Testimonials

5 star all the way to Iain at my driving ambition for helping me pass my driving test 1st time. Would highly recommend especially if your a bit nervous about starting lessons as I was. An excellent, reliable instructor and a good laugh! Couldn't ask for more! (J.Jones Sept 2020)

“13 years on from failing my test five times, I finally put the shame behind me and booked some lessons with Iain. If only I’d done it sooner!

From the moment I got in touch to the glorious triumph of success, Iain helped me feel at ease behind the wheel of his trusty Yaris as he guided me through the many lanes and roundabouts of Newton Abbot, all the while building up my driving skills and confidence with unwavering patience and expertise. To say I’m impressed with Iain’s tutorage would be an understatement. In fact, having instructed me to pass my test first time (this decade), he is quite simply a miracle worker and deserves your business. What are you waiting for? Many thanks Iain, and hope you get that Tesla one day! ( Kai, Aug 2019 )”

I'd like to give a huge thanks to Iain for his calm, patient and reassuring nature while teaching.He gave me the skills and confidence to get behind the wheel of my new car ! ( Bradley Gilbert ( Mr President )) July 2019.


"After an admittedly long angst towards learning to drive, I decided it was finally
time to learn after having finished University. There were many humbling and uneasy
moments and mistakes along the way. I’ve long had issues with anxiety which
certainly came up at times during the process, but what is important to remember is
that if you are trying to develop in some way, it’s natural to experience this, so
just trust the process! Iain is both a calming and jovial person who is - at the
same time - able to responsibly push you beyond your boundaries. If you experience
any anxiety along the way, he will help calm you down as he certainly did for me. In
the end we managed to get from zero experience to passing the test first time within
months!

Thanks again Iain, wishing you all the best on your way towards your 1000th student!”  ( Jordan Holden Feb 20)

I never wannted to learn to drive, and its probably why i had put it for so long. The first minute I sat in Iain’s car I was to say more then a little nervous and its taken an age for me to feel at ease behind the wheel. Iain has been the best as making me feel calm and comfortable, as well as being extremly patient. For anyone who is nevous about the thought of driving or wants someone to have a laugh with, Iain has a great sense of humour. He is the driving instructor for you .
Thankyou for being the best and helping me pass, i couldnt of done it without you ! ( Jess Penny Dec 2018 )

A massive thank you Iain.You are such an amazing teacher and i look forward to seeing you get the rest of my offspring through their journey to life on the road.  To anyone considering if they should take lessons with My Driving Ambition do not hesitate, this guy is a genius! Thank you again Iain from the bottom of my heart. ( Clint Hollinson 18.11.17)

Thanks Iain.  You did a fab job of getting me through it all, with what I thought would be an impossible time frame.  Proper chuffed and if anyone wants to pass their test, then Iain is your man.Cheers ( Emma Jones 22.11.17)

It has been quite difficult for me in recent years to feel purposeful and
motivated. I was apprehensive to drive and was certainly not brimming with
much confidence. Iain accommodated for my anxiety and dealt with the
unpleasant.
I write this testimonial with great respect for Iain and what he helped me
accomplish. I feel like I got more out of my driving experience than just
my licence. I got a little bit of my old self back.
My experience was more akin to an adventure than a journey. His candid
demeanour and open book personality made for a warm and pleasant
atmosphere. It is difficult not to smile when he shares his experience,
insight and stories with you. I am genuinely more than grateful to have met
him and recommend his services if you are serious about learning to drive.

In the interest of transparency, I passed my practical test solely with the
guidance of Iain. I had no prior experience when I began and never had any
additional family/friend driving time.

I was able to pass my practical test first time despite being a mess on the
day !
Good luck to anyone reading this and considering learning to drive under
Iain’s tutelage. You’ll have some fun and get to where you want to be.
Tim Cullimore. (January - June 14th 2017)

i just want to say a huge thank you to Iain for all the time and effort you put into helping achieve my dream..especially passing first time with only 4 minors.As you know i am not the most confident person but you settled my nerves within the first week.You are a brilliant instructor and would highly recommend anyone who  is nervous to give you a call. ( Kelly Shepherd 10th March 2017)

A massive massive thanks to Iain who helped me go from a very very nervous learner to a first time pass with only 2 minors.Iain is brilliant !.He is patient and kind but makes sure you know what you are doing and confident.I will recommend him to anybody ! Fantastic service worth every penny. So happy..thank you again ( Shaunagh Wills Torquay Oct 2016)

'I would highly recommend Iain as a driving instructor! I had some refresher lessons
as I hadn't driven in 7 years. I was very nervous about getting behind the wheel
again but Iain tailored the lessons to exactly what I needed and was really patient.
His way of explaining exactly how to do something was really easy to remember and
follow. Within a few lessons I completely got my confidence back and now have my own
car and driving confidently everyday. I really couldn't have picked a
better instructor and couldn't of done it without his excellent tuition. If you want
to learn to drive or get back into driving, Iain is the best around!' Thanks Iain
for all your help!' Georgina Boughton August 2016

I honestly did not expect to pass first time today but its all down to your wonderful teaching .. i couldn’t recommend Iain enough ! Thank you for being so patient with me. (Lisa Ellen July 2016)

Just wanted to say a massive thank you for today ! Its been a pleasure learning with you and i couldn’t be happier ! Will let you know when i am on the road ! (Katie Brunt April 2016)

Iain is a great instructor and very encouraging. Passed first time.Definitely would recommend! P.Sweeny April 2106

Whoop whoop woo ! Thank you so much iain. Millie Seabrook couldn’t of done it so well without your fantastic tutoring x ( Louise Seabrook Nov. 2015)

“A huge thank you to Iain for helping me pass my test 1st time! He’s a brilliant instructor, couldn’t recommend him enough. He’s literally worked wonders with me” . Shaunhay October 2015

Like to say a big thank you to Iain from My Driving Ambition for helping me pass 1st time with 2 minors – and those for not going fast enough . Iain also helped my older brother to pass and now me ! Great instructor, many thanks Iain July 2015

” I passed my test this morning with the help of Iain. I came to him from a previous instructor who gave me no confidence in myself whilst behind the wheel. Iain completely turned that around he was patient, calm and understanding. Absolutely brilliant instruction and i would seriously recommend him  to anyone ” Maddy  (Torquay Feb 2015)

A massive THANK YOU! to Iain for being such a great driving instructor. Couldn’t have asked for a better tutor. All the best!   Jay Bing  Jan 2015

Massive thanks Iain for getting me through that horrible test first time. Brilliant instructor with a clear passion for driving. Would certainly recommend to a totally new driver or those who just need to polish up for the test. Thanks again. Kai Kennedy Trepat Jan 2015

Iain,  Thank you so very much for teaching both Chris and Melissa to drive
so well and pass their tests first time. We always have and always will be
recommending you to anyone who wants to learn to drive. Thanks once again
from the McDade house.....05.11.2014

From Sophie Kowalski / Paignton 17.09.14 “A massive thank you is in order as I passed First time with 2 minors! Could not recommend Iain enough! Extremely patient and an all round tremendous Instructer ”

I owe Iain a *huge* thank you for getting me through my test and passing first time! Really appreciated the thoughtful tuition. Two big thumbs up! Jenny Chapman .Ogwell August 2014

” Iain, Thank you for your care and attention for getting Lydia through first time. She has been most complimentary about you throughout the lessons.Money well spent in my opinion.” Brian (Granddad) April 2014

“Couldn’t recommend enough! Great instructor very professional, very personable.Passed first time 3 minors.Can’t ask for more than that !” David Harbottle (and the friendly cats fame) March 2014
 Kirstie Gibling from Paignton “Thank you for everything Iain!!! So happy to pass first time, I probably won’t stop smiling all day!!!  you’re the best instructor I could’ve wished for! Thank you so much!!!” Feb 2014

From Liam Hubbard ” Thank you Iain for all your help and effort ! Passing first time with 2 minors is such a fantastic feeling and i could’nt have done it without your wisdom and skill ”  -“Thank you so much for being such a great instructor, both of our children have had such a good experience learning with you.Best wishes the Hubbard’s . Brixham Jan 2014

“Dear Iain, I am like a doggy with 2 tails, thank you SOOOO much for helping me pass my driving test today. When you are older person and also  disabled  it takes much more to combat fatigue and depression but with Iain’s patient tutoring i finally made it , i am very grateful for your unwavering confidence in me.” Sarah Davies Jan 2014

Thanks Iain for helping me pass my test first time today with 3 driving faults ! I tried loads of instructors over the years and i’ve never felt as confident as i did with you . You made everything seem so easy and thanks for having so much confidence in me ! I would highly recommend you to anyone who wants to pass !!    Roxanne Attard , Paignton . December 2013

Woohoo !!!! Not another driving test until i am 80 !!Thanks again Iain ,you’re an excellent tutor and dats da truth ! Joshua Vanner , Totnes Sept 2013

from Adele A from Portugal.. I can only say that all dealings with MyDriving Ambition have been first class from the first returned phone call to passing the UK driving test in 5 weeks ; first time . The only previous limited experience i had was in Portugal driving on the right !  Constant confidence in my ability to do well from Iain helped me keep my nerve . The way Iain teaches  is ace ….So happy !!

"A massive thank you to Iain and My Driving Ambition for a faultless top notch
service. 
With patience, great knowledge and good humour Iain instructed me over a number of
months. Always helpful, professional, positive and encouraging I can't recommend him
enough. 

In the long distant past I had a bad instructing experience with another driving
school but Iain took me on and turned it around, I've now passed first time and with
only 4 minor faults, chuffed to bits. Huge thanks Iain!" Gareth Totnes Sept 2012 (www.dot-design.co.uk)

“Iain  this is to appreciate your amazing support, guidance,encouragement and sense of humour over the many many months of our journey towards my licence. It has been way more fun and flowing than i could have imagined. Thank You ! Cherionna Totnes May 2012 ( www.cherriona.com)

” Iain just a quick note to say that the driving is going so well – been on the road for over a month now – and just want to express that i really could not have done this without your brilliant enthusiasm and patience.Thanks again James W Paignton Jan 2012

F.T , South Hams Xmas 2011 “Thank you so much for making a Christmas holiday extra special.  I am just so happy and relieved that its  all  done.  ” My brother is looking foreward to his lessons!

Charlotte Paignton Dec 2011 “Oh why did i not get your number sooner ! Thanks for all the tips  and simple corrections you gave me  – now sitting here with a pass certificate …how did that happen !!! (1st time 3 faults)

Georgia, 17, Ipplepen, Feb11: Iain’s lessons were so enjoyable that I was   in no hurry to take my driving test. Iain helped me pass first time after seven months of lessons, after each lesson I would come home saying ‘that   was so much fun’ but there was the odd   occasion when I would come home   frustrated because I made a silly mistake repeatedly; through his patience and encouragement I became more confident. Iain taught my brother to drive last year; he really enjoyed his lessons so there was no doubt that I would not too.  I will definitely be recommending MyDrivingAmbition to my younger   friends because Iain is so lovely!!!  Thanks for being such a great  teacher, I will miss our weekly lessons. 🙂 🙂   🙂  (Past first time with a very BIG smile!!!!)

Chloe G. of Totnes “I met Iain at a Bikesafe event in September and have now past first time with 1 minor driving fault  !I can only say it was spot on  to have a  great driving instructor who rides a motorbike that could relate between handling the different vehicles.Iain was always super supportive and  so passionate about really good safe driving.Thoroughly recommended. IAM next year !!   Dec 2011

“More than a driving lesson”
At 32 I’d so far avoided trying for my driving licence but with two small  children it became a necessity.  It was luck that a ‘My Driving Ambition’ leaflet came through the letterbox just when I was looking for an instructor.  With Iain I received extremely professional and knowledgeable driving tuition.  But what really made all the difference was his tireless enthusiasm  and unwaivering support which kept me going when I felt ready to give up.For years I thought I would never have a driving licence yet I passed my test  
first time with only 3 minor faults.  The whole process was a great experience and I have to thank Iain for that.  I would highly recommend My Driving Ambition to anyone learning to drive. Mandy P. from Totnes

3 Feb 2010 

Carole G of Paignton ” I can only say Iain never gave up in his belief of  me passing my  driving test .I had spent some considerable time and expense with a national driving school trying to pass and got “Mydriving Ambition” number from a friend. If your hesitant or unsure of your driving Iain slowly but surely makes you believe in your ability. I found that the lessons continually build  strength : your confidence grows and so does the spreading  smile !!!!   Many many thanks you have added a new lease of life !  PS Trike lessons next  ”  January 2010.

“Simply put – I cannot fault the professional approach ,positive energy and time keeping . Strongly recommended  as a top notch instructor ” Dan Brixham Dec 2009   (first time pass  3 m)

Charlie wanted to further develope her skills after being shorttlisted into “the young driver of the year award 2009”. She contacted My Driving Ambition for a Skidpan session to really sharpen reaction and recognition skills for skid prevention  which we run at the Southwest’s only skidpan circuit at Westpoint ,Exeter.  “I really wanted to optimise my car control in slippery conditions before going to MIRA (Motor Industry Research  Association ) in Coventry ; my mum and i  decided to both have a go and had a fantastic time with Iain at Westpoint but boy it was competitive trying to keep absolute control. The training really helped at MIRA where i managed  to win a £2000 track day in an M3 at MIRA..i am soooo looking foreward to that !!! Thanks for a memorable afternoon Iain , hope the smoke has cleared !”    Charlie. Ilfracombe

James W. of Ogwell ” My last instructor had to go to London and i had to find an instructor quickly as my test was booked for 6th October; my friend Will had recommended My Driving ambition after a first time pass and had started with Iain at Westpoint Exeter in the spring when he was 16 yrs old. 4 lessons later i have my provisional  licence turned to a pink one ..yippee.. Iain many thanks for such a rapid turnaround of those niggling faults… Ace one..see you soon for the Pass Plus and Skidpan courses.” Oct 09

“I had a good insight into  learning to drive through my sister who always said it was stressful ; it took her 4 attempts to pass so i was prepared ! I started with Iain  at My Driving ambition  on my birthday in May 09  and past my test first time at the beginning of October …i can only say what a massive support Iain is, he is always so upbeat and challenges you to the next roundabout ! Great  fun and a huge thanks ps my sister is not happy !! …wishes she took lessons with My Driving ambition sooner ! Kat of Babbacombe Oct 09

“Having suddenly secured a teaching job up north i was desperate to get my driving licence prior to leaving.With  4 weeks to go my prior driving instructor could not fit me in or get a test in time.After making a call to Iain of  “My driving  ambition ” i was assured that all the stops would be pulled out to secure a cancellation test if poss. and fit me in for lessons after  initially seeing my driving.Well i can only say within a week my test was booked for 6th August id had my first  very upbeat assessment and lessons planned to suit. After 4 lessons the test arrived and i was over the moon to pass 1st time with 3 small faults…..Many many thanks Iain for a first class job well done !!  You should become a teacher !  I can now drive myself everywhere Yippee !!!        Gill P of Torquay  August 09

Next is R.H 20  years of age and past his IAM (Institute of Advance motoring ) test with flying colours in Sept 09:

“Where do you start if you have had several accidents in the first couple of years of driving and insurance companies are going to charge lots of dosh even on  an older model ? Well i found “My driving ambition” based in Paignton on the IAM registered instructor page and set up my first assessment in July.The immediate thing you notice is just how relaxed and confidence inspiring Iain is ; his encouragement  and enthusiasm are always there even when i keep making those habit mistakes.Having past my driving test a couple of years ago its amazing how quickly you can forget some things !!!! I was lent the IAM “How to be a better driver” which we used out on some of the most  exciting / interesting routes- i can say it was hard work but very enjoyable getting new skills to make me a safer driver.  Thanks loads Iain.”