Hampstead Driving School Ltd

Fantastic experience: Lum is the BEST! I would give him 100 stars if I could. I passed my UK driving test yesterday, and I honestly wouldn’t have done it without him. I’ve been driving in the US for over 20 years, so switching to UK driving was pretty nerve-wracking. Lum was super patient and understanding, and he really helped me build the confidence I needed. He always made time for me, even when I had a busy schedule, and gave me really useful tips that made a big difference. I really appreciated how he worked with me, especially when he let me drive my LHD car — not many instructors would do that, but he made sure I was comfortable and ready. And let me tell you, his punctuality is next level! He’s always on time, down to the second — I honestly don’t know how he does it! I need to learn his ways haha! On top of that, Lum’s been doing this for years and knows most of the examiners, so they trust that his students are well-prepared. His approach is calm, supportive, and tailored to you, and I always felt like I was in great hands. I’m so grateful for everything he did to help me pass, and I’d highly recommend him to anyone looking for a dedicated and thoughtful instructor.

Fantastic experience: I passed my test on the first try thanks to Lum and his preparation. I’m American and have been driving since I was 15 - but it’s different here and good to approach the process with humility. Lum is patient and prepares you in a way where you will pass. Also, the testers know him well - which tells the tester that you are prepared.

Negative experience: I usually hesitate to leave negative reviews for small businesses, but in this case I feel it’s important to share my experience. I had driving lessons with Lum a few years ago, and unfortunately, I found the experience quite upsetting. From the start, I felt uncomfortable — despite explaining that I was a bit anxious about driving, I was met with a dismissive and impatient attitude. He frequently tutted, made critical remarks, and showed very little understanding or encouragement. On one occasion, he even told a bizarre anecdote about how his nephew was so intelligent he passed his driving test the first time he got behind the wheel — which felt more like a way to undermine my own confidence. While I can’t say for certain what motivated his behaviour, I was left with the strong impression that he treated me differently (perhaps due to prejudice), and not in a way that felt fair or professional. I’ve seen other reviews that speak positively of him, so perhaps others have had a different experience (although Georgie B below also seems to be an ethnic minority with a similar experience) — but I think it’s important to acknowledge that not all students are treated equally. I wouldn’t recommend him, especially to anyone who might be feeling nervous or looking for a respectful, supportive instructor. I’m pleased to say that I later found a fantastic instructor and passed my test.

Fantastic experience: Lum is a fantastic driving instructor! I’ve gained a lot of confidence driving in the UK through our lessons and now feel much more comfortable on the roads. I passed my exam on the first try, zero faults! Thank you

Fantastic experience: Lum is the best driving instructor, nice person and totally reliable. He is always punctual and friendly. He explains everything clearly and shows very useful life hacks for manoeuvres. Although I am an experienced right-hand side driver it took be about 10 lessons to pass the UK exam on my first try.

Fantastic experience: Lum is an absolute legend of an instructor - patient, professional, and seriously the best at what he does! If you want to pass your test on the first try, Hampstead Driving School has you covered. I honestly couldn't wait for my lessons - they were always fun, engaging, and just an all-around amazing experience. Every session felt like a step closer to success, and I enjoyed every minute of it

Fantastic experience: Lum is a wonderful driving instructor! The entire experience was simply outstanding. He is patient, thoughtful, and extremely reasonable, always explaining everything clearly. There is never any shouting or rude communication, which creates a calm and supportive learning environment. I passed on my first try!

Fantastic experience: Thank you so much Lum! I passed first time. Very patient and thorough teacher, highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: Lum is a great driving instructor. He was thorough and safe. Passed first time. I will recommend to anyone!

Fantastic experience: Lum is a professional, patient, very thorough and knowledgeable instructor. I had to refresh my skills to pass the UK driving test after driving on much wider roads, right-hand traffic and different regulations, and successfully passed the UK test from the first attempt after just two lessons with Lum. Lum would explain in detail what is expected from a candidate on a test, and give real-life safety and best practice advice necessary beyond the test.

Fantastic experience: I cannot recommend Lum enough. He is patient, methodical and dedicated to ensuring success for all his students. I took driving lessons in 2020 with a different instructor who made me feel unconfident and put me off driving. I was anxious to start lessons again, however Lum immediately got me driving and made me feel as though making mistakes wasn’t the end of the world. I did 6 weeks of semi intensive lessons with him and passed first time !!!! I was very happy and am very grateful to have had such a great teacher.

Fantastic experience: Very experienced instructor,quality service.

Fantastic experience: I passed my driving test on the first attempt yesterday, all thanks to Lum. His methodical approach, combining patience with expert knowledge, made learning to drive not just easy, but also enjoyable. Given his professionalism, genuine dedication to his students' success and friendliness, I couldn't recommend him more to anyone wanting to learn how to drive. Lum is a truly remarkable instructor!

Fantastic experience: Lum is clearly a super competent teacher who really maximised our time spent on the road together, but also is fun and nice too. I passed first time, and am very pleased - so would very much recommend.

Fantastic experience: Lum is a brilliant driving instructor! He knows exactly how to tailor his teaching method to the individual, is patient and friendly. He provided fantastic follow up reading materials and because of him I passed my test on the first try! Thank you Lum! I highly recommend Hampstead Driving School.

Fantastic experience: I've just passed my test on the first attempt! Thanks, Lum, for the fantastic lessons and for teaching me to drive safely!

Fantastic experience: Lum was fantastic. Helped me learn what I needed to know to pass the test. He was patient and great to work with.

Fantastic experience: Lum was a brilliant instructor - friendly, patient and full of helpful advice. Passed my first time with him. Would recommend to anyone looking for a driving instructor around Hampstead.

Fantastic experience: Lum is an amazing teacher. He taught me to drive in two weeks and I passed my test the very first time. He’s incredibly dedicated and professional. I’m super grateful to him.!

Fantastic experience: Lum is the most amazing instructor! Driving for me was always a nightmare especially after coming from US to the narrow streets of London, endless roundabouts, pedestrians, motorcyclists… I was nervous but Lum has given me all the necessary tools to pass my exam from the FIRST try. Now it’s your turn!))

Fantastic experience: Thank you so much Lum! I passed my test on the first try thanks to his guidance, patience, and experience. I would highly recommend Lum as an instructor - especially for anyone learning to drive on the left side of the road rather than the right (like the rest of the civilized world). LOL.

Fantastic experience: Excellent driving instructor. I passed first time. He takes you above the level required for the test, so the test does not surprise you and it becomes easy to pass it. Strongly recommend.

Fantastic experience: I had a great experience with Lum and can't recommend him enough. He is very experienced, has a great teaching approach and knows the test area very well. Always looked forward to our lessons and really enjoyed our chats when on the road!

Fantastic experience: Lum is the best! I would look forward to learning and chatting with him every session. I was able to pass my test with his support, even in the difficult period of the pandemic. I truly believe he is the best instructor out there.

Fantastic experience: Lum is an excellent driving instructor. As an American, learning English driving rules and practices has been challenging, but Lum had me ready to pass in only 3-4 lessons. His car has automatic transmission which was a relief to me since I have not used a manual in over 20 years. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Highly recommend - Lum helped me pass my exam on the first try! He is an extremely experienced driving instructor and knows exactly how to help you focus on being comfortable and trying out practice test routes before the exam. He is constantly reminding you to do the things that examiners are looking out for on the test so that you can build good habits.

Fantastic experience: Lum is an excellent driving instructor. As a teenager, I failed 3 times with my previous instructor and felt I’d never be able to drive, it didn’t come easy to me. I decided to give it another go (after 15 years without driving) and I felt confident from the first lesson. Lum quickly assessed my level and pushed me to improve. He knew I could practise at home so scheduled exactly the number of lessons I needed before my test - Lum is booked out so he won’t sell you lessons you don’t need. He gave me reading materials and knew how to prepare me for my test. I cannot stress enough how expert Lum is, when I compare him to my previous instructor, and he’s also a good guy to spend the hours with. I passed the first test I took since starting lessons with Lum!

Fantastic experience: I really enjoyed learning how to drive with Lum. He gave me a lot of support through very professional lessons. I have now the confidence to drive on my own thanks to his high standard quality teaching. I now drive on my own almost daily and even went to Ikea in Wembley!

Fantastic experience: Lum has been absolutely brilliant with my daughter - got her driving home on day one of her 17th Birthday and has been the most brilliant tutor for her and she has now passed. Can’t praise him enough. Next daughter up in 3 years – can’t wait again for this time with Lum

Fantastic experience: Having not driven for many years I took some refresher lessons with Lum and he dealt with my lack of confidence beautifully. He has lots of cunning tricks to calm nervous drivers and is generally a very safe pair of hands, with so much knowledge about driving in London. Well worth it!

Fantastic experience: Like some of the other reviews here, I am an experienced driver from the US, and I needed to get my British license after living in the UK for over a year. After my first scheduled practical test was postponed as a result of the lockdown, I wanted to make sure that I passed my practical test on the first attempt. I had a few lessons with Lum, and he’s exactly what you’d want in a driving instructor: friendly, patient and professional. In the end, I passed my test first time with no minors! I couldn’t have done that without Lum’s help. Thanks for everything!

Fantastic experience: I passed first time today, thanks to Lum!! I started my lessons with Lum back in October (with lots of breaks due to the lockdowns) and Lum has been a fantastic instructor. He gives clear instructions and in the beginning emails you a pdf after each lesson explaining what you covered that day. He is a calm and friendly instructor who will put you at ease. Highly recommend to anyone learning to drive or wants to brush up on their driving. Thank you Lum!!

Fantastic experience: I took refresher lessons with Lum after a long break from driving. He has a calm, professional and very effective style of teaching that helped me to quickly get to grips with London traffic, brush up on my skills and regain confidence. He is punctual, well organised and follows up lessons with useful fact sheets. And he has good conversation when you're stuck in traffic. I would strongly recommend HDS.

Fantastic experience: Lum was a great instructor; very patient and professional. I definitely felt at ease learning with him. And I passed 1st time around, despite having had my test rescheduled 2x due to all the lockdowns. He fitted me in around his other clients and made sure I was comfortable with my drivng prior to my test. Highly recommend.

Negative experience: I was shocked to find this instructor rude, sarcastic and intimidating. I was looking for refresher lessons and despite passing my test several years ago, I was clear that I had forgotten most of what I learnt and was nervous, and to treat me as more of a beginner to ease me into it. He found this unacceptable, continuously shaking his head, tutting and shouting at me when I made mistakes. His behaviour was not at all conducive to a positive learning experience, and I honestly wish I had not continued the lesson as this was his behaviour for the whole two hours, leaving me anxious, tense, and upset. I sincerely hope there was no discrimination involved but I would not recommend this instructor at all.

Fantastic experience: Lum was extremely helpful in getting me over the line in only a few lessons. Very professional and put me at ease. Thanks for all your help Lum, I'm thrilled to have passed! February 2020

Fantastic experience: Lum is a fantastic instructor. He is extremely knowledgable and professional (always on time, has helpful learning aids, books your exam with you, sends review material the night before), and - equally important - he is a warm and sociable person who is easy to talk to (which is important given the confined space!) and puts you at ease. As an American, I was worried I would have to go through unnecessary lessons, but he was honest from the beginning about how much/little work we would need to do together. We did two sessions, and I passed on my first time. I couldn't recommend him more highly.

Fantastic experience: Excellent. Passed on the first try.

Fantastic experience: Super glad I learnt to drive with Lum. As quite an anxious person, it was really important to have a calm and straightforward instructor (having had the opposite in the past). Lum was an absolute gem to drive with, and the car I learned in was also lovely. I really couldn't recommend HDS more highly, and having spent the rest of my time in London opting for cheaper lessons, can now confirm it's worth paying that little bit more!

Fantastic experience: Top-rate driving instruction worth every penny. I had already been driving for 20+ years in the States, but needed to get a UK license. Lum’s instruction hugely improved my driving skills despite my previous experience driving. I passed with a near perfect score. In addition to being a fabulous instructor, Lum is always prompt and highly organized. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Very patient and clear driving instruction. I’d already passed my test but went to Lum for refresher lessons. Recommended.

Fantastic experience: I have absolutely no qualms in suggesting you to use Lum from Hampstead driving school as your driving instructor. Although I needed to pass quickly, I did not expect to pass in just 12 lessons. Lum has a calming teaching method which allows one to grow in confidence and ability quickly. The car you use is also excellent and the lessons enjoyable. Rory McMeikan - Hampstead - October 2015.