*Artistic Licence *
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!
🚗💨 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
One Born Every Minute
Congratulations and the happiest of new years go to dedicated midwife Fathia, who passed her driving test at the first attempt today with only two driving faults assisted by her brilliant Instructor Ian.
The examiner described it as a “good drive”, despite nearly grabbing defeat from the jaws of victory by parking too close to the only other car in the test centre car park, five seconds from the end of her test (top tip to learners with their test looming - don’t give your instructor a heart attack, and choose a parking bay away from other cars, if possible).
Fathia has family in Peterborough, so once she’s saved up for her new car, she plans to take her nieces out to the movies. She’s also looking forward to driving to work instead of taking the bus, or spending a small fortune on Ubers, so passing her test today means it will save her money, and give her the independence she’s worked so hard to achieve.
If you see her at a maternity ward near you over the weekend, then don’t worry, you’re in safe hands with her, as she’s calmness personified.
Well done once again, Fathia. It’s been a pleasure helping you to succeed, stay safe and I’ll see you on the roads
Angie, another first time passer for Tony😊
Today we celebrate a truly inspiring driving success story – and it belongs to the amazing Angie Lin!
Despite truly awful weather – the kind that makes even experienced drivers think twice – Angie passed her UK Automatic Driving Test today on her very first attempt, with just a single driving fault. That’s an outstanding result in any conditions, but in heavy rain and poor visibility, it’s something really special.
Meet Angie: Determined, Dedicated, and Driven
Angie works incredibly hard, six days a week at House of Zen, and still found the time, energy, and commitment to learn to drive and prepare for her test. Balancing work, family, and lessons is never easy, but Angie took on the challenge with quiet determination.
She’s originally from Fuzhou City in Fujian Province, China, and is building a new life here in the UK. Angie is a proud mum of three children. Her oldest daughter is here in the UK with her, and she’s working hard towards the dream of bringing her other two children over in the future.
Learning to drive isn’t just a licence for Angie – it’s a huge step towards greater independence, more opportunities, and a better future for her family.
Smashing the Test in Terrible Weather
On test day, the weather was about
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.
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.
Storm in a Teacup 💨
Honor passed her driving test today at the first time of asking, with only a single driving fault. Storm Floris caused chaos on the roads earlier, but Honor remained calm throughout, even when the top-box nearly flew off on the A19 during her test. A delight to teach, with a warm personality and extremely polite manner, Honor requested her photo be taken outside the Stadium of Light—a cheeky challenge for Ian, who supports the team up the road.
It just goes to show that you can’t always be perfect.
Congratulations, Honor. Stay safe, and I’ll see you on the road.
Ganiyat passed 1st attempt, Zero Faults!
When Peter collected Ganiyat from her home that morning, she had unfortunately forgotten to bring her driving licence, which caused a minor but unavoidable delay. Despite this initial setback, the pre-test lesson was understandably marked by nerves and a few small mistakes, as can be expected in such a high-pressure and important situation.
However, Ganiyat quickly regained her composure and demonstrated remarkable resilience and unwavering focus throughout the day of her Automatic Driving Test.
She ultimately passed on her very first attempt with zero faults – an impressive and highly commendable achievement, especially considering that, in the UK, only around 2.3% of candidates manage to pass their driving test the first time without committing any faults at all. Peter is extremely proud of this exceptional result, which clearly highlights Ganiyat’s dedication, determination, and skill when behind the wheel.
Trainee Nurse Georgia passes her test!
Georgia from Shiney Row has successfully passed her driving test at Sunderland today. After overcoming her initial nerves and anxiety, she demonstrated impressive skill and composure throughout the Driving Test. This achievement marks an important milestone in her journey, allowing her to move forward with her nursing training with even greater confidence and enthusiasm. Well done, Georgia! 👍Well Done Kevin for another magnificent pass 😁
Another one bites the dust…
Matthew has successfully passed his Automatic Driving Test on his very first attempt, following in the proud footsteps of his brother, Andrew, who also achieved the same significant milestone. Their combined hard work, determination, and dedication to learning have clearly paid off, and both brothers can now proudly hold their well-earned driving licences. As an avid supporter of Sunderland Football, Matthew is now actively on the lookout for a car that will perfectly suit his personal needs and lifestyle. His achievement is not only a moment of joy but also a significant point of pride for both him and his family, exemplifying his commitment, effort, and perseverance. There is no doubt that he is a great guy, fully ready to embrace the newfound freedom that comes with being able to drive independently.
Kelly has found her happy! 😁
Kelly, first time pass at Sunderland with only two minors been an absolute pleasure teaching from start to finish no more public transport or lifts from family members. Instructor Kevin is over the moon
Jabir passes at the first attempt
Jabir has successfully passed his automatic driving test with Instructor Rubel. As a quality inspector at the Nissan Car Plant, this achievement marks a significant milestone in his life. Gaining the ability to drive independently will undoubtedly enhance his personal and professional opportunities. The entire team is proud of Jabir’s accomplishment, recognising the dedication and hard work he has put into preparing for this moment. This success not only signifies a new level of freedom for him but also the potential for growth in his career and daily activities.
1st time pass for Jay
Jay successfully passed his driving test on the first attempt, demonstrating an impressive level of skill and dedication. Under the guidance of instructor Peter, Jay exhibited a strong commitment to learning and always asked insightful questions that enhanced his understanding of driving.
With only a single driving fault noted during the test, it is clear that Jay has honed his abilities effectively. As a fitness fanatic, he approached each lesson with enthusiasm, maintaining a positive attitude that contributed to a fun and engaging learning experience.
Looking ahead, Jay is already planning to purchase a Toyota, signalling his readiness to embark on new adventures behind the wheel. The combination of his dedication, humour, and focus on fitness has made the journey enjoyable for both him and his instructor. Congratulations, Jay, on this significant achievement!
Queenie passes her test. She Nailed it!
Queenie Bui is a dedicated mother of two, soon to welcome her third child. Balancing family responsibilities while aspiring for better opportunities, she recognises the importance of obtaining her driving licence. This qualification will not only enhance her mobility but also open doors to new job prospects and greater independence. Queenie's commitment to hard work and her family is commendable, making her journey towards achieving her driving licence a significant step towards a brighter future for herself and her children.
Charlie passes with a single fault in Windy Weather
Charlie is a single girl who works at a hospital reception, where she enjoys her interactions with patients and colleagues alike. Outside of work, she is a devoted cat lover, often spending her evenings cuddled up with her feline companions.
Today, Charlie passed her automatic driving test with just a single fault, a commendable achievement that reflects her dedication and focus. Her driving instructor, Tony, was instrumental in her success. With his calm approach and thorough guidance, he helped Charlie build her confidence behind the wheel.
Now that she has her licence, Charlie looks forward to exploring new destinations and enjoying the freedom that comes with driving. Whether it’s a trip to the pet store for her beloved cats or a weekend getaway, she can now do it all at her convenience.
Sam passed with a Single fault
Another pass for Only Automatic Driving School and this time it's Sam
A Merry Christmas to our Friends, Old and New
Only Automatic wishes everyone a Happy Christmas and a peaceful, prosperous 2025. May this festive season bring joy, warmth, and cherished moments with loved ones.
We look forward to supporting your driving journey in the coming year.
Christmas Driving Test pass for Andrew
A wonderful Christmas surprise for Andrew as he has passed his automatic driving test! His hard work and dedication have truly paid off. Instructor Peter is extremely proud of him, having spent many hours discussing and solving the highs and lows of Sunderland Football Club during their lessons.
We look forward to seeing Andrew soon on a PassPlus course to further enhance his driving skills. Congratulations on this fantastic achievement!
A perfect pass for Adam
The perfect pass for Adam, a great Christmas present. His driving instructor Kevin is very proud of his results. Zero faults!