I started in Oct 2024 and had absolutely no idea how to drive, the idea terrified me! Hayley was exceptionally patient and supportive despite my anxiety. She's fabulous with nervous drivers, not once did I feel stressed or embarrassed and she gently encouraged me out of my comfort zone without me ever feeling under pressure. I had absolutely 0 confidence in myself and I believed I'd never be able to drive, yet she taught me so fantastically I shocked myself and passed 1st time! I truly wouldn't be where I am today without her. I looked forward to every single lesson and never went home feeling down; I'll miss our lessons and know anyone who is lucky enough to have her as their instructor is in safe hands. Thank you infinitely! Read Less

I couldn’t recommend Helen and Rick enough! I started with Helen in Colchester and did my last few lessons with Rick in Clacton as I moved to a different area. Helen was so supportive, understand and patient with me. She made me feel comfortable and so easy to learn from. I can say the same about Rick, his calming manner made my lessons a breeze. Thank you both so much and I’m finally on the road! Read Less

I'm a terrified, nervous wreck of a driver and wouldn't have continued my driving lessons if it were not for the calm, kind, considerate and patient teaching of Mandy She has listened patiently to my struggles, has dealt with empathy when I've utterly freaked out and has been a wonderful teacher and support.... Here's to passing with her continued guidance! Read Less

Absolutely appalled by the way I was treated throughout the whole 2 hours of my first driving lesson with Mandy! I have had around 4 hours of driving lessons two months ago, I most certainly needed refreshing with what I had learnt and am by no means a confident driver. Mandy seemed to have an idea about what I should and shouldn’t already know. Despite the fact that everyone teaches their students differently. I am not naturally used to gears, controls or just driving period as I have not had a lot of experience. If I was perfect at all of this I wouldn’t be learning to drive. Mandy continued to raise her voice if I wasn’t going fast enough. Shouting GAS GAS GAS to speed me up. If I didn’t look left or right would tell me off instead of reminding me. She had absolutely no patience with me during the whole lesson and has left me questioning if I really want to get in a car again. My confidence has been knocked by this lady and I would not recommend this instructor at all. Mandy expected a lot from me considering I pretty much have no experience of driving. I was expected to know and remember everything that to a long-term driver would be seen as basic. However, to a beginner would not flow as naturally. Perhaps reminding the student to check mirrors, indicate left, slow down or to change gear, might be a clearer and more logical way of teaching the student rather than assuming they know it all. I have never complained or wrote a bad review in my life, but due to how much this has knocked my confidence and how wary I am I decided to call Dedham Vale Office just to let them know about my experience. I was given all the excuses under the sun and told that Mandy is great! Not once did I get an apology, which has led me to write this very honest review about my experience with the company. I also trusted in Mandy about a recent instructor at the beginning of my lesson. She had decided it was a great idea to gossip and inform the office about my previous experience. The man then decided to use this gossip he received and inform me of what I should do in regard to this personal experience. The experience I previously had was no way near as appalling as this lesson with Mandy, it didn’t knock my confidence or make me feel like I don’t want to drive again. What I chose to do about a personal experience I had is absolutely nothing to do with Dedham Vale. Fortunately for myself I have a lot of confidence in my abilities and know that I will be a confident driver in the future. Just a shame I had to waste £50 on such a rude and obnoxious team at Dedham Vale!!! Read Less

Thank you Paul for instructing me to drive. Top bloke, always good for a chat, and helped me calm my nerves when driving. Passed today 1st attempt with only 3 minors, would recommend Paul Johnson for intensive course with DVDs! Read Less

I really struggled with nerves, but Paul Johnson kept my nerves very calm. Although he is my uncle, but he is a wonderful instructor and the only one I've had that's kept me calm. Absolutely brilliant! Passed my test with 5 minors. Read Less

Huge thanks to June who I cannot recommend highly enough! Such a patient and encouraging instructor, especially when I lacked confidence. I've really enjoyed my lessons and am so happy to have passed thanks to everything I've been taught. Read Less

Couldn't recommend DVDS enough!!!!Caroline is an absolute fantastic teacher. Driving was my biggest fear, It was a bumpy start but she has kept me calm the whole way and I am officially legal on the road with only 5 minors. Just want to say a massive thank you for all your patience and time and for pushing me to get there Thank you so much for all your help see you around � � Read Less

Absolutely brilliant. I feel so confident now and there is no 'faffing' so I got so much out of each lesson, I'm a perfectionist and so is Paul so I got to master each manoeuvre without him getting angry. Each drive is a good laugh so I felt relaxed and enjoyed it. Very sad to stop the lessons but I know I'm ready to. Thank you Paul Read Less

I highly recommend DVDs! I had a great time learning with them and I'm ready to get on the road myself! They taught me well, were very flexible, and now I've passed, I feel confident in my ability to drive and be safe on the road thanks to them.Read Less

I learnt more in 5 hrs with DVDS learners than I did with a previous driving school I had 20 hours with. My instructor was Paul and he was amazing, he had techniques that he showed me which made everything easier. He gave me good deals and made spaces for me for the times that I was available. He also eliminated any fears I had whistle driving and was very a nice person to talk too. This is easily the best driving school in Colchester! Read Less

I suffered with terrible nerves in particular towards taking a driving test and having taken several tests 10 years ago and being unsuccessful I had given up on the idea of driving. However I recently decided to take up driving again and took an intensive course with the lovely Mandy. I am so pleased I did as after a course with Mandy I passed on my first attempt this time, with only a few minors. Mandy was a fantastic instructor, so supportive, encouraging and understanding of my nerves (and on occasion tears!! :-s). Mandy helped me to build my confidence behind the wheel and I will certainly be recommending her to my friends and family in the future. Thank you for all your help Mandy! � xXx Read Less

I would highly recommend using DVDS to anyone wanting to learn to drive. My instructors helped me to pass on my 1st attempt through their patience and friendly approach to teaching. They were flexible with the lessons, fitting them in around my needs. Many thanks to Kieran and Nigel for all their help! Can it go wrong? Not with DVDS. Read Less

Would highly recommend DVDs Colchester! I passed today first time with only one minor, Hayley was my instructor and couldn't recommend her enough! She was patient and kind, whilst also coaching me through all the steps involved with the test etc. Once again would highly recommended!! Read Less

Today I passed my driving test and I wouldn't of been able to get this far without my AMAZING instructor Caroline! I would just like to say a huge thank you to Caroline for YOUR patience, kindness and encouragement towards me. Thank you for all the laughs too. I hope I didn't 'drive' you to much round the bend!! I would always recommend Caroline to anyone who is looking for a brilliant driving instructor. See you on the roads, Natalie xx Read Less

My wonderful instructor Hayley taught me with patience and clarity, always making sure I understood her instructions and felt at ease. I passed my test first time today and can't thank her enough for teaching me to drive. Her lessons were challenging yet enjoyable and I would highly recommend this driving school to everyone - thank you to Hayley and DVDs! Read Less