🎉 What a way to end the year! 🎉
Huge congratulations to Racheal, who PASSED her driving test today in Sunderland! 🚗✅
Racheal is my amazing Ghanaian student who smashed it in just 9 lessons – what a superstar! 🌟
Here’s the best bit: Racheal works in the industry, fighting hard to reduce CO2 emissions around the world… and now she’s just about to add a little to it on her travels 😄 But don’t worry – she’s already promised to trade in her Nissan Juke for an Electric or Hybrid car. 🌍⚡
What an end to 2025… 🎊
Huge congratulations to all of the Only Automatic Driving School team 🍾🥂
What will YOU do in 2026?
Isn’t it about time you joined Only Automatic Driving School and passed your test too?
👉 Start your journey here: onlyautomatic.com/contact
Celebrating Shannon’s Success!
Huge congratulations to Shannon, who passed her driving test today with Instructor Peter at Only Automatic Driving School! This wasn’t Shannon’s first attempt, but her determination, hard work, and positive attitude made all the difference. She kept showing up, learning from each lesson, and today she crossed the finish line with flying colours.
We’re incredibly proud of your perseverance, Shannon—proof that progress comes to those who keep going. Enjoy the freedom and confidence that comes with your new licence!
Ready to start your own journey? Book your lessons at onlyautomatic.com/contact.
Automatic Success for Sarah with ADI Vici in Durham! ⚽🚗
Huge congratulations to Sarah, who passed her Automatic Driving Test in Durham today with just ONE driving fault – an incredible achievement!
Sarah learned with ADI Vici at Only Automatic Driving School, and from day one she showed real focus, determination and a calm, confident driving style. A truly brilliant result to round off the year!
She’s also a huge Newcastle United fan and is hoping this winning streak carries over to her beloved team – if they drive forward like she did today, they’ll be unstoppable!
If you want to start 2026 by working towards your driving freedom, now’s the perfect time to get booked in.
A Star Pupil on the Road and in Life
What a fantastic end to 2025 for Lydia – and for Andy!
Today, Lydia from Barley Mow absolutely smashed her driving test, passing with zero driving faults. That’s a clean sheet – something very few learners achieve. It shows just how calm, focused, and capable she is behind the wheel.
At just 18 years old, Lydia has balanced learning to drive with her demanding and rewarding role as a teaching assistant working with special needs children. That alone says a lot about her patience, kindness, and maturity – all qualities that also make for a safe, considerate driver.
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! 🚗💫
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!
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.
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 :)
Lucy’s “Full of the Knowledge”
Lucy, a student who works part time at a major electrical retailer, has successfully passed her Automatic Driving test today with an outstanding performance, marked by just a single minor fault. She faced very challenging driving conditions but managed to maintain her calm and composure throughout. Notably, she corrected an error on a roundabout with ease, where many in her position might have panicked. Her brilliant result is a testament to her hard work and dedication.
Celebrating this significant achievement, Tony, her instructor, kept his promise by treating Lucy to a meal at McDonald's, making the occasion even more special. The entire team at Only Automatic Driving School takes immense pride in her accomplishment.
With the driving test behind her, Lucy’s next step is to find the right car to start her journey as an independent driver. We wish her all the best for the road ahead.
Another First Time Part 3 Pass for Stu
Stu Cavanagh, our highly experienced Instructor Driver Trainer, offers expert training not only for trainees at Only Automatic Driving School but also for individuals from other driving schools seeking top-quality instruction. If you are aspiring to become a qualified driving instructor or feel that your current training relies too heavily on the ‘Buddy’ system, our dedicated one-to-one training approach could be the ideal solution to help you succeed in passing your Driving Instructor Qualifications. Contact us today to learn more about our personalised training programmes tailored specifically to your needs.
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 😁
Happy Hannah from Hetton!
Andy has another test success!
Hannah from Hetton took her driving test at the Durham Test Centre today and successfully passed on her second attempt, achieving only two minor faults. With a new career in marketing just beginning, her excitement was palpable when she learned the good news. In a moment of pure joy, she let out a high-pitched scream, celebrating her accomplishment and looking forward to the freedom that comes with driving. Congratulations, Hannah!
Another nice review for Tony
Are you ready to begin your journey, learning to drive with Only Automatic Driving School?
Driving Lessons available soon in North Tyneside, Durham and Chester le Street areas. Get on the list NOW!
We are excited to announce that two new driving instructors will be joining our team soon. Due to their limited availability, we encourage you to get on the list NOW to secure your spot. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to begin your driving journey with our experienced instructors. Contact us today to register your interest and ensure you don’t lose your chance.
Nigel passed at the 1st attempt in Durham
Nigel's review
Andy is a fantastic instructor, his years of driving experience make him a natural at teaching. As an American who learned to drive on the other side, his instructions helped me feel confident learning to do everything opposite of what I grew up with. Thanks to his teaching I am a much more confident driver.
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.
A Lovely review from Neil following a refresher course!
I needed a refresher lesson as I haven’t been able to do much driving since I passed my test. Whatever your experience, whether you’re a new driver, learner or just need a refresher, you will find Peter to be friendly and extremely helpful, patient and very clear with his advice and insights. I can’t recommend enough!
Sunny Do Son passes with 2 faults today! Well Done!
Sonny Do Son, one of our students originally from Vietnam, has successfully passed her Automatic Driving Test today with only two faults. This achievement is a testament to her dedication and hard work. Her instructor, Tony, takes great pride in her accomplishment, reflecting the commitment and support offered at Only Automatic Driving School. Congratulations to Sonny on this important milestone in her driving journey.

