Diamond Geezers Driver Training

Fantastic experience: I know Rick as he is a friend of my partner. We have had an absolute journey over the last year! I started my driving lessons having never driven before and absolutely terrified. Rick instantly made me feel at ease! Over the last year there has been a lot of nerves and frustration but also a massive amount of laughs! He is firm when needed but also has the patience of a saint! My favourite saying was always "I knew that" when I made a mistake (we both knew full well I didn't!) And he would just laugh at me explain where I went wrong and we would carry on. He is easy to talk to and happy to listen to my concerns and struggles and go over whatever they where as many times as needed until I got it! In all honesty if I had had any other instructor who was less patient I feel I would of given up a long time ago! In a year I have gone from never wanting to drive to passing my test first time! Not only can I drive but I have the confidence to do it by myself which is nothing short of a miracle given where I started and it is all thanks to Rick and his hard work and dedication to getting me through it!

Fantastic experience: Richard was the best driving instructor I could've had train me for my test. With only a month to work with before my test and a lot of stuff that needed to be worked on when I first started driving with, Richard was very patient and a great teacher. I made a lot of mistakes and we were able to learn from them effectively through the use of numerous methods such as visual diagrams, easy-to-remember phrases, abbreviations and repetition. My style of driving before was quite competitive and actions would be completed without following the correct protocols which would've been very dangerous and in no way would I have passed my test driving like this. Richard was able to adapt to my previous teachings of driving and help me better understand why certain things needed to be done during driving for the safety or myself and other road users. The day of my test, I was feeling very prepared thanks to Richard, he had picked me up from my own house and let me sit at the back of the car whilst he did the mock test with another pupil and let me sit inside the Eastbourne driving centre so my nerves would be calmed down as I'd have seen how the whole procedure of the examination worked. He was also very motivational and gave me a lot of confidence when driving despite me making mistakes. Thanks to Richard I was able to pass my test first time and my future driving and road safety will definitely set the standard for all users thanks to the lessons I had been given from Richard.

Fantastic experience: The best instructor ever! That’s what I can say about Rick. I have attention deficit disorder And I’m very slower learner. I had 2 instructors in the past which let me down, they just didn’t had enough patience to teach me. When I first meet Rick, I told him about my problems and he just accepted the challenge and stayed with me till the end, teaching me and always reassuring that I was able to get it. Thanks to him I didn’t give up of my driving test. I was for almost two years trying to get my driving licence, but he got me there in less then 5 months :) What can I say Rick, I haven’t got enough words to say how grateful I am to had you as my driving instructor and I thank you so so much for all you’ve done for me. You are super, I really appreciate all your hard work and the wonderful guy you are x

Fantastic experience: I was recommended by a colleague of mine. Richard was very helpful, he took time to explain in details and everything that he thought me gave me a lot of confidence for my test. I will definitely recommend to anyone who have the intention of taking their test. Thank you so much Richard for everything

Fantastic experience: More Than Just a Driving Instructor – Thank You, Rick When I think back to the first day I met Rick, I honestly had no idea what I was doing. I didn’t even know how to start the engine. I was nervous, overwhelmed, and full of self-doubt. But from the very beginning, Rick showed me patience, kindness, and most importantly—belief. We started with the very basics, practicing in a quiet local car park. It felt so far away from ever driving on an actual road, let alone taking a test. But Rick never rushed me. He met me where I was and slowly built my confidence, one lesson at a time. Over the five months we spent together, Rick became more than just a driving instructor. He became a mentor, a supporter, a friend, and someone who genuinely cared about my progress. He didn’t just teach me how to drive—he taught me how to trust myself. On days when I felt like giving up, Rick reminded me how far I’d come. On days when I doubted everything, he was the steady voice that said, “You’ve got this.” There were moments I felt awful, moments I got frustrated, and moments I thought I’d never get there. But Rick never gave up on me. And that made all the difference. Today, I passed my driving test FIRST TIME. It still feels surreal. But I know—without a doubt—that I wouldn’t be here without Rick. His guidance, his encouragement, and his unwavering belief in me got me through this journey. Thank you, Rick. For your time, your patience, and the friendship. I’ll never forget what you’ve done for me. I will surely miss our lessons together. I am genuinely grateful for everything!

Fantastic experience: After having negative experience in the past, I was desperately looking for a driving instructor here in Eastbourne who has truly approachable attitude, professionalism and confidence to make real difference. Eventually I found Richard Bonnett luckily, thanks Chris for your referral. As said, I was not a fresh learner though, but I noticed I came up with a significant lack of knowledge, lots of nerves and hesitations when I embarked my journey with Rick. To be very honest, learning to drive with Rick has been an absolute pleasure and a truly transformative experience. From my very first lesson, Richard stood out as a supportive, friendly, and deeply professional instructor who not only teaches me how to drive—but believes in my ability to succeed. What makes Richard exceptional is his unwavering positivity and his clear commitment to helping his students achieve my goals. He was really full of my inspiration when I went through the tough time, especially in the mock tests and on the day of driving test. He created a calm, encouraging environment where I felt safe to make mistakes and learn from them. His structured approach, clear explanations, and tailored feedback made every lesson valuable and focused. Richard doesn’t just teach me how to pass a test—he builds true driving confidence. His belief in achieving targets really motivated me firmly to push myself, and with his guidance, I passed feeling fully prepared and capable on the road. If you're looking for a driving instructor who is not only technically brilliant but also genuinely cares about your progress, Richard Bonnett is the one. I couldn’t recommend him more highly. Thank you, Rick —you made a real difference. You will be remembered by me for the rest of my life with true respect and love. Wish you all the very best, Rick!

Fantastic experience: When I started driving with Rick I was a bag of nerves, having had a negative experience in the past, I was convinced I wouldn’t get to test standard with my driving. Rick couldn’t have proved me more wrong, we have worked together and he has helped me become a confident, safe driver, something that I would have never previously believed could happen! I had let stress and nerves get the better of me, and whenever this happened Rick walked me through the problem again and again until we perfected everything that needed to be worked on, and I can honestly say I can’t wait to get on the roads! Rick had confidence in me when I didn’t have it in myself and he didn’t let me quit every time I said I couldn’t do it he pushed and pushed and it has changed my life for the better! He makes sure to praise you when you get things right, instead of only focusing on the mistakes, which helps miles with confidence! His resilience and outstanding attention to detail helped pave the way for me to pass my test and become ready for the road! Rick went above and beyond, and I can’t recommend him enough to anyone looking to start their driving journey!

Fantastic experience: I passed my driving test in first attempt and I have to say that Rick was an amazing instructor. I contacted him just two weeks before my exam, primarily for some last-minute preparation, and he didn’t hesitate to help me. Even though it was a short time frame, Rick spent several extra hours with me, making sure I was fully prepared for the test with confidence. His lessons were not only highly informative but also really enjoyable. Rick’s friendly approach made me feel comfortable and calm, which helped reduce the stress of preparing for such an important test. He took the time to explain every detail, making sure I understood everything from the basic maneuvers to more complex driving situations.especially I struggled with all maneours but after his lesson I can’t believe how nicely I did. Thanks to Rick’s support and patience, I felt confident and ready when it was time for my test. If you’re looking for a dedicated, friendly, and knowledgeable instructor, I highly recommend him!”

Fantastic experience: Ric is amazing.i am autistic and adhd and didn’t think I’d get very far as I tend to do my own thing a lot of the time,Ric knew what to say and when,knew when I needed encouragement and when I needed a firmer tone,so pleased I followed the good reviews and found him,he made me feel like I’d known him as a friend my whole life and got me passed on my first attempt,I can’t thank him enough

Fantastic experience: Where do I begin , I reached out to Rick around the Christmas time as I wanted to start doing automatic lessons without hesitation he took me on . From the first lesson i had in a car pack Rick always had faith in me when I didn’t even though my situation was abit difficult with my job and the hours I could do lesson Rick made it work . Every time I doubted my self he somehow always knew how to cheer me on and believed in me . I didn’t only gain a driving instructor I also gained a mentor and a friend. Honestly I was a mess when I first started driving I didn’t think i could do it I couldn’t even tell my left and right . My steering was a nightmare. My brake control was out the wall . But with all that fault not once did Rick give up on me . Instead he pushed me to become a confident and a safe driver that I am today . Rick is honestly the man you need to go to if your a nervous driver and find it hard to grasp information he doesn’t over work you during your lesson he will always just push you to your full potential. Not only that he goes the extra miles to write everything down for you so you know your weakness he’s always 10 steps ahead he’s really good at reading his students and understanding there weak points and there strongest point . I can vouch and say after every lesson I gained a new driving experience. Rick ways of teaching you how to drive is top notch you can’t beat that he doesn’t over complicate anything within a few try’s you have nailed your manoeuvre. I was really bad with my Parallel Park I booked a lesson with Rick and the next lesson I was able to parallel parking without him helping me . Rick honestly, thank you for all your patience, guidance, and support throughout my driving lessons. You made the entire learning experience enjoyable and helped me build the confidence I needed to become a better driver. I truly appreciate how you tailored each lesson to fit my needs and helped me improve at my own pace and expert advice, I now feel much more comfortable and prepared behind the wheel. I'm really grateful for everything you've done to help me reach this milestone. Your dedication to making each lesson count, your willingness to answer my endless questions, . Honestly you have changed my life forever and open so many new doors for me . Thanks to your teaching, I feel confident and prepared to drive on my own. I'm excited to hit the road, but I'll certainly miss our lessons! I'll definitely be recommending you to anyone who's looking for an amazing instructor. Now I see why you have a 5 star rate . They weren’t lying you’re the best . Oh yeah and I liked your singing just never wanted to say it to you .

Fantastic experience: I signed up with Rick about 8 months ago, on recommendation from my sister who passed with him. At the time, I only tried lessons to say I'd done it. I never wanted to drive, because the whole thing made me sick with worry. My first lesson with Rick, he really worked to get to know me and put my mind at ease. So I gave it a shot. Lesson after lesson I said it'd be my last, and yet he blew my expectations out of the water and helped ease all of my anxieties. Ricks method of teaching and his friendliness towards me meant the world. He really is second to none if he can help a nervous wreck like me pass my test. Thank you so much Rick, for all your time, patience and dedication to making me a safe driver. I never thought I'd pass first time, so thank you!!

Fantastic experience: Rick has honestly opened my life up to so many other avenues. He was very patience with me and adpted his teaching method to my learning (I was a very very anxious learner) Before I started my lessons with Rick I had a very bad experience with a instructor I wasn't learning anything new and my confidence was knocked due to bad teaching. I got in touch with Rick as he had amazing reviews. He gave me lots of positive feedback throughout all lessons and asked me what I felt I wanted to become more confident at. We had lot of laughs whilst I learnt which put me at easy . With Rick's belief in me, building my confidence up and pushing me where he knew I needed it. I passed 1st time! I was in pure shock. I feel like he has changed my life and I actually believe in my self so I am alot less anxious in many areas of my life thanks to Rick. I would highly recommend and I will be telling everyone I can,that Rick is the best! Candice xx

Fantastic experience: I started having lessons with Rick as I didn't have much confidence driving in the UK. Coming from abroad, I was very worried about driving on the left side of the road. I was beyond impressed with how our first lesson went - by the end I was already driving comfortably with Rick's support. Before driving anywhere, he guided me through all the rules and the signs that were required to begin. While driving, Rick was always talking me through the routes and signs and supporting with every question I had. I liked the way he was always observing my driving and then explaining my mistakes and how to work on these. Before I started lessons with Rick, I was always terrified of parking and thought that I would never be able to do that. With Rick's help, I managed to park the car from various angles with plenty of different scenarios to give me as much practice as possible. It was a huge pleasure to have lessons with Rick as I never felt stressed and we always had positive vibes and conversations during the lessons. I highly recommend Rick as an instructor as with him, you feel very comfortable and he is a truly patient teacher who explains everything so well. Thank you very much for your help, support, sense of humour and your patience! You are the best instructor in the world!

Fantastic experience: I couldn’t be happier to leave this review for Rick, my incredible driving instructor, after passing my test today with just 2 minors! I hadn’t driven for over a year before starting this intensive automatic course, and in just around 3 weeks, I’ve come such a long way thanks to Rick’s guidance. Rick is absolutely amazing—calm, patient, and so easy to get along with. His relaxed and approachable teaching style is perfect, especially for someone like me who tends to get quite anxious. Not only does he focus on helping you pass your test, but he’s also dedicated to making you a safe, confident, and considerate driver overall. I now feel like I’m fully equipped to handle real-world driving situations, not just exam conditions. We originally planned for 22.5 hours, but Rick was super flexible, and we added a few extra hours to polish everything up. By the time my test day came, I felt entirely confident and well-prepared. His structured approach, attention to detail, and focus on building good habits for life are outstanding. If you’re looking for an instructor who goes above and beyond to help you succeed while keeping the process enjoyable and stress-free, Rick is the one! I can’t recommend him enough—thank you so much, Rick!

Fantastic experience: Passed ADI P2 first time just a couple of minors. Ricky gave me so many AWESOME tools. He really knows his trade and I love his teaching style. Stick with THIS guy, you will be just fine.

Fantastic experience: i passed first time driving with rick, he is an amazing driving instructor, not a bad thing to say about him or the way he teaches you how to drive. very understanding when you feel nervous.

Fantastic experience: Contacted Ricky one month before my test and passed FIRST TIME. With many hours of lessons and practice of course. Ricky is the best instructor out there, will make you feel very confident and comfortable, very patient, teaches manoeuvres quickly and efficiently. I highly recommend Ricky to learners trying to pass their test. Good prices too

Fantastic experience: Thank you so much Rick for your support. You are very patient instructor. I had previously failed the test while taking classes with a different instructor, but it’s been a first time pass with Rick. He was able to pick the tiny and not too tiny gaps in my driving, and enabled me to be safe and keep others safe on the road. Thank you Rick. I passed my test. Rick is exemplary- strict, with a great touch of humor, ensures everything is spot on, and most importantly mentions it when you are doing something right. Lest i forget, one of the very instructors who sacrifice so much in terms of time and energy, and even gets in more hours without you having to cough out more quids. All he aims at, is at producing a good driving. You are my November hero. You are a star

Fantastic experience: Had a very comfortable lessons all throughout. Very helpful with all manoeuvres. Learned a lot new in driving.Thank you.

Fantastic experience: I Really like Rick’s teaching style, he explains things in easy to understand language , using multiple relevant examples to highlight the essential skills I need to help me become a safe confidant driver. He allowed me to take the lesson in my own car which was especially helpful as that was what I was used to. He would also give me learning resources to look through between lessons which would consolidate what we had gone over in lessons. Overall I couldn’t recommend Rick enough, thanks to him I finally feel confident in my ability to drive and pass my test.

Fantastic experience: If you struggling with parking Richard is your guy . He knows the tricks :)

Fantastic experience: After my partner passed first time last year, he spoke so highly of Rick and was absolutely adamant I would have to book in with him. I have had 3 driving instructors now over the last few years and Rick has by far been the most kind, patient and supportive of them all. Every single lesson with Rick was enjoyable, we always had a laugh and he always made me feel so incredibly comfortable. Nothing was ever too much trouble for Rick. Whenever I was unsure of anything he would take his time explaining, doing helpful demo’s and videos, he was always more than happy to go back over anything I felt I needed extra help with. When Rick told me I was ready for my test, I booked it with only a couple weeks notice, Rick put in so many hours doing test prep with me, even working later into the evening to make sure he could fit me in. I really struggled getting a hold of my nerves and anxiety leading up to my test and started making silly mistakes in my lessons but Rick worked tirelessly to change my mindset and calm my nerves completely. I took my test today and passed first time with only 3 minors! I owe so much to Rick for giving me this opportunity, for all his patience, understanding and for passing on all his knowledge (not to mention his great music taste). He didn’t just teach me how to pass my test but he’s given me the confidence to drive safely. I could not recommend him enough. Thank you Rick for all of your help, I will miss our lessons!

Fantastic experience: Rick took me under his wing after four previous failed attempts at my test! Our time together was short but in this time he gave me the confidence in myself and really worked on not just my driving, but helping me with my mindset and driving anxiety in test conditions which was my biggest downfall. Rick was so patient and made me feel so incredibly comfortable and confident. No lesson was a chore! He went out of his way to send personalised videos as aids and was so knowledgeable and informative If you are a nervous and anxious learner then Rick is your man! I booked my test after a few months with Rick and passed with only four minors! You would be so lucky if this guy was your instructor, absolutely one of the best out there! Thank you Rick, you really are a diamond!

Fantastic experience: Rick truly is a Diamond Geezer, he is an incredible instructor. From day one he put me at ease and had me on the road and heading to Eastbourne because he felt i could do it. Rick would make sure I was happy with every part of the lesson and if I felt I needed a bit more practise or a bit more help in anyway we would go back over things by making a video, these videos really have helped me as I've been able to watch them in between lessons. When we both felt I was test ready Rick focused more on my mind set as he knew the nerves of a test would get to me. We spent extra time leading up to my test going over everything as I felt I needed this. Nothing was to much trouble. I am forever grateful to Rick, I will miss my driving buddy and the laughs we had along this incredible journey. I couldn't have passed without you. Caroline

Fantastic experience: I am incredibly grateful for the unwavering support and patience of my driving instructor Ricky. After few attempts of my driving exam, I finally passed it today, and it wouldn’t have been possible without his dedication and encouragement. Ricky never gave up on me even when I doubted myself. His teaching style is exceptional, breaking down complex manoeuvres into manageable steps and always providing constructive feedback.He always create a positive and stress-free learning environment, remained calm and composed, even when i made mistakes, which helped build my confidence and improve my skills over time. Thanks you, Ricky for being such an amazing instructor. Your support has made a significant difference, and i couldn’t have done it without you. I highly recommend Ricky to anyone looking to learn how to drive. Sincerely, Marius A.

Fantastic experience: Rick is an amazing instructor, really patient and understanding, I had anxiety about driving and hadn't driven for a while, I contacted Rick for some refresher lesson and he was absolutely amazing he made me feel at ease very quickly was very reassuring, and has given me the confidence to start back up driving again

Fantastic experience: Rick is an amazing and very patient instructor! I passed my driving test today with no faults and I couldn’t thank Rick enough!! High recommend :)

Fantastic experience: The knowledge that Rick gave me helped me a lot to pass the license exam. Thanks so much Rick for everything

Fantastic experience: Rick is a great instructor and I enjoyed our lessons so much, I am almost sorry I passed. He has the patience of a saint and works tirelessly to get the best out of you. Thanks so much Rick.

Fantastic experience: I had lessons with rick for over a year and passed today he’s amazing, he made me felt calm, we had laughs together and I wouldn’t recommend anyone else, if your looking for an instructor I would definitely recommend him.

Fantastic experience: I met Rick at the hospital dropping his student and I walked to him to asked if he could give me driving lessons and he agreed. I remember my first lesson I couldn’t face and bypass on coming cars as I was afraid I will hit them. He took his time and took me through everything patiently. He encouraged me throughout out and made me very confident. Today I passed my driving test and I’m so grateful for all the lessons he gave to me. I recommend him to anyone and trust me he is top notch when it comes to driving lessons. Such an mazing and lovely fella. Thanks mate, I’m much grateful.

Fantastic experience: Can not recommend Rick enough! He got me back on the road after 7 years with no driving. I was super shaky and nervous from the start and we went a long way but after working with Rick I’m today confident and feel safe on the road. Rick looks at you as an individual and customises his learning methods to accommodate your needs! Best of the best!

Fantastic experience: Rick is an incredible driving instructor and will do everything he possibly can to help you get through that test ! There’s no one I’d recommend more , thanks a million Rick .