It’s always a bit nerve-racking when the examiner gets into the car and sits next to you on test day, isn’t it? So imagine how thrilled local artist Sarah was when the test centre manager climbed into the back seat to accompany the one in the front? Gulp.

Not to worry, though, as Sarah sailed through her driving test today with zero driving faults and a glowing tribute from the examiner.

During the debriefing, the examiner told her that it was an “excellent drive” and then added “And what was particularly impressive…” as he explained how Sarah dealt with a car that dangerously overtook her on a mini roundabout. The examiner noted that Sarah had used her mirrors effectively to spot the car behind her, and was ready to slow the car down safely to avoid any potential accident. “Very impressive, indeed” he repeated.

A faultless round doesn’t happen by accident, and Sarah has spent a lot of time and effort getting ready for today’s test. She also mentioned that watching the Only Automatic driving route videos helped with the independent driving section of the test, as she was told to follow a variation of the relatively new test route, which she studied before her test.

Sarah didn’t want any old backdrop for her photo, so she chose something that always makes her smile every time we pass it on the way back to her home. She’s certainly got plenty to smile about today.

Congratulations, Sarah. ADI Ian commented that you were a delight to teach, a very interesting and funny student, and modesty personified. Stay safe, and we’ll see you on the roads.

🚗💨 HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO NIEL! 🧠🧟‍♂️

He might have his own theme tune—Niel the Zombie—but there was nothing "dead" about his driving today! After battling through a couple of weeks of Brain Fog, Niel absolutely smashed his driving test at the Sunderland Test Centre this morning.

Get this: he passed with ZERO FAULTS! 🏆

In true Niel fashion, as soon as he pulled back into the centre, the Brain Fog made a guest appearance. He opened the door and told everyone, “I think I’ve failed,” only for the examiner to step in and describe it as an "Exceptional Drive."

Talk about a plot twist! Niel is now part of an elite club—only about 1% of learner drivers manage to pass their test with zero faults. According to the DVSA, it is an incredibly rare achievement! 🌟

But he’s not stopping there. Niel has already signed up for PassPlus in a couple of weeks to sharpen those skills even further and get safely out on the road.

Instructor Peter couldn't be prouder of Niel’s incredible dedication and focus. Watch out world, Niel is officially licensed and ready to roll! 🚙✨

#DrivingTestSuccess #ZeroFaults #Sunderland #PassPlus #NielTheZombie #ProudInstructor

February days tend to be a little dark and gloomy, but that didn’t stop Silksworth superstar Terri wearing her (fake) fur coat and sunglasses and passing her driving test at the first attempt today. She ‘smashed it’ just like her son, Conan, predicted she would.

After such an assured and calm drive, with only a few driving faults, the examiner commented that: ‘The test all came together lovely’. Terri even had the examiner laughing, as she spotted two magpies on the way back in to the test centre, and said that she hoped it was ‘two for joy’ which it turned out to be just a couple of minutes later when she was given the good news that she’d passed.

With her sister in hospital due to give birth today, Terri has much to celebrate, and even though at times she doubted that she could do it, her determination has paid off in style with the result she has worked so hard for.

Congratulations once again, Terri. Instructor Ian will most definitely miss your shared laughs on the road, and make sure you give him a wave when you buy that new Audi. Good luck, stay safe, and we’ll see you on the roads.

if you wish to begin your journey with Only Automatic Driving School is Sunderland, Durham, North Tyneside, Washington and the Houghton le Spring areas, drop us a line at onlyautomatic.com/contact