not only that but easy to get on with. She quickly ensured that I was challenged and guided me outside my comfort zone. When identifying things to work on, she was patient but persistent in helping them become more like second nature. I couldn't thank her enough for supporting me through something that I have avoided for years.

Positive experience: I learnt to drive with Kelly and have just passed today!! She made me feel really comfortable and gave me really good tips to help me remember how to do my manoeuvres. She always chatted to me and was keen to listen.

Fantastic experience: Really recommend. Woody was patient, explained things in ways that were easy to understand and put me at ease. Made the experience as enjoyable as learning to drive and taking a test can be.

Fantastic experience: My driving instructor was woody smallwood and I got to say he was brilliant he knows ways to teach that makes driving so much simpler and would highly recommend to anyone wanted to learn to drive with his experience and expertise I was able to pass my test in just 19 hours of lessons, if your willing to learn and progress woody is your guy

Fantastic experience: Woody has the patience of a saint! A great sense of humour and an incredible ability to keep you calm! An absolute star at checkmate. Passed with one driver fault, thank you!!!!

Fantastic experience: Very helpful lessons with Kelly. She’s a great instructor and patient. Would definitely recommend

Fantastic experience: Woody is the absolute best driving instructor there is! I had no experience in driving and passed my test on 22 lessons. He is very easy to get a long with and makes your driving experience enjoyable and makes you feel relaxed. He teaches in a way that makes you pick everything up fast, I definitely will be recommending him to everybody! Thanks woody!

Fantastic experience: Tracy is a wonderful driving instructor, she really helped my son who suffers with anxiety and made him feel at ease. I couldn’t recommend this lady enough. Thank you for all your support. 5 star ⭐️ all the way

Negative experience: i think it’s time to address my situation . First i’ll start off with my situation with this driving instructor called Laura . She’s probably one of the worst instructors out there for communication and will look to take advantage of you and your money . If you have missed a lesson for another reason she won’t get a lesson with you until a couple of weeks not the week after . Don’t know why i’ve spent so long with her as i thought she would improve as i stayed with her but this proved to be not true. She’s cancelled my test a couple of times due to not being ready and frankly ive had enough . I hope no one has to experience what ive been through . So if you get told that you’re with an instructor Ask for another instructor!

Fantastic experience: leonie the best driving instructor ever 100/10 the most lovely person thankyou so much x

Fantastic experience: Tracey was so amazing. Always made me feel comfortable and provided a calm environment and always very supportive meaning I could pass on my first try. Thank you so much .

Fantastic experience: Brilliant company, I had Tracy and she was a joy to drive with, amazing on teaching me new skills on how to be safe on the road and an brilliant teacher. I am forever greatful!!

Fantastic experience: Leonie was amazing, very friendly and very professional would definitely recommend

Fantastic experience: I couldn’t have asked for a better driving instructor! Tracy is so supportive and patient, and will go out of her way to make sure you get everything you need. I would definitely recommend her to anybody wanting to learn to drive.

Fantastic experience: Kelly is amazing she supported me through 14 months of learning to drive and three tests. She was amazing at supporting me especially with my autism. She pushed me to reach my challenges, I have become such a confident driving and can’t wait to get out on the roads by myself.

Fantastic experience: I had a great time learning to drive with Kelly she helped me to perfect my manoeuvres and my overall driving standards so I could pass my driving test with her . Kelly Dallard was my instructor

Fantastic experience: I’ve recently passed with checkmate (Woody) I was extremely anxious and nervous at first and he quickly made me feel at ease and was very reassuring, understanding and patient throughout every lesson, and calmed my anxieties before my test I would recommend them to anyone wanting to take lessons!

Fantastic experience: Leonie is an amazing and patient instructor and made the start of my driving experience so enjoyable and exciting. Thank you so much x

Fantastic experience: Leonie is a great driving instructor. She’s been massively supportive, patient and really clear. I was a complete beginner sitting behind the wheel for the first time earlier this year and after months of great lessons and many laughs I’ve passed my test first time! Would highly recommend Leonie and Checkmate Driver Training to anyone looking to become a confident driver and inevitably pass their test. Thanks Leonie!!

Fantastic experience: Kelly was a really clear and consistent instructor, really supported me through my driving. She helped my confidence and skills in the road. Would definitely recommend.

Fantastic experience: Amazing experience with woody (automatic). Great guy, very friendly, patient and understanding. Down to earth and willing to do anything to help you pass. I began driving lessons with no experience which I was very nervous about but woody made me feel at ease instantly and showed me that it’s nowhere near as scary or as difficult as you’d think. He explains everything very clearly and makes you feel comfortable and confident. Very patient and understanding, Supports you with what you need. Always finding ways to help and tailors everything to your needs. He Makes everything seem easy and does what he can to help you pass ASAP! Not only a great driving instructor, great guy to spend time with and have conversations with. Highly recommend woody, best driving instructor! Will miss you, thank you so much!

Fantastic experience: Kelly was my driving instructor and taught me everything I need to know about driving as I passed the other day. She’s very easy to get along with and helped me with all the skills I needed in order to pass after just 40 hours of learning. Great instructor would definitely recommend.

Fantastic experience: Been an amazing journey with my instructor, had the best support through and through, would highly recommend to others

Fantastic experience: Would definitely recommend Checkmate Driver Training. Woody is a fantastic instructor, wouldn't of passed without his help!

Fantastic experience: Was great experience for me as I ever had any dream of driving,but Lissa made my dreams to come true was patient with me am not quick to understand British accent as am from Africa she made easy for me thou it’s took time for me to get on track but we all happy with my progress today,I will will recommend check mate drivers,most thank to lissa for your kindness and being patient and for understanding me,we all happy

Fantastic experience: I had an excellent experience learning to drive with Leonie. From our first lesson, she was patient and very encouraging. Her teaching style is clear and structured, breaking down complex concepts into manageable steps. She provided valuable feedback and tailored each lesson to my progress, which really boosted my confidence. I highly recommend Leonie to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and supportive driving instructor!

Fantastic experience: Checkmate was really fast in setting up my lessons/assigning an instructor who suited my needs and their prices are really reasonable. My driving instructor was Lisa - she was really lovely, supportive, and helped boost my confidence with driving! Thanks to her I passed with one minor! It's not the same driving around without her! :)

Fantastic experience: I’ve really enjoyed learning with Tracy, she’s helped me through all kinds of weather and conditions, couldn’t recommend her enough.Thank you so much

Fantastic experience: Lisa was brilliant, patient and got me over the line after a looooong time trying, thanks to Scott for helping me find Lisa too!

Fantastic experience: Tracy was a great instructor to work with, very friendly but also extremely knowledgeable about the process of being a learner driver. I thoroughly enjoyed learning with Tracy, and am very grateful for her help in passing my test!!

Fantastic experience: Would 100% recommend. Leonie is lovely and super easy to talk to aswell as being a great instructor and helping you feel confident in your driving. Thank you so much !

Fantastic experience: I started driving in a manual many moons ago. I had a rubbish driving instructor when I first started and because of that it left me frightened to get on the road again . I then had another instructor who was wonderful but she pointed out I would do better in a automatic due to my ADHD . So here we are and woody from checkmate driving school has been my instructor and he has been a brilliant one . Woody understands my nurospicey self as I am diagnosed ADHD and suspected autistic, nervous tourette's. Woody made driving easier and I began to enjoy learning to drive again. Woody is kind ,caring , has empathy and has patience and I felt Very comfortable in his presence. If anyone wants to learn to drive I would suggest you learn with woody because he will give you and make you a very safe driver . Thank you woody for everything.

Fantastic experience: Passed first time after 12 lessons with 3 minors and had Izzy as my instructor, she’s very helpful, friendly and teaches you how to be very safe on the road without making driving sound boring. Highly recommend

Fantastic experience: passed in 5 months

Fantastic experience: Woody is such a great driving instructor and such a great guy. His manner and method of teaching brought out the best in my son who passed first time. Thanks Woody!

Fantastic experience: My driving instructor woody has been amazing and a really big help with me passing my driving test. It has been an amazing experience and I 100% recommend

Fantastic experience: I learnt to drive with Tracey from Checkmate (Manual), lucky to have her as an instructor as she built my confidence whilst learning to drive. She was always patient and supportive throughout lessons, friendly and talkative which put me at ease and made for an enjoyable experience on lessons. She explained things well and really helped understand any mistakes I made .Great communication if any lessons needed to be re-arranged and she was always on time. Brilliant teacher and would recommend to anyone that is wanting to learn to drive.Thank you so much for helping me pass with only one minor! :)

Fantastic experience: Steve is a great instructor, really easy to get on with, no pressure and allows you to develop your skills at a great pace. He was always on time and would not rush you to get back if we were running late. I passed first time after 18.5 hours. Would highly recommend.

Positive experience: Checkmate appointed me a driving instructor straight away and I had my first driving lesson the week after! I had weekly lessons with Dave. He is very knowledgeable and offers a professional and reliable service. He only cancelled one lesson in a year and a bit of learning to drive with him. Even though our personalities differed at times, he made lessons humorous with his wit. After having three “questionable” driving instructors before, I started to believe I would never pass my driving test and was seriously considering giving up learning to drive. Dave promised he would get me through to my test, and he certainly did. I credit him with helping me to pass my driving test FIRST TIME (with only FOUR minors)! Thank you Checkmate and Dave!

Fantastic experience: i had my driving lessons with leonie and after such a bad experience with a previous driving instructor and failing my test, she was able to bring my confidence back and passed after i had 3 months of lessons with her. she is an amazing driving instructor aswell as an amazing person. Leonie always made me feel so comfortable and was able to help me so much. highly recommend ❤️

Fantastic experience: Great instructor, was very helpful with everything really. First time pass and i wasnt the best of drivers to start with.

Fantastic experience: Woody is honestly amazing wouldn't have done it without him! Thank you so much for teaching me everything in so little time!!

Fantastic experience: I was with Kelly and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better driving instructor! Started off with the worst nervous but she is so calming and patient so within a few weeks I made great progress. Couldn’t recommend enough.

Fantastic experience: Couldn’t off asked for a better driver instructor woody was amazing with me madd driving easier first time pass aswell I can not believe it !!! Thanks so much woody couldn’t ask for a better instructor ! X

Fantastic experience: Great driving school. Quick response when I first inquired and was able to start my lessons very quickly. Woody was my instructor and he had been nice and patient throughout my lessons. He explains things very well so I was well aware what I did wrong and learnt from my mistakes. I just passed my driving test today with one driving fault and I can't thank him enough.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been trying to learn to drive for a few years now (manually) then I joined checkmate with driving instructor Lisa (learning automatic) and my confidence in driving has shot up and I feel like I’ve learned so much about driving in these past months more than I ever did with previous instructors! Hands down the best driving company and instructor around!

Fantastic experience: Lisa is a fab instructor, she’s patient and makes you feel very comfortable and confident!

Fantastic experience: Lisa is amazing, patient, flexible, felt comfortable with her from day one. If you want to drive an automatic Lisa is your go to driving instructor you won’t be disappointed.

Fantastic experience: I have my driving lessons with Lisa she is just fantastic. I was a very nervous driver and she has done wonder I always feel really comfortable with her and now ready for my test can't thank her enough. Highly recommend Checkmate Driver Training.

Fantastic experience: Lisa is an absolutely amazing instructor, after a decade of attempting to drive and failing due to anxiety and confidence issues and now I feel no worries when jumping behind the wheel! Highly recommend for automatic lessons.

Fantastic experience: Amazing instructors, when I first started I was incredible anxious about being on the road but my instructor helped guide me the whole way. My instructor Dave helped me by giving me tips on how to pass my theory and has helped me with things I was on the fence about, even on the day of my test he was giving me useful tips which helped me pass and even when I first started and was nervous about doing things we kept doing them until I was confident and could do it without thinking too much.

Fantastic experience: I had my driving lessons with Kelly from checkmate driving and it was the best decision I could have made. I passed my test first time with 5 minors only having done 18 lessons. This was all down to her and her brilliant teaching. Would definitely recommend anyone who wants to learn to drive to do so with her or anyone at checkmate driving for that matter. Bonus, she’s not boring.

Fantastic experience: I have had my driving lessons with Kelly over the past year and have really enjoyed my lessons with her. Very flexible and patient would highly recommend her especially those on the nervous side

Fantastic experience: Great driving school! Initial enquires about lessons were quickly answered and I soon had an instructor and my first lesson booked. Dave O’Shea was an amazing instructor who was kind, understanding and patient. I felt comfortable from the get go. I couldn’t recommend him more.

Fantastic experience: Amazing instructor, explained everything so well, super friendly. passed in 2 months.

Fantastic experience: Would highly recommend Amanda and Woody I started on manual with Amanda who was always helpful and extremely patient if you want manual leasons definitely go with her. I then decided to change to automatic with woody who was excellent was always a laugh but straight to the point when needed and he made learning easy. so I high recommend checkmate especially woody and Amanda they were both fantastic

Fantastic experience: Dave was an amazing instructor! Starting with basically no driving knowledge and with a lot of anxiety about the whole thing, the lessons with Dave were well tailored. He was patient, understanding, and funny. He was able to dumb the complex things down, and when something wasn't working for me, he adapted and took a different approach until I got it. Passed both theory and practical exams on the first try, and honestly couldn't imagine a better instructor to have helped me achieve this goal!

Fantastic experience: I had Kelly Dallard as an instructor and she was amazing. She really helped me with my confidence and I would highly recommend her. She was really friendly and helped me achieve a first time pass.

Fantastic experience: Thanks so much to Woody, couldn’t have asked for a better instructor. Really put me at ease from day one despite some sky-high anxiety, really patient chap and knew exactly what I needed. School itself is brilliant too, great tracking through the app, flexible and quick on anything I needed. Highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely brilliant instructor. Always on time, very polite and accommodating.

Fantastic experience: Highly recommend Woody to anyone who’s wanting to learn how to drive, he’s been an absolute legend & I never thought I’d get a first time Pass it’s all thanks to him … the adventure continues x

Fantastic experience: Kelly was an absolute saviour! Having had a bad experience with my previous driving instructor whilst also having a tight deadline to pass due to a new career, this left me in quite a difficult situation. Luckily Kelly managed to fit me in and we made it work. She was incredibly patient and allowed me to go at my own pace. I couldn’t recommend Kelly enough!

Fantastic experience: I definitely recommend Kelly Dallard, she made me feel confident every lesson and always went over anything I was struggling with. Thank you so much for getting me that pass, couldn't have done it without you!

Fantastic experience: Lisa was absolutely amazing she has loads of patience very flexible with lessons if u work different shifts and gave some brilliant tips for doing manovres.

Fantastic experience: Never had any issues with woody, was very helpful in what he was teaching and was very good at explaining things and pointing out rooms for improvement to better you

Fantastic experience: As part of my lessons as a learner, I had Scott Thorpe as my driving instructor. I can honestly say that he was perfect. He was everything you would want in an instructor. He was patient, kind and explained everything I needed to do, in exceptional detail. With conversations I have had with other people who have been taught by Scott I know that they have shared the exact same experience as I have had. Not only that, but he is also a genuinely good person and a privilege to have a conversation with. I would recommend him to anyone who wants to learn to drive. Thank you Scott, you are the best.

Fantastic experience: Had Dave as my driving instructor he was brilliant, so calm and encouraging. Even if something went wrong he’d help me correct it and understand what went wrong. Couldn’t have passed my test without his encouragement every time. Thank you very much.

Fantastic experience: From the beginning of my driving journey it has been a wonderful experience. I was well looked after through every step of being a new anxious driver. Kelly went above and beyond to ensure I was comfortable, happy and ready for any challenge. I could not recommend enough.

Fantastic experience: Couldn’t thank Kelly enough for teaching me how to drive! She was so so patient with me throughout all my lessons but knew how to push me to progress. I’d recommend Kelly to anyone in the Long Eaton/Stapleford area!!

Fantastic experience: I passed my test 2nd attempt with lisa at Checkmate during school, Lisa has been amazing with teaching and giving me lots of support. Thank you for helping me pass and giving me confidence in driving.

Fantastic experience: Fabulous experience, fantastic instructors and Lisa is a star so patient and down to earth, she makes learning to drive a pleasure and I was so nervous and not enjoying driving really before switching across to Checkmate Driving School. Highly recommend

Fantastic experience: Woody is absolutely amazing. He's been really helpful when it comes to reassurance and covering areas of concern. If you make a mistake, they get covered then even if it takes a few go's. Highly recommended

Fantastic experience: Brilliant driving school. My driving instructor was brilliant and encouraged me to tackle the areas which scared me the most, giving me the confidence I lacked. Good price, lovely people and all round a great place. Can not recommend them enough.

Fantastic experience: Such supportive driving instructor! wouldn’t go to anyone else. Always try to make the best out of his pupils and is so kind x

Fantastic experience: Big thank you to Amanda from Checkmate. She has been fantastic at teaching my son to drive. Very knowledgeable and friendly, she very much put him at ease and supported him- in lessons, through to his first test today, which he passed! Thank you so much!

Fantastic experience: Cannot fault my instructor Amanda at all. She was superb with instructing and also provided a relaxed and friendly atmosphere to learn in. Thoroughly enjoyed my lessons with Amanda and would recommend her and Checkmate Driving School to people in the future!

Fantastic experience: I had the wonderful Amanda as my driving instructor and I really can’t thank her enough for everything she has got me through. So many nerves throughout all my lessons but she pushed me and was there to support me every step of the way. I passed first time at Chilwell test centre and I really could not have done it without Amanda!!

Fantastic experience: Passed my driving test with Amanda. Very happy with everything, the company definitely has my recommendation for anyone who needs a driving instructor.

Fantastic experience: Had all my lessons with Amanda, she was so patient with me and I really enjoyed lessons - passed first time :)

Fantastic experience: Passed my test a few weeks ago with Woody. He was a great, professional and extremely patient instructor! Definitely had a great time on my lessons and we worked together on making sure I was building the skills necessary to become a safe driver on the roads. Really pleased with the service and level of instruction, and would heartily recommend to anyone looking to take up driving.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely amazing driving school, always felt comfortable and safe and actually enjoyed my lessons:)

Fantastic experience: Woody is the best and most patient instructor out there. He made me feel comfortable and relaxed in all my lessons which helped me massively! I passed first time with only one minor, in less than 6 months! I would have never of thought I would even come close to passing without Woody! Can’t recommend him enough!

Fantastic experience: I cant recommend Checkmate enough! Both my daughters have learned to drive with checkmate, Their instructor is patient and kind He explains everything so cleary and made sure they were fully confident in doing manouvers. Thank you so much for teaching them Scott.

Fantastic experience: I was very anxious and terrified when I decided to have my lessons with Woody but he was amazing and put me at ease straight away. I never thought I would be a driver but I passed my test in June and will never look back

Fantastic experience: Scott was an amazing driving instructor and always motivated me to do my best. I managed to pass my test first time with just one minor and I couldn’t thank Scott enough! Was always so flexible and helpful with lesson times and always tried to make it suit both of us (especially around work and college). Couldn’t recommend Checkmate any more!

Fantastic experience: Scott was amazing. He helped me pass my test. He was friendly and professional. I would recommend him anytime

Fantastic experience: Great instructor and I would highly recommend. I passed first time even with all this covid going off, having to stop and start because of the lock downs. Very professional and how he breaks down all the manoeuvres so they are easy to learn and master, very patient and doesn't push you until he thinks you are ready.