Welcome to
Beeston Driver Training

Would you like to learn to drive in a new, air-conditioned Ford Focus, with an experienced, qualified, patient instructor, and pay only £20 per hour?

If so, you've come to the right place.

I offer driving lessons to people who have:

If you live or work in the Nottingham post code areas NG1, NG2, NG7, NG8 or NG9, including Beeston, Chilwell, Toton, Bramcote, Wollaton, Lenton, Dunkirk, West Bridgford and Edwalton, then I can help.

For driving lessons in these areas of Nottingham:
Beeston, Chilwell, Toton, Bramcote, Wollaton, Lenton, Dunkirk, West Bridgford and Edwalton
call 07747 531 632
or email: edwicks@beeb.net


Learning to Drive

Driving is a surprisingly complex business, and there is much more to learn than anybody ever thinks before they try it, yet with the right guidance almost anyone can learn to drive well.

Today's driving test is more difficult than in the past. The days when you "really learn to drive after you pass your test" are gone. Nowadays you have to be better than the average driver to pass.

First you'll have to take a Theory Test, to show you know the rules of the road, and a Hazard Perception Test, which shows you can anticipate problems instead of just reacting to them. I can help you with both of these, and it's best to begin studying for them when you begin your lessons.

Then there's the Driving Test itself. The DSA reckon that most people need 46 hours of driving lessons, together with practice with a family member, before they are ready for the Driving Test.

My pupils tend to need between 24 hours (with practice) and 46 hours (without). My personal records are: 12 hours, with lots of practice (see, I am pretty good at this) and 106 hours with no practice (also patient!).

How many hours of lessons you need is entirely up to you and your abilities. We take things at your own pace: when you're comfortable on quiet roads we move on to busier ones, and so on. We also keep track of what you've done on a progress chart, so we know what you've got the hang of, and what you need more practice on.

So when you take your driving test, what are your chances of passing? Well, the national average pass rate is 43%, and at Nottingham Chalfont Drive, the one I use most often, just over 36% of tests end with a pass.

The pass rate for my pupils over the last twelve months is 62%.

So I wouldn't worry if I were you: by the time you get to your test, you'll be well prepared for it.

To learn to drive in these areas of Nottingham:
Beeston, Chilwell, Toton, Bramcote, Wollaton, Lenton, Dunkirk, West Bridgford and Edwalton
call 07747 531 632
or email: edwicks@beeb.net


The Driving Instructor

That's me, Ed Wicks. I am, of course, a fully qualified Driving Standards Agency (DSA) Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), have been teaching people to drive for over six years, and I like to teach you to drive safely, not just to pass a test.

This means, for example, not just telling you to check your mirrors because the examiner wants you to, but explaining why you need to check them. That way you're more likely to keep checking them after you pass your test, and daft boys on scooters will get where they're going despite themselves.

If you're a confident driver, I'll be emphasizing the risks involved in driving and teaching you how to anticipate hazards and so avoid them.

If you're nervous about even getting behind the wheel, I'll show you how driving can be a safe and enjoyable experience, by developing the same anticipation skills and keeping yourself out of trouble on the road.

Whatever your temperament and natural ability, my aim will be to teach you excellence in driving, leaving you well prepared for a lifetime of motoring.

To contact this driving instructor covering these areas of Nottingham:
Beeston, Chilwell, Toton, Bramcote, Wollaton, Lenton, Dunkirk, West Bridgford and Edwalton
call 07747 531 632
or email: edwicks@beeb.net


The Learner Car

The car I use is a new Ford Focus.

Not to put too fine a point on it, this is the perfect car to learn to drive in. It's medium sized, with a medium sized engine, and has all the usual refinements you would expect, such as power steering, air conditioning and anti-lock brakes.

It's a completely standard car except for the addition of dual controls, which mean I can keep you out of trouble if you go a bit astray.

This may sound dull, but here you have the perfect example of an average car. It will do what you ask it to do without fuss or foibles, and if you learn to drive in this you will be well prepared to drive any normal car.

(It will take time to adjust to the Ferrari you've been saving up for, so take it easy after your test, won't you!)

For a driving lesson in this learner car in these areas of Nottingham:
Beeston, Chilwell, Toton, Bramcote, Wollaton, Lenton, Dunkirk, West Bridgford and Edwalton
call 07747 531 632
or email: edwicks@beeb.net


Cost of Driving Lessons

Driving lessons cost £20 per hour, Pass Plus and motorway lessons cost £22 per hour.

My lessons are two hours long, door to door. Two hour lessons are much better for you than the one hour lessons sometimes offered, they give you time to really practise a skill and get it right. With one hour lessons you're more likely to take three steps forward and two steps back, and you'll need more hours in the long run (and spend more money).

You'll get a full two hours with a break anytime if you need one. I won't use the end of your lesson to pick up the next pupil, nor will we sit at the side of the road for half-an-hour while I explain something.

Driving is what you came for, and that's what we'll do.

The cost of driving lessons in these areas of Nottingham:
Beeston, Chilwell, Toton, Bramcote, Wollaton, Lenton, Dunkirk, West Bridgford and Edwalton.
call 07747 531 632
or email: edwicks@beeb.net


Pass Plus Courses

Pass Plus is a course of lessons designed to fill in the gaps in what you learned to pass your test, and includes driving on motorways and fast dual carriageways, country roads and city centres.

It consists of three two-hour lessons, at the end of which you will be a more capable and confident driver on pretty much any type of road you will come across in this country (avoiding sheep on a Scottish single track road is a little outside my range).

You can do this course any time after passing your test, but if you do it within two years you will receive a substantial discount from most car insurance companies.

Best of all, there's no test at the end!

Pass Plus lessons cost £22 per hour.

For a Pass Plus course in these areas of Nottingham:
Beeston, Chilwell, Toton, Bramcote, Wollaton, Lenton, Dunkirk, West Bridgford and Edwalton
call 07747 531 632
or email: edwicks@beeb.net


Contact the Driving School

For more information or to arrange a lesson, just email or call: edwicks@beeb.net

07747 531 632

Remember to let me know when you are available for lessons, so I can see if I have a free slot for you, and bear in mind you must have your provisional (or full) license before you can take lessons.

The hours I work are:

I check my email every day in the early evening, so expect a reply then, and if I can't answer your phone call straight away please leave a message and I will call you back as soon as I can.

I look forward to hearing from you.

To contact this driving school covering these areas of Nottingham:
Beeston, Chilwell, Toton, Bramcote, Wollaton, Lenton, Dunkirk, West Bridgford and Edwalton.
call 07747 531 632
or email: edwicks@beeb.net


Testimonials

Finally, some comments from former pupils.

Aaminah Q.

Having started driving at the age of 17 with no experience of driving instructors or lessons i was very lucky to have found an instructor like Ed. He was always realistic about the amount of lessons i needed and never once charged me for a lesson that was not necessary. This is such an important quality in an instructor as it is so easy to be led on to believe you require many lessons. Ed is a very calm and patient teacher and i always felt comfortable with his teaching style. I passed my test the first time with only 4 minors after only 20 or so lessons. This was solely due to Ed being a great teacher. Ed encouraged me to also concentrate on the theory aspect of the driving test and throughout the practical lessons we would recall aspects of the theory test. To begin with i was quite a nervous driver but i quickly built up my confidence thanks to Ed. I can confidently say that i am now a very good driver (even my grandma can sit as a passenger with me) thanks to Ed Wicks. He gave me the confidence to go on the motorway the day after i passed my test. How many other people could say that about their instructor.

Julie S.

After two earlier attempts at learning to drive years ago I had given up hope of ever succeeding. I had always lacked confidence and could not get the coordination. When I reached my 40's I thought that was it, but a friend said I should try again. It was a case of third time lucky. On finding Ed's web site I had a good feeling and booked a lesson straight away. I was really nervous at first, but Ed is very calming. His instruction is methodical and thorough. He always encourages and helps you learn from any mistakes. I am so thankful to Ed because he's helped me achieve something I never thought I could. I was so impressed that I recommended him to my son and daughter who both passed first time with him.

Eileen C.

Ed was my first and only instructor I worked with, and with his coaching, I managed to pass the driving test on the 2nd try. He is definitely good with teaching the basics, all the various technicalities and maneuvers, but most importantly, how to drive safely. Ed integrates theory with practical driving and explains the need to take certain precautions whilst encountering hazards, all in the name of safety. He does not put any pressure on me; rather he is patient and willing to explain what I did not understand. Overall, it has been a pleasure to work with him and the way he teaches is not only to pass the test, but how to drive safely without endangering anyone. Thanks again for your help!

Patrick K.

from my first lesson with Ed, he put me at ease and stopped any nervousness or doubts i had. he is an extremely thorough instructor, covering everything relating to both the practical and theory sides of learning to drive. his friendly manner put me at ease whilst learning to drive, and i could not recommend him as an instructor more highly. i passed first time approximately a year ago, and his excellent teaching prepared me for life on the roads!

Kate G.

I had driving lessons at my parents house, which is in the countryside but I didn't really get along with the instructor. I gave up in the end but after moving to Nottingham the want to drive came back. I found Ed via his website and decided to take the plunge and start driving again. I was extremely nervous to begin with, going driving around country lanes compared to the city seemed very daunting but as soon as I started the lessons I was fine, mainly because of the encouragement from Ed. I passed my test on the second attempt after the excellent coaching from Ed. I also did the pass plus lessons after I passed the test, which was a great bonus not only because it gives you good experience but you also get to spend more time with Ed.

Matt O.

I had lessons with an other Instructor for almost a year who only put me in for my test when I told him I was going away for three months and I had to take my test before I left. well needless to say I failed and when I got back in to the country I decided not to go back to the same Instructor, so I got onto the AA and I ended up with Ed. I thought it would be hard to get back in to driving but I past after 4 months with only 2 miners and the examiners remark was "I wish there were all that easy" What else can I say? Ed a very good Instructor and a good man.

Abigail C.

Support, Guidance and Encouragement - I was looking for these in a driving instructor and I found them all in Ed. As a fairly nervous driver, it was not long before I started to gain the confidence needed to drive on the mad roads of today. I had formerly been learning with another instructor but after failing two practical tests, I found myself needing more direction and support - someone who would find in me the confidence I had so far lacked. Ed built upon my skills and knowledge week by week, knowing how best to progress and always explaining things thoroughly. He was always fair and taught me not just how to drive a car but also how to respond to a variety of road situations. I am so glad I found Ed, for after a couple of months I managed to pass my test! I thoroughly recommend Ed as a driving instructor.

Katrina M.

Before I started driving with Ed I had used another instructor who made me feel uncomfortable and nervous when asked to do manoeuvres etc. My fiancé and I felt that I was being ripped off as had numerous lessons and my instructor still felt I wasn't ready for my practical. Then I met Ed, who was generally a really nice and pleasant chap. I looked forward to my driving lessons on my lunch hour as knew I would achieve my best with Ed sat beside me. On the day of my test I was accompanied by Ed who was very calm and made me feel at ease, Ed sat in the back of the car and my driving examiner seemed quite pleasant (Ed advised me that he was very pleasant but I still had a few butterflies!) I knew that due to excellent teaching I could do this and was more than ready to prove myself to the examiner that I wasn't threatened by him. I past my test first time with 2 miner faults and was that ecstatic that I had passed, solely due to good teaching, I took Ed for a Orange Juice, then we parted.

Cate M.

I'd had one previous driving instructor before Ed.  After a few lessons with that person I began to suspect that I was being told incorrect information (i.e. so that I'd fail my test and need more lessons); moreover, other bits of what he was telling me to do seemed incredibly detailed and fastidious given that I was a beginner - he was telling me stuff that really wasn't critical to me being able to drive down the road safely.  So, as a teacher myself, I decided that I disagreed with his teaching style. What I wanted, I realised, was someone with the honesty to tell me the basic and correct thing to do and the patience to sit there while I practiced doing it. I tried Ed. It was great!  He was pleasant; answered all my questions concisely; explained clearly what I was supposed to be doing at any given time; was totally fair in his criticisms; and was encouraging about my readiness to pass my test. And guess what! I passed first time. I still can't quite get over it, and I know it wouldn't have happened like that if Ed had been anything other than what he is: honest, patient, pleasant and fair. If I knew anyone else that needed lessons, I'd recommend him. I don't, so instead I'm writing him this testimonial!

Tim S.

Before having lessons with Ed I had two other driving instructors. The first one had to stop driving due to health reasons, and his replacement was constantly late or didn't show. Having taken my test twice with the replacement driving instructor (failing both times) I booked another lesson with him for the next week, however he did not show and I was unable to contact him. When I found the time to arrange another driving instructor a friend recommended Ed to me. When it was time for my first lesson I didn't know what to expect, I was feeling nervous, as I hadn't driven in about three months. Ed made me feel at ease. He told me the points where I was going wrong and what I needed to do to make them right. When I took my test Ed asked if he could sit in on my test. Even though he couldn't say or do anything, he made me feel less nervous during my test. I passed with 8 minors.

Ed W.

Many thanks to those who took the trouble to contribute.

For the same top quality driver tuition in these areas of Nottingham:
Beeston, Chilwell, Toton, Bramcote, Wollaton, Lenton, Dunkirk, West Bridgford and Edwalton
call 07747 531 632
or email: edwicks@beeb.net