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Acclaim Driving Reviews 1,203

TrustScore 5 out of 5

4.8

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Review summary

Based on reviews, created with AI

Reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers consistently praise the staff for their helpfulness and the positive user experience. The clarity of instructions and the high level of service provided are also frequently mentioned as key strengths. Consumers express strong satisfaction with the customer service, highlighting its efficiency and effectiveness in addressing their needs. People appreciate the instructors' patience, skill, and ability to create a comfortable and encouraging learning environment. Reviewers also value the instructors' commitment to building their confidence and providing clear, constructive feedback. The driving school's system for booking lessons and managing payments is considered user-friendly and efficient.

Based on these reviews

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I passed first time with Shiv and he is a great instructor who is calm and patient, which is just what you need when you’re learning something new! I would really recommend him and I am really gratefu... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Acclaim were very helpful and dealt with my last minute enquiry very quickly and efficiently. Shivam Chanda is an excellent instructor. 3 sessions (2x2hr plus 1hr) and an extended test and I pass... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant service from start to finish. Telephone support was great, very efficient, calls answered promptly, actions taken quickly, theory test access easy and extended as still had a month to go bef... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Dave was a brilliant instructor, very funny, down to earth guy but also knows how to teach you what you’re supposed to be doing and knows when to be serious in teaching! Would recommend to anyone look... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

They made the whole learning process easy. They provided suitable revision material for my provisional, which without it I wouldnt have passed. My driving instructor Sloan was amazing and ga... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Extremely good instructor (Shivam Chavda), never made me loose confidence in my driving and made lessons feel like something id want to do rarther than something id have to do. Focused on trying to ma... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Richard Nye, was my instructor. He was very helpful and understanding of what new drivers feel when they drive, he takes his time helping you learn and give you good tips and constructive feedback to... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Exceptional, patient and skilled driving instructor. Very supportive and accommodating to all personal working/life structure. My sister and I both passed first time and highly recommend if you’re... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Cannot reccomend Brian Torbitt and Acclaim enough, he made my learning experience first class. Started lessons as someone who had never sat in a driver seat before, and right from that very first less... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Acclaim and Darshan in particular really dug us out of a hole, whereby my daughter’s instructor could not support her in the final weeks before her test. Darshan was very encouraging, and in a very sh... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I have just passed my test first time, my instructor Adam mabbott is an amazing instructor he made me feel very confident at driving. He teaches in great professional way making you feel at ease and c... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My daughter just passed first time with driving instructor Rich Cotter. What a lovely guy! Hattie loved spending time with Rich, he was so supportive and kept her calm under pressure. Thank you so muc... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I had lessons with Habtom and can honestly say he’s a fantastic instructor. He’s funny and easy to get along with, which makes lessons enjoyable, but he’s also a very skilled teacher. He’s patient whe... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I learned with Zohra at Acclaim from September 2024 to June 30th, 2025, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better driving instructor. She was incredibly patient, especially with my nerves, and a... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Pav was a fantastic instructor for my son who passed his test first time today (with one minor) loads of lessons available on any day and time so very flexible. Called the office on a few occasions fo... See more

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Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Passed my test on the first go with just three minors, all thanks to my amazing instructor Shehab Ahmed! He explains everything clearly, covers all aspects of driving, and his unique teaching style re... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Driving instructors were always patient, clear and helped my understanding of the standards needed for driving. Teaching was always very clear and easy to understand and the instructors I've had reall... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Would highly recommend. I had never done any driving lessons before and was very nervous. Gary was my instructor for two weeks, he was always on time and friendly. Encouraging when needed and listened... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Passed my driving test today with Brian Torbitt. I was very anxious and full of nerves but Brian was fantastic and helped me manage my emotions with lots of useful tips. Every lesson was filled with f... See more

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I did not get the best experience as my first instructor Sadiq kept giving me availability once in a month, and even went silent on me for more than 3 months. The lessons I received were not based on... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Passed my test back in May on my first attempt. My thanks goes to Graeme Harvey, my instructor. Graeme was professional, thorough and precise in his teaching in every lesson. He was patient with me (e... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I won’t lie to it you need someone who’s honest, but not too brutal with it and wants you to pass Habtom Asmelash is your guy, he’s patient and ready go when you’re ready and will only push you if he... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Chris is a lovely instructor, he always made me feel comfortable and helped me so much to handle my anxiety while driving. He always helped me where he could if I needed to change lessons or book in a... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I can’t recommend Jonathan enough. I passed my driving test first time thanks to him. He’s patient and calm and knows exactly how to teach without overloading me with too much info. Every lesson was... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I used this company recently and did a 5 day intensive course with Gary, he made me feel at ease with my driving and always made me feel comfortable. He was always on time and his sense of humour help... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My Driving instuctor Abdoul was brilliant and a excellent teacher. He was encouraging and supportive. The advice that he gave was spot on. He also encoraged self belief that i can do this. I listen... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Been with rich from the very beginning started lessons with him middle of last year he’s been amazing since day 1 just passed my test today. If you’re looking for a very instructive, laid back, pati... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I took lessons with Tanzeem Effendi and passed FIRST time, Tanzeem is a brilliant teacher and great supporter, I had a lovely time learning new skills from Tanzeem. Tanzeem is very patient and very he... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I passed my driving test first time thanks to my excellent instructor Hasan K. He was always patient, calm, and professional, and explained everything clearly throughout each lesson. The lessons were... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

David Tannock is very experienced, friendly, creative, reliable, very organised, positive and he never run out of patience and words of encouragement. He never rushes and let you learn at your own pa... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I had five different driving instructors before, and my driving was still not improving. However, when I started learning with Effendi, everything changed. He made driving much easier for me, unders... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I enjoyed my instructor Sarah, she was an amazing teacher and helped me to learn all the needed information and skills for driving. She helped through any tough patches i had and made me more confiden... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I just passed my driving test today at the Balmoral Test Centre in Belfast! I would not have done it without the expert training, support, patience, and guidance of my top-notch instructor, Karl McKai... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Matthew Ollier. 10/10 for instructing, professionalism, helpfulness. The best instructor acclaim have!!! Passed my test all down to his hard work and patience. He never gave up on me, had full trust... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Niall was very patient whenever I was out doing a 10 day intensive course with him. He helped build my confidence up and walked through everything with very clear instructions. He was also very friend... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

After 4 driving instructors with other schools, I ended up with the best instructor I’ve had. A huge huge thank you to Tanzeem, who made my driving experience fun, engaging and worthwhile. Tanzeem rea... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I would highly recommend Hassan as a driving instructor. He is incredibly patient, clear in his instructions, and always supportive. He took the time to explain my mistakes in a constructive way, help... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The best experience with acclaim, in particular my instructor Adam Mabbott. Truly couldn’t have done it without him, really easy going but so helpful at the same time. So down to earth and made ever... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Learning to drive with Nazir was an incredible experience from start to finish. His teaching style made it easy for me to pick things up quickly, even things I thought would be difficult! He exp... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I had an excellent experience with this driving school. Effendi was highly professional, patient, and very knowledgeable. Lessons were well structured and tailored to my needs, which helped build my c... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Driving School
  2. Drivers License Training School
  3. Driving Test Centre

Written by the company

Acclaim Driving is a renowned National driving school, with nearly 40 years of experience in the industry. Known for our excellent first-time pass rates, we offer a range of driving lessons tailored to meet individual needs, including standard weekly lessons and intensive driving courses that can help learners pass their driving test in as little as five days. We pride ourselves on our team of highly experienced and friendly instructors who provide personalised and supportive instruction to ensure learners become confident and most importantly safe drivers. At Acclaim Driving we offer a modern fleet of manual and automatic cars, catering to all preferences and learning styles. In addition to driving lessons, we provide comprehensive theory test preparation through partnerships with leading revision apps. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is reflected in our competitive rates and special offers, making us a popular choice for learners. Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to refresh your driving skills, Acclaim Driving’s flexible and professional approach ensures a positive learning experience and successful outcomes. Book your lessons online for instant confirmation and start your journey towards becoming a safe qualified driver with Acclaim Driving.

Pass your driving test with confidence. Book your driving lessons now!

Written by the company

Nearly 40 years of experience teaching learners to drive
Our driving instructors and friendly team in the office will offer the care, support and expertise that make learning to drive a pleasure. We are committed to offering great value for money whilst creating safe and responsible drivers.
Become an Acclaim Driving Instructor
If you are looking for a new career, why not train to become a Driving Instructor? Work flexible hours to suit your lifestyle. A rewarding career with a secure future. Contact us for more details.

Contact info

Promotion box for Acclaim Driving

Save money by buying a 10 hour block

You can save up to £20 if you purchase a block of 10 hours.

4.8

Excellent

TrustScore 5 out of 5

1K reviews

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Replied to 100% of negative reviews

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Acclaim

My driving instructor Ben was great, made the lessons really enjoyable and I feel like I learnt a lot and improve quickly. He supported me every step of the way!

11 February 2026
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Acclaim & Tony Sykes are wonderful!

I had Tony Sykes as my driving instructor, and I cannot recommend him enough!
I struggle with severe anxiety, so driving was initially a very scary experience for me! But Tony gave me all the knowledge and confidence to be able to become a good driver, and I passed my test first time!
He was always calm and patient with me, and always believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself.
I couldn't have done it without Tony, so I'd recommend him to anyone wanting to start learning to drive or to have refresher lessons etc!
Thank you Tony and Acclaim!

10 February 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Rich Cotter - Pass

Passed Driving Test!

Rich Cotter has been my driving instructor for about 40 hours and you couldn’t ask for a better teacher.

He is very patient, understanding, flexible and articulate with his teaching methods.

Relaxed and good sense of humour, if you get Rich as your instructor, then you’re in good hands!

Cheers Rich!

10 February 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Dave Hollis

Dave was a brilliant instructor, very funny, down to earth guy but also knows how to teach you what you’re supposed to be doing and knows when to be serious in teaching! Would recommend to anyone looking to go with Acclaim. Thank you Dave, was a pleasure!

9 February 2026
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Reply from Acclaim Driving

Thanks Nick for taking the time to share your experience of lessons with Dave Hollis. Great to hear you found your lesson fun and had an overall positive expereince

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I passed first time with Shiv and he is…

I passed first time with Shiv and he is a great instructor who is calm and patient, which is just what you need when you’re learning something new! I would really recommend him and I am really grateful for everything he did for me, even helping me with references for work etc. He goes above and beyond and I couldn’t have asked for a better instructor!

9 February 2026
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Reply from Acclaim Driving

Thankyou for taking the time to share your experience with us. Pleased you enjoyed your lessons with Shivam and what a great result, first time pass!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding

Darshan was my driving instructor and I passed first time with him. I honestly cannot recommend him and Acclaim highly enough. To say my learning experience was exceptional would be an understatement.

From the very start, I felt truly supported, believed in and encouraged throughout every stage of my driving journey. Darshan created a safe and empowering environment where even when I made many mistakes, he remained kind, calm and patient and I could improve. He remained positive every single lesson, even when I doubted myself. He truly cares about you becoming a safe, responsible driver for the rest of your life, and he works with you as a team.

Darshan’s knowledge, skill and commitment to high standards shone through in every lesson. He is an expert instructor who adapts to your learning style, explains things clearly and genuinely cares about helping you improve and become the driver you want to be.

I came an incredibly long way from when I first started learning to drive, including in how nervous I was, and this progress is all due to Darshan’s incredible teaching and character.

Communication with both my instructor and Acclaim was always excellent, and the Acclaim dashboard made arranging lessons easy and stress-free, too.

Darshan is truly an outstanding instructor, I would recommend him and Acclaim to anyone seeking a professional, supportive and successful learning experience, no matter how nervous you are.

6 February 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Acclaim Driving

Thank you so much for taking the time to share such an incredible review! We’re absolutely delighted to hear about your positive experience learning with Darshan and that you passed first time — what a fantastic achievement!
It’s wonderful to know that Darshan’s patience, encouragement, and dedication made such a difference to your confidence and progress behind the wheel. He truly takes pride in helping each learner become a safe and skilled driver for life, and your kind words reflect exactly the kind of supportive environment he strives to create.
We’re also glad you found our communication and booking dashboard helpful in making the process smooth and stress-free.
Thank you again for choosing Acclaim and for recommending both Darshan and our team so highly — we wish you many safe and happy miles ahead!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely fantastic

I was learning to drive through travis who made learning fun with great conversation in a chilled back manor and a good sense of humour, which helped me feel confident and I passed 1st time with only 5 minors

3 February 2026
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Reply from Acclaim Driving

Thanks so much for your amazing review! I’m really pleased to hear you enjoyed your lessons with Travis and that you felt confident behind the wheel. We are thrilled that you passed first time – that’s a fantastic result! Wishing you all the best and plenty of safe, happy miles on the road ahead.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10 day intensive course…

I did the 10 day intensive course in December and acclaim was great in helping me every step of the way. Great communication from the company in finding the right instructor for me and also a great price for the amount of hours of practice and getting tests included.

9 December 2025
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Reply from Acclaim Driving

Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed your 10-day intensive course and that our team could support you throughout the process. It’s great to know the instructor match and pricing worked well for you too. Wishing you all the best on the road ahead — and congratulations again on your progress!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My driving instructor Chris made…

My driving instructor Chris made learning to drive a comfortable experience and was great in teaching me how to drive! Recommend hugely!!

5 February 2026
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Reply from Acclaim Driving

Thanks for the kind words, enjoy your driving

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My instructor Anselm couldn't be a…

My instructor Anselm couldn't be a nicer bloke, has the patience of a saint getting me on the road, would recommend to anybody :)

4 February 2026
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Reply from Acclaim Driving

He's a great bloke! Glad you enjoyed your experience.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Highly recommended

Acclaim were very helpful and dealt with my last minute enquiry very quickly and efficiently.
Shivam Chanda is an excellent instructor. 3 sessions (2x2hr plus 1hr) and an extended test and I passed.
Highly recommended-
Acclaim Driving School.😊👍
🚗🚗🚗🚗🚗🚗🚗🚗🚗🚗🚗🚗🚗

3 February 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Acclaim Driving

Well done - The extended test can be tricky, Thanks for giving us the opportunity to help you.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

ACCLAIM ARE SCAMMERS AND DRAG LESSONS

THEY ARE SCAMMERS AND PURPOSELY DRAG OUT LESSONS. I did my lessons in Leicester, and I had Gary Ansell. Lessons were fine initially, but after 20 hours, I decided to take a break and try a different instructor, as I felt like I was not being moved forward. I then paid £340 for a 10-hour block, did a lesson with another instructor in the same company, and despite my telling him I have had 20 hours of experience, he made me sit parked up on the side of the road for the whole duration of the 2-hour lesson, which was £34 wasted. It was unacceptable. I then went back to Gary, but as I moved instructor, I paid the lower price rather than Gary's £350 higher one, and he was so cold and rude that I would come back from lessons crying and resent driving to the point that I would feel anxious before lessons and wouldn't sleep the night before. This happened in May, and I'd booked my driving test in September, but then moved it to the end of August as I wanted to do it before uni. Carl Ansell and Gary refused to do the test on that day and told me, "I shouldn't be thinking about a test as I am nowhere near ready and should do it the following year." They wanted me to keep paying while he taught me NOTHING. At this point, it was mid-June, and I had done almost 40 hours with Gary, and HE HADN'T EVEN TAUGHT ME HOW TO PARK in 40 hours or pass the 3rd exit on a roundabout. It was APPALLING!! And he said in the last lesson of my 40 hours, "I don't know how to teach you anymore", which is IRONIC, AS THAT IS HIS JOB to teach me. I cancelled all lessons with him and Acclaim, and moved to another driving school with a man called Zak, at Y.M Driving academy. He was cheaper and taught me everything I needed, from parking to roundabouts, as well as preparing me for the test and after, all within 4 weeks. I passed my test the first time in August, in only 5 lessons. When I first went to him, he said that I wasn't the first student in Leicester who had an Acclaim instructor say, "I can't teach you anymore," and said that in the 40 hours I did with Gary Ansell, he would get his students to do in 15. Acclaim is a joke, and you would be wasting time and money going with them. Changing companies was the best thing I did; if I hadn't, I would still be without a license and broke.

30 June 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Acclaim Driving

Dear Aliyah,

We’re very sorry to read about your experience and that you were left feeling disappointed and upset — that’s never the outcome we want for any of our learners. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share this detailed feedback, as it helps us look into what went wrong and how we can improve.

We’d like to assure you that our instructors and team take pride in helping every student progress at a pace that matches their confidence, safety, and ability. However, it’s clear that in your case, we didn’t meet your expectations, and for that, we sincerely apologise.

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We wish you every success and safety on the road ahead.

Nick

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Steven (Chillwell

Steven (Chillwell, Nottingham) was a fantastic instructer I would reccomend him to anyone in the area, and acclaim have great value for money packages like the block of 10. Thankyou once again to Steven for helping me pass my test.

31 January 2026
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Reply from Acclaim Driving

Well done for passing - drive safely

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I had an excellent experience with this…

I had an excellent experience with this driving school. Effendi was highly professional, patient, and very knowledgeable. Lessons were well structured and tailored to my needs, which helped build my confidence quickly. I would highly recommend this driving school and instructor to anyone looking for high-quality driving lessons. Mustafa

30 January 2026
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Reply from Acclaim Driving

Thanks Mustafa. Glad that you felt confident so soon in your course. Keep it up!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

100% would recommend

I used this company recently and did a 5 day intensive course with Gary, he made me feel at ease with my driving and always made me feel comfortable. He was always on time and his sense of humour helped me to stay calm as well would highly recommend

27 January 2026
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Reply from Acclaim Driving

Hi Shannon,
Thank you so much for your kind words and recommendation! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed your 5-day intensive course with Gary. It’s great to know he helped you feel comfortable and confident behind the wheel — his humour and dedication really do make a difference.
Wishing you all the best on the road ahead, and congratulations again on completing your course!
All the best from the acclaim team.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great instructor patient and very thorough

Great instructor - simple and easy precise communication- real results in passing test
Instructor was easy going,patient and very thorough- quick to answer calls and always arrived promptly- good value for money - would recommend to anybody looking to pass driving test asap

22 January 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Acclaim Driving

Thanks Adel. Great review. Enjoy your driving.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Richard Nye

Richard Nye, was my instructor. He was very helpful and understanding of what new drivers feel when they drive, he takes his time helping you learn and give you good tips and constructive feedback to help you gain more from each lesson.

30 January 2026
Acclaim Driving logo

Reply from Acclaim Driving

Richard Nye - that Driving Instructor Guy!! Thanks for the positive feedback; will be sure to pass it on.

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