Training Example: 1st Gear Intensive Driving Courses – Review the Data, Give Your Score & Compare to the Real AI Evaluation

[IMG: Two of the 1st Gear driving instructors]
We are pleased to announce that we are now part of Kent Intensive Driving School! You can still contact us directly and book using our site.
We started driving tuition in Maidstone in 1990 and have expanded throughout most of Kent. Specialising in Intensive driving courses, we offer a range of courses to suit most individuals' needs, we provide courses for the complete novice to someone who might need further tuition after failing a test. All of our Instructors are fully qualified, registered approved Driving Instructors and have all had a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. We have male and female instructors and provide manual and automatic courses, just let us know when contacting us what sort of course you are interested in. Our intensive driving courses are in the following areas: Maidstone, Medway, Canterbury, Gravesend, Sittingbourne, Isle of Sheppey, Ashford, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, West Malling, Staplehurst, Lenham, Headcorn, Biddenden, Cranbrook and the whole of Kent, we specialise in intensive driving courses.
When choosing a course please make sure you have enough time to get to test standard without putting pressure on you or the Instructor. If you are not sure then why not take advantage of our assessment lesson?
We hope you find the following pages helpful.
If you find you require more information please do not hesitate to contact us.

Kent Intensive Driving School

I had driven on the provisional for a little while, then i had a week with Dave and passed 1st time just as my brother did on his intensive with him. Absolutely brilliant! Calm, cool and collected even in difficult circumstances, Cheers Dave!

Jim Spencer

Had Paul as my instructor, absolutely brilliant teaching and made lessons fun! Would thoroughly recommend this driving school, passed my test with only 1 minor. Many thanks Paul!

Andrew Gant

View more testimonials
[H3] How our intensive driving courses work
Contact us - would you like an assessment lesson or introductory lesson?
Have you passed your theory test?...
Choose your driving course dates (confirm with us) and book a test... (easy)
Take your chosen course with test.
Pass plus if required or, if you were unlucky, re-book test and have any further lessons as required.

1st Gear Intensive Driving Courses offer a range of courses to suit complete beginners to those who just need to practice specific skills. Below we have given brief details about who each course is targeted towards. However your instructor will tailor your course specifically for your strengths and weaknesses and so no two courses will ever be the same. We recommend having an Assessment Lesson to help you and your instructor decide exactly how long a course you will need to help you pass.
We provide manual and automatic courses, just let us know what you are interested in when contacting us.
[IMG: 10 hour driving course]

A ten hour course is perfect for anyone who needs only few hours of practice to brush up on their skills before the test. This course is usually spread over 2-3 days.

[IMG: 15 hour driving course]

This is suitable for you if you’ve recently taken your test and you need some extra guidance to get your confidence flowing to pass your next test. This course is usually spread over 3-4 days.

[IMG: 20 hour driving course]

This is great for anyone who knows how to drive and has all the basics like roundabouts etc. and has done some manoeuvres. This course is usually spread over 4-5 days.

[IMG: 25 hour driving course]

This course is suitable for a pupil with basic driving experience, who is fairly confident controlling the car. This course is usually spread over 5-6 days.

[IMG: 30 hour driving course]

As a 30 hour course candidate, you will have very little driving experience but you’re confident that you can learn what you need to within 6-7 days.

[IMG: 35 hour driving course]

This 7-8 day course is best for pupils that have minimal control of the car; for example starting, moving, and stopping – but not much more. And are fairly nervous.

[IMG: 40 hour driving course]

This is the complete beginner course – ideal for anyone who has very little or no driving experience. This course is usually spread over 8-10 days and is for someone who feels they need more time to learn.

[H4] INDIVIDUAL REQUIREMENTS
The above are our standard courses if you have any requirements that our different to the above then contact us direct or have an assessment lesson to see if an intensive will suit you if you are unsure.
Please view our Terms and Conditions.

[H4] What course do you need?
[IMG: Student after an assessment lesson]
If you are not sure which course to take then we recommend that you have an assessment lesson to determine what is best for your needs. There is no obligation after this but it will give you an opportunity to meet the Instructor that will be taking you for your lessons (if you decide to go ahead) and a chance to drive the car.
At the end of the assessment lesson the Instructor will be able to advise you of the best way to structure your lessons and how many you may need.
We can supply material for the theory you may need if this has not already been done.
[H4] We include:
Door to door pick-up
Car hire for test
One-to-one tuition
Mock test
Course materials
Please view our Terms and Conditions.

[H4] Pass Plus – What’s that?
[IMG: Pass Plus registered instructor logo]
Pass Plus is a practical training course, backed by the Driving Standards Agency and Insurers. It is designed to make newly qualified drivers become better drivers.
Statistics show that new drivers are more likely to have an accident in the first two years of passing their test due to a lack of driving experience!
The course builds on your new driving skills and knowledge.
[H4]
[H4] Pass Plus – Six practical modules – No Test!
Town driving – Rush hour traffic, complicated junctions and traffic systems. All-weather driving – Rain, fog, bright sunshine, snow and ice, dealing with skidding.
Driving on rural roads – Cows in the road, Horses round sharp bends, Rough surfaces, Night driving – Getting dazzled, judging speed and distance , using your lights correctly.
Driving on dual carriageways – Observation, concentration, anticipation and lane discipline Motorway driving – Learn safe motorway driving. Joining and leaving motorways, staying awake and alert.

If you have taken one of our courses and would like to leave us a testimonials then please do so here. It really helps us out if you can take the time to leave us a testimonial and we really appreciate it. You can also see other testimonials and feedback we have had on our Facebook page.

Kent Intensive Driving School
1st Gear Intensive Driving Courses is now part of Kent Intensive Driving School. We have an active Kent Intensive Driving School Facebook page where you will find testimonials as well as photos of students who have passed their driving test with us. It really helps us if you can post positive reviews or like our page. Thanks from everyone at 1st Gear and Kent Intensive Driving School!

Alison help me pass my 2nd test, she is a fantastic teacher and manages to keep her cool in the most stressful situations! Would recommend her to anyone
Kelly

Alison was amazing and helped me to pass my test first time! I'm so happy to have my test done and out of the way as driving doesn't come naturally to me at all! Can't thank her enough for all the support and for getting me that pass.
Sophie Braker

I suffer with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after a nasty car accident when I was younger and it took me 6 years to even be able to have a driving lesson, Alison was my first instructor and saw me through to the end, she was so patient and kind, she tolerated me crying and refusing do stuff because of my fear. She really does have the patience of a saint! Thank you so much Alison!
Laura

Alison was an absolute godsend!! Had such a good time learning with her, she puts you at ease and makes you feel like you're driving with a friend rather than with a professional teacher. Will forever be grateful to her for getting me to pass my driving test. I will always drive off "when I am ready" Thank you so much!!
Ashleigh

I don't think I would have passed without Alison, I believe she is fantastic at what she does and calms your nerves aswell as be friendly but assertive and really isa credit too her profession, long time coming at 35 but Alison made this happen thank you
Danny Gregory

Past my test with Alison and got no minors! She made something very daunting into a positive experience. In my lessons I felt relaxed and confident.
Rosie Bright

After my assessment lesson with Alison I didn't believe her when she said she'd have me through my test on a 15 hour course. With her help I managed a first time pass with no minors. Thankyou!
Lucas

I passed my driving practical first time today! Really chuffed and I couldn't of had a better Instructer! Dave made it really easy for me.
Harrison Gordon

Passed my practical test 1st today with only minors thanks to Paul! Couldn't thank him enough for his help, great instructor!
Sarah

After a lot of bad luck with other instructors I have finally passed thanks to David, I would definitely recommend using him.
Joe Sanders

I had Paul for my intensive course, brilliant instructor, very patient and understanding. I passed with no minors!! Couldn't ask for a better instructor. Would definitely recommend to anyone thinking about it.
Sam

A massive thank you to Dave! I passed my practical driving today with 2 minors. I'm incredibly pleased and so grateful for Dave's patience and encouragement. I would 100% recommend to anyone! Thank you!
Ella

Fantastic, Dave taught both my girls and both passed 1st time, both had the intensive courses and were out driving one month after their 17th birthday. No more taxi driving for me ? i owe you one Dave.....
Tracy Gosling

Today I passed my practical driving test first time with Andy! I would highly recommend using him again and will be passing on the details of this service to my friends looking to pass! So happy! Thank you Andy!! Xx
Roxanne

Safe to say I was a definite challenge for Paul, but he never gave up teaching and he got me to pass it took a lot out of him but he did it I highly recommend him for anyone wanting to learn because he doesn't miss anything and you get everything and more from learning from Paul Thank you again Paul
Matt Tucker

Passed first time with Paul, he's a great driving instructor. Anyone who's looking to do an intensive driving course I would recommend 1st Gear Intensive Courses.
Harvey Miles

Definitely go with Dave, he's calm, patient, and a great teacher. I didn't think 28 hours would be enough for me at start, but in the end, passed with no minors, even with my least favourite manoeuvre. I'll give it 11/10.
Paulina

Less than a month ago I didn't even know how to start a car, now here I am having passed the second time with 3 minors! Paul was a brilliant teacher who had the perfect balance of being stern when I wasn't improving and also making the course enjoyable. Would highly recommend to anyone who is interested in passing quickly with a brilliant teacher!
Thomas Williams

Just passed after a 14hr course with paul. Very professional, very patient, and very helpful. I would definatley reccomend him. Thank you paul
Oliver Bournes

Had a 20 hour intensive course with Dave following months of 1 hour lessons. Passed first time at the end of it! Dave was a great instructor, patient and very helpful with me. I can highly recommend to anyone!
Paul

I had the 5 day intensive course throughout the week with Paul, I passed first time with only 4 minors. He was a great instructor highly recommend him to anyone wanting too pass quickly. Thanks again Paul
Jack Steventon

I had a 3 day course with Dave and he was great! I passed first time with no minors!! He was such a good instructor and would recommend to everyone! Thanks Dave!!
Ellie

I had the 12 hour course over 3 days, and to be honest, I was worried that I wouldn’t pass before I did the course with Dave. But he was a very good instructor and patient, and I passed first time with 2 minors! Would recommend the course to everybody!
Jack Barnes

I passed my test with Andy yesterday, and can happily say, that out of several instructors, Andy was the best. Always calm, kind and friendly. It’s been a pleasure Andy!
Sam

Passed first time in only 5 days with Paul. Brilliant teacher and great fun as well as learning so much. I urge anyone who wants to pass quickly to use them. Thanks again
Harry

I passed first time with Paul. Great instructor, very clear and helpful and gets you going pretty quick too. Thanks Paul
Sam

Did a weeks course with paul and couldn’t have asked for a better instructor and man. Had great fun, and passed first time, highly recommend. Cheers Paul ?
Adam

Passed my driving test 1st time last Thursday 7th May after intensive course with Andy. He has been a Brilliant Instructor. Took me only 5 days and smashed my Practical Test with only 3 minors. Would reccomend to anyone! Very frieny and makes you feel comfortable being on the road for the first time. Just finished my Pass Plus tonight. Had a nice drive to Dover and outskirts of london. Many thank you’s. HERE I GO!
Jack Waller

I did the 7 day course with Dave. I started as a complete beginner and on the last day I ended up with a driving licence! I passed first time in Gillingham and only got one minor fault. Thanks Dave I couldn’t have done it without you! I highly recommend these guys, they really know what they are doing..specially thanks to you Dave
Ned Flaherty

Had a great week with Paul, very good driving instructor and I highly recommend him and this course.
Jan

Paul was the best driving instructor I’ve had, very patient and easy to talk to. I learnt more in 5 days than I did in weeks of hourly lessons. Thank you so much for all your help, I’ll be sending business your way as much as possible!
Hollie

A huge thank you to Andy for helping me pass first time! A brilliant instructor, I would definitely recommend! Thanks again!
Lizzie

I had Dave as my instructor and he was so much better than my old one. He didn’t get stressed at all and was so easy to get along with, shame not all instructors can be so relaxed. I passed first time in Sevenoaks on Friday and would recommend Dave to anyone – if you want to pass and quick these are the guys you want
Ciaran Ducey

Wow I passed first time with Dave on Wednesday in Herne Bay…First time thanks to Dave and all those practise sessions around Herne Bays tricky streets Thanks Dave – couldn’t have done it without you!! Highly recommended…
Dan Morgan

Andy is an excellent instructor. He makes everything simple and easy to understand. I passed first time!! The course was very enjoyable and I would definitely recommend!!!
Harriet

Andy is a god ✌️ he passed me first time, easy to talk to and get on with, easy to understand what he is teaching you and very flexible with times and where to meet
James E

Passed first time with Andy. By far the best driving instructor I’ve ever had. Amazingly skilled, I wouldn’t recommend anyone but him. Truly passionate about his job.
Mark Royden

Well thanks Dave I originally wanted a 3 day course, and when I wanted to do an extra day you managed to fit me in by working your Saturday for me I passed 1st time without a single minor fault. A completely clean sheet in Gillingham…just like my girlfriend! Thanks again Dave
Tom Harvey

After having my baby boy, I realised how essential having a driving license would be, to get around. I never really wanted to learn prior to now, so I literally had to start with the very basics. I didn’t even know how to turn on the ignition! Andy is amazing: he is so patient, polite, professional, caring. Did I mention patient? I am up to date his toughest student so far, I am certain of it!! But he didn’t give up and kept positive even when I didnt. I passed my test today after a couple of…
Giuly

I had Paul as my instructor and he is the best driving instructor I’ve ever had. I did 20 hours over 5 days (Monday-test on Friday morning) and I passed with only 4 minors. I never believed I could ever pass this highly challenging test and Paul built up my confidence and really assisted me with every maneuver and safest and correct way to drive to pass me my driving test on Friday morning. I would recommend anyone to go with this driving school and also to mention that the pass rate of people…
Rocky

I had Andy as an instructor and he was fantastic, he was very accommodating to my awkward location in Deal and my work location, nether the less he made it work fetching me from work driving and finishing at home. Very flexible and always kept in touch – the teaching of the driving was fantastic, clear and beneficial – after 20 hours with Andy I passed first time! I had only ever known diesel and he made the switch to petrol car very easy – thanks again Andy cannot recommend enough!!
James

I had Andy as my instructor and I couldn’t have asked for a better instructor. It only took Andy 20 hours for him to teach me to drive and pass me first time!!! He is also very easy to get alone with and become a friend as well as an instructor. I would recommend him to any one! Once again thanks andy!:)
Jack

I had Paul as my instructor as he was recommended to me by a friend, I done the 20hr intensive course over 4days and passed 1st time!!! Paul was a great instructor made me feel very comfortable in the car and helped grow my confidence would recommend him to anyone!!!! Thanks Paul for getting me on the road in 4days ?
Jai

Had Andy as my instructor had a 20 hour Corse then another 6 hours passed 2nd time absolutely fantastic instructor , very nice guy and easy to get along with , Andy made it so I understood what the car was doing when I was Pressing on the clutch ect which made it so much easier to learn , had a laugh and Andy helped me pass one of my main goals in life think it would have taken so much longer with any other instructor a very big Thankyou andy xx
Demi

Had paul as my instructor and i highly recommend him made things really easy.Thx again paul
James wells

I strongly recommend Andy he’s brilliant. So much better than the last 2 instructors I had. Comfortable guy to be around. Thanks Andy for all your patients best thing I ever done your a legend
Marie cullen

I didnt think learning to drive could be made an enjoyable and fun experience, but I loved my lessons and always felt so comfortable. Not only that, but I passed my test with only 1 minor! Thanks so much Paul ?
Jace Simpson

Having read all the testimonials on here, I thought that it sounded too good to be true, but I took an assessment lesson and Paul told me that I’d need fewer lessons than I’d expected. The lessons were a pleasure, and from very little previous driving experience, Paul got me driving in 20hrs and I passed first time with two minors. Thoroughly recommend the school, thanks Paul!
StevieRay

Had Paul as my instructor, absolutely brilliant teaching and made lessons fun! Would thoroughly recommend this driving school, passed my test with only 1 minor. Many thanks Paul!
Andrew Gant

Thank you so much for andy teaching me how to drive not only did he teach me he made me feel comfortable and calm. I passed first time with one minor also he got my sister to pass first time as well. So anyone looking to drive I strangely recommend andy.
Patrick oneill

I've had such a fantastic time learning with Andy! So relaxed, patient and his techniques are fantastic! Made me feel so comfortable and confident! I passed 1st time with 3 minors! Anyone learning to drive i highly recommend this school and andy to anyone!
Sam

Absolutely fantastic! Thank you Andy so much for all your help! Passed first time and couldn’t be happier with the teaching. Anyone wanting to learn to drive should use this school. ?
Bethan Hanna

Don’t normally post things like this but felt i had too this time. I cannot recommend this school enough. I had Paul as my instructor and he was excellent. Please have a assessment lesson first and they will tell you the best course for you. They make you feel at ease and you can have a laugh as well which is rare with an instructor but this added to the quality of Paul’s teaching which i have to say was exceptional. I highly recommend this school to anyone and trust me it will be the best call…
Mark Hegarty

just wanted to say thanks to Andy for getting me passed. Really enjoyed learning from him and wish him all the best. recommend Andy to anyone who wants to learn to drive and have a good time doing it. Thanks again mate
Mick

Dave – sorry I didn’t want my photo taken. But I must say thanks for everything, couldn’t have done it without you! That’s me and

Manual / Automatic
10 hour course – £400 / £420
15 hour course – £600 / £630
20 hour course – £800 / £840
25 hour course – £1,000 / £1,050
30 hour course – £1,200 / £1,260
35 hour course – £1,400 / £1,470
40 hour course – £1,600 / £1,680
Hourly lessons (Maidstone only) – £40 / £42
Assessment lesson – £40
Whichever of the above courses you pick please add the following test fees, which are paid to the DSA when booking your tests:
Theory (if not taken already) – £23
Driving Test – £62/£75
For more driving test cost details see: Driving test costs
We also offer the Pass Plus scheme:
Pass Plus – £228 for the course
Please view our Terms and Conditions.