Big Tom Driving School Bourne
Bourne, Lincolnshire
Reviews
liberty w
19 Dec 2025
REPORT
Coming from 20 hours of pay as you go driving with another instructor to Tom , In which I completed a 20 hour intensive I can say confidently that I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to ...
Coming from 20 hours of pay as you go driving with another instructor to Tom , In which I completed a 20 hour intensive I can say confidently that I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to experience a range of skills and challenges in the same amount of time! Tom is very calm and informative and is always keen to help you out no matter what. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to experience more in less time !☺️
Shannon Hill
14 Sep 2025
REPORT
(Using "my fiance" rather than his name to avoid confusion in the review due to my fiance's name also being Tom)
My fiance had an intensive course with Tom a few weeks ago, unfortunately, despite me ...
(Using "my fiance" rather than his name to avoid confusion in the review due to my fiance's name also being Tom)
My fiance had an intensive course with Tom a few weeks ago, unfortunately, despite me confirming prior that he was able to cope with someone that has ADHD and a lot of anxiety with driving, this was not the case. Tom assured me that he had a lot of students like my fiance, and he knew how to encourage them, apparently that means making them feel useless, incapable, and never having a positive thing to say.
After that week of driving with Tom, my fiance lost every ounce of confidence, was actually scared of driving, and felt disheartened about the whole thing.
Tom told him that he "felt sorry for anyone who goes out driving with [my fiance]"
Who in the right mind would say that to anyone who is learning? I would like to point that that he is a capable driver, nervous (extra now), but I have been out since with him and he is not dangerous, can drive safely, and is clearly lacking confidence, making him extra cautious. I am a very nervous passenger, who adores her car, so I would not let my fiance drive if there was even a shred of worry.
It appeared that Tom was more worried about ruining his car, clutch mostly, than actually encouraging my fiance. He never had a positive thing to say, only criticised and belittled. I'm utterly heartbroken that this happened as this whole experience was to build his confidence to get him in my car and driving more frequently to build on it for his test next year. We was not expecting him to be test ready after the intensive, merely confident and able to be safe on the road. Tom stole all of the little confidence he had, and now we're starting from a lower point than before the course, and over £1200 lighter. I guess at least he is safe on the road now? Not that Tom thinks so.
I wish I had seen the 1 star review prior to booking, as it would have changed my mind. It appears that person had similar issues that my fiance had with Tom.
Also would like to clarify that this review is to not "defame" Tom, it is merely a warning for those who are nervous drivers, or potentially those that have learning disabilities, and that it may be best to look elsewhere as you probably will not get the help, emotional support, and encouragement that you want/need from Tom.
I'm sure Tom is a good instructor for those who are about test ready, as it seems he will be able to pinpoint the flaws in your driving very quickly.
Deborah Kelly
25 Nov 2018
REPORT
My experience of learning to drive was very positive thanks to my ‘Five Day Intensive Driving Course’ with Big Tom. I began feeling very nervous as I hadn’t enjoyed previous lessons and will eventuall...
My experience of learning to drive was very positive thanks to my ‘Five Day Intensive Driving Course’ with Big Tom. I began feeling very nervous as I hadn’t enjoyed previous lessons and will eventually be driving with my young baby on board; I was helped to feel calm and relaxed from the outset with a pre-course call with Tom to discuss my reservations and needs. Tom really adapted the learning techniques to me as an individual, ensuring I was learning at my own pace and the content really started to ‘sink in’. I started out with very little confidence, but thanks to Tom and his calming influence this was overcome quickly.
Tom has lots of informative videos online which help with tackling more difficult techniques and situations. I’m looking forward to my follow-on training with Big Tom and so far my experience has been fantastic and I would recommend anyone looking to start driving to give Tom a call!
Alistair Moss
15 Dec 2017
REPORT
Fantastic. Super professional and knows exactly what he is doing. Provides excellent supplementary materials and being picked up and dropped off is great. I did Tom's intensive course and passed first...
Fantastic. Super professional and knows exactly what he is doing. Provides excellent supplementary materials and being picked up and dropped off is great. I did Tom's intensive course and passed first time. Cheers Tom!
Paul Cooper
12 May 2017
REPORT
I've only known Tom for a short period of time. In that time, his passion for motoring and maintaining the highest standard shines through. If I ever have to re-take my driving test or consider a chan...
I've only known Tom for a short period of time. In that time, his passion for motoring and maintaining the highest standard shines through. If I ever have to re-take my driving test or consider a change of occupation, I will give Big Tom a call.
S Walsh
29 Apr 2017
REPORT
Be VERY CAUTIOUS when booking an intensive driving course with Big Tom. Our experience and speaking to many other people in this area show the same pattern. He often identifies a person as not being r...
Be VERY CAUTIOUS when booking an intensive driving course with Big Tom. Our experience and speaking to many other people in this area show the same pattern. He often identifies a person as not being ready for the test (fair enough) at the end of the week but afterwards is focused on getting as much additional money as possible and will delay putting the driver in for a test to maximise this. He gives very little guidance during lessons and lets the driver make mistakes and then tells them this is why they are not ready. The purpose of 'teaching', especially such an important skill, is to guide the learner during a lesson. His attitude is very arrogant and intimidating (again not very useful when learning new skills) and to top it off he will keep the driving test fee you have paid in advance and refuse to even let you attempt the test. 30+ lessons later hugely disappointed in his tuition. A safer option would be to look for instructors in Peterborough as there are more available to choose from! On the bright side he won't teach you any manovers at all but he will make you drive to the top of a multi-story car park at the end of the week as it looks good on his Facebook page!
Zoe Briggs
17 Jan 2017
REPORT
Learning to drive with Tom helped me so much with my confidence. After not driving for a year and having a couple of instructors before him I felt very comfortable in my experience. I passed on my 2nd...
Learning to drive with Tom helped me so much with my confidence. After not driving for a year and having a couple of instructors before him I felt very comfortable in my experience. I passed on my 2nd time and would highly recommend Tom to anyone looking for a friendly instructor who can give them the confidence they need on the road.
Darrell Constantine
6 Jan 2017
REPORT
Absolutely fantastic driving school, I booked the 5 day intensive course on which I gained alot of experience and knowledge on how to drive. Took my test today first attempt and passed with only 2 min...
Absolutely fantastic driving school, I booked the 5 day intensive course on which I gained alot of experience and knowledge on how to drive. Took my test today first attempt and passed with only 2 minors and this proves how brilliantly effective Bigtom's driving school is. Thank-you to Tom and Tara who helped me to pass my test quickly. I highly highly recommended to everyone that wants to learn to drive. Thanks once again
Georgia Galloway
10 Nov 2016
REPORT
My experience of learning to drive was very positive thanks to my lessons with Tom. I started out with very little time behind the wheel but was helped to feel very calm and relaxed. He adapts the lea...
My experience of learning to drive was very positive thanks to my lessons with Tom. I started out with very little time behind the wheel but was helped to feel very calm and relaxed. He adapts the learning techniques to you as a individual, ensuring you learn at your own pace. I started out with very little confidence, but thanks to Tom and his calming influence this was overcome quite quickly.
Mock tests helped me prepare for the real practical test and assisted in reducing my nerves for test day. I knew what to expect so there were never any surprises.
Tom also has lots of useful videos online which help with tackling more difficult techniques or situations.
Overall my experience was fantastic and I would recommend anyone looking to start driving to give Tom a call!
Oliver stephenson
15 Jun 2016
REPORT
I started driving with Tom after failed a test with another instructor. He build my confidence by giving me clear instruction on how to improve my driving. He used different techniques to show what to...
I started driving with Tom after failed a test with another instructor. He build my confidence by giving me clear instruction on how to improve my driving. He used different techniques to show what to do. I found the mock tests we did really helpful and showed me exactly what the examiner would be looking for. Driving every day with Tom gave me much more experience than having a lesson weekly. Tom made everything easy by booking my initial test and then finding me a cancelation because he thought I was ready to take my test earlier. On day 5 I took my test and passed with no driver errors. I would definitely recommend Big Tom Driving School and wish I'd gone with Tom in the first place.
Summer Sleight
20 Aug 2015
REPORT
I'd like to thank Tom for helping me to pass my driving test first time, he did not just prepare me for the test but driving in real life, with real life situations. Tom is a very calm person and was ...
I'd like to thank Tom for helping me to pass my driving test first time, he did not just prepare me for the test but driving in real life, with real life situations. Tom is a very calm person and was able to help me stay calm, when I didn't do things correctly. He never got frustrated with me and kept a calm manner. He is very professional and polite, we were able to have general conversations and have a laugh when learning how to drive. I thoroughly recommend Tom and his teaching style. Thank you Tom☺
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01778 309773
32 Broadlands Avenue
Bourne Lincolnshire PE10 9BG
Business Hours
Monday
Mon
08:00AM-20:00PM
Tuesday
Tue
08:00AM-20:00PM
Wednesday
Wed
08:00AM-20:00PM
Thursday
Thu
08:00AM-20:00PM
Friday
Fri
08:00AM-20:00PM
Saturday
Sat
08:00AM-20:00PM
Sunday
Sun
08:00AM-20:00PM
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CLAIM IT HEREIncorrect information? Let us know
Big Tom Driving School Bourne
Bourne, Lincolnshire
32 Broadlands Avenue
Bourne Lincolnshire PE10 9BG
Business Hours
Monday
08:00AM-20:00PM
Tuesday
08:00AM-20:00PM
Wednesday
08:00AM-20:00PM
Thursday
08:00AM-20:00PM
Friday
08:00AM-20:00PM
Saturday
08:00AM-20:00PM
Sunday
08:00AM-20:00PM
Reviews
liberty w
19 Dec 2025
Coming from 20 hours of pay as you go driving with another instructor to Tom , In which I completed a 20 hour intensive I can say confidently that I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to ...
Coming from 20 hours of pay as you go driving with another instructor to Tom , In which I completed a 20 hour intensive I can say confidently that I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to experience a range of skills and challenges in the same amount of time! Tom is very calm and informative and is always keen to help you out no matter what. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to experience more in less time !☺️
Shannon Hill
14 Sep 2025
(Using "my fiance" rather than his name to avoid confusion in the review due to my fiance's name also being Tom)
My fiance had an intensive course with Tom a few weeks ago, unfortunately, despite me ...
(Using "my fiance" rather than his name to avoid confusion in the review due to my fiance's name also being Tom)
My fiance had an intensive course with Tom a few weeks ago, unfortunately, despite me confirming prior that he was able to cope with someone that has ADHD and a lot of anxiety with driving, this was not the case. Tom assured me that he had a lot of students like my fiance, and he knew how to encourage them, apparently that means making them feel useless, incapable, and never having a positive thing to say.
After that week of driving with Tom, my fiance lost every ounce of confidence, was actually scared of driving, and felt disheartened about the whole thing.
Tom told him that he "felt sorry for anyone who goes out driving with [my fiance]"
Who in the right mind would say that to anyone who is learning? I would like to point that that he is a capable driver, nervous (extra now), but I have been out since with him and he is not dangerous, can drive safely, and is clearly lacking confidence, making him extra cautious. I am a very nervous passenger, who adores her car, so I would not let my fiance drive if there was even a shred of worry.
It appeared that Tom was more worried about ruining his car, clutch mostly, than actually encouraging my fiance. He never had a positive thing to say, only criticised and belittled. I'm utterly heartbroken that this happened as this whole experience was to build his confidence to get him in my car and driving more frequently to build on it for his test next year. We was not expecting him to be test ready after the intensive, merely confident and able to be safe on the road. Tom stole all of the little confidence he had, and now we're starting from a lower point than before the course, and over £1200 lighter. I guess at least he is safe on the road now? Not that Tom thinks so.
I wish I had seen the 1 star review prior to booking, as it would have changed my mind. It appears that person had similar issues that my fiance had with Tom.
Also would like to clarify that this review is to not "defame" Tom, it is merely a warning for those who are nervous drivers, or potentially those that have learning disabilities, and that it may be best to look elsewhere as you probably will not get the help, emotional support, and encouragement that you want/need from Tom.
I'm sure Tom is a good instructor for those who are about test ready, as it seems he will be able to pinpoint the flaws in your driving very quickly.
Deborah Kelly
25 Nov 2018
My experience of learning to drive was very positive thanks to my ‘Five Day Intensive Driving Course’ with Big Tom. I began feeling very nervous as I hadn’t enjoyed previous lessons and will eventuall...
My experience of learning to drive was very positive thanks to my ‘Five Day Intensive Driving Course’ with Big Tom. I began feeling very nervous as I hadn’t enjoyed previous lessons and will eventually be driving with my young baby on board; I was helped to feel calm and relaxed from the outset with a pre-course call with Tom to discuss my reservations and needs. Tom really adapted the learning techniques to me as an individual, ensuring I was learning at my own pace and the content really started to ‘sink in’. I started out with very little confidence, but thanks to Tom and his calming influence this was overcome quickly.
Tom has lots of informative videos online which help with tackling more difficult techniques and situations. I’m looking forward to my follow-on training with Big Tom and so far my experience has been fantastic and I would recommend anyone looking to start driving to give Tom a call!
Alistair Moss
15 Dec 2017
Fantastic. Super professional and knows exactly what he is doing. Provides excellent supplementary materials and being picked up and dropped off is great. I did Tom's intensive course and passed first...
Fantastic. Super professional and knows exactly what he is doing. Provides excellent supplementary materials and being picked up and dropped off is great. I did Tom's intensive course and passed first time. Cheers Tom!
Paul Cooper
12 May 2017
I've only known Tom for a short period of time. In that time, his passion for motoring and maintaining the highest standard shines through. If I ever have to re-take my driving test or consider a chan...
I've only known Tom for a short period of time. In that time, his passion for motoring and maintaining the highest standard shines through. If I ever have to re-take my driving test or consider a change of occupation, I will give Big Tom a call.
S Walsh
29 Apr 2017
Be VERY CAUTIOUS when booking an intensive driving course with Big Tom. Our experience and speaking to many other people in this area show the same pattern. He often identifies a person as not being r...
Be VERY CAUTIOUS when booking an intensive driving course with Big Tom. Our experience and speaking to many other people in this area show the same pattern. He often identifies a person as not being ready for the test (fair enough) at the end of the week but afterwards is focused on getting as much additional money as possible and will delay putting the driver in for a test to maximise this. He gives very little guidance during lessons and lets the driver make mistakes and then tells them this is why they are not ready. The purpose of 'teaching', especially such an important skill, is to guide the learner during a lesson. His attitude is very arrogant and intimidating (again not very useful when learning new skills) and to top it off he will keep the driving test fee you have paid in advance and refuse to even let you attempt the test. 30+ lessons later hugely disappointed in his tuition. A safer option would be to look for instructors in Peterborough as there are more available to choose from! On the bright side he won't teach you any manovers at all but he will make you drive to the top of a multi-story car park at the end of the week as it looks good on his Facebook page!
Zoe Briggs
17 Jan 2017
Learning to drive with Tom helped me so much with my confidence. After not driving for a year and having a couple of instructors before him I felt very comfortable in my experience. I passed on my 2nd...
Learning to drive with Tom helped me so much with my confidence. After not driving for a year and having a couple of instructors before him I felt very comfortable in my experience. I passed on my 2nd time and would highly recommend Tom to anyone looking for a friendly instructor who can give them the confidence they need on the road.
Darrell Constantine
6 Jan 2017
Absolutely fantastic driving school, I booked the 5 day intensive course on which I gained alot of experience and knowledge on how to drive. Took my test today first attempt and passed with only 2 min...
Absolutely fantastic driving school, I booked the 5 day intensive course on which I gained alot of experience and knowledge on how to drive. Took my test today first attempt and passed with only 2 minors and this proves how brilliantly effective Bigtom's driving school is. Thank-you to Tom and Tara who helped me to pass my test quickly. I highly highly recommended to everyone that wants to learn to drive. Thanks once again
Georgia Galloway
10 Nov 2016
My experience of learning to drive was very positive thanks to my lessons with Tom. I started out with very little time behind the wheel but was helped to feel very calm and relaxed. He adapts the lea...
My experience of learning to drive was very positive thanks to my lessons with Tom. I started out with very little time behind the wheel but was helped to feel very calm and relaxed. He adapts the learning techniques to you as a individual, ensuring you learn at your own pace. I started out with very little confidence, but thanks to Tom and his calming influence this was overcome quite quickly.
Mock tests helped me prepare for the real practical test and assisted in reducing my nerves for test day. I knew what to expect so there were never any surprises.
Tom also has lots of useful videos online which help with tackling more difficult techniques or situations.
Overall my experience was fantastic and I would recommend anyone looking to start driving to give Tom a call!
Oliver stephenson
15 Jun 2016
I started driving with Tom after failed a test with another instructor. He build my confidence by giving me clear instruction on how to improve my driving. He used different techniques to show what to...
I started driving with Tom after failed a test with another instructor. He build my confidence by giving me clear instruction on how to improve my driving. He used different techniques to show what to do. I found the mock tests we did really helpful and showed me exactly what the examiner would be looking for. Driving every day with Tom gave me much more experience than having a lesson weekly. Tom made everything easy by booking my initial test and then finding me a cancelation because he thought I was ready to take my test earlier. On day 5 I took my test and passed with no driver errors. I would definitely recommend Big Tom Driving School and wish I'd gone with Tom in the first place.
Summer Sleight
20 Aug 2015
I'd like to thank Tom for helping me to pass my driving test first time, he did not just prepare me for the test but driving in real life, with real life situations. Tom is a very calm person and was ...
I'd like to thank Tom for helping me to pass my driving test first time, he did not just prepare me for the test but driving in real life, with real life situations. Tom is a very calm person and was able to help me stay calm, when I didn't do things correctly. He never got frustrated with me and kept a calm manner. He is very professional and polite, we were able to have general conversations and have a laugh when learning how to drive. I thoroughly recommend Tom and his teaching style. Thank you Tom☺
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CLAIM IT HEREIncorrect information? Let us know