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A New Start Driving School

A New Start Driving School

5.0(93 reviews)See reviews ↓·Belfast

What customers say

Based on genuine customer reviews

Anxious beginners and adults returning to driving after a poor experience elsewhere make up much of the feedback for this Belfast driving school. John, the instructor named throughout the accounts sampled, is repeatedly praised for a calm and patient approach that helps pupils settle behind the wheel, with several customers describing how his clear, constructive guidance built their confidence over weeks of lessons. Reviewers frequently mention that he balances encouragement with structured preparation for the theory and practical tests, and a detail many reviews return to is his detailed knowledge of local test routes and the finer points examiners look for.

Learners starting later in life say they felt at ease from the earliest outings, and the outcomes reported include passes at first attempt as well as at subsequent tries. His friendliness and humour are noted alongside his professionalism, and pupils speak of lessons they genuinely enjoyed rather than endured. The recurring theme is a supportive teaching style that steadies nerves and readies candidates for test day, with John himself named as the reason many kept going.

A New Start Driving School — Customer photo

Reviews

Reviews are taken from publicly available sources.

RA
Rithesh Alva4 June 2026

John was so kind and the best teacher ever! I only took a few classes, but I was ready for my test and passed on my first try.

OA
Ovezmyrat Altyyev17 April 2026

John is an exceptionally good instructor, and I truly enjoyed every moment I spent learning with him. I highly recommend him to anyone searching for a fantastic instructor. Thanks to his great support, I passed my driving test successfully! 😎

NS
Nora Smyth21 January 2026

John is an incredible and supportive driving instructor. I had a lot of fears and negativity about driving but he really helped me with my confidence. He is calm and patient and an excellent instructor. I passed on my second attempt today and definitely couldn’t have done it without him. Thank you so so much!!

KE
Kimberley edes1 July 2025

John is an Absolute amazing driving instructor! Made me feel so comfortable while driving. I always got so nervous for my lessons. Passed today 4th time and its all because of him. Thank you so much i will be recommending to friends/family in the future! Thank you again

SM
Sierra Mohamed3 June 2025

John was amazing to have driving lessons with. He was patient, clear, funny, and warm. I was very nervous going into lessons and because of John passed my theory and test, both on the first try. Cannot recommend enough!

PB
Paula Benitez14 March 2025

I can’t thank John enough for all his help and support throughout my driving lessons. He had all the patience in the world and always made me feel at ease, no matter how nervous I was. He didn’t just teach me how to pass the test—he taught me how to be a confident and safe driver for life. His encouragement kept me going, and I truly wouldn’t have passed first time without him. If you’re looking for an instructor who is patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely cares about his students, I couldn’t recommend John more!

RO
Raymond O'Rourke12 February 2025

John was an excellent driving instructor and was a huge help in giving me confidence on the road and had me very well prepared for the test. I would highly recommend him to anyone.

Driving schools in Belfast compared

Ordered by rating, weighted by the number of reviews — businesses with only a handful of reviews do not jump to the top automatically. 7 businesses in this category in Belfast are compared.

RankProviderRatingReviewsOpen Sat.
1Top Marks Automatic Driving School Belfast★ 5,0238Yes
2A New Start Driving School (this page)★ 5,093No
3easydriveni★ 5,084Yes
4Open Road Driving School★ 5,020Yes
5Lou's Learners★ 5,015No
Contact
+447990762133Ormeau Rd, Ormeau, Belfast BT7 3LA
Working hours
Monday09:00–17:00
Tuesday10:00–18:30
Wednesday10:00–18:30
Thursday10:00–18:30
FridayClosed
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed