Dave Taylor has done for me what no other driving instructor has managed in 10 years: got me to the point of booking a car practical test. And I passed with him first time. For this reason I would recommend Dave and Karen to anyone looking to learn to drive, refresh their knowledge, or expand their driving skillset (minibus, taxi assessment etc). Shortly after I started my lessons I thought I would look up Dave and Karen's Google reviews to see what other learners had to say. The only negative feedback I could see on there was from a couple of learners 9 years ago saying 'profit before pupil'. After seeing these comments I was a little worried that I had made the right choice of instructor, but having seen my lessons through to a successful outcome, I can't understand where they're coming from? - Dave and Karen did not change me for the couple of hours spent at the garden centre, bearing in mind they drove two cars there and back. - Although they requested 5 days' notice to cancel or rebook lessons (due to them being self-employed), the first time I was poorly they kindly forgave that instance and did not charge me. - Due to me battling fatigue Dave would always text first thing in the morning to check that I was fit to drive that day. - The couple of times that lessons overran by 15 or 30 minutes due to unusual traffic situations on long drives (eg suspected swing bridge closure whilst we were in Newhaven), Dave did not charge me extra or request further payment, even when I offered. I also offered to get off early at eg Polegate train station as they live in Polegate, but Dave still encouraged me to continue driving home, even though this would have added an extra 30 minutes to his day on top, while the lesson had already overrun. So if this is the reason you are hesitant about booking lessons with Dave or Karen, and if you have any worries at all, or you are like me in being an anxious person - I would say that you have nothing to worry about, and you are in safe hands. (I posted a longer version of this review on their website on 01/09/25, as Google would only let me paste half of what I had written here.) Read Less

I learnt to drive with Karen and had a few lessons with Dave too. Karen was a fantastic teacher - she understood my needs and learning style from the start. She was really supportive and always made me feel safe behind the wheel. Even when I didn’t believe in myself, she did - and that helped me gain the confidence I needed. She’s honest, realistic, reliable, patient, and genuinely cares about her students. I’m really grateful for everything and would definitely recommend Karen and Dave to anyone learning to drive. With them, you’re not just learning to drive - you’re learning the importance of safety and how to make the roads a better place. Read Less

It’s been over a month since I passed my test and got my private hire licence. I’ve already had more than 250 clients and I feel that I have become a driver who is so much more confident, thanks to the lessons I had with Karen and Taylormade. The foresight that she taught me is probably the most important element that I took away but there were so many things that I learned in a very short space of time. I cannot recommend Karen highly enough. The things she taught me weren’t just about passing my test, but were more about becoming a better driver. Thank you. Read Less

Dave was a great teacher, he helped me pass first time! The tuition was really helpful and I very confident going into my test. He also helped me pass my theory test by giving me full access to Theory Test Pro, which gave me multiple choice questions, practice exams and example hazard perception clips too. All in all, a great instructor, couldn't have done it without him. Read Less

I passed first time yesterday thanks to Dave (and Karen who played the part of examiner in my mock tests) and I couldn’t be happier with the service that I received. Dave was professional, courteous and always on time! I was given free access to a driving theory app that broke down the Highway Code into manageable sections and the hazard perception clips proved to be great practice for my real Theory Test. I felt calm and confident yesterday, thanks in no small part to Dave instilling in me that he has a philosophy of teaching people to drive - not just to pass their test. I felt confident because Dave felt confident and with a CV like his, that was good enough for me! I simply cannot recommend TaylorMade highly enough. Thank you! Read Less

Had a great experience, I had free access to an on line study package to help with my theory test. I had support from the instructors to help me pass. Great instruction friendly helpful. Had tried another instructor before, they let me down, turning up late, or not at all. I found this school always arrived on time, gave full value for money and I passed my test first time. I came to them following a friend recommending them. I am now recommending them to all my friend. Thank you Read Less

Definetly agree with the "profit before pupil" comment made previously. i wanted to reduce my lessons and was told this would "not work for them as a business" and should i decide to "dig deep and stay" i would be able to be kept on. Karen is an excellant instructor but if you do not bring them in enough money than they dont want to bother. it was made clear to me that if i wanted to take a test before they agreed i was ready i would not be able to use their car. Read Less

Dave is a wonderful driving instructor.  I am dyslexic and he took great care in ensuring my understanding and even colour coded my driving folder to assist me.  He is patient, explains things well and as he is also a pass + examiner I was able to take and pass both my driving test and pass + test. He is definitely someone I would recommend and my partner and sister are both likely to learn with him also in the near future Read Less