Amber Driving School
Information about Amber Driving School
SO16 6BG, Southampton
Opening hours
- sunday: (closed)
- monday: 10:30-21h
- tuesday: 10:30-21h
- wednesday: 10:30-21h
- thursday: 10:30-21h
- friday: 10:30-21h
- saturday: (closed)
Lessons are £38 ph for a 20 hour package, £39 per hour for a 10 hour package or £40 ph for individual lessons. All lessons are 2 hours
Our comment from DrivingSchoolsTOP.co.uk about Amber Driving School:
Amber Driving School is renowned for its exceptional driving instruction, led by the highly experienced Neil. Many students have praised Neil for his patience, professionalism, and ability to make them feel comfortable behind the wheel, often leading them to pass their driving tests on the first attempt.
Key highlights of Amber Driving School:
- Patient and Supportive Instruction: Neil is acknowledged for his calm demeanor and supportive teaching style, which helps students overcome their nerves and build confidence.
- Structured Lessons: The lessons are well-organized and tailored to each student's needs, ensuring effective learning and skill development.
- Positive Learning Environment: Students appreciate the enjoyable atmosphere during lessons, which makes learning to drive a fun experience.
- High Success Rate: Numerous reviews mention passing the driving test on the first try, thanks to Neil's expert guidance.
While there have been a few negative reviews regarding specific experiences, they do not reflect the overall satisfaction reported by the majority of students. Many recommend Amber Driving School without reservation, highlighting Neil's ability to adapt to individual learning styles and his dedication to helping each student succeed. If you're seeking to gain confidence and master driving skills, Amber Driving School comes highly recommended.
Amber Driving School: Reviews
Fantastic experience: Neil was such a great instructor! I have had a couple of instructors on and off as I moved between home and university when I was younger but, unfortunately, I hadn't had that much luck and was still a very nervous driver. Neil completely changed this. He managed to massively put me ease, both challenging my abilities, while making me feel confident in my skills as a driver. Unfortunately I had to move out the area before I was able to pass (with the current issues with getting a driving test), but I would recommend 100% if you are a nervous driver. I now feel much more confident in the car. He had not just been preparing me to pass my test, but taught me how to enjoy driving for after I pass, which I am very grateful for!
Fantastic experience: Neil was so patient all the time, and i’m sure I wasn’t the easiest to teach! I was so nervous at first but Neil helped my confidence to grow so much I passed first time! Thank you :)
Fantastic experience: Amazing instructor, never got angry and always focussed on helping me improve and avoid making mistakes. I highly recommend him and not only will you learn to drive, you’ll have fun doing it. Thank you again ^u^
Fantastic experience: Neil is a top bloke and a fantastic instructor. Informative, patient, and professional - through his lessons I was able to pass my test with only one minor after a number of different instructors. Just don’t ask about welsh rugby!
Fantastic experience: Neil was a very good teacher and got me through to passing my test very quickly. I had experience driving in a car but not on the road and thanks to Neil's help I was confidently driving on the road in no time. His 2 hour lessons give you a lot more time to learn and go through things without feeling like your being rushed and the whole process is structured and planned out well. Would definitely recommend Neil and his driving school
Negative experience: This man is actually vile, funny how his response to 2 separate complaints that are years apart, are very similar. I’ve witnessed this so called instructor giving lessons while I’ve been driving behind him, he stopped randomly in the middle of the road with no warning, moved lanes with no indication and got the learner to do an illegal U turn on a small road in heavy traffic. I WOULD NOT WASTE A SINGLE PENNY ON THIS VILE MAN, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!!
Students make mistakes all the time in lessons. If they didn't, i would be out of a job. Sometimes these mistakes affect other drivers. For instance stalling at traffic lights, or forgetting to indicate. That's what L plates are for. They warn other drivers to expect mistakes, and make allowances, by, for instance, increasing the following distance. By the way, learners are not the only people that make mistakes! But the idea that someone would witness a mistake like this and take the trouble to write such a review says a lot about your character, It's funny how you describe me as 'vile' and then go on to tell a story of something that happened while you were 'driving behind me'. How can you possibly judge my character from 'driving behind me'? The only thing that is ‘vile’ is your attitude, young lady.
Fantastic experience: Neil took on my daughter, who is autistic, for driving lessons through Motability. Although we only had one lesson I felt Neil was patient, explained things well, thorough and an all round good driving instructor. We only had one lesson as it was a lot for my daughter to take in and we decided afterwards that she would benefit better from an automatic than a manual. I do recommend Amber Driving School.
Fantastic experience: Neil was recommended to me by my father who he taught to drive. After just one lesson Neil said I was test standard, and he didn’t try to rip me off unlike most. I then took my test and passed first time with one minor. Thanks a lot Neil
Fantastic experience: Neil took me from 0 to hero. Passed first time with only 4 minors. Top bloke, definitely reccomend!
Fantastic experience: I had lost confidence in my previous driving instructor and was feeling discouraged about passing my driving test. However, I decided to give it another shot and found Amber driving school. It turned out to be the best decision I could have made. Neil was incredibly patient and understanding, helping me regain my confidence behind the wheel. He provided clear instructions and tailored the lessons to focus on areas where I needed improvement. His positive attitude and encouragement made all the difference in my learning experience. Thanks to Neil, I not only regained my confidence but also passed my driving test. I am extremely grateful for his expertise and highly recommend them to anyone in a similar situation.
Fantastic experience: Had a driving test I Southampton, but a previous instructor was unavailable, and I don't live nearby having graduated uni. Neil was able to arrange a set of lessons leading up to the test on reletively short notice, as well as the test itself, in which I had time to get familiar with the car and the roads around the test routes. He did a great job showing me the difficult areas that I might need to watch out for on the test, and even caught some things that I could improve relating to my driving itself. In the end, I felt very prepared for my test and passed first time.
Fantastic experience: I had a bad experience with my previous instructor but started learning with Amber Driving School after reading their excellent reviews. Neil is super encouraging and very thorough with his teaching. I felt ready and confident when I took my test and passed first time with him. Couldn’t recommend him more. Thanks Neil!
Fantastic experience: I highly recommend Amber Driving School the driving instructor Neil is a brilliant teacher he is extremely patient and has always made me feel comfortable and confident with my driving. He has made all my lessons enjoyable, he is very friendly and easy going, if any one is looking for a reliable and experienced instructor look no further.
Negative experience: I went to him based off his good reviews. I was very disappointed that he was actually awful. At first I thought he was helping me and lessons were good because he had a structure to them unlike my previous instructor. But actually, he shouted, swore, got in my personal space all the time, made me pull over constantly so he could have cigarette breaks, which I pretended to be cool about but actually he was wasting my money, and was ridiculously over the top about how I drove to wear a road surface evenly, unecessarily grabbing the wheel, pulling me closer to opposite traffic on 60 roads in Romsey so I was on the right of the road and wearing it evenly. Bizarre. He would tell me I probably only had 10 lessons left constantly, but Kept me going for lessons for months, I used all my money from the part time job I had at the time and was treated really badly at, just so I could pay for driving lessons with this man and it was all wasted. I went to the AA driving school after that, so much better than Amber driving school. I would have passed a lot earlier if I went straight to them. Neil taught me a fair bit but wouldn’t progress me and just wasted my money. The lessons weren’t even enjoyable. He made me redo lessons in his lesson plan continually, telling me things I was doing were fails that weren’t actually fails. Once I had a car behind me on a mini roundabout, on a very quiet road, I went to take an exit but it wasn’t the one he wanted me to take, so he slammed on the breaks and reversed me so I would take the correct exit. I was mortified because the car behind me thought it was me and was rightfully and visibly livid. I used to fight back crying on his lessons. Absolutely stay away from Amber driving school!!
I suppose that sooner or later, someone would write a negative review. You don't mind if it's a genuine complaint and something I can learn from, but every single word of this review is a lie. Suspiciously, it came on the same day as the other one star review, which was written by her boyfriend, (Captain Willett). She seems to be trolling me for some reason. I haven't seen the girl who wrote this review for 2 years, and out of the blue, she decides to write this review. She failed her test on a small fault, and I advised her to appeal. I spent an hour of my time redrafting her appeal letter to the DVSA, and another hour going round her house to drop off the video of her test so she could make her appeal. This is the thanks I get for giving her those 2 free hours! She already says that she had a poor previous instructor, and decided to change instructors, so if I was as 'awful' as she says, why did she have over 40 hours with me? Couldn't she just change instructors again? Let's go through each of the lies she says: I NEVER have a cigarette break during a lesson, unless the customer wants one. I also NEVER shout or swear at my customers, as you can see from my other reviews. If anything that she says is true, I’m sure it would have been mentioned by other reviewers. She says that 'lessons were good because he had a structure to them unlike my previous instructor.' And also 'Neil taught me a fair bit', but then said apparently I 'wasted her money'. An anomaly? I would NEVER slam on the breaks in the middle of the roundabout. If a customer goes past the directed exit, I would just ask them to take the next exit. She says that I 'slammed on the breaks and reversed me so I would take the correct exit. I was mortified because the car behind me thought it was me and was rightfully and visibly livid.' How could I possibly reverse a car if there was a car behind us? I would NEVER tell anyone that something they did would fail a driving test, unless it was true. If someone didn't show the appropriate standard, then yes I would repeat a lesson again, but I would NEVER give anyone an unnecessary driving lesson. Not one of the criticisms that this woman levels at me are mentioned by any other reviewer. That is because none of the things she says are true. It is a malicious review, written by someone who couldn't take ownership of her mistakes and has to have someone or something she can blame for her lack of ability. The only good thing about this review is that it proves that all the other reviews are genuine.
Negative experience: Shame the instructor of the silver ford smokes in the car. Hardly professional and certainly not respecting the learner drivers.
This review was NOT written by one of my customers. It was written by the boyfriend of Fenella on her request. Both of these 1 star reviews coincidentally came on the same day. I have never met him and he has never seen me instruct
Fantastic experience: Neil's an absolutely top bloke, I was really nervous when I started out and with his persistence and reassurance I passed first time with 34 hours with only the 2 minors. Thanks mate I really appreciate all of your help and ill be recommending you to to everyone else that needs your tuition. Thanks again mate from Ant
Fantastic experience: Neil is a fantastic instructor. He is stern, but once you get to know him he’s very friendly. He’s very clear when it comes to teaching, and always offers great constructive criticism.
Fantastic experience: An excellent instructor! Really good advice and lessons I would happily recommend him to anyone.
Fantastic experience: I came to Neil after having failed 2 tests already. I had a test booked in august (4 weeks away) and he managed to slot me in a few times a week before then to get my skills up to scratch. I learnt so much and he not only taught me to pass my test but taught me to be a safe driver on the roads. I have now passed my test with only 4 minor faults!! Highly recommend, Thankyou!
Fantastic experience: Before I started my driving lessons I was really nervous at first but that all changed when working with Neil, I gained confidence very quickly which resulted in passing my driving test first time. Neil is not only an excellent instructor but a really a nice guy that made me feel safe and confident when driving, without his excellent support I would not of passed my test first time, I would highly recommend to anyone who is considering taking driving lessons to have Neil as their instructor.
Fantastic experience: Clear, calm and more in depth than most. His lessons are well planned and involve area specific issues which is really helpful. As I’m sure many have said before, he helped me pass first time. Easy to talk to and made the lessons enjoyable and less stressful. Highly recommended.
Fantastic experience: Highly recommend Amber Driving School. Neil is a fantastic instructor who really knows his stuff. Going into it I was very nervous but I can safely say now that I am much more confident behind the wheel after my lessons with him.
Fantastic experience: I can honestly say I am very glad I chose Amber Driving School (Neil) to start my motoring journey! He is extremely knowledgable and gave structured and goal-orientated lessons - a lot of which I hear that many people miss out on with other driving instructors. I could not recommend Neil enough for helping me gain the freedom that a passed test gives!
Fantastic experience: Amber Driving School know their stuff. The lessons are 2 hours at a time. Which I highly recommend as it allows you to get into the flow. Lessons felt structured. The tutors style is consise and to the point. If you can feel relaxed and comfortable driving with them.. You can definitely handle your nerves on the day. Its better to over learn.
Fantastic experience: Had a previous instructor who had repetitive and non constructive lessons. However since coming to Amber driving school each lesson has a clear objective which means the learning is fast paced. I unfortinately had to stop lessons due to job change however despite this I am now a very confident driver who feels prepared for my test.
Fantastic experience: I had a driving instructor before Neil. My previous instructor dissappeared without a trace. I've had Neil for the last few months now and he's built up my confidence in driving and I am so much more confident on the road now. Thank you so much. Definitely recommend
Fantastic experience: I had been driving for a few years by the time I decided to make it official. Neil knew straight away that I wouldn’t need many lessons, and I ended up passing first attempt after only 7 lessons . Highly recommended, he only charges you as much as you need
Fantastic experience: Neil is an amazing instructor made me feel at ease, made lessons a good laugh and not feel like a chore. I would highly recommend him to anyone. Just an all round top bloke. I passed first time thanks to him !
Fantastic experience: Amber driving school helped me pass my test first time. The driving techniques etc, are taught in a way where it will definitely stick in your head, definitely worth the money.
Fantastic experience: Neil took me from zero to hero. Lessons were always informative and fun. He had great patience with me and did all he could to accommodate my work schedule. With his help I managed to pass first time! Thanks again!
Fantastic experience: After having an awful experience with a previous instructor, all my confidence was knocked and I didn’t think I’d ever be able to drive. But after having Neil as my instructor, my confidence came back within the first few lessons and was able to progress well. Neil dealt with my multiple meltdowns very well and his teaching methods are very thorough, resulting in me passing my test first time with only 4 minors. I recommend Neil to anyone learning to drive as I wouldn’t have been able to do it without him!!
Fantastic experience: Super-friendly instructor and they guided me thoroughly. Yesterday was my test and I passed it in the first attempt.
Fantastic experience: I am so happy to say that I passed my practical driving first time today, all thanks to Amber Driving School! This would absolutely not have been possible without Neil. He is incredibly good at his job. He's professional, friendly and very informative. You will not regret choosing this driving school to pass first time. He has the highest first time pass rate! I went to several other instructors before who were rubbish and did not give me the confidence and knowlege that I needed. Amber Driving School ensured I would pass first time. Thanks so much, Neil.
Fantastic experience: I wish I could have had Neil as my driving instructor since the beginning. Thank you so so much for being so patient with me and for helping me, in all the possible ways, to pass my driving test today. I think that without your lessons I would not be able to be as confident as I am now on the road. Gracias
Fantastic experience: Amazing school and amazing instructor Neil Jones, one of the best instructor in the world. Passed my exam very quick. I fully recommend this school.
Fantastic experience: Fantastic lessons! Really helped me with my driving anxiety. By the time I got to the test, it was easy! Passed first time. He even let me stay on the old price of the lessons despite the new price change which was very helpful!
Fantastic experience: I had Neil as my driving instructor and I couldn’t of asked for anyone better! Every lesson feels like you’ve achieved something new and he doesn’t put any pressure on you when learning. Great communication between each other and he has a good understanding of what you need to focus on. Couldn’t recommend enough!
Fantastic experience: Absolutely amazing, would recommend this driving school to everyone. Great communication between myself and Neil, great quality lessons well worth the price. Very reliable, knowledgeable and quick to answer any queations or queries you have overall an excellent experience.
Fantastic experience: Was very helpful, made sure to teach me everything to a very high and professional standard, gave me 30 mins extra on my last driving lesson for no extra cost due to the last minute timing of my test and we called the day before for last minute driving tips as I was doing the test in my own car. Overall great instructor would recommend!
Fantastic experience: A brilliant teacher who I would not for a second hesitate to recommend. Thanks to Neil who was able to accommodate me at very short notice - I learnt plenty of good habits and gained confidence in areas I needed help with; I passed first time today. -Franz
Fantastic experience: Great instructor, absolutely focused on the learners moves and mistakes . I wood defenetlly recommend Amber Driving School to anyone specially to the ones that are afraid of cars !
Fantastic experience: Neil was a great driving instructor and knew what he was talking about. I only had 4 lessons with him but made me feel safe and comfortable the whole time. I needed a refund which was given back quickly and with no issue at all.
Fantastic experience: Neil was everything i could have expected from a driving instructor. He was just helping me pass my test, but became a friend as well! We would talk not only about how or what to do, but we would also have a conversation about our real lives, which would make me feel relaxed and comfortable. He is hands down the best at what he does and no amount of words will truly capture his fantastic work. Keep up the amazing work Neil Aidan
Fantastic experience: Neil is a fantastic instructor, would recommend him to anyone! He structures his lessons very well and makes you feel very comfortable behind the wheel.
Fantastic experience: Such a great teacher. I had one instructor in the past who didn't even compare. Would definitely recommend him to anyone who is looking to get driving around Southampton. He is patient, yet stern when necessary and this helped me massively!
Fantastic experience: Very good instructor. Each lesson is organised and has a clear aim in mind, got me passing first time!
Fantastic experience: Neil's a great driving instructor, I passed on my first try with him and he both taught me really good habits and helped me become a genuinely confident driver. I'd recommend him to anyone.
Fantastic experience: Finally passed my test today and got only one minor fault on the record. Had a great time driving with Neil. He teaches you a lot of things that you need for you to be ready on your test. Make sure to listen to him. Very patient. Great instructor and would definitely recommend him. Five stars. Cheers!
Fantastic experience: Just passed my driving test today, first take. I highly recommend Neil, no fuss, just straight to the point on what you need to know. Definitely worth your time and investment.
Fantastic experience: Neil is an absolutely excellent driving instructor, taking so much care and time to prepare me in all aspects for my driving test and, thanks to him, I passed first time this morning! I am so grateful to Neil and I enjoyed all of my lessons which to me was particularly important after having a negative experience with a previous instructor. He was patient with me and brought out my confidence so I now feel ready and safe to go out on the roads alone. I honestly can't thank him enough and would (and will be) recommend(ing) him to my friends willingly! I wish I had found Neil when I first started driving, he knows exactly what he is doing and was supportive and calm all through my lessons; an absolutely lovely guy :)
Fantastic experience: Having past my test, Neil helped me gain my confidence to drive in a city and on the motorway with only a few lessons. Neil is a great driving instructor, would recommend to anyone.
Fantastic experience: Best driving instructor I could have ever asked for, being 17 and never driven a car I was amazed how quickly Neil got me to test ready. With a first time pass and feeling confident on the roads I am so thankful that I chose him. Amazing instructor always on time and made sure I was fully equipped before my test. I would highly recommend if you want an instructor that knows exactly what they are doing and to be on the road feeling fully ready. Being on the road is the best thing that has ever happened to me so Thank you so much for making that happen for me.
Fantastic experience: Neil is a great driving instructor would recommend him to family and friends.
Fantastic experience: Neil helped me today pass my test first time he is amazing I have been with 2 instructors including Neil and he was the one who taught me how to drive he has the passion for his students to pass and is not there to make money out of you every lesson was enjoyable and we would have a laugh would highly recommend Neil he does amazing packages to save you money on your lessons so give him a call
Fantastic experience: I loved the lessons with Neil. He is a very good instructor, patient and helped me develop good driving habits. I always sat behind the wheel from the beginning of every lesson maximising the time I spent actually driving. Highly recommended!
Fantastic experience: I just passed my test today first time! All thanks to Neil! I was so so nervous about driving and he made me feel at ease! His way of teaching is amazing and simple to learn. Highly recommended to everyone! Thank you Neil!
Fantastic experience: Nail is a very fantastic and a supportive teacher, who encouraged me through my lessons to be a better driver. I felt more relaxed and confident throughout my lessons with Nail. The methods which he used to teach are very unique and helpful. I have now passed driving test thanks to Nail and I would recommend him to anyone including family and friends.
Fantastic experience: The lessons were structured well, and the content well taught
Fantastic experience: Neil helped me pass my driving test 1st time with 4 minors. His lessons were enjoyable. Would recommend neil to anyone
Fantastic experience: I have contacted Neil after previously choosing an instructor who made my son nervous. After the first lesson I already noticed an improvement in my son's confidence while driving. He had enjoyed every single lesson he had with Neil. Very helpful and effective, being a former teacher obviously helps in understanding how people learn. My son passed first time after only few lessons. Will definitely use his service again for my younger son. Highly recommended.
Fantastic experience: I went from a completely nervous beginner to passing first time (with 3 minors) in only 24 hours of lessons, Neil is brilliant at helping you gain confidence and an absolutely lovely bloke. He picks you up and drops you off wherever is convenient and helps you learn at a fast pace. 10/10 would recommend, especially if you are nervous or not very confident.
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