Howzat for Al! Passed his Automatic Driving Test
Congratulations to Al on passing his driving test in Durham! 🎉 Huge shoutout to his wonderful instructor Andy, whose expert guidance and support made all the difference. Al, originally from Bangladesh, showed incredible determination and worked tirelessly to achieve this success—his second attempt proved just how dedicated he is. With some hard prep and Andy’s expert coaching, Al now joins the ranks of confident drivers!
When he's not on the road, Al is a caring care worker who loves playing cricket—showing his passion both on and off the field. If you're looking to boost your driving skills and enjoy a fun, supportive learning experience, you can book lessons at onlyautomatic.com/contact. Here's to many more milestones, Al—well done! 🚗💫
Pregnant Pause for Sangeetha
Pregnant Pause
Congratulations to Sangeetha, who passed her test at the first attempt today with only a few driving faults. The examiner waited for a few seconds (I was in the back of the car holding my breath) then said that he was pleased to tell Sangeetha that she’d passed. With a baby due in January, Sangeetha has a lot to celebrate, and will surely enjoy driving her young son and new born baby around in the car she has told me about since the first lesson - a racing-green Mini.
Driving hasn’t come naturally to Sangeetha, so her pass today is a testament to how much effort and commitment she has given throughout the whole learning process, and she’s proved that resilience is essential, as not all lessons have gone the way she wanted them to.
Well done, Sangeetha. I couldn’t be prouder of you. Stay safe and I’ll see you in that Mini on the roads.
Stacey from Tow Law: First-Time Success and New Beginnings
Stacey from Tow Law: First-Time Success and New Beginnings
Big congratulations to Stacey from Tow Law — she passed her driving test in Durham on her very first attempt! Calm, confident and focused, Stacey’s achievement opens up new independence and easier travel across the North East.
A recent arrival from Leicester, Stacey has already made her mark locally as a dedicated volunteer at a charity shop. Juggling community work and settling into a new area, she embraced lessons with determination — and it paid off first time.
Instructor Vici couldn’t be more impressed. From patient coaching to that moment of triumph, Stacey showed the poise and commitment that make a safe, happy driver.
Everyone at Only Automatic Driving School wishes Stacey many safe miles and lots of local adventures. Well done!
Bayley: Fast Feet Off the Pitch and Behind the Wheel — Zero Faults, All Heart
Today we celebrate Bayley — freshly 17, a lightning-quick U18 winger for Sunderland, and now a brand-new driver with a flawless test: zero faults. If his performance on the road matches his football, watch out Premier League.
A career already marked by promise, Bayley first caught attention with early signings at Bristol City and Southampton before joining Sunderland’s ranks in July 2024. On the pitch he’s a nightmare for full-backs: pace, sharp feet, and a hunger to take the game to the next level. Off it, he’s just a great lad — humble, quick with a laugh, and always up for a bit of banter.
Speaking of banter, instructor Peter has been taking the mickey out of Bayley since lesson one — playful photos, cheeky videos, and even a custom chant to keep the mood light. It’s that mix of fun and focus that clearly paid off today: a perfect test result and a beaming smile to match.
Everyone at Only Automatic Driving School is bursting with pride. This isn’t just about a licence — it’s another milestone in the journey of a talented young footballer destined for bigger stages. We’ll be cheering every step of the way, from youth fixtures to hopefully Premiership nights.
Congratulations, Bayley — zero faults today, countless possibilities tomorrow. Keep flying down that wing.
Meet Millie: From Nearly Giving Up to Driving Star
They say persistence pays off — and Millie proves it. Six months ago she’d struggled with the theory test, taking 13 attempts and nearly walking away. But she didn’t. She kept going, kept learning, and kept her goal in sight. Today, with Instructor Mandy cheering her on, Millie passed her practical driving test at Gosforth Driving Test Centre on her very first attempt — with only three driver faults.
What made it extra special was her calm under pressure. The examiner complimented her fantastic drive and professional attitude. Instructor Mandy couldn’t be prouder of her little entrepreneur — the determination, grit, and focus Millie showed transformed near-defeat into triumph.
Looking to learn to drive in North Tyneside? Whether you’re in Wallsend, Benton, Whitley Bay, Tynemouth or the surrounding areas, we’re here to help you succeed. Book lessons with experienced, supportive instructors who’ll keep you confident and ready for test day.
Get started: onlyautomatic.com/contact
Another happy PassPlus course completed 😁
Congratulations to Asha for completing the Pass Plus course last week. Here she is heading towards High Force Waterfall in the Pennines. Asha said that the course helped her to build her confidence 😄
Oluwafeyisayo passes at the first attempt, despite me never being able to pronounce her first name correctly!
Olu, originally from Nigeria, achieved a fantastic success in her driving test today. She passed on her very first attempt with only a single fault, demonstrating her determination and skill. As a hardworking mum, she can now enjoy taking her daughter on special trips, creating new memories together. Olu overcame nerves before the test
Demi’s Dedication Does the Deed
Congratulations to Demi on passing her driving test at the first attempt in Durham today! Demi is a dedicated and hardworking mum who truly deserves this achievement. Her determination and effort paid off, and her vibrant personality brought plenty of laughter along the way. She even had a memorable moment where she asked for a test pass photo to be taken next to a gravestone of a man buried beside his ex-wife—something we happened to visit during a driving exercise. Wishing Demi all the best as she embarks on her new journey behind the wheel!
Ganiyat passed 1st attempt, Zero Faults!
When Peter collected Ganiyat from her home that morning, she had unfortunately forgotten to bring her driving licence, which caused a minor but unavoidable delay. Despite this initial setback, the pre-test lesson was understandably marked by nerves and a few small mistakes, as can be expected in such a high-pressure and important situation.
However, Ganiyat quickly regained her composure and demonstrated remarkable resilience and unwavering focus throughout the day of her Automatic Driving Test.
She ultimately passed on her very first attempt with zero faults – an impressive and highly commendable achievement, especially considering that, in the UK, only around 2.3% of candidates manage to pass their driving test the first time without committing any faults at all. Peter is extremely proud of this exceptional result, which clearly highlights Ganiyat’s dedication, determination, and skill when behind the wheel.
One ‘Elle’ of a Day for Elle
Instructor Mandy is very proud of Elle’s progress. Elle can’t wait to be able to drive herself to work and fully enjoy the independence that comes with having her very own set of wheels. Having more freedom means she can easily meet up with friends and manage her schedule without needing to rely on others for rides.
Now, as the designated driver for her friends and family, Elle happily pays back all the times she’s been the passenger princess. Learning to drive has opened up exciting new opportunities for her, along with a strong sense of responsibility that she embraces wholeheartedly. Well done! A great Result!
It's a Holly Jollyday for Mandy!
Holly lives at the top of a farm, which means she has to walk a mile up to her house every day and then another mile to school. Her daughter is over the moon now that Holly has a car. This will make trips to school, school holidays, and shopping much easier for her.Instructor Mandy is also over the moon, having achieved a single fault pass at the Gosforth Driving Test Centre. This success is a testament to both Holly's dedication and Mandy's expert instruction.
1st time pass for Abdullah with only a single fault!
1st time pass of the practical driving test. A wonderful achievement
1st time pass for Jay
Jay successfully passed his driving test on the first attempt, demonstrating an impressive level of skill and dedication. Under the guidance of instructor Peter, Jay exhibited a strong commitment to learning and always asked insightful questions that enhanced his understanding of driving.
With only a single driving fault noted during the test, it is clear that Jay has honed his abilities effectively. As a fitness fanatic, he approached each lesson with enthusiasm, maintaining a positive attitude that contributed to a fun and engaging learning experience.
Looking ahead, Jay is already planning to purchase a Toyota, signalling his readiness to embark on new adventures behind the wheel. The combination of his dedication, humour, and focus on fitness has made the journey enjoyable for both him and his instructor. Congratulations, Jay, on this significant achievement!
Holly has a Good Day!
Holly from Washington passed her driving test today on her very first attempt, achieving just one minor error. It has been a long and rewarding journey, but her dedicated effort has truly paid off in the end. She is now able to take her two children anywhere they wish to go, leaving behind the inconvenience and waiting associated with buses.
Holly has been an absolute pleasure to work with throughout this entire process, and we have enjoyed every moment of her training. We look forward to seeing her confidently out on the road. Another fine pass for our proud instructor Kevin!
Another lovely review for Ian
I passed my driving test on my first try, all thanks to Ian! He’s a passionate and dedicated instructor who really knows how to teach. He was patient, explained everything clearly, and made sure I understood each step. Ian is also super approachable and always happy to answer any questions I had. His support before the test made a big difference. Highly recommend!
James didn't think he had passed!
James is training to be a journalist and recently completed his driving test. On his first attempt, he was pleasantly surprised to find out that he passed with only two faults, despite believing he had failed. His instructor, Peter, guided him throughout the process, helping to build his confidence. James felt a great sense of pride in his achievement, knowing that his hard work and dedication had paid off. This milestone not only represents a personal victory but also a significant step in his journey toward becoming an independent driver.
Khanh passes first time with Instructor Tony!
Khanh Trung successfully passed his Automatic Driving Test today, recording only a couple of driving faults. This achievement comes at a particularly opportune moment, as Khanh's wife is expecting their first child in four months. The timing of this pass will undoubtedly help him prepare for the new responsibilities ahead, allowing him to confidently navigate the roads as he embraces fatherhood. Congratulations to Khanh on this significant milestone in his driving journey. Well Done, we’re really proud of this achievement, as is Tony, your Instructor!
Teacher Hannah passes her Automatic Driving Test
Hannah passed her Automatic Driving Test today with her Instructor Peter after postponing lessons for several years. Her determination paid off, and she is now looking forward to purchasing a car after Christmas. She has set her sights on a Toyota Yaris, the same model in which she learned to drive. We are very proud of her achievement and excited to see her on the road.
Mia passed today - a ‘Ripper Result!’
Mia returned to the UK after spending an exciting year in Australia and successfully passed her Automatic Driving Test today on her very first attempt. With her cheerful demeanour and ambitious plans for the future, she's now enthusiastically on the hunt for her very first car. We are truly proud of your remarkable achievement today, Mia. Please stay in touch as you embark on this thrilling new chapter in your life!