Driving School Borehamwood – “Perfect Balance Between Quick and Ready” Says Craig

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Driving School in Borehamwood

You can’t blame Craig Bolden for looking happy here – after all, he’d just passed his first practical driving test at Borehamwood DTC on Tuesday with just four driver faults. Well done Craig!

“It feels amazing!” said Craig outside the driving test centre after passing his test. “I normally suffer with nerves, but Alec ensured I was focused and calm before starting my driving test.

“When I was told I’ve passed, it was such a release of emotion!”

Craig is a teacher at Hertswood Academy in Borehamwood, however his family lives mainly in Kent.

Giving His Wife A Well Deserved Break!

“Now that I have passed my driving test, I can go and visit them much more frequently, as well as give my wife a well deserved break on the long journey!”

Smart thinking, Craig!

Craig passed his test after just 14 hours of driving lessons with Driving Memories, however it wasn’t all plain sailing for him: Craig’s wife and father-in-law also gave him some informal lessons.

“That was actually my biggest challenge,” said Craig. “Whilst I of course appreciate their help, it added barriers of learning through conflicting messages. Alec was brilliant in breaking down those barriers with clarity and simplicity.”

Craig enjoyed his time learning to drive with Alec, his driving instructor at Driving Memories.

“Alec loves to build personalised engaging relationships,” said Craig, “He gets to know his students and then adapts the training accordingly. Also his use of repetition to ensure learning is retained is exemplary.”

And as a teacher himself, Craig knows what he’s talking about!

As with all of the pupils who learn with Driving Memories, Craig will have some great, lasting memories of his experience learning to drive. We think you should really enjoy that time in your life – and not just think about it as a test you need to pass.

Happy Driving Memories

“I will always remember my time learning to drive with Alec and Driving Memories,” said Craig. “He’s been a lot of fun, but also every single minute is dedicated to intense learning in his lessons.”

It comes as no surprise, then, that Craig highly recommends Driving Memories and Alec to anybody who wants to learn to drive in Borehamwood.

Recommendation

“Alec will not waste a single lesson and strikes the perfect balance between ensuring you take your test as quickly as possible, but not until you are ready.

“From what I’ve heard of other driving instructors, this is not always the case!”

“Thank you Craig,” said Alec. “I wish you many years of happy and safe motoring. Congratulations once again!”

Top 10 Reasons For Failing The Driving Test (2019)

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The body which regulates all driving instructors in the UK (including ourselves) – the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) – has released the latest set of figures (July 2019) giving the top ten reasons people fail their practical driving test. (Source)

The figures cover the 12-month period between 4th December 2017 and 3rd December 2018, the latest period for which statistics are available.

Here are those top 10 reasons for a driving test fail:

  1. Junctions – observation
  2. Mirrors – change direction
  3. Control – steering
  4. Junctions – turning right
  5. Move off – safely
  6. Response to signs – traffic lights
  7. Move off – control
  8. Positioning – normal driving
  9. Response to signs – road markings
  10. Reverse park – control

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As a driving school in the Borehamwood area, there are a number of challenging roundabouts for our pupils to conquer – so we have seen ourselves that observation at junctions is sometimes the reason for our (infrequent) test failures.

2017-2018 Practical Driving Test Statistics

A total of 1,664,219 practical driving tests were taken in that 2017-2018 period, with 761,972 passes, a pass-rate of 45.8%

Give or take, around 349,000 people passed the driving test last year. That’s a lot of extra cars on the road!

18,922 people passed their practical driving test with zero faults during that time period. That’s a zero-fault pass rate of just 1.114%, or basically one in a hundred.

So if you passed your driving test last year with zero faults, you are in the top 1%.

Borehamwood DTC Driving Test Statistics

The overall driving test pass rate at our local DTC, Borehamwood Driving Test Centre, was 50.8% for the same period, which is significantly higher than the national pass rate.

Borehamwood saw 164 driving test passes out of a total of 305 driving tests taken.

The male pass rate for the driving test at Borehamwood DTC was 54.1%.

The female pass rate for the driving test at Borehamwood DTC 47.1%

Male vs Female Pass Rate

If you have a look at the difference between male and female test takers, we find that the national pass rate for males was 49.8%, whilst the national pass rate for females was 42.4%.

The male pass rate fell from 50% in the previous year.

We also find that over 100,000 more females took the driving test than males.

So Borehamwood has a pass rate way above the national pass rate. Driving instructors in Borehamwood must be doing something right….

Comment From The Chief Driving Examiner

According to ADI News, “insufficient observation at junctions and not using mirrors effectively when changing direction accounted for 368,047 test failures.”

Mark Winn, the Chief Driving Examiner, told ADI News,“It’s vital that learners can drive safely and have the skills to drive on all types of roads before taking their test. The driving test helps get drivers ready for a lifetime of safe driving and makes our roads safer for all.

“Failing to look properly at junctions is the most common serious or dangerous test fault and the largest cause of accidents in Britain. Good observation, including proper use of mirrors, is a crucial skill that drivers must learn.”

Driving Instructor Radlett – “The Best Driving Instructor! :-)” Says Ema

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Driving Instructor Radlett

Perseverance paid off last Tuesday, June 25th, when Loredana “Ema” Tudorache passed her driving test at Borehamwood DTC with just 4 driver faults.

“I have big emotions,” said Ema after passing her driving test. “Very happy moment.”

Ema finally achieved her test success on the fourth attempt.

“Ema is a good driver,” said Alec, her instructor with Driving Memories. “She only got four driver faults on this test. It was just nerves that stopped her passing the driving test before.

“You can see the relief on her face after passing the test.”

Ema works as a waitress at the popular Va Pensiero restaurant in Radlett, where her husband, Vasile, is the chef. It was Vasile who recommended Driving Memories to her after he learned to drive with Alec and passed his test in December of 2017.

“Now I’ve passed my test, I can drive to work,” said Ema.

“At least if the two of them start arguing about ‘Who taught you to drive?’ – they will both have the same answer – ‘The same person who taught YOU!” said Alec.

“Alec helped me with everything, I was very relaxed,” said Ema. ” He’s very friendly. I will always remember Alec’s voice from my driving lessons, constantly reminding me what to do. And I’ll remember the fun I had, learning to drive.”

Recommended

Ema came to Driving Memories based on a recommendation, and she has one for you if you’re looking for a driving instructor in the Borehamwood and Radlett area:

“Choose Alec,” she said. “He is the best driving instructor! :-)”

And yes, she included the smiley face!

“Thank you, Ema,” said Alec, “and well done on passing your test. Safe driving!”

Driving Instructor Colney Heath – “They’ll Teach You Exactly How To Pass Your Test” Says Christian

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Driving Instructor Colney Heath

Christian Bozzia from Colney Heath had a great day on Monday – he passed his driving test at Borehamwood DTC with just 3 driver faults.

“It feels amazing to have passed!” said Chris after his test pass. “With my new freedom and independence from having my licence, I will drive by myself with zero problems.”

“This was Chris’s second attempt at passing his driving test,” said Alec, his driving instructor from Driving Memories. “All his efforts have paid off today by passing with just 3 driver faults.”

Intensive Course of Driving Lessons

“Chris first came to me for an intensive one-week driving course after having a previous driving instructor.” explained Alec. “Unfortunately, Chris wasn’t successful on his first driving test attempt after 36 hours of driving lessons, but then he booked a 6-hour retest course and has now passed.”

“My biggest challenge was changing gears,” said Chris, “but Alec helped me amazingly. He was an amazing instructor, compared to my previous one.
He will teach you exactly how to pass your test.“

Praise From The Driving Examiner

“I’m impressed at how Chris performed on the test,” said Alec. “The examiner commented on how well he kept in line, negotiating Apex Corner, which is a particularly difficult roundabout.

“Well done Chris! Safe driving.”

Driving Instructor Kings Langley – “Patient & Understanding. You’ll Pass First Time!” Says Heidi

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Driving Instructor Kings Langley Hertfordshire

A great result for Heidi from Kings Langley, who passed her driving test at the first attempt on Thursday 20th June at Watford DTC.

“It feels fantastic!” said Heidi after passing her driving test. “I’m very relieved. Now I can drive independently, anywhere I want to go!”

Heidi took a 24-hour intensive course of driving lessons with Driving Memories. She had started a course some time ago with a different driving instructor, but never completed it.

“I thought I’d recognised the address, in Kings Langley,” said Alec, her driving instructor from Driving Memories. “I also taught her twin sister, Erin, who passed her driving test back in 2017.”

Overcoming Nerves

“My biggest challenge was nerves!” said Heidi. “Alec was very helpful and remained positive and optimistic.”

It didn’t take long for Alec’s instruction to put Heidi at ease and guide her to that first-time pass with just 7 driver faults.

“Compared with my previous instructor, Alec was very patient, understanding and helpful,” said Heidi.

“I wish you every success, Heidi, with your driving in the future,” said Alec at Driving Memories. “You were a pleasure to teach.”

Heidi’s recommendation of Driving Memories is very straightforward. “You’ll pass first time!” she said.

Driving Lessons Borehamwood – “More Patience Than My Last Instructor!” Says Amy

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Driving Instructor Borehamwood - Amy Impey

Today we’re congratulating Amy Impey for passing her driving test, at the first attempt, at Borehamwood DTC with only 8 minor driving faults. Job well done, Amy!

“It feels great to pass my driving test!” said Amy.

Amy owes her success to Alec, her instructor at Driving Memories, after dumping her previous driving instructor.

“Alec was a better instructor than my last one,” she said. “He has more patience.”

Now that Amy has passed her driving test, she will be able to drive herself to work in Watford.

“I will go everywhere in my new car,” she said.

Biggest Challenge

Amy’s biggest challenge with learning to drive, like many pupils, was roundabouts. “I found them very difficult,” she said. However, with Alec’s help, she conquered those dastardly traffic-circles and passed her test.

“Well done, Amy!” said Alec, her driving instructor.

So why does Amy think her friends should choose Alec as their driving instructor in Borehamwood? The answer is simple:

“Because they will pass,” said Amy.

Driving Instructor Watford – “Best Instructor Ever” says Jonny

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Driving Instructor Watford - Ionut

Ionut “Jonny” Hosu came to Driving Memories after his girlfriend had put out a request on the local “Looking for Recommendations” web-page, looking for a driving instructor in Watford.

He started lessons and has now passed his test on the first attempt with just 5 minor driving faults. Now Alec is teaching Jonny’s girlfriend how to drive.

“It feels great!” said Jonny. “Thank you for helping me pass my driving test first time.”

Jonny has nothing but praise for Alec.

“Everything was a challenge,” said Jonny, “but Alec helped me to beat it all. Easy! He helped me improve my confidence.

“He provided great communication and feedback given during sessions. I really love the way he explains things and giving examples that I could relate to and understand.

Now that he has passed his driving test, Jonny says he “will not be waiting for public transport any more! I’ll visit more places, and visit friends and family more often.”

Jonny is happy to recommend Alec. “He’s a very good instructor,” said Jonny, before clarifying his statement: “He’s the best instructor ever!”

Thank you Jonny. Well done and safe driving.

Driving Instructor Potters Bar – “I’m Very Happy” Says Paige

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Driving Instructor Potters Bar - Paige

Paige McAllister from Potters Bar has every reason to look pleased with herself after passing her driving test today at Borehamwood DTC with only 5 minor driving faults.

“I’m very happy,” said Paige after passing her driving test.

“Paige did really well,” said Alec, her driving instructor from Driving Memories. “To get only 5 faults after just 11 hours of training – and no previous driving instructor – that’s an achievement she can be proud of.”

Paige had just one sticking point: roundabouts. But that was no problem for Alec. “He explained how to approach and deal with roundabouts,” said Paige, enabling her to pass the driving test with very few hours of driving instruction.

Paige was recommended to Driving Memories by her husband, Jack, who also passed the driving test with Alec as his instructor. So Paige is paying it forward with a recommendation of her own.

“I’d recommend Alec and Driving Memories,” said Paige. “He is a very good instructor.”

“Way to go, Paige!” said Alec. “Wishing you many years of happy and safe driving.”

Driving Instructor St. Albans – “Amazing! Enjoyable Experience!” says Jessica

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Driving Instructor St Albans Herts - Jessica Culnane

After two unsuccessful attempts at passing her driving test with a different driving instructor, you wouldn’t blame Jessica Culnane from St. Albans, if she was frustrated and ready to give up. 

Once the Hertfordshire resident switched to her new instructor, Alec with Driving Memories, she not only mastered the art and skill of being a safe and competent driver, she also enjoyed the experience of learning to drive – which is what Driving Memories aims to deliver for every pupil.

Promise of “Fun” Delivered. 100%.

“Alec was a very fun and kind instructor,” said Jessica. “He was very good at teaching driving, and made it an enjoyable experience.”

When you choose Driving Memories to help you learn how to drive, you don’t just get to learn an important skill – the driving school promises a unique and memorable experience too.

“Learning to drive is something you only do once – and it’s a vital skill to have if you live in St. Albans,” explained Alec from Driving Memories. “Everybody has the chance to enjoy that training and have fun while they learn.”

She impressively passed her driving test at Borehamwood DTC on the 25th of February, with only 3 driver faults – and on her first attempt after training with Alec.

“Jessica did brilliantly!” said Alec. “She was even complimented by the examiner who thanked her for such a ‘lovely drive’. That doesn’t often happen.

New Driving Instructor Was The Right Prescription

“She was such a pleasure to teach,” Alec continued. “She had a bad experience with her previous instructor, and I was more than happy to restore her confidence and help her pass the driving test. 

“Every pupil has different strengths and weakness; everybody is different.” Alec explained. “Jessica just needed an instructor who understood what concerned her and then I taught her accordingly.

“Everybody can learn to drive,” said Alec. “Choosing the appropriate driving instructor is the right prescription.”

Jessica couldn’t be happier with the results she achieved with Alec. She’s also excited about getting to experience her new found freedom of having a license. 

“It feels AMAZING to have passed my driving test! I can’t wait to finally be able to drive to see my friends that live far away.”

Alec’s unique method of teaching was very different from what Jessica was used to with her previous instructor. 

Built Confidence To Overcome Challenges – Like Roundabouts!

“Alec gave me a much more in-depth teaching of the road. He explained what to do and gave me confidence,” Jessica said. “My biggest challenges to driving was overcoming roundabouts, hesitation and learning how to better observe and pay attention.

“Alec’s teaching method helped me overcome all of my problems that my previous instructor couldn’t help me with.”

“Congratulations on passing your test, Jessica!” Alec said. “Stay safe on the road.”

Driving Lessons Borehamwood – “Simply Fantastic Driving Instructor, Lots of Fun!” Says Dr Sharma

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Driving Lessons Borehamwood

Dr. Sonal Sharma achieved one more qualification today – by passing her driving test on the second attempt at Borehamwood DTC with only 8 driver faults.

“It feels amazing,” said Dr. Sharma after passing her driving test. “It’s fabulous!”

Dr. Sharma already had a full drivers licence from India, however she needed a UK driving licence to help further her career here.

“Now I can drive around – and get a new car!!” said Dr. Sharma.

It wasn’t all plain sailing though.

Parallel Parking Nightmare

“I was not confident and hesitated to drive,” explained Dr. Sharma. “I thought parallel parking was a nightmare.”

With help from Alec, her driving instructor at Driving Memories, the stuff of nightmares was replaced with a great and enjoyable experience.

“Alec is simply fantastic,” said Dr. Sharma. “He made me feel confident and taught me how to drive safely, adding lots of fun!!”

Recommendation

And she’s very enthusiastic about recommending Driving Memories to anyone looking for a great driving instructor.

“Alec has excellent teaching ability, he’s very patient. He understands your weaknesses and acts on them, tweaking them accordingly.”

“Thanks Sonal,” said Alec. “You did great, and you were a pleasure to teach. I wish you many years of safe and happy driving.”

Driving Instructor Harpenden – “Happy, Relieved & Grateful” Says Ceyhun

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Driving Instructor Harpenden

It was second time lucky today for Ceyhun Egilmez from Harpenden when he passed his driving test at Watford DTC with 9 driver faults.

“I’m very happy and relieved,” said Ceyhun after passing his driving test.

Now that he’s passed, Ceyhun says he’s going to “buy a car and enjoy having a licence.”

“My biggest challenge with learning to drive was my coordination,” said Ceyhun. “Alec, my driving instructor, helped me calm down and improve rapidly.

Driving Lessons in Harpenden – Recommended

“I would recommend Alec and Driving Memories because he is kind, calm funny and overall a fantastic instructor,” explained Ceyhun. “I’m very grateful to have had Alec as my driving instructor.”

“Well done Ceyhun,” said Alec. “I wish you many years of safe and happy driving.”

Driving Instructor in Friern Barnet – “Brilliant! Moved me from mental block to first time driving test pass!” says Andrew

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Andrew Layton from Friern Barnet started his 2019 New Year off by accomplishing a major milestone – passing his driving test on the first attempt, with only 8 driver faults – on 3rd of January 2019 at Borehamwood Driving Test Centre. Well done Andrew!

With the newly acquired freedom and independence that comes with having a driver’s license, the Friern Barnet resident’s life has not only become much easier and convenient, but more exciting too. 

“I can now travel to work easier and share driving with my girlfriend. I’ll also be driving around New Zealand on an upcoming trip,” said Andrew.

“And, as the head of P.E. at Yavneh College in Borehamwood,” explained Andrew’s driving instructor, Alec, “he won’t have to run to work any more!”

After putting off learning to drive for years, like many others, Andrew began to believe he would never be able to drive.

Overcoming a Mental Block

“I had built a bit of a mental block. However, my driving instructor, Alec, was so supportive and instantly made me feel comfortable at the wheel. He was able to relate the situations that appeared on the road to my profession to make it easier for me to understand.” 

Learning to drive does not come without its challenges and hurdles. But, the key is having the right guidance to help you succeed. 

“My biggest challenge was gear changes and approach speed,” said Andrew. “Alec helped me to calm down when I made mistakes. He gave honest and constructive feedback on a regular basis which aided my progress. He built my confidence up, which enabled me to go out and drive in all weathers, even recent snow.” 

Seeing Andrew as a happy and confident driver – especially considering his mental block when he first started – demonstrates a massive transformation in his ability and his confidence.

Thanks and Recommendation

“Alec is brilliant. For someone like me who has put off driving for years, Alec made me extremely comfortable and relaxed when driving and communicated with me effectively. I can’t thank him enough for getting me to pass my driving test!

“I highly recommend him to anyone who wants to learn to drive – and drive well!”

Driving Lessons St. Albans – “Much Easier To Understand Than Last Driving Instructor” Says Emily

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Driving Lessons St Albans

Emily Morrow from St. Albans has every right to be very happy because she has just passed her driving test at the Borehamwood DTC.

“I’m relieved,” said Emily outside Borehamwood Driving Test Centre. “Now I will be able to travel to work much quicker and be able to be much more independent.”

Emily passed her driving test with Alec and Driving Memories on her second attempt. She completed a 20 hour intensive course of driving lessons with a driving test immediately following, however unfortunately she wasn’t successful on that first attempt.

Driving Lessons in St. Albans

So Emily took a further 7 hours of driving lessons with us and passed her driving today with only 3 driver faults.

“My biggest challenge was changing gear,” said Emily. “Alec helped me by teaching me the palming technique and knowing when to change gear – all through practise.”

Emily came to Driving Memories after her experience with a previous driving instructor.

“Compared with my previous driving instructor, Alec explained things in a way which I found much easier to understand and put into practise,” said Emily.

“Well done, Emily,” said Alec, her driving instructor. “Safe driving.”

Driving Lessons in Hatfield – “Amazing Driving Instructor!” Says Temi

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Driving Lessons in Hatfield

After passing his practical driving test today at Borehamwood DTC, Temi Ariyo from Hatfield is now looking forward to a new career as an emergency paramedic ambulance driver – thanks to his driving lessons with Driving Memories.

Moving From Automatic To Manual

Temi already had an automatic-only driving licence, and came to Driving Memories for lessons to re-train on a manual, so that he could get a fully unrestricted driving licence and join the emergency services.

“It feels very amazing to have passed my driving test,” said Temi outside the driving test centre. “As an ambulance driver, I need to drive carefully and safely on the road.”

“Temi was a pleasure to re-train,” said Alec, his driving instructor with Driving Memories. “Temi could not drive an ambulance with a restricted, automatic-only driving licence.

“Temi passed his test on the second attempt with me, getting just 2 driver faults. Well done Temi!”

A big chunk of those 20 hours of driving lessons for Temi focused on getting comfortable with the clutch and gears, after years only driving automatic vehicles.

Losing Bad Driving Habits

“But some of that time,” explained Alec, “was spent teaching Temi new habits, and getting rid of some old ones.”

“My biggest challenge was taking away my had habits when driving, but Alec helped me get there,” said Temi.

Praise & Recommendation

Temi has nothing but praise for Alec’s training during his driving lessons.

“Alec is a very amazing driving instructor,” said Temi. “He’s very chatty but very good at getting you right to where you need to be with good driving on the road.

“I would recommend him to my friends and family. He’s the best driving instructor. Very funny and amazing sense of humour.”

“Thank you, Temi,” said Alec. “I wish you every success in your new career, and many years of safe and happy motoring.”

Driving Lessons in Borehamwood – “Brilliant Driving Instructor!” Says Cameron

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It was third time lucky for Cameron Pavitt from Borehamwood who passed his driving test today at Borehamwood DTC with only 3 driver faults.

“It feels brilliant!” said Cameron after passing his practical driving test. “I’m so pleased! Finally!”

“Now that I’ve passed, I will be going out anywhere and everywhere I can now,” he said.

Cool and Calm

Cameron’s nerves got the better of him in his first two driving tests, but this time he was cool and calm, securing an impressive pass with very few faults.

“My biggest challenge was feeling confident,” said Cameron, “but Alec, my driving instructor, believed in me and now he’s got me through it!”

“I’ve only been with Alec for driving lessons and I wouldn’t have changed it at all. He’s great!”

“Cameron worked hard to build up his confidence and his driving skills, and today all that effort paid off,” said Alec.

Recommended

“I’d recommend Alec to my friends who need a driving instructor because he’s a great guy and brilliant instructor and teacher,” said Cameron. “He’s fun and therefore he makes lessons enjoyable.”

“Well done Cameron,” said Alec. “