5DAY Chelmsford Intensive Driving Courses
Information about 5DAY Chelmsford Intensive Driving Courses
CM1 3AG, Chelmsford
Opening hours
- sunday: (closed)
- monday: 9h-17h
- tuesday: 9h-17h
- wednesday: 9h-17h
- thursday: 9h-17h
- friday: 9h-15h
- saturday: (closed)
This is the local 5Day Training Centre for Chelmsford and is part of a national group of 5Day Learner Driving Centres for theory and practical learner driver training in the UK.
5DAY Chelmsford Intensive Driving Courses: Reviews
Negative experience: I feel like they still owe me my £1000+ back for false advertisement. Read the fine print if you're a clueless first time driver like I was back in the day, it's definitely not a guaranteed pass, you have to have like 30 individual hours on the road before you can take these courses
Negative experience: Intenstive courses are currently not fit for purpose, do not book through this company. The promises made on thier website about getting you a test faster are false. They have stated "We as a company have no say of how many tests get released or how often they get released". As such you cannot be fast tracked towards passing a test which is the whole point of booking intensive courses. They have an awful lack of understanding and utter contempt for the people that have paid good money to them expecting better. My course reference number is CH-WX6N1 before they reply saying that its the wrong company or they have no record of it. I have also attached an email i sent them to which they stopped replying to. They offer to refund the test fee and take you off thier list so they don't have to bother looking anymore so they dont have to deal with you again. Absolutely appaling.
Negative experience: My eldest step daughter did her course in 2021. She finally passed after getting through her driving tests quickly after her fails. My other step daughter did her course in May 2024. Having failed her test in June, she is still waiting for her 2nd driving test in December. They have failed to find her another test for nearly 6 months. Phoning them up is met with distain, and not leaving you pleases with the outcome.. For over £1200.00, I'd say this is not a good enough service, and had we known it would be such a poor service this time around, we would of just done it the old fashioned way.. Course reference number is... CH-P9RGW Miss R Garnham... Anything else you would like to confirm this booking..? PS.. it was £1400 , not £1200..
Without a name or course booking reference we are unable to authenticate this review.
Fantastic experience: It was a little different from when my other son used 5days Chelmsford 7 years ago. But we can blame Covid for the lack of tests. It was a stressful wait for the test which ended up over 12 weeks and in that time I did pay for a few lessons with a local instructor as I was worried he’d loose confidence. He took the test today and passed first time so we are all overjoyed, not sure if I had another child to learn I would use this system as I think the wait was to long and I would rather get the theory done, then book a practical and do bulk lessons with a local instructor but that's just my opinion right now, I will say he enjoyed learning with 5 day and really liked John.
Negative experience: 5Day Intensive Driving DO NOT USE THIS SERVICE. Took £1280 off of my brother which was money left to him from my beautiful late nanny. Took £1280 and then told him he cannot participate in the driving course because his glasses were not the correct ones and he would need to order some more, he proceeds to do so and then they tell him he only has 2 days otherwise they are not offering a refund and he is not allowed to participate on the course. You’ve taken £1280 from an 18 year old and not even offered a new course date or a credit note until his glasses arrive. My poor brother now has no way of paying for driving lessons until he earns the money back from working overtime at his job. I’m disgusted. Also please do not comment back with your generic reply “we have not had a pupil under this name, the pupil themselves haven’t moaned” That’s because you’re dealing with young 17/18 year olds who have no confidence complaining in this situations leaving it down to their family members fight for what’s right! Stop taking advantage of young people for money, it’s disgusting!!!
Upon checking our system, we hold no record of a pupil that has attended a 5Day course. We do not believe this review has been left for the correct company and believe this is for "MY 5DAY" - please delete and review the correct company. We have no affiliation with "MY 5DAY
Fantastic experience: Worth the money and quick way to learn to drive, they run through everything with you. Glenn was an amazing instructor, very professional and helped me pass on the first attempt. Very happy with their service!.
Negative experience: Absolutely awful!! I have called on day one for help as my daughter felt uncomfortable with the instructor and the hours were changed from 9-5 to 8-2 which is a big difference in time but they still charge a huge amount. I then call on day 4 as my daughter is still uncomfortable as the instructor is rude and unhelpful just like the staff on the phone to me who wish to do nothing. I would not recommend this company to anyone. I can understand they have no control over how people act but when calling for help twice and getting the response I had from two women trying to explain how an17 year old girl feels and getting no help is a disgrace. Do not book with this company!!!
Thank you for your review. However, upon listening to the initial phone call our customer services team received on Monday, there was no mention of the pupil being uncomfortable. This was only highlighted today, by a third party not present in the car. The pupil however, who is presently in the vehicle, has scored their instructor each day 5/5 for professionalism when submitting their surveys.
What was mentioned on Monday was that the course hours had changed. This was confirmed to this reviewer when confirmation was sent at booking - 23rd May 2023. Plenty of notice/time to question the course hour adjustments - we however, were not contacted until the 1st day of the pupils course. Again, no contact from the individual attending the course to query their tuition.
The tuition delivered - as explained on Monday, has not changed. The pupil receives the same amount of hours, just fewer breaks throughout the day.
We have asked that the pupil actually attending the course week who this third party advised is "uncomfortable" to contact our Customer Services Team and will gladly assist.
Negative experience: After finishing the course I have been waiting over 8 months for my test after chasing them up paying for my test months have gone past and nothing. Not worth the money. Considering they said they can book a test quicker then I’d be able too. Just an absolute let down I’ve had to go elsewhere.
Please provide a booking reference number to authenticate your participation.
Negative experience: Not what was sold. Ended up doing theory at St Albans, was informed of this once my 5 day tuition started. Had to make own way there that took 2 hour each way! Wasn't comfortable with driving tutor, did ask to change but was told no. At end of the 20 lessons (remember thats all they give you, you are not entitled to anymore unless you pay your driver separately) i had my driving review and was categorically told i wasn't ready by far to sit my test and to buy more lessons. As they stated i would not be allowed to sit my test in their vehicle. I therefore, sat my test in my own vehilcle and can confidently say i past with flying colour's. In hindsight i wish i paid a personal instructor as it would have cost half the price and a lot less stress!
Upon checking our records, we note that we have not had a pupil attend the 5DAY course with this name.
Positive experience: theory lessons are great, Andrea is my instructor too, she lovely , but if you don't know how to drive you are starting from the beginning like me, I don't recommend £1200 you can pay a lot of lessons 5 days are just 20 hours driving all week, 4 hours a day I finished the course was not ready for the practical test, that is, I will have to pay more classes, I do not recommend it and if for some reason like bad weather Eunice storm you miss class time they will not replace you be aware
Thank you for your review - We note you completed the course today having received both theory and practical driving tuition . The course is not just 4 hours of driving each day. The course is theory and practical tuition , a DVSA theory test , use of vehicle on first test plus fee correctional lessons if you fail a driving test. All pupils progress at the level their ability will allow. Some pupils may struggle on aspects more than others and therefore require additional practise before achieving the DVSA level to attend a driving test.
Fantastic experience: Very good Pass theory test first time and practical
Fantastic experience: Did the 5Day intensive course at the beginning of January and have since also had my test. I passed both my theory and driving test first time. Would recommend if you're also nervous about driving.
Thank you for your review Tyler and well done to you for passing both tests first time. This shows all your hard work paying off. We will pass your comments onto the Chelmsford centre and wish you many years of safe driving.
Negative experience: Was looking to book with this company however not just reading the negative reviews, but the response from the company to the reviews is enough to have an initial experience of this company. First impressions, "Holier than thou, we cannot do no wrong, nor admit our mistakes" disgusting and I will not be using them. NB: you A review to a company does not just start from the services they offer, but from the way customers are treated and the company is advertised, so before jumping to respond to this review by stating it's an unfair review as I've not been a paying customer, remember that point is moot as your company have still given me an experience based on your advertising and public comments on a social platform that gave way to my experience and therefore review.
Thank you for your review Nathan, however we are sorry to receive such a negative review. We work really hard to provide the best experience for all our customers and are always looking for ways to improve. If you would like to provide further comment regarding what you were/are particularly unhappy with or would like to provide feedback of the services or discussion you had, we would encourage you to forward this to [email protected].
Fantastic experience: I have just passed my test first time after completing a 5 Day intensive course. I wouldn’t have achieved this without the help of my fantastic instructor Alfie, he was professional and gave me so much important advice. Glen who taught the theory side was also amazing and helped me to pass that first time also. I cannot recommend this course enough, thank you so much!!!
Thank you for your review, George, and more importantly well done to you for passing first time. This shows all the hard work and effort you put in has paid off. We will pass your thanks and comments to the team at the 5DAY Chelmsford centre.
Fantastic experience: Very good instructors as well as good theory training. Even with COVID I was able to pass my test within 2 months of taking the course. It does what it says on the tin - I went from beginner with no experience to full license holder within 8 weeks! Very satisfied and would recommend.
Negative experience: A terrible service. Read the other reviews if you want an insight into the company. Poor professionalism, terms and conditions that are designed to confound and confuse the customer and terrible customer service.
We cannot verify this as a genuine review of our services as we have never had a pupil of this name at any of our centres. Please supply the name of the person that attended our course so that we can verify this review
Negative experience: My partner had an absolutely abysmal experience with 5 Day. There are lots of T's &C's that aren't immediately obvious when signing up with them. First off, the instructor crashed his car during the course and they were unable to provide a back up instructor and therefore missed out on a days with off driving and had to make i up in her own time. She then failed and they only give you one extra hour as a refresher which you have to book straight away (otherwise they won't let you book the test again). Essentially if you fail youre test your given and extra hour and then left to your own devices. The customer service is terrible. The rules are rigid and stacked against the customer. I would wholly advise people to avoid this company.
As you have stated that you are not the person that attended the course and not provided a course reference or name of centre attend of the pupils name we have no way to verify or check or investigate these claims. Pleas supply the correct information to validate this review
Negative experience: Driving instructor wearing flip-flops!!!!
Thank you for your review however our records show we've never had a Steve Watkins attend our 5Day course in Chelmsford and reviews should only be given by those who have received our service to be a genuine review of 5Day. However, in the UK there are no specific laws that state it is illegal to drive with flip flops. The Highway Code does not state this either but does say you should ensure clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner. We'd like to add the instructor may not have been providing tuition at the time as they use their vehicle privately, for own personal use, and it could at the time have been a member of their family.
Negative experience: I'm afraid to say like many other disgruntled customers the promises don't live up to the reality. Be warned if you fail your test you are on your own, 5day will find any excuse in the small print not to help you. Best advice choose normal driving lessons and save a fortune. No doubt they will attack me on reply as they seem to do with anyone that dares to complain
Unfortunately as you are not the course pupil and have not provided the name of the candidate we cannot check and verify this review. However, we have to clarify should a pupil unfortunately fail their practical driving test, as stated on the 5DAY website and terms, as long as the pupil attended their course in full, they would be offered the choice to either reapply for a retest OR choose to enrol on the free correctional lessons given to fix the serious fault that caused them to fail.
Negative experience: After trying to get through on the phone and being on hold for an hour and 40 min i was cut off. I wanted confirmation on the status of a deposit before booking a £1000 course , Ill be giving another company my money !
We are sorry you had to wait on the phone but please note that due to staff being furloughed our team is very limited and as expected on a Mondays we receive a large amount of calls which are being dealt with as quickly as we can. We are happy to call you to go through options for you.
Fantastic experience: Absolutely ,worth every penny spent , guided through ins and outs of the theory test , outstanding hours of Pratical driving , good for slightly experienced drivers trying to get a licence in a good time .
Thank you for your review - we appreciate your comments
Fantastic experience: I would highly recommend 5day,they really do help you to pass your theory and give you alot of confidence for driving, great instructors
We are glad you enjoyed your course Dawn
Fantastic experience: Absolutely amazing course I could not have passed my theory first time without the help from Glenn every day also not forgetting my driving instructor Alfie for getting me to test stage and I passed first time totally worth every penny this course and I’d highly recommend anyone to do this course ,hard course totally worth it and I personally will put my kids through same course you guys really have helped me sooo much thank you to everyone at the course been a great experience
Well done passing 1st time - down to all your hard work on course week
Negative experience: After paying out over £1000 my son failed his test, in their terms and conditions it clearly states he will be helped with lesson to correct the fault, after a telephone call to Kim to arrange this, I was told there are different terms and conditions in an email that was sent to him( why these aren't shown originally I'll leave you to decide) it had to be arranged within 7 days . I explained my son is Autistic and does not process things in the same way, I was told "we treat everyone the same" I said but he's not the same he has a disability and needs help with emails, but I was met with 'its company policy'. I explained he had failed 3 times on the same thing, but she said although he had used the 5DAY car and had lesson with 5day instructor before the test it wasn't through them and didn't count!!!. There is a total inflexibility with this company, they change their terms and conditions as the process goes along. I would suggest using a more helpful company and one that doesn't change its terms! Beware if you fail and good luck getting any help because remember EVERYONE IS THE SAME.
We feel you comments are unfair as we do not penalise anyone with special requirements if informed at booking and we do endeavour to help everyone of our pupils but we would not be aware of any issues unless a pupil makes contact .5DAY were only contacted yesterday 23rd jan 2020 and can confirm that when a test is applied through 5Day and we contract the instructor to attend that test we are then made aware of the test result and all pupils are sent the same options to either reapply for retest or enrol on the free correctional lessons should they fail and the correctional lessons must be applied for within 7 days of failing to keep the momentum going. However we were only informed on the recent telephone call that your son had actually taken several tests since failing his first test (back in Nov 2019) with 5Day and that he suffers from Autism. We can confirm and have electronic verification that after the 1st test with 5DAY a text and email was sent to the pupil (as happens with all pupils) giving hem the option to apply for a retest through 5DAY OR enrol on the free correctional lessons to which your son never replied. We then found out only by the recent telephone call that your son had since taken several tests (after our first test last one being 10th Jan 2020) which had been arranged by your son and booked direct with the DVSA privately and that he had directly arranged with the instructor he had on course week as a private instructor to supply his vehicle. 5DAY has not been paid or requested to supply any service for these retests and were not even aware of the dates and times. Therefore having not arranged the tests or receiving any retest monies to the company meant we would not be made aware of any test results so could not supply the retest service link. Your son has been advised now having been spoken to that in the event he should fail a further test to inform us straight away so we can issue him the retest options which include the free correctional lessons option. 5Day could have been contacted at any time since first test for any assistance but unless we are made aware of either a pupils condition upfront or are contacted for assistance we would be unaware of any issues. Pupils can choose to go away after a course to arrange their own tests if preferred. It is incomprehensible to not state something as serious as Autism when engaging a companies service so they are informed however we do understand some individuals would rather be treated as everyone else which we appreciate however to then to raise this as a reason to complain is unacceptable . In view of the lack of information on booking your son was still taught to achieve being able to apply for his test shortly after his course which is a credit to the instructor and your son. Unfortunately on taking his driving test he made an error. To clarify the terms on our website are the same terms issued on making a booking. Our reply is truthful and states the facts to which we are entitled to do to defend slanderous accusations of treating those with special needs unfairly as our team worked extremely hard on course week and will continually support pupils after the course . We feel it very unfair when a pupil does not inform us of a situation whereby we could have assisted sooner and then accused of not helping especially someone with special needs. To finally reply the reason all pupils that are sent a link on failing and it states to apply within 7 days of failing a test is to keep the momentum going to get those corrective lesson in as soon as possible than have weeks without driving and trying to complete corrective lessons after a large delay which causes the pupils general driving to deteriorate. We stress again your son has not been treated any different from anyone else and could not have been penalised for his Autism if we never knew about it. No member of his family ever mentioned any disability until after failing 3rd test.
Fantastic experience: Glenn the instructor was fantastic and helped me with driving in the UK on the left hand side. Highly recommended.
We appreciate your review and will let the Chelmsford team know
Negative experience: Great at theory but passing your driving test no as after doing your 5day driving u have to wait for driving test with no lessons , and if you fail your test £140 to retake with them , and trying to book lessons with your driving Instructer is impossible as they are always fully booked , really think this was just a waste of money
Unfortunately without your proper name we cannot investigate your review. It does clearly state on our website when booking the test applied for once you pass the theory test and we do obtain tests 75% quicker than the DVSA waiting list. You dont have to come to 5DAY for a retest as you can rebook this yourself however as with individual lessons an instructor will charge you for their vehicle and time on a retest.
Negative experience: Do not use this company ! you will wait at least 10 days after taking the intensive course to take your test, if you fail they do not offer free correctional lessons during the period between your next test which is when you need further lessons ! the instructors are sub contractors and will not pick you up from your home address.
Mr Annetts son has never applied for corrective lessons on failing his tests. Had he done so he would have received them
Fantastic experience: Had an excellent experience with my instructor from 5day who was extremely supportive throughout the week. Daily theory training was excellent and I was very well prepared for the test at the end of the week.
Thank you Nicole for your review. Its great when someone appreciates all the hard work the team put in
Fantastic experience: My name is stafford so I’ve just finished this course. Not going to lie I was very worried going in the reason I would recommend this course is because if you haven’t done your theory or much driving this is perfect Glenn who taught us theory was good well I passed so what can I say now the instructor John H was the most inspirational and perfect instructor I’ve ever worked with he had the perfect balance when it came to driving he was funny made me feel at ease and pushed me when nesserary I generally feel sad to say bye to John as he was such a pleasure to work with and taught me so much in a short space of time without making me feel uncomfortable from my experience this course has taught me all I need to know whether I’m ready just yet for my practical test or not I’m 50x the driver I was
Thank you for your kind words which we will let the instructor know
Negative experience: A tad bit late to the review but till now haven’t known how to correctly respond to the fact I was extremely let down by this company based on a hollow promise. For a total sum of 980 pounds for the week ( paid cheaper than original price as I had already passed my theory) I set on my way to the 5 day course by bus from Harlow to Chelmsford every day for the week. With only an hour of driving under my belt before starting the course this seemed my best option for someone with little time, however I was extremely wrong as I only got 20 hours of driving ! For 900 pounds! That is ridiculous as I can now see since I still have not passed and am now with my 3 rd driving instructor since Mark began teaching me, and teaching he hardly did since he made me drive up and down a road for 4 hours straight a day. This course deserves less than 1 star however google does not allow that, do not apply to this course. It will be the worst decision you have ever made.
Sorry that you felt the need to give bad review Ryan - however the sales team do explain we do not offer a course without theory training therefore we would not deem our course best value for money if you have already passed your theory. If you decided to attend then you would have been made aware on booking the driving times. We do note you attended the course with no issues and you subsequently applied for a test which you moved which we were not made aware of.
Fantastic experience: Had an excellent and enjoyable week with 5 Day. I started from scratch not even having read the highway code. I've passed my theory and am test ready, due to work commitments I can't take my practical test for a few weeks so will have a lesson or two with the amazing Andy M to help keep up my confidence. Glenn who does the classwork also deserves a big mention as I got 50 out of 50 on my theory.
Well done David - great to have a good review
Fantastic experience: Just finished my course and couldn’t recommend it anymore. Had a great instructor and Glenn was great in the centre with revision for theory and any other questions. It’s a challenging week mentally as you have to be alert all the time and learning each day but as long as you can handle working hard then it’s for you.
Great work and thanks for your review
Fantastic experience: Friendly helpful instructors, I feel more confident with driving.
We appreciate your kind review
Negative experience: What a rip off 20 hours of lessons for over £1000 in class lessons for a theory I can pass for £35 avoid like the plague.
No one of this name has attended one of our courses in any of our 12 locations! Whoever this is, that are overlooking the classroom briefings, fast-track test booking, complimentary car hire with a lesson before the test and free re-training if unsuccessful.
Negative experience: My wife had 5 days with these all seemed ok was told by here instructor Mark to book test in clacton and he will carry out the lesson there with her messed her about for 2 weeks gave her 1 lesson then her test was due the next week he then ignored all phone calls and texts from her really feel like it was a massive waste of money and that we were well and truly robbed and mugged off we were also told we would get free correctional lessons if she faild what we have also lost out on! would not recommend to anyone!
We are very sorry to hear of your experience, but we only use Chelmsford Test Centre. Please could you ask your Wife to contact us as soon as possible so that we can assist further. She is still entitled to a fast-track test, use of a 5Day car with a lesson beforehand and free corrective lessons if unsuccessful. We can also arrange for a free assessment lesson beforehand.
Fantastic experience: Very good thanks to all the staff for your help
Many thanks Dougie
Negative experience: The course combines theory and practical learning from 9-5pm or 11-7pm each day. WARNING: Chances of you fully knowing how to drive at the end of the 5 days are very unlikely. Your paying £930+ for mostly THEORY as you only get 20 hours of ACTUAL DRIVING on the course, which isn't mentioned anyway before you pay. The '5Day' slogan is mostly marketing hype, I had 8 hours experience before starting the course and on the last day I was told I would still need 10-12 hours before I can take my test! Which I have to pay for out of my own pocket elsewhere! So if your looking for the all in one package there are many other better driving schools for a better price EDIT REPLY: Still doesn't change the issue that there is not enough time spent on the practical driving during the duration of the course. Your effectively paying £450 for 20 hrs on the road and 20 hrs in a classroom learning theory. This is not cost effective
In the interests of public safety. our instructors car and also the examiners safety the driving standards agency require us to only present pupils to a driving test that are safe and capable to passing first time. If you believe you are at test standard and do not need to have any more lessons or practice, please contact the office on 01603 616909 and ask to have an independent free assessment of your driving. If we find that you are safe to take a test you can apply and we will fast track your test. The majority of our customers get to test standard within the course week and go on to pass first time however everyone learns at a different pace and some require more practice to get to the correct standard. Once you achieve the correct standard you are entitled to have the benefit of a fast tracked test and free lessons if you fail any test to correct what you get wrong.
Fantastic experience: Really helped me pass my theory test, great instructor really helpful and patient thank you so much
Thank you for your review Tracy
Fantastic experience: Great help getting my theory and practical done. excellent help received from all staff
Thank you for your review I shall send the manager your comments
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