I’ve been with Driving Skills North east from the first time I sat in a drivers seat to being handed my practical test certificate today. Throughout that time Gareth has been enormously helpful, patie... See more
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At Driver Skills North East, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality, reliable driving tuition that’s tailored to each individual. Whether you’re a complete beginner, returning after a break, or preparing for your test, our experienced team of DVSA-approved instructors will guide you every step of the way. We provide structured, supportive lessons that build skills and confidence in a calm, friendly environment. Our approach is clear and professional, no gimmicks, just effective teaching that gets results. We take time to understand your needs and adapt our teaching style accordingly, making sure you feel comfortable and prepared behind the wheel. Our lessons run like clockwork, and we’re proud of our strong communication and use of technology, including our app, where pupils can track progress, manage bookings, and communicate directly with their instructor. With a reputation built on trust, integrity, and consistently high pass rates, we’re proud to be the go-to school for learner drivers across the North East. From manual to automatic, weekly lessons to intensive courses, we offer flexible options that suit your schedule and learning style. We’re not just here to teach you to drive, we’re here to help you become a safe, confident driver for life.
Contact info
Durham, United Kingdom
- 01913749083
- driverskillsnortheast@gmail.com
- driverskillsdurham.co.uk
Amazing Driving Academy!
I wholeheartedly recommend Driver Skills North East. I had a bad experience with a driving school where the instructor told me to stick to a bus pass and do not carry on trying to learn to drive. After research, I spoke to Sarah and Dave who had confidence, understanding and support in my ability to learn. Because of Dave’s commitment I passed first time today. I am forever grateful to Dave for being very supportive in helping me achieve my dream of driving.
Fantastic
Dave was fantastic, very patient always managing to put a positive spin on things.
Highly recommend
Highly recommend! I passed my test thanks to Dave. He was incredibly patient and easy going, a great instructor and a brilliant driving school.
Great experience
Start to finish driver skills and my driving instructor Dave have been really great. I got lots of help with my theory test, that I passed first time. My lessons were arranged round my college timetable so that I got lots of practice at different times of the day. Sarah in the office was lovely and really helpful in arranging my lessons, theory and practical tests for me. On the day of my driving test Dave worked hard to keep my nerves down, which really helped and I passed with just 2 minors. I would fully recommend Driver Skills North East for anyone wanting to learn to drive with a great driving school.
Absolutely appalled at this company
Absolutely appalled at this company.
I was told at the time of booking a fortnightly lesson would be available for my Daughter after school. I even waited two weeks after her 17th birthday for them to have availability for this and paid upfront. After her first lesson no more are possible for 6 weeks after school!!!!
Absolute con as if I'd known this I would have gone elsewhere to start with but we've had her time wasted by Driver Skills North East. I appreciate it is a busy time after lockdown, but lying to gain business is unacceptable.
In Response to the poor reply from Drivers Skills:
Advanced payment was never an issue and as Drivers Skills are aware I quoted their own response regarding the weekly lessons, which read "All our lessons are a standard 2 hours long and we can keep the same lesson times for every week if that’s what works best for the pupil". This is what I required and spoke about on the phone, yet was not fulfilled after 1 lesson.
I accept schools are busy because of the covid backlog, but most have the decency to be honest when they cannot provide what people require.
The email you received was an annoyed email from a dissatisfied customer not an aggressive email at all.

Reply from Driver Skills North East
Brilliant instructor
Thank you so much Dave!! You are truly an amazing driving instructor!! I don’t think that my training could have been better with anyone else. The best thing about Dave is he quickly understands what exactly the problem areas that I needed to work on and trained me in a very systematic manner. He is calm, friendly, very attentive and very knowledgeable in his job. He knows exactly how to build confidence in a new driver. I am very happy that I could complete my training in 26 hours (in about 2 and a half months). Many thanks again Dave for being a truly brilliant instructor.
Refresher Lessons
I decided to take some refresher driving lessons before my return to work after maternity leave. I had lost confidence and was really nervous but was determined to get back to driving.
I saw the excellent reviews for Driver Skills and got in touch. My instructor was Dave and he was brilliant with me. I felt at ease and my confidence improved really quickly. I have been back to work for a while now and I drive every day with no issues. Seems like a small thing for some, but for me it's massive. I am so grateful for Dave's patience and calming influence. Highly recommended, especially for nervous drivers.
Excellent tutor and driving school, definitely recommended
Dave is a very good and calm instructor, knows what to do, very helpful and supportive from the start of lessons till I passed my test. I would absolutely recommend to anyone.
No hassles at all dealing with Driver Skills North East!
Fantastic from beginning to end
I had automatic lessons with Dave, having had many lessons from a different instructor at home in the south - the two experiences were quite literally worlds apart. Dave is calm, considered and reassuring whilst providing clear and effective tuition. Every lesson was well planned and I felt my time and money were very efficiently used. I have and will continue to recommend your services!
Excellent driving school
Excellent driving school! Can't recommend Dave enough, which I have and will continue to do so.
Can't thank him enough :)
Sophie G
I originally began with a different instructor but moved onto Dave. He made me feel so much more confident and actually allowed me to learn how to drive independently! I thoroughly enjoyed learning to drive and feel like I now have a very strong skill that I can keep for life, and would recommend him to anyone!
Absolutely loved my lessons with Dave
Absolutely loved my lessons with Dave! He's funny and most importantly a great instructor however please prepare for his very average jokes. Jokes aside if you want to pass your test and get on the road please contact driver skills.
Best driving institute in Durham
I have had a lovely experience with Driver skills, Durham. I had been chickenin out for so long but Dave helped me get the confidence and skills in such a short frame of time and help me clear my exam in first attempt. I haven't met many individuals as patient as Dave. He has never lost his temper over my silly flaws and made every sessions so enjoyable. I would strongly reccomend Dave to all the learner drivers in Durham.
Great Instructor
Great Instructor
Initially I had a different driving instructor before changing to Dave. Dave was a much better instructor by teaching me to drive not just to pass a test, but so I would be able to drive independently and safely for years to come. Dave helped arrange lessons around my busy schedule and was willing to travel long distances for my lessons. Couldn’t of passed without him.
Amazing company
Excellent from start to finish did my first lesson a nervous wreck but my instructor Andrew was fantastic and I even drove home the same day. Took 4 month to get me through my test. Passed with only 4 minors. Cannot recommend Andrew enough. If you are looking for an instructor he's your guy!!! 5*****
Amazing people and services
From the moment of inquiring about booking lessons to the moment I passed my test they have been nothing but friendly, accommodating and overall amazing. I’d 100% recommend them.
Great instructor...
I highly recommend... I thoroughly enjoyed my driving experience with instructor Dave.
Would recommend Driving Skills Durham
Would recommend Driving Skills Durham to anyone. Absolutely amazing service, Sarah who you speak to on the phone is lovely and makes you feel so comfortable. Dave the instructor was such a laugh, and managed to relax even the most nervous learner (me). Wouldn't have passed if I hadn't gone with Driver Skills Durham!
2 week course, passed 1st time.
I approached Driver Skills Durham having been let down by a previous instructor, I spoke with there office and was impressed by the level of professionalism and quick responses. I arranged an assessment lesson with Dave. Before, during and after the lesson we spoke about the best way to achieve my goal as i wanted to pass asap. I was impressed with every step so far and opted for a 2 week intensive course. myself and Dave structured lessons around my schedule which worked perfect. i can honestly say Dave had a fantastic approach to teaching whether its his way or he adapted his way to suit me and the information he gave stuck, and i was full of confidence. i did pass first time after the 2 weeks which was fantastic and id highly recommend this company to anyone whether your a beginner or not. Thanks Michael E
Fantastic experience and passed my test …
Fantastic experience and passed my test with flying colours. Have recommended several people who have all passed too!
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