No Gears Automatic Driving School Reviews 

Keep away! I don't usually write reviews, but I feel so strongly that I need to forewarn people. My encounter with a driving instructor from Letchworth's no gears was truly awful. He was aggressive, condescending and does not possess the skills required to make the learning process positive. I essentially paid for two hours lessons to be made to cry and to be spoken AT about topics unrelated to driving that made me feel extremely uncomfortable. After a few weeks of perseverance, I finally switched companies and instructors, and the experience couldn't have been more different. If you're wanting to learn in Letchworth or the nearby region, I'd strongly advise finding a different company.

Edit:

“ necessitated driver intervention” is a disingenuous term, the only intervention was unprofessional yelling on multiple occasions. I have no reason to lie. The increase in reviews since I wrote this explains everything you need to know. I stick by my original post.

James ( Stevenage )

I had a previous instructor who made me a really nervous driver,

Thanks to James,From the moment I first contacted him to stepping in his car, I felt so much more confident, he taught me so much more, helped me with drawings and every fine little detail to get me to above test standard, I passed 1st time with him, I really can’t thank him enough, I will miss his constant chatting to get me through the lessons, very professional

Barry Nickless - what a gem! I started lessons with Barry during COVID times and had to stop and start due to restrictions and lengthy delays between practical tests. Barry was always patient and put me at ease when needed often letting me practice a particular maneuver over and over again. Barry also gave me alot of confidence and helped me realise I was ready. Barry was a great communicator was always on time and really flexible if I couldn't make a lesson last minute or need a different drop off location. I cannot recommend Barry enough and will actually miss our chats during our lessons now that I've passed. Thank you Barry and No Gears.

Passed on my first go!! Very good instructor. Peter West was very patient and clear in his instructions at all times. He gave me constructive feedback at the end of every session which helped a lot. He repeatedly reminded me of important things that I need to keep in mind during every lesson, so when I took the test, I was very comfortable driving. He also gave me mock tests before my test which are essential to give you a feel of what test day may look like.

I just passed my driving test today, all thanks to the help of my AMAZING instructor Carl.
I had previously had 2 different instructors, learning in a manual car. I was such a nervous driver with a lot of anxiety. My last instructors didn’t know how to deal with me, and I began to believe that no one could ever help me to get to test standard.
I decided to try in an automatic, and the very first lesson with Carl I knew he would be the best teacher.
He was patient, understanding, honest- VERY to the point, not patronising, a calming presence (apart from when I didn’t listen to him!!!), and so so funny.

I passed my test first time. And it’s bitter sweet in a sense because I really will miss my driving lessons with Carl. I drove him crazy with my constant chatter, but I really think we had a wonderful bond and friendship and I couldn’t have asked for more in an instructor.
Thank you SO much Carl, from the bottom of my heart!

Having struggled to master driving a manual car and with most cars in the future being automatic (electric)I decided to try an automatic car instead. The experience with my instructor Akbar was an excellent one and was put at ease and felt relaxed learning helping me to pass my test first time. Great service

Carl taught me to drive. It took a while but he was always patient and reassuring, even when I panicked or was confused. He took the time to explain things in a way that made sense to me and never made me feel silly when asking questions. He's the sort of instructor you'd want and I'd definitely recommend him to anyone!

My experience with this company has left a sour taste in mouth. After 10 lessons, my driving instructor (Steve) suddenly told me out of the blue that he thinks I should see another instructor. I found this disingenuous after weeks of telling me that I was doing really well and everything would come together. He took me around my local area, just driving down a long bend and coming round the same for at 6 weeks. In hindsight, it a tactic to get more money but it's the deceptiveness of the instructor, I don't understand.

Also we arranged the next lesson after thd end of driving session but the last six lessons, he always texted to rearrange a day before or change the time. I tried to be flexible but I did think that perhaps he didn't want to do the lessons as if I was an afterthought. But I gave him the benefit of the doubt, turns out my instinct was right.

When I called the office to complain, I spoke to two people, the first one offered a worthless apology and promised to call me back after speaking to Steve. She never called me back. The second lady was adamant that Steve had acted appropriately and began to accuse me over the phone that I was being evasive. I have to conclude that they are unprofessional, ready to defend their instructors without investigating the matter and lack any empathy with customers. I would urge anyone considering using them to go elsewhere

Jim is the GREATEST Driving Instructor in the ENTIRE WORLD!!! (and probably in the entire universe too!)...

I had been taught by 3 driving instructors before meeting Jim. I dreaded driving lessons, hated getting in the car and was an absolute nervous wreck on the roads...
I NEVER thought i'd be ready to take a driving test let alone actually pass one...

However, upon meeting Jim Whitbread EVERYTHING changed.

Jim is patient, professional, to the point, clam and incredibly funny!
I instantly felt more relaxed while driving and was able to understand and take note of what he was teaching me and my confidence grew enormously.

Amazingly, I was ready to take my test in May 2022...
and just as Jim had predicted...

I PASSED FIRST TIME!!!!!

Thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU JIM!
You're a Legend! :)

I just had to write this review. No hard feelings towards Nogear, I have anxiety about learning to drive due to past horrible experience with a different driving school.
I actually saw a nogear instructor in Stevenage at the beginning of Covid, I can't remember their name, nice man, made good first impressions, made me want to learn with this driving school.
Long story short, this nogear driving instructor from Letchworth just made my anxiety worse. I was looking forward to my first lesson and he totally ruined the experience with his Narcissistic and intimidating behaviour. He basically took my money to talk to me in a condescending way for 2hours.
Anyways, I am moving on, gonna find a new instructor, and I am going to pass that driving test. Period.

I'd like to start by saying I passed my driving test today and it's thanks to Jim (James).
I first came to Jim after having a negative experience with AA, I was very nervous and unsure of myself but Jim made learning to drive fun and helped me to overcome my nerves pretty quickly, the way he teaches and explains everything from manouvers to roundabouts is triple A. I would recommend him 100 times over.
Thank you.

I highly recommend Jim. He is professional, patient and funny! I have passed my test at first time. I started to learn driving 10 years ago and carried bed habits and worries since then luckily i met with Jim who reassured me with his easy going style and thought me how to drive.

I PASSED MY TEST FIRST TIME!! 0 Minors or Any faults whatsoever, and that’s all thanks to Jim Whitbread, what a fantastic instructor!

Initially I was really nervous about driving but as soon as I met Jim he made me feel comfortable and it felt like I’ve known him all my life, he’s such a good guy as well as a teacher, gonna miss my lessons with him.

Overall 10/10, he is always on time, always brings his bright personality and makes you feel at home, good luck to the future Jim if you see this, appreciate you a lot !

What a brilliant instructor Carl is, not only very accommodating and working around work and other activities, he has fitted me in at all times, not to mention a lesson at 7.10am on the day of my test.

Carl is honest, reliable and truthful in everything I have done on driving lessons. When an error has occurred has told, explained and then advised on how to go forward next time. Carl was always upfront and straight to the point of telling me where I am at on my lessons and test ready etc.

A very worthy driving instructor and would definitely recommend to anyone I know learning to drive.

Thank you for everything and getting me test ready Carl, it’s been a pleasure in what has been some strange times in this world recently.

Regards
Lee 👍

PASSED MY DRIVING TEST FIRST TIME WITH NO FAULTS! A big thank you to Jim Whitbread for being the most patient, professional and hilarious instructor ever! I’ve had multiple driving instructors before him and I was almost close of giving up on driving overall up until I met Jim!
Jim gave me confidence that I never knew I had, before I would dread my driving lessons but with Jim I would look forward to it!

I would recommend no gears driving school to everyone but I would highly recommend having an instructor like Jim more:)
Once again, thank you Jim!

I had been having lessons on and off for 6 years! Finally 2 theory’s as well as 2 failed tests and 3 driving instructors later James Keefe finally helped me to pass first time with him with only 1 minor!! I suffer quite bad with anxiety at times and was an anxious driver but James got me through it. I was very skeptical switching from learning in a manual to automatic as well as having the thought that you’re starting from square one but it was the best decision I have ever made. I started my lessons with James on the 6th of May 2021 and passed my test by the 23rd of November 2021 and couldn’t of done it without his help. James has a lovely personality and is extremely attentive and truly cares about his pupils and wants them to succeed. He is amazing at his job and the attention to detail including marking each lesson and being given graphs including hand written ones really helped me to further my understanding of the rules of the road. Unlike my previous instructors James does not do a half hearted job and helped me to go above test standard and teaches you about cars in general to help save you money in the future. Driving truly meant so much to me and opens up many more opportunities. I can’t thank James Keefe enough!!!

My Instructor James Keefe, Stevenage, professionally helped me to improve my driving and pointed out my shortcomings which made me a safer and better driver, today I passed my UK test and would like to appreciate his hard work and sincerity. Jame's dedication towards his students is really outstanding and he goes the extra mile to make sure to support them. I would highly recommend him as an instructor.

My instructor was Carl slater. Carl was very professional and helpful when it came to learning how to driving. Made me feel at ease throughout and made the whole process enjoyable. I would highly recommend him. Thank you Carl.

I had my driving lessons with Carl Slater, I was such a anxious driver at the time, he was very reassuring, made sure I always understood everything. I was first dreading my driving lessons, but I started to enjoy and look forward to all my lessons due to Carl’s help. I passed first time & I enjoy driving now!! I recommend No gears driving school and Carl couldn’t thank him enough :)

I have thoroughly enjoyed my lessons with my instructor, James Keefe, not only because of his wonderful personality, or even his experience in driving; but because of his determination to go the extra mile when teaching his students. Unlike previous instructors, he doesn't give up on you, or do the bare minimum for you. He isn't the type, unlike many, that are only there for the money. His goal has always been to take you above and beyond test standard, and he genuinely cares about you and your driving future. If you are considering taking lessons with him, you should genuinely take a chance with him - you wont be disappointed.