Good Things Come to Those Who Wait — Congrats, Uchenna! 🎉🚗
Patience truly pays off, and today Uchenna proved just that! After waiting a while for the perfect moment to show off his driving skills, he did it in spectacular style — with just three minor faults. And when the examiner finally told him he’d passed, the screech of delight Uchenna let out was so loud, I’m pretty sure I needed ear defenders! But honestly, that joyful outburst showed just how much this achievement meant to him.
Uchenna lives in Sunderland but works in Durham, which means that in the new year, he’ll have much more time for himself and his family — no more long commutes of three to four hours each day! And with his wedding next year, there’s even more reason to celebrate.
Instructor Ian summed it up perfectly when he said, "Well done, Uchenna — you were easy to teach and an absolute gentleman." We’re so proud of him and can’t wait to see him on the roads, confidently driving into this exciting new chapter of his life.
If you’re ready to start your own driving journey, whether for work, family, or just the love of the road, we’re here to help! Contact us at onlyautomatic.com/contact and let’s get you on the path to success.
Here’s to new beginnings and endless adventures! 🚗✨
Celebrating Amelia’s First-Time Pass! 🎉🚗
We’re thrilled to share the fantastic news about Amelia from Washington, who just achieved her first-time driving test pass! With only two minors, Amelia showed incredible determination and skill during her exam at Sunderland — what a superstar! 🌟
Now she’s completely free to take her two children anywhere they want to go. Once her dad helps her pick out a new car, the adventures will truly begin! 🚙💨
Instructor Kevin had nothing but praise for Amelia, saying, "Absolute pleasure to teach, very knowledgeable and enthusiastic." We’re so proud of her progress, and we know she’ll be a safe, confident driver on the road.
If you’re thinking about starting your driving journey too, don’t wait! Get in touch with us at onlyautomatic.com/contact — we’re here to help you every step of the way!
Congratulations, Amelia! Here’s to many happy miles ahead! 🥳🎉
Lynsey earns her wings with Stu!
Big Wins with Instructor Trainer Stu: Celebrating Lynsey’s Part 3 Success!
We’re buzzing to share some fantastic news—huge congratulations to Lynsey, who passed her Part 3 exam and is now a fully qualified Driving Instructor! This achievement comes after dedicated training with our outstanding ORDIT-Registered Instructor Trainer, Stu. His expert guidance, clear structure, and real-world coaching helped Lynsey sharpen her skills, build confidence, and deliver the standard expected of top-tier ADIs.
Lynsey will now be flying the flag with the brilliant WEAR Passing Driving School—an excellent choice and a perfect next step for a talented new instructor. We’re proud to have played a part in her journey.
And here’s the thing: we don’t just train our own instructors. We proudly train for other fine driving schools too. Whether you’re starting your ADI journey, prepping for a Standards Check, or looking to boost your CPD with targeted, practical training, Stu and our team are here to help.
Ready to level up?
ADI Training (Parts 1–3)
Standards Check preparation
CPD and advanced coaching
Let’s talk about your goals and build a plan that works for you. onlyautomatic.com Call or text: 07877 377 675
Train with confidence. Train with Stu. Unlock your potential.
Athletic Esther wins Gold Medal for driving🏅
Huge congratulations to the lovely Esther, who smashed her driving test FIRST TIME today at Blyth Driving Test Centre! A true team win: Instructor Tony got her started, then Instructor Mandy carried her over the finish line after Esther’s move from Sunderland to North Tyneside. To top it all off, her hubby surprised her with a beautiful new car on Tuesday—she’s absolutely buzzing to hit the road!
As a self‑employed athletics pro and proud mum to a little boy, getting that licence means more freedom, flexibility, and precious time back. We’re so proud of you, Esther—enjoy every mile!
Ready to start your journey? Book with our friendly, expert team at onlyautomatic.com/contact.
Howzat for Al! Passed his Automatic Driving Test
Congratulations to Al on passing his driving test in Durham! 🎉 Huge shoutout to his wonderful instructor Andy, whose expert guidance and support made all the difference. Al, originally from Bangladesh, showed incredible determination and worked tirelessly to achieve this success—his second attempt proved just how dedicated he is. With some hard prep and Andy’s expert coaching, Al now joins the ranks of confident drivers!
When he's not on the road, Al is a caring care worker who loves playing cricket—showing his passion both on and off the field. If you're looking to boost your driving skills and enjoy a fun, supportive learning experience, you can book lessons at onlyautomatic.com/contact. Here's to many more milestones, Al—well done! 🚗💫
Robson, first one in his family to pass their test!
Celebrate with us — Robson has passed his driving test first time! A die‑hard Sunderland fan who cheered on the Black Cats as they make a thrilling return to the Premier League, Robson even swapped shifts at work today just to sit his test — and his determination paid off. He’s now the first in his family to pass, marking a proud, life‑changing milestone.
This victory is extra special: it’s the first test pass for our new instructor Mo. After an intensive 30‑hour course tailored to Robson’s needs, Mo guided him confidently from lesson one to test day. The teamwork, focus and expert coaching made this brilliant result possible — well done Robson, and congratulations to Mo on a fantastic start to his teaching career!
Ready to get behind the wheel and write your own success story? Start your lessons today at onlyautomatic.com/contact.
Pregnant Pause for Sangeetha
Pregnant Pause
Congratulations to Sangeetha, who passed her test at the first attempt today with only a few driving faults. The examiner waited for a few seconds (I was in the back of the car holding my breath) then said that he was pleased to tell Sangeetha that she’d passed. With a baby due in January, Sangeetha has a lot to celebrate, and will surely enjoy driving her young son and new born baby around in the car she has told me about since the first lesson - a racing-green Mini.
Driving hasn’t come naturally to Sangeetha, so her pass today is a testament to how much effort and commitment she has given throughout the whole learning process, and she’s proved that resilience is essential, as not all lessons have gone the way she wanted them to.
Well done, Sangeetha. I couldn’t be prouder of you. Stay safe and I’ll see you in that Mini on the roads.
COURTNEY from Washington SMASHED IT!
SPECTACULAR news — COURTNEY from Washington SMASHED it on her SECOND attempt with ZERO minor faults! 🎉🔥 From shaky confidence to absolute powerhouse, Courtney’s hard work, grit and a little well-timed motivation from instructor Kevin’s legendary “Dad” voice 😉 have got her road-ready — she can now drive to SILVERSTONE for the motor racing! The whole crew at Only Automatic Driving School couldn’t be prouder. Ready to kickstart YOUR driving journey? Hit us up at onlyautomatic.com/contact and let’s get you driving! 🚗💨
Naomi: From Morning Routines to Open Roads — A Milestone Worth Celebrating
There are victories that change days, and there are victories that change lives. Today we’re celebrating Naomi — mother of three, tireless full-time carer for her son, and now, officially, a licensed driver.
If you know Naomi, you know she runs on determination. Between school runs, therapy appointments, and 24/7 care for her son, free time is a rare luxury. Every errand requires careful planning, every trip is a mini-operation. So when she told us she’d booked lessons, we all felt it: this was about so much more than passing a test. It was about freedom, practicality, and opening up a thousand small possibilities.
And she did it. She passed.
The relief and joy are easy to imagine — fewer logistical hurdles, faster access to appointments, the ability to be there for her kids and her son with less stress. A car doesn’t solve everything, but for Naomi it will make life measurably easier, safer, and more flexible.
A huge shout-out to Tony, her instructor, who’s been “proud as punch” every step of the way. Patient, encouraging, and steady — Tony helped turn Naomi’s hard work into this well-earned achievement. Their teamwork is a reminder that success is often a shared journey.
Naomi, we’re so proud of you. You’ve balanced responsibility with resilience and come out the other side with a license and a whole new range of possibilities. Here’s to the open road, smoother days, and the many small freedoms that make family life a little easier. Drive safe — and enjoy every mile.
Stacey from Tow Law: First-Time Success and New Beginnings
Stacey from Tow Law: First-Time Success and New Beginnings
Big congratulations to Stacey from Tow Law — she passed her driving test in Durham on her very first attempt! Calm, confident and focused, Stacey’s achievement opens up new independence and easier travel across the North East.
A recent arrival from Leicester, Stacey has already made her mark locally as a dedicated volunteer at a charity shop. Juggling community work and settling into a new area, she embraced lessons with determination — and it paid off first time.
Instructor Vici couldn’t be more impressed. From patient coaching to that moment of triumph, Stacey showed the poise and commitment that make a safe, happy driver.
Everyone at Only Automatic Driving School wishes Stacey many safe miles and lots of local adventures. Well done!
Bayley: Fast Feet Off the Pitch and Behind the Wheel — Zero Faults, All Heart
Today we celebrate Bayley — freshly 17, a lightning-quick U18 winger for Sunderland, and now a brand-new driver with a flawless test: zero faults. If his performance on the road matches his football, watch out Premier League.
A career already marked by promise, Bayley first caught attention with early signings at Bristol City and Southampton before joining Sunderland’s ranks in July 2024. On the pitch he’s a nightmare for full-backs: pace, sharp feet, and a hunger to take the game to the next level. Off it, he’s just a great lad — humble, quick with a laugh, and always up for a bit of banter.
Speaking of banter, instructor Peter has been taking the mickey out of Bayley since lesson one — playful photos, cheeky videos, and even a custom chant to keep the mood light. It’s that mix of fun and focus that clearly paid off today: a perfect test result and a beaming smile to match.
Everyone at Only Automatic Driving School is bursting with pride. This isn’t just about a licence — it’s another milestone in the journey of a talented young footballer destined for bigger stages. We’ll be cheering every step of the way, from youth fixtures to hopefully Premiership nights.
Congratulations, Bayley — zero faults today, countless possibilities tomorrow. Keep flying down that wing.
Ralph’s Road to Freedom: From Perfectionist to Pass with Pride
Big congratulations to Ralph from Washington — he passed his driving test at Sunderland with just two minors, and what a moment to celebrate! Instructor Kevin couldn’t hide his pride: “It’s been a pleasure to teach him. He can be a bit of a perfectionist, but Ralphie’s 8/10 is as good as anybody else’s 10/10 on the day.”
This pass marks more than a test result — it’s a life event. No more waiting for buses or timetables; there’s a brand-new car waiting at home, ready for the first official drive. That first journey behind the wheel will be the start of fresh freedom, independence, and endless possibilities.
Ralph’s achievement shows what dedication and the right guidance can do. If you’re in North Tyneside and ready to take the same leap — whether you’re a perfectionist or a free spirit — our instructors are here to help you pass with confidence.
Ready to get started? Book your lessons at onlyautomatic.com/contact and make your own driving dreams come true.
Meet Millie: From Nearly Giving Up to Driving Star
They say persistence pays off — and Millie proves it. Six months ago she’d struggled with the theory test, taking 13 attempts and nearly walking away. But she didn’t. She kept going, kept learning, and kept her goal in sight. Today, with Instructor Mandy cheering her on, Millie passed her practical driving test at Gosforth Driving Test Centre on her very first attempt — with only three driver faults.
What made it extra special was her calm under pressure. The examiner complimented her fantastic drive and professional attitude. Instructor Mandy couldn’t be prouder of her little entrepreneur — the determination, grit, and focus Millie showed transformed near-defeat into triumph.
Looking to learn to drive in North Tyneside? Whether you’re in Wallsend, Benton, Whitley Bay, Tynemouth or the surrounding areas, we’re here to help you succeed. Book lessons with experienced, supportive instructors who’ll keep you confident and ready for test day.
Get started: onlyautomatic.com/contact
Charlie's Big Win: From Arguments to Automatics!
Well, folks, gather 'round! We've got a tale today that's as big as the heart of Durham and twice as amusing. Our very own Charlie, infamous for his love of a good debate, has passed his driving test this morning with flying colours (and perhaps a few colourful words, too!) thanks to the fantastic folks at Only Automatic Driving School.
A Perfect Pass! Huge Congrats to Tran Phan Bui Nguyen
The examiner was genuinely impressed and had high praise for Tran's exceptional driving skills, which is the highest compliment you can get. This perfect result is a massive payoff for all the hard work and dedication Tran put in, especially considering how nervous he was feeling.
Tran, who is originally from Vietnam, is a little on the shy side and politely declined a pass photo (we respect that 100%!). But trust us, his smile was as bright as his driving performance today!
Huge Congratulations to Jo from Nettlesworth, County Durham! 🥳
She passed her automatic driving test today with only TWO driving faults! What an incredible achievement!
We're absolutely overjoyed for Jo, especially after she had a miserable experience with another driving school. It's proof that hard work pays off and that the right instructor makes all the difference! Jo worked so hard and we're so glad she ended up enjoying the experience with her ace instructor, Andy, from Only Automatic Driving School!
Ready to Start Your Own Driving Journey?
If Jo's success has inspired you to start your automatic driving lessons, get in touch with us today!
Celebrating Chris’s Driving Test Success and Bright Future Ahead!
We’re thrilled to share the inspiring story of Chris, an avid Sunderland AFC supporter and all-round good guy, who recently achieved a major milestone — passing his driving test in Sunderland!
Chris’s journey to driving independence has been a combination of determination, dedication, and a positive attitude. With the support of our friendly instructor Peter, Chris enjoyed every lesson and made steady progress towards his goal. Peter often mentioned how much he enjoyed working with Chris, who demonstrated great enthusiasm and commitment throughout his lessons.
Now, with his driving test behind him, Chris is planning to get a car — a big step towards more freedom and flexibility as he prepares to start an exciting new apprenticeship. His bright future is just beginning, and we’re proud to have been part of his journey.
Celebrating Thomas’s First-Time Pass and New Chapter at House of Zen
We’re excited to share a wonderful success story from our community! Meet Thomas, a dedicated catering assistant at the popular Sunderland eatery, House of Zen. Thomas recently achieved a major milestone—his first-time pass in his driving test!
Thomas’s journey wasn’t just about passing the exam; it’s a stepping stone to new opportunities and adventures. His hard work and determination paid off, and we couldn’t be happier for him. Now he’s ready to hit the road with confidence, balancing his role at House of Zen and life at home.
Speaking of life at home, Thomas and his wife are celebrating their first baby, who’s just six months old! It’s a life filled with new beginnings, challenges, and plenty of joyful moments. As a proud member of our community, we want to congratulate Thomas on his achievements both personally and professionally.
Here’s to many more successes ahead for Thomas and his family. Keep shining and pushing forward—your story inspires us all!
Well done Instructor Tony - another successful candidate takes to the road :)
The Prognosis Is Good
Congratulations to Uwadia — he passed his driving test today with zero faults! The examiner even called it “a lovely, lovely drive.” What a fantastic achievement.
Uwadia, a dedicated doctor based in Sunderland, has shown incredible commitment and focus throughout his training. His hard work, calm attitude and attention to detail paid off beautifully. Beyond being a diligent learner, he’s also a well-travelled, thoroughly interesting chap whose stories and good humour made every lesson enjoyable.
Wishing you safe and confident miles ahead, Uwadia. It’s been a pleasure to teach you — see you out on the roads!
Olivia passes in Durham at the 1st attempt!
Congratulations to Olivia for passing her Automatic Driving Test on the first attempt at Durham Driving Test Centre! Her positive mental attitude played a crucial role in her success. It's a special achievement, especially considering that her instructor, Peter, also taught Olivia's mum a few years ago.
The entire team is incredibly proud of her accomplishment.
Now, as Olivia looks forward to finding her first car, we celebrate this significant milestone. If you're inspired by Olivia's journey and want to learn to drive, reach out to us at onlyautomatic.com/contact. Well done, Olivia!

