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!
Another happy PassPlus course completed 😁
Congratulations to Asha for completing the Pass Plus course last week. Here she is heading towards High Force Waterfall in the Pennines. Asha said that the course helped her to build her confidence 😄
Camera shy Nabiha passes her test!
Congrats to Nabiha on passing her Practical Automatic Driving Test in Sunderland with instructor Tony! Though she's camera shy, her achievement shines bright—she's on her way to new adventures, including her upcoming wedding next year. Her dedication and success are truly inspiring, marking another exciting milestone in her wonderful journey!
Success on the Road: James Passes Driving Test with Instructor Mandy
Congratulations to Student James, who achieved a fantastic milestone by passing his driving test at Gosforth Driving Test Centre under the guidance of Instructor Mandy. Standing tall at 6ft 8, James just managed to fit into Mandy’s car, making his accomplishment all the more memorable. Overjoyed at the prospect of no longer catching the 6am bus to work during the chilly winter months, James is following in the footsteps of his dad, who was also taught by Mandy a few years ago. Notably, James was an exemplary student for Jordan, who recently passed his ADI Part 3 test. Well done, James, and happy driving!
Sithabile passed her test in Blyth 😁
Sithabile successfully passed at Blyth this afternoon, marking a significant milestone in her career. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given her professional responsibilities, which involve extensive travel to remote areas to provide care for vulnerable individuals.
With her new car, Chloe, she is now well-prepared to meet the demands of her role. Instructor Mandy and the entire team at Only Automatic Driving School are immensely proud of this outstanding achievement.
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.
Another Pass for Mandy. This Time at Blyth Driving Test Centre!
Richard has successfully passed his driving test on his third attempt, much to the great delight and relief of his partner. With his brand-new licence now safely in hand, he can confidently take full charge of all the driving duties to and from work, as well as on weekends when they go out for walks with their dogs. This significant achievement marks yet another proud success for Instructor Mandy at the Blyth Driving Test Centre, highlighting her continued dedication and commitment to helping learners become safe, skilled, and confident drivers.
Rubel is having a Good Day!
Another first-time pass for Instructor Rubel! Doctor Elghamrawy has made remarkable progress throughout his driving lessons, culminating in passing his test with only a single driving fault. This achievement is a testament to his dedication and hard work, combined with the expert guidance provided by Instructor Rubel. The practical test took place at the Sunderland Test Centre, a location known for its comprehensive assessment routes. Instructor Rubel is exceptionally proud of Doctor Elghamrawy’s success, recognising the effort and commitment required to reach this milestone. Well done to both for this outstanding accomplishment!
If you wish to join us for lessons or are interested in becoming a driving instructor yourself, please get in touch with us today. We look forward to helping you succeed on the road.
Camera Shy Sadie passes at Gosforth
Sadie passed her driving test on her second attempt, and as a dedicated nurse working irregular shifts, she is absolutely over the moon to finally be able to use her car for both commuting to work and socialising with friends and family. Instructor Mandy is extremely proud of Sadie’s achievement and her success at the Gosforth Driving Test Centre. If you wish to start driving lessons in North Tyneside, please feel free to contact us at onlyautomatic.com/contact.
Triumph for Rubel (and Stu)
We are pleased to announce that Rubel has successfully passed his Part 3 Driving Instructor Exam on his first attempt, thanks to the expert and dedicated guidance of his trainer, Stu. This remarkable achievement not only underscores Rubel's capabilities but also highlights Stu's consistent success in preparing driving instructors, demonstrating the high standards and effectiveness of his training methods. As a newly qualified Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), Rubel is now offering his professional driving services throughout the Sunderland area. Beyond his instructional duties, Rubel is also the voice of our Bengali tutorial videos, and his fluency in four languages allows him to engage with a diverse range of students. This accomplishment reflects the dedication, quality training, and commitment of all involved, marking a significant milestone in Rubel's career.
If you wish to become a driving instructor or think your current training could benefit from a different approach, contact us to discuss how we can help you move your Driving Instructor career forward.