Mike Del Grosso

Negative experience: Initially, I was not going to leave a review as I felt it would probably be unfair after not even completing a full lesson. However, part of the reason I contacted Mike was because of his many positive reviews, so I feel I should share the bad experience I had with him. I have had three other prior instructors who I had to change for various reasons, and obviously all provided me with feedback and pointed out my mistakes as I was driving, and I did not have an issue with it. I found the way Mike spoke to me while driving very condescending, and after probably not even half an hour into the lesson, he seemed to be becoming impatient and frustrated with me. I started to feel nervous to even do anything out of fear I would get something wrong. He gives me the impression he is not at all open to any criticism about the way he teaches, commenting that if I don't want to be told what I'm doing wrong then I should just get an instructor that doesn't teach me. He made me feel like the problem was with me and told me that I am oversensitive. But now after looking into it more I can see that there are other people who've had lessons with him and feel similarly. Edit: very unprofessional response from you. Resorting to personal attacks and baseless speculation after I left a bad review is beyond pathetic. My previous instructors did not "make up excuses to stop seeing me". With my first instructor I started when I was unemployed and then got a job after starting, so my schedule and availability changed. The second one had to stop because the amount of roadworks in town at the time made it not feasible for her because of how long it would take her to travel to see me. And my most recent one had an injury while on holiday and so is not able to teach at all. I said to you that I had my test in March but that I did not feel ready and would most likely end up pushing it back. When we pulled over, I felt overwhelmed and at first I said I was okay because I felt embarrassed about the fact I was getting upset and was trying my best not to. But after we switched over I admitted to you that it was the way you were speaking to me. "Controlling behaviour" this is a genuinely laughable accusation. How is an involuntary response controlling behaviour? And to what end? What do you I think I was trying to control you to do exactly? The reality is that you are charging people money for a service, and if I have an unpleasant experience and feel that your teaching style contributed to that, then I have every right to leave a review saying that so people can make up their own mind about it. And after reading some of your reviews, I can see that there are others who share this sentiment and have a substantial amount of likes. If you feel that your teaching style works for most people and thus don't feel there is an issue, then that is fair enough, but it is perfectly reasonable for me to leave a review informing other people about it.

Fantastic experience: A great instructor, very friendly and explains everything clearly.

Fantastic experience: After roughly 22 lessons (1hour30) with Mike and practice in my own car outside of lessons, I passed my test first time with no minors.

Fantastic experience: Mike is a very patient and friendly driving instructor, I struggled with driving for a long time but with Mike's help I passed last week. I work full time in a fairly high pressured role and Mike was very flexible and understanding with lesson timing as well so can definitely recommend if you work full time.

Fantastic experience: Mike was a brilliant instructor with clear and logical feedback that helped me pass my test first time. Methods used were very effective, he was very patient and created a positive and relaxed learning environment

Negative experience: i didn’t enjoy my lessons with mike. the lessons made me feel as if i was an incompetent driver who wasn’t to be trusted and didn’t help me progress towards a licence. in all fairness he was accommodating of my schedule and nice however this doesn’t cancel out my bad experience. at the beginning of the lessons, we would spend 30-40 mins driving around the same estate in a low gear. after 15 hours or so of lessons, this wasn’t helpful and made me feel like a bad driver, as i thought i must be doing something wrong. additionally, mike constantly touched the wheel. this didn’t affect my road position or direction, and was another reason why i felt untrustworthy and didn’t help my confidence at all. i felt as if my progress was being slowed. this became apparent when in my first lesson with a new instructor, i was taken onto busier roads and a dual carriageway and dealt with it well. and no, i didn’t say anything at the time as i was a shy teenager. and yes you most definitely did teach me, in 2021, if he claims differently, that is a lie.

Fantastic experience: Passed my test first time with 3 minors after lessons with Mike for under 5 months. Really nice guy and always very patient and supportive. Lessons were always enjoyable

Fantastic experience: Mike is an excellent instructor who really polishes and improves upon the skills you've known or have been taught. Through this I have felt a lot more confident in my driving ability and look forward to future lessons!

Fantastic experience: Great guy and instructor :) Wish I had time to continue lessons and pass the practical test!

Fantastic experience: Honestly a really down to earth lovely guy, he helped me gain a lot of confidence on the road and taught me in an incredibly digestible way. I always felt safe and I always knew that if I had any questions he could answer them. Thanks Mike :)

Fantastic experience: Mike is a great instructor, let's you learn at your own speed but gives you a push when he knows you need it. We had a great rapport and he made me comfortable in the car, so I could drive at a calmer pace without constantly feeling on edge.

Fantastic experience: In my short time with Mike I enjoyed his lessons thoroughly. He allowed me to progress at my own pace has always reminded me to not rush and just master the basics before pushing myself too far. On top of that he’s a top quality guy so very happy with this experience

Fantastic experience: Mike has been excellent throughout our son’s driving tuition, very approachable and quick to respond to communications. Mike provided us with advice throughout and our son passed first time so we can’t ask for anything more. We had no issues in booking lessons even though our son started during the tail end of COVID restrictions and others were experiencing a lack of driving instructor availability. Would recommend Mike based on our experience with him.

Fantastic experience: Mike was able to fit me in even with a busy schedule. He was professional and helpful in preparing me for the practical test. Communication was prompt and he was a pleasant and knowledgeable person to learn from. Recommended.

Negative experience: If I could give Mike zero stars, I would definitely do it. He makes you drive in the same roads, even after 20 lessons and he thinks this is enough. He always finishes earlier than the time agreed. So even though the lesson is supposed to last 1.5 hours, the time I spent in front of the wheel was 1h 15' or even 1hour. He doesn't trust his students, nor does he help his students build up their confidence. He makes you do more lessons in order to pay more. Plus, sometimes he destroys the confidence that you have struggled to build up, by his behaviour and comments.

Fantastic experience: This was a lesson for our Son in our own car as I had taught him to drive and he was nearing time to sit his test. I have used Mike before in this capacity and found him to be excellent - this time was the same. Thorough, pragmatic but with a keen eye for areas of improvement, this was a first class experience. Our Son got enormous value from the session and I would have no hesitation in recommending Mike.

Fantastic experience: I cannot recommend Mike enough. As an instructor he’s everything you could want; patient, knowledgeable and all round nice guy. Really takes the time to focus in on the specifics of what you’re struggling with and has a very pro-active attitude! With Mikes help I passed first time!! 5/5 stars! Thank you Mike for all your help!

Negative experience: If I could Mike give 0 stars I would. I thought he was a very poor instructor. Made you go around a small estate which was nowhere near the test route for 30/45 minutes every lesson. He drove you there. Even after doing more than 10 hours. He also use to finish early every lesson. One lesson he finished 15 minutes early. I was completely gobsmacked!! Could not believe it. 15 minutes taken off a 1 hour 30 minute lesson. Literally couldn't believe it. He also has a real lack of trust with his drivers. He was always touching the wheel while I was at the wheel. Very condescending in his critique. I have now had 3 lessons with another instructor and I have drove the whole time without any touching of the wheel, driving me places or finishing early. It is not like I am not a competent driver. And to finish it off. I discussed pushing for my test and trying to push myself as I had limited time. We agreed that I could book it earlier and if I wasn't ready then we could rearrange it as DVLA allow you 3 workings days before your test to rearrange. I had 5 more lessons(7.5 hours, and two and half weeks) booked in with Mike until my test that I had booked. I informed him of the date I booked my test. This was his response: "Hi Ciaran. I have decided to not continue teaching you. It was a push to be ready for the previous test date. Mike" Two and a half week before my test! Leaving me without a driving instructor!!! Just incredible. I have had to rearrange my test and look for a new driving instructor. Thankfully I have managed to do that and the new instructor is more than happy to put me in for my test. I will make sure to let you know when I pass my test first time! Mike feels that people should take 45 hours to pass their test. This is his own words. I believe he slows down your progress in order to make more money. Thankfully we have reviews now that are now so valuable! I would not recommend Mike to my enemy. Thankfully business is all about referrals and reputation and I do not believe his business will be around for much longer!

Fantastic experience: My daughter passed first time with only 2 'minors'. We were extremely pleased with Mikes very measured and patient tuition which did not add to A Level stress; infact she looked forward to her driving lessons almost as relaxing session. I would recommend Mike to any parent as our daughter is a well-rounded young driver and understands both roadcraft and second-guessing idiot road users.

Fantastic experience: 1st time pass with no minors thanks to good instruction... patient letting me learn at my own pace. Thanks Mike.

Fantastic experience: Mike is an amazing driving instructor! Having failed under previous instructors he trained me well to pass under his training! Thanks again!

Fantastic experience: Very patient instructor, and incredibly knowledgeable!

Fantastic experience: Great driving instructor and very patient in teaching. Has great knowledge of the local area and taught me superbly over the summer. Would definitely recommend!

Fantastic experience: Started with Mike having done an intensive course previously. Unfortunately the previous instructor was not so capable to deal with nervous drivers. However, Mike was the opposite, very patient and persevered with me. Would definitely recommend!

Positive experience: Recently passed my test without any minors, Mike has been such a great help and I couldn’t have done it without him!

Fantastic experience: I've been learning to drive with Mike since November 2018. He is patient and let me learn at a pace that I was comfortable with. Passed my test second time with only 1 minor! Would recommend to any new driver. He is a great laugh and makes driving seem easy. His teaching method is brilliant and makes manovuers seem like child's play. No complaints at all. Thanks Mike! :)

Fantastic experience: Mike is a great instructor, really helped me to be able to feel confident on the roads so that I was prepared to be on the roads by myself.

Fantastic experience: Passed my test with 2 minors not long ago, Mike is a great instructor! I was very nervous when I first started learning but Mike is patient and I always had a good laugh in my lessons. Thank you!

Fantastic experience: I was a bit later than some in taking the plunge and learning to drive and as such felt my confidence was lacking somewhat. Mike easily remedied all that. He easy going a great laugh and has a excellent teaching methodology to make sure I was well prepared for what the roads can throw at you and above all is patient allowing you to learn at your own speed (which in my case was much needed) With Mike's help I was able to pass my test first time with only 3 minors. I couldn't recommend Mike highly enough! Many thanks again Mike I couldn't of done it without you.

Fantastic experience: Passed my test first time today. Mike is a great instructor, he is extremely patient and easy to get along with, his lessons are very informative and a taught in a way that’s easy to understand. Would highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: Passed First time with Mike, great instructor. Would highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: 17 years ago, I crashed on a lesson and thought I'd never drive again. Mike has been incredibly patient with me, and is the perfect instructor for us nervous drivers with minimal confidence. I have acquired a much better understanding of how cars work and feel comfortable behind the wheel; a sensation I never had with my previous instructor. The thought of driving no longer fills me with dread. I can't recommend Mike highly enough. Jennifer Brightman

Negative experience: First instructor I had was Mike, wasn’t too happy. My experience with Mike gave me a terrible impression of driving instructors as a learner. Started with a new driving instructor today and in one, two hour lesson I achieved more than I did with 9 hours with Mike. He’s a nice guy and means well but needs to rethink his teaching strategies and learn to trust his students more.

Fantastic experience: I highly recommend Mike as a driving instructor, he's patient, friendly and gives great clear advice and feedback every lesson. The area he uses as a 'warm up area' if you're just starting or need to relax before you tackle busier and faster roads is perfect with a great variety of junctions and road layouts to get used to driving. I really enjoy my lessons with him.

Fantastic experience: Passed today and Mike is a great instructor - very patient and knowledgable. Thanks for all of your help and chats that kept lessons fun!

Fantastic experience: Mike is a brilliant driving instructor who helped me towards passing my test first time. He will give you every possible opportunity to pass your test with quality tuition and a fun atmosphere. Highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: Mike was a fantastic instructor, I passed first time with only one minor. He was incredibly patient and willing to do things over and over until I felt confident. I always felt safe in the car, and would absolutely recommend him.

Fantastic experience: I am a mature and experienced driver from America, but struggled to pass the UK driving test on my own. Two sessions with Mike gave me the added insight I needed and I easily passed my next attempt. Mike is patient and kind and on point with his comments and instruction. Highly recommend him!

Fantastic experience: Mike is an excellent instructor. Thanks to his fantastic teaching and tips I was able to pass first time with zero faults. As a learner in my late 50s, Mike was extremely patient and ensured I built up confidence steadily until I was ready for the test.

Fantastic experience: Mike is a very patient instructor and will make sure you are ready and confident for your test.

Fantastic experience: Mike is an excellent driving instructor who I would highly recommend because of the way my confidence increased greatly over time. He also provides some very useful tips when it comes to learning the manoeuvres. All of this contributed to the fact that I passed first time.

Fantastic experience: I would recommend Mike to anyone, he's a great instructor and is extremely patient, thanks to all the work Mike put in I managed to pass first time.

Fantastic experience: Being a nervous driver initially he was brilliant. Very patient and doesn’t push you to do anything you aren’t ready to do. He makes learning to drive enjoyable and would highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: Mike is an absolutely 1st class instructor. His methods of teaching are fail-safe as he constantly remains calm with a staggering attention to detail. He's incredibly easy to talk to and will rapidly develop your confidence on the road.

Fantastic experience: Great instructor, flexible at fitting in lessons. Passed first time!

Fantastic experience: Mike was really patient and helpful when I started learning to drive as I was very unsure and hesistant. He definitely helped me build my confidence.

Fantastic experience: Mike has a method and a measured approach to your progression as a driver - would recommend as someone who had previously very little knowledge of the road.

Negative experience: Found him rather rude on the phone... definitely wouldn't let my daughter get taught by him! Rated one 1... I would rate him 0 stars if there was an option

Fantastic experience: Mike has a really good, calm way of teaching. Helps you get confident quickly. He got me to pass first time. I highly recommend him

Fantastic experience: Really good instructor especially for learning the basics confidently. Would definitely recommend to other learners who are looking for a first class driving instructor that builds up your skills confidently.

Fantastic experience: On short notice Mike was more than willing to take me on as a student. He is very easy to talk to and will cater the lessons for your needs to ensure you get your money's worth. Mike is very fair in his teaching and will ensure that you have the right skill set to passing your test. Would HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

Fantastic experience: Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Would highly recommend. Passed today with 0 minors.

Fantastic experience: Brilliant instructor! Passed first time. Speaks for itself.

Fantastic experience: Simply Excellent.