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Automatic Driving Instructor

Automatic Driving Instructor

5.0(48 reviews)See reviews ↓·Stoke-on-Trent

About the company

Karl Wharton is a qualified ADI (DVSA Approved Driving Instructor). The instructor has over 20 years of driving experience. The business provides automatic driving tuition in the City of Stoke on Trent and surrounding areas. It specialises in teaching people to drive an automatic car. The instructor uses modern and up to date teaching methods. Services comprise automatic driving lessons, pre-test lessons and intensive courses.

What customers say

Based on genuine customer reviews

Automatic Driving Instructor, known through its instructor Karl, draws consistent praise from learners in Stoke-on-Trent for the calm and relaxed atmosphere he creates behind the wheel. Several customers describe how his patient, easy-going manner helped them overcome nerves and build genuine confidence, with one noting that long-held fears about driving were settled once lessons began.

Reviewers repeatedly mention his clear explanations and the way he works through manoeuvres and routes that cause doubt until they feel secure. The teaching is described as professional yet informal, so sessions resemble an ordinary drive while still covering everything needed for the test, including the routes and observations examiners look for and practical tips for everyday motoring. Punctuality and flexibility also feature, with lessons adapted around personal schedules and no time wasted in preparing learners for their test.

Communication stands out as a recurring theme, both in the feedback given during lessons and in the friendly rapport that develops over time. Passes on the first attempt are mentioned by more than one customer, some within a few months of starting, and the automatic Toyota C-HR used for training is named in accounts. Karl himself is frequently described as friendly and supportive, a point that comes up often in feedback.

Automatic Driving Instructor — Customer photo

Reviews

Reviews are taken from publicly available sources.

H
Houston14 August 2026

Karl is a brilliant driving instructor. He’s very easy-going, patient, and made every lesson relaxed and enjoyable. I’d highly recommend him to anyone who wants to learn how to drive!

MB
Mitch Bourne14 August 2026

Karl Such a great job getting me over my fear of learning how to drive, I definitely had a few things holding me back and they were all mental, Really making everything feel settled, calm, Making me feel comfortable taking things at my own pace, Which ironically sped things up further, My advice, Don’t sit on the fence go for it, And make sure it’s with Karl!

MH
Morgan Harris31 March 2026

Karl is so friendly and is brilliant at communicating. Lessons feel like a casual drive, whilst still containing all the necessary learning. I passed 1st time in only 6 months (probably less if i found an earlier test) and it's all thanks to Karl's tips and feedback

CB
Cerys Bull25 February 2026

Karl is an amazing instructor. He's really friendly and easy to get along with so from the first lesson you feel relaxed. I highly recommend learning from Karl.

WP
Wayne prowting20 February 2026

When I first met Karl he made me feel very relaxed and explained everything and made myself comfortable with driving and receiving instruction. I highly recommend Karl as he got me through my driving test and very professional at his job.

SG
Sophie Greenwood22 January 2026

Karl is an amazing instructor who is patient, easy to get along with and a very good teacher. I felt at ease straight away on my first lesson. I'd highly recommend! Thanks for everything Karl!

GV
grace Venables9 January 2026

Karl is a fantastic instructor — really friendly and easy to get along with, which made every lesson feel like a breeze. He’s incredibly patient and calm, even when things didn’t go perfectly, and he always took the time to explain everything clearly. His relaxed and supportive approach helped build my confidence and made learning enjoyable. I passed my test yesterday, and I honestly couldn’t have done it without his guidance. Highly recommend Karl to anyone looking for a great instructor!

Driving schools in Stoke-on-Trent compared

Ordered by rating, weighted by the number of reviews — businesses with only a handful of reviews do not jump to the top automatically. 12 businesses in this category in Stoke-on-Trent are compared.

RankProviderRatingReviewsOpen Sat.
1iDrive365★ 5,0143Yes
2M A automatic driving lesson( instructor training)★ 5,072No
3Gareth's Driving School★ 5,069No
4Automatic Driving Instructor (this page)★ 5,048No
5Intense Pro★ 5,046Yes
Contact
+447877282162www.karlthedrivinginstructor.co.uk30 Smithpool Rd, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 4PA
Working hours
Monday09:00–18:00
Tuesday09:00–18:00
Wednesday09:00–18:00
Thursday09:00–18:00
Friday09:00–18:00
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed