No Gears Automatic Driving School Reviews 

237
TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.5

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

James has been my driving instructor in Stevenage. I am very happy with the progress I made thanks to James. As someone who was terrified from driving a car, I was given so much reassurance from James... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I failed 2 driving tests 8 years ago and finally decided to get back to it. James Keefe has been the absolute best instructor, so supportive and encouraging. I passed my test yesterday, my first test... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

i had james as my driving instructor and i couldn’t fault him at all, he was very helpful towards my confidence and was an absolutely fantastic driving instructor. he always gave me useful materials,... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Do not book any lessons with these morons!! One of them has just performed a dangerous overtake. Firstly braking the speed limit and secondly going over hatched markings in the middle of the road, oh... See more

Company details

  1. Driving School

Written by the company

We are a family run national automatic driving school with fully qualified experienced driving instructors located in many towns and cities through out the UK. Customer satisfaction is very important to use which is why we invite all of our pupils, at the end of their No Gears training, to give us feedback via our Pupil Questionnaire Program which is located on our website.


Contact info

4.5

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

237 reviews

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4.5

All reviews

(237)

18 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Carl Slater

I can't recommend Carl Slater enough after passing my driving test. He was understanding and patient, and I found my lessons really enjoyable. His guidance really helped me improve my confidence on the road. Thank you!

February 23, 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Carl Slater recommendation

Carl Slater was such an incredible driving instructor! He’s so patient and explains everything so well and really helped me become a confident driver even when I was struggling. Extremely thankful for Carl and I really recommend to everybody.

March 4, 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

First time pass with Akbar

I can’t recommend Akbar enough he’s the best instructor I could have wished for gave me all the confidence I needed to pass and put all my driving anxieties at ease! He has the patience of a saint and made the whole experience relaxed while identifying my areas that needed improvement and working with me until I had got to grips with everything at a pace which worked for me couldn’t be happier.

February 24, 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A massive thank you

I was such an anxious driver and I truly believed I wouldn't ever pass a driving test after failing twice in an manual car. Carl Slater was my instructor and he was honestly incredible. I passed first time with him and No Gears and I couldn't be happier or more grateful. I strongly recommend Carl and No Gears, especially if you're an anxious driver like I was!

February 20, 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent - Passed with No Gears First Time!

I was an extremely nervous driver with little confidence in my own abilities driving (especially having failed two tests in the past with another driving school) but James Keefe at No Gears in Stevenage got me to well past test standard and gave me all the confidence I needed to drive and feel comfortable driving and I passed my driving test! I cannot recommend James highly enough, and thank him for all of his time and effort in helping me achieve this milestone!

February 16, 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Carl Slater!

Thank you so much Carl for everything! Passed first time today, wouldn’t have been able to do it without you. You’ve always been understanding and patient with me, even when I would doubt myself over everything. Couldn’t recommend you enough!

February 12, 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Rickmansworth: Watford Centre with Steve Leggett

Steve Leggett is the best instructor I have EVER had, I completed 25 hours with Steve. I learned to drive in Rickmansworth in July - September but unfortunately I didn’t pass my test with him because I had to move to Durham to start my university and Watford centre is extremely busy. He’s very kind and patient. He won’t shout at you on every single minor mistake you make, and won’t push you off from driving by saying “oh you will fail your test”

When I moved to Durham, my new instructor was very impatient, sometimes he’s even on his mobile phone while supervising me but YOU WILL NOT see that from Steve. Every lessons with Steve was comfortable like you’re having a nice drive and learn to drive safe in peace.

Instead of shouting at pupils to do 6 points check, Steve always told me to look for what I need to look for. For example, people, hazard and animals in mirrors. I have 0 minors in observations.

I didn’t realise how important having a good instructor was until I had a very short temper instructor and how bad my mental could get by sitting next to bad instructor for 2 hours in every lesson.

To new learners, If you are allocated to Steve, you are in a safe hand. 😃

November 11, 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

H Sunner is the best driving instructor around!

I’ve just passed my driving test this morning after just under 6 months of lessons with H and I have to say that I couldn’t ask for a better instructor! He’s been so patient and kind to me throughout my journey starting as beginner to becoming a licensed driver. I can be a bit frustrating to work with when I feel defeated and like I want to give up but H refused to give up on me and helped me learn to be resilient and get through any and every obstacle. I’m so grateful for my time learning with him and will take everything I’ve been taught with me for the rest of my driving journey!

October 25, 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Ryan Mircic (Hatfield)

Really enjoyed lessons with Ryan, definitely recommend him! Was incredibly anxious to begin with, partly due to an accident I was in last year but Ryan was patient and managed my nerves. I was lucky to find a test date, so I came to him with it pre-booked, luckily he took me on and took the time to come up with lesson plans. After each lesson I had revision notes to take home so the chances of me making the same mistake over and over again were slim to none. I passed with only one minor !!! Absolute result !! Thanks Ryan

June 5, 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Highly Recommend Company

Barry was a very calm and patient instructor, he really helped me overcome my driving nerves which I had been struggling with for many years. After lessons with Barry, I was able to pass on my first time with only two minors! I was super duper happy. Barry answered all my questions and he catered to my requirements. I highly recommended no gears and I highly recommend Barry Nickless as an instructor.
The staff I spoke to on the phone were really helpful, nice and accommodating.

September 18, 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Driving lessons with Carl Slater!

After previously trying driving lessons before giving up for 2 years I started driving lessons with Carl Slater and he was amazing!! He was so patient and helped me through lessons with my anxiety, made the learning process so much easier! He was reassuring if mistakes were made and explained how to fix these. Couldn’t ask for a better instructor, would recommend to anyone.

June 29, 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Poor Customer Service from Phone Operators

I called up asking if there was any availability in the Bath area and I was told no as they do not offer lessons in Bath.

Fair enough. I told the phone operator that they should update the website as it was misleading. They told me that I was wrong and as I was about to say that it was easily Google-able (search No Gears Bath) they were rudely dismissive and hung up.

I'm really surprised by how rude the phone operator was. I'm disappointed by this poor customer service as RED and other driving schools were far more polite...

September 8, 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

No Gears James

I had James Keefe as an instructor in Stevenage. He was excellent, and very helpful. Always gave advice that was constructive and wanted to ensure I would pass first time - which I did. He also gave me lots of handouts/sheets that I could use to revise at home - which were very useful. Would definitely recommend.

August 3, 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Learning with H.Sunner - No Gears Driving School

Learning with No Gears Driving School, specifically H.Sunner, truly showed me what a good driving instructor is. After having a bad experience with other instructors, H truly made me feel more confident in my driving, ironed out my mistakes and supported me through the whole journey. He understood how important being able to drive around was for me and made me work hard. Without H I couldn’t have passed an Automatic test first time. I can promise he will support you throughout and make you one of the best drivers on the road!

July 10, 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Passed first time with H. Sunner in Letchworth.

Well, where to start? My driving journey has been a long and difficult one, starting pre-pandemic with a different local school. A combination of lockdown and life events meant that I had to leave learning to drive for a few years longer... and thank goodness I did! My instructor, H, has worked nothing short of a miracle. I was an extremely anxious learner and at the age of 31 was doubting whether I'd ever pass my test and gain my independence. H set out a clear plan right from the very start of my series of weekly lessons, working from the driving test paper and making sure that we checked every box together. Unlike my previous experience with driving lessons, I looked forward to my sessions each week, knowing what we were covering and how we were working towards our end goal. No question was too much trouble and I felt comfortable and supported throughout. Not only did I pass my test first time, I feel safe and confident to actually get out there and drive (even parallel park!) on my own - something I never thought I'd say!

H is one of a kind, with a heart of gold. He goes above and beyond for his students making sure that we all have the time, support and encouragement that we need.

We're four days on from my driving test and I still can't quite believe that I'm sat here with my pink licence - finally able to pick my husband up from work! Thank you, H. I will never forget the patience, kindness and dedication you've shown me.

July 4, 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I had the pleasure of learning to drive…

I had the pleasure of learning to drive with Peter as my instructor, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. From the very first lesson, it was clear that Peter was not only knowledgeable but also extremely patient and supportive. He took the time to understand my strengths and weaknesses, tailoring each lesson to address my specific needs.

Peter’s teaching style was exceptional. He explained complex maneuvers and concepts in a way that was easy to understand, making even the most challenging tasks feel manageable. His calm and encouraging demeanor helped me build confidence behind the wheel, especially during nerve-wracking moments.

What impressed me the most about Peter was his dedication and commitment to my success. He went above and beyond to ensure that I was well-prepared for my driving test. He patiently guided me through various road scenarios and provided valuable feedback to help me improve.

Thanks to Peter’s expertise and guidance, I passed my driving test with flying colors. I couldn’t have done it without him. He genuinely cares about his students’ progress and safety on the road.

If you’re looking for an exceptional driving instructor, look no further than Peter. He is not only a skilled teacher but also a true professional who is passionate about his work. Learning to drive with him was a fantastic experience, and I’m incredibly grateful for his guidance. Thank you, Peter, for making my journey to obtaining a driver’s license enjoyable and successful!

June 16, 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

H Sunner the GOAT

Had 5 day courses with H and I’ve just passed my test with only 3 minors! Feeling on cloud 9 right now but it wouldn’t be possible without H’s guidance. I’ve used many instructors before but not a single one taught me as much or even had a duty of care as much as H has. H is a clean hearted down to earth guy and you can just tell he’s not in it for the money like most other instructors. He has his methods of madness but clearly the proof is in the pudding as I’m now sitting here with my driving certificate which I couldn’t be more proud of. I can’t praise the guy much more, honestly just a top guy and I’ve made a friend for life. Cheers H 👊🏻

May 30, 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Do not book any lessons with these…

Do not book any lessons with these morons!! One of them has just performed a dangerous overtake. Firstly braking the speed limit and secondly going over hatched markings in the middle of the road, oh and nearly forgot then politely sticking two fingers up at me after I sounded my horn and gave him a bit of main beam. Pretty stupid to say I'm driving a 18 ton class 2 wagon fitted with a 360 degree camera system!!

May 15, 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Thank you H!

Over the years, I attempted driving with two other instructors and was pretty demotivated after the initial few lessons.
By the end of my first lesson with H, I felt more positive and at ease. He spoke a lot about his other students and it struck me that he really cared about the quality of his work.
I started my lessons in June 2022 (x2 hours per week and more in the lead up to the test, including some sporadic holidays) and passed after my first attempt in March 2023 with 2 minors.
When I first signed up, I thought I would be attempting a test within 5 months but that wasn’t very realistic for me in practice. I was very nervous at the prospect of driving my 3 year old around. I had a mixture of good and bad lessons as I had a tendency to overthink which would impact my driving.
H was good at reassuring me that a lot of students have anxiety and we’d just practice and talk things over until they sunk in. He was patient with me but also gave me a push (‘nagging’) when I needed it.
In the end, I took the test when I felt that I had enough practice and was mentally as ready as I could be. This was very much encouraged by H and he was absolutely right in the end.

H was very consistent with his communication and well organised. He’d always confirm our usual slot or any changes on a Sunday evening which worked great for me. We were both flexible and accommodating to changes with an understanding we’d never let each other dawn at the last minute which was lovely.
I’d highly recommend H to anyone that’s serious about learning to drive!

March 31, 2023
Unprompted review

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