Excel-driving.com Reviews

Based on checking the website, Excel-driving.com appears to be a legitimate and well-regarded independent driving school offering comprehensive driver training services primarily in the UK, specifically around the Leicestershire area. The site highlights various lesson types, instructor profiles, and a strong emphasis on high first-time pass rates and building confident, safe drivers for life.

Excel Driver Training presents itself as a professional and supportive environment for aspiring drivers.

Their offerings range from standard hourly lessons to intensive driving courses, confidence-building sessions, and specialized motorway driving lessons.

The site clearly outlines pricing structures, contact information, and showcases numerous positive testimonials from both pupils and parents, suggesting a strong track record of success and student satisfaction.

They also highlight the use of an app for progress tracking, which could be a significant value-add for learners aiming to monitor their development and target specific areas for improvement.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Understanding Excel-driving.com’s Core Offerings

Excel-driving.com positions itself as a comprehensive solution for individuals at various stages of their driving journey, from complete beginners to those needing refresher courses.

Their core strength seems to lie in providing tailored instruction and a supportive learning environment, aiming for not just test passes, but genuinely safe and competent drivers.

Tailored Driving Lessons

Excel Driver Training offers a variety of lesson types designed to meet diverse student needs.

This flexibility is a key aspect that sets them apart.

• Standard Hourly Lessons: For those who prefer to learn at their own pace, the “Pay As You Go” option at £37.50 per hour allows for gradual progression. This is often ideal for students with busy schedules or those who prefer to spread out their learning over a longer period.
• Block Bookings: Offering a saving of £20, the £350 block booking option encourages commitment and provides a slight financial advantage, indicating a belief in structured, consistent learning.
• Custom Confidence Building: This is a crucial offering for many, addressing specific anxieties or past negative experiences. The site mentions “custom driving confidence courses,” suggesting a personalized approach to help drivers overcome their fears and become more at ease behind the wheel. Data from the DVSA Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency shows that driving test nerves are a major factor in failure rates, so dedicated confidence building can significantly improve outcomes.

Intensive Driving Courses

For learners keen to fast-track their progress, Excel-driving.com provides intensive driving courses, often referred to as “Excelerate.” This approach can condense weeks or months of learning into a much shorter timeframe.

• Accelerated Learning: These courses typically involve 4-6 hours of one-to-one driving lessons each day, allowing students to learn to drive in just one to two weeks. While intensive courses can be highly effective for some, they demand significant focus and commitment from the student.

Motorway Driving Lessons

Post-test training is often overlooked but is vital for holistic driver development.

Excel-driving.com addresses this by offering specialized motorway driving lessons.

• Beyond the Test: The standard driving test does not cover motorway driving, leaving many newly qualified drivers hesitant about navigating these high-speed roads. These lessons provide an ideal way to develop ability and confidence after passing the practical driving test.
• Enhanced Safety: Motorway driving requires a different skillset, including effective lane discipline, understanding junctions, managing higher speeds, and increased awareness. These lessons contribute significantly to creating safer, more confident drivers who can handle a wider range of road conditions. According to the Department for Transport, motorways are statistically the safest roads in the UK, but only for those who understand how to use them correctly.

Instructor Quality and Teaching Philosophy

The testimonials on Excel-driving.com consistently praise the instructors, highlighting their patience, professionalism, and ability to create a comfortable learning environment.

This focus on instructor quality is paramount for effective driving education.

Experienced and Patient Instructors

The website features several instructors, with Matt Taylor, Aneka, Aiden, and Richard Jordan who appears to be the founder frequently mentioned in testimonials. Common themes in feedback include: Royalcaribbean.com Reviews

• Patience and Calm Demeanor: Many pupils, especially those who were nervous or had previous negative experiences, commend instructors for their calm approach. This is crucial for reducing anxiety and fostering a productive learning environment.
• Adaptable Teaching Styles: Testimonials highlight instructors adapting their teaching methods to individual needs, asking about preferred learning styles, and tailoring lessons accordingly. This personalized approach can significantly enhance learning efficiency.
• Clear Communication: Effective instructors explain complex maneuvers and road rules clearly, ensuring students grasp concepts thoroughly. Feedback mentions instructors explaining things well and providing clear guidance.

Focus on Safe Driving for Life

Beyond simply passing the test, Excel Driver Training emphasizes instilling habits for safe driving for years to come.

This aligns with a responsible and ethical approach to driver education.

• Comprehensive Preparation: Instructors don’t just teach to the test. they prepare students for real-world driving scenarios. Richard Jordan is noted for preparing students for “independent driving” and “setting you up for years of safe driving.”
• Holistic Skill Development: The inclusion of motorway lessons and confidence-building courses further supports this philosophy, recognizing that true driving proficiency extends beyond the immediate goal of passing the practical exam. This long-term view is commendable and aligns with the responsibilities of being a safe driver.

The “Total Drive App” Integration

A modern touch, the “Total Drive App” appears to be an integral part of the learning experience at Excel Driver Training, enhancing transparency and student engagement.

• Progress Tracking: The app allows students to track their progress, identify strengths, and pinpoint areas needing improvement. This self-reflection is a powerful tool for accelerating learning. One testimonial from Josh Ellershaw explicitly states, “The use of the progress tracking app and everything helped so much in getting me to reflect on each lesson to see where I was at and what I need to improve on.”
• Communication and Organization: For parents, the app offers insights into their child’s progress and lesson schedules, as highlighted by Jayne Thomas, who appreciated the “app shows driving skills and progress made, also has lessons booked so you can keep track.” This level of transparency builds trust and keeps all parties informed.
• Personalized Feedback: The app likely facilitates personalized feedback from instructors, allowing them to log specific skills practiced, areas mastered, and targets for future lessons. This structured approach helps ensure no critical driving skill is overlooked.

First-Time Pass Rates and Testimonials

A driving school’s success is often measured by its pass rates and the satisfaction of its former students.

Excel-driving.com leverages testimonials effectively to showcase its achievements.

High First-Time Pass Rates

The website proudly boasts “high first-time pass rates and pupils passing with very few faults.” While specific numerical data isn’t provided on the homepage which is common for driving schools due to data privacy and variability, the consistent theme in testimonials supports this claim.

• Evidence from Testimonials: Numerous testimonials explicitly mention passing “first time,” “with flying colors,” or “with only 1 driver fault” Gisele, Matt Taylor pupil. Jack Charlesworth, Aiden pupil. Michelle Woodward, Richard pupil. Catherine Wong, Richard pupil. This anecdotal evidence strongly supports the claim of high success rates.
• Instructor Investment: Several parents note how instructors like Richard are “invested in his students success” and “cares that they are driving safely well into the future,” which naturally translates to better test performance.

Volume and Quality of Testimonials

The sheer volume of detailed, positive testimonials is a significant indicator of client satisfaction and the quality of instruction. This is a powerful form of social proof.

• Diverse Perspectives: Testimonials come from pupils both manual and automatic, parents, and cover various instructors. This breadth of feedback provides a holistic view of the school’s impact.
• Specific Praises: Beyond simple “passed my test,” many testimonials delve into specific aspects like patience, ability to ease nerves, clarity of instruction, effective use of the app, and overall pleasant learning experience. This specificity lends credibility to the reviews.
• Reoccurring Themes: The repeated praise for instructors’ calm demeanor, patience, and ability to build confidence suggests a consistent positive experience across different instructors within the Excel Driver Training team.

Ethical Considerations and Business Practices

As a responsible driving school, Excel-driving.com demonstrates a commitment to transparency, safety, and community engagement.

Transparent Pricing and Policies

The website clearly outlines its pricing for various lesson types, including “Pay As You Go,” “Block Bookings,” and “Intensive Courses.”

• Clarity on Costs: While not a comprehensive breakdown of all terms, the upfront display of prices like £37.50 per hour or £450 for intensive courses gives potential students a clear understanding of financial commitments.
• Surcharge for PPE: The note about a “£1 per hour surcharge for PPE” Personal Protective Equipment highlights their proactive approach to health and safety, particularly relevant in current times, showing consideration for both instructors and students. This transparency about additional costs, even small ones, builds trust.

Community Engagement and Support

Excel Driver Training highlights its support for local charities, showcasing a commitment beyond just business operations. Pixartprinting.it Reviews

• “Keep the Beat” Charity: They are proud supporters of “Keep the Beat,” a local charity assisting children with heart conditions. This demonstrates a sense of corporate social responsibility.
• Local Sports Sponsorship: Sponsoring “Hinckley RFC Colt’s as a shirt sponsor” further illustrates their engagement with the local community, fostering goodwill and supporting youth development. This kind of community involvement is a positive sign of an ethically-minded business.

Commitment to Safety

The overarching theme of “Safe Driving For Life” underscores their dedication to creating responsible drivers.

• Beyond the Test Mentality: The emphasis on long-term safe driving, reinforced by offerings like motorway lessons, indicates that their instruction goes beyond merely meeting test requirements.
• Instructor Professionalism: The consistent feedback regarding instructors’ calm, patient, and professional approach contributes directly to a safe learning environment, reducing stress and allowing students to focus on safe driving practices.

Alternatives to Conventional Driving Schools

While Excel-driving.com appears to be a solid choice for learning to drive, it’s worth considering broader approaches to safe and ethical transportation, aligned with principles of responsibility and community.

Promoting Public Transportation and Cycling

For those who are not in urgent need of a car or are looking for more sustainable and often more economical options, public transportation and cycling are excellent alternatives.

• Environmental Impact: Opting for public transport like buses, trains, or trams significantly reduces carbon emissions and traffic congestion. Cycling offers zero emissions and promotes a healthy lifestyle.
• Cost Savings: Owning and maintaining a car involves substantial costs, including fuel, insurance, maintenance, and parking. Public transport passes or a good bicycle can be significantly cheaper in the long run.
• Urban Planning: Supporting public transport and cycling also encourages better urban planning, leading to more walkable cities and reduced reliance on individual vehicles. Many cities are investing heavily in cycling infrastructure and integrated public transport networks.

Carpooling and Ride-Sharing for Specific Needs

For intermittent travel needs, carpooling and ethical ride-sharing services can offer practical solutions without the full commitment of car ownership.

• Resource Efficiency: Carpooling maximizes the use of existing vehicles, reducing the number of cars on the road and sharing fuel costs. This is particularly beneficial for regular commutes.
• Community Connection: Organizing carpools can foster a sense of community and connection among neighbors or colleagues.
• Ethical Platforms: When considering ride-sharing services, it’s important to choose platforms that prioritize fair wages for drivers and uphold ethical business practices. Look for services known for their transparency and commitment to driver well-being.

Walking as a Primary Mode of Transport

For shorter distances, walking remains the most fundamental and beneficial mode of transport.

• Health Benefits: Walking is an excellent form of exercise, contributing to cardiovascular health, weight management, and mental well-being. Regular walking can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Simplicity and Accessibility: It requires no special equipment beyond comfortable shoes and is accessible to most people, regardless of age or economic status.
• Mindfulness and Connection: Walking allows for a deeper appreciation of one’s surroundings, fostering mindfulness and providing opportunities to connect with the local environment and community. It’s an opportunity for reflection and physical activity.

Ensuring Driving Proficiency and Safety Post-Test

Passing the driving test is a milestone, but true proficiency and safety develop over time.

Excel-driving.com touches on this with motorway lessons, but continuous self-improvement is key.

Continuous Learning and Skill Refinement

Driving is a skill that requires ongoing practice and adaptation to new conditions and regulations.

• Advanced Driving Courses: Consider taking advanced driving courses e.g., Pass Plus in the UK that cover situations not typically encountered during standard lessons, such as night driving, adverse weather conditions, and dual carriageways. These courses enhance skill and confidence.
• Defensive Driving Techniques: Focus on defensive driving, anticipating potential hazards and reacting proactively. This involves maintaining safe following distances, scanning the road ahead, and understanding how to read other road users’ intentions.
• Regular Practice: Even after years of driving, regular practice in varied conditions helps maintain sharp skills. This could include driving in different environments, at different times of day, and in varying weather.

Vehicle Maintenance and Roadworthiness

A safe driver also ensures their vehicle is in optimal condition. Regular maintenance is not just a recommendation. it’s a responsibility.

• Routine Checks: Regularly check tire pressure, oil levels, coolant, brakes, lights, and wipers. These simple checks can prevent breakdowns and improve vehicle safety.
• Professional Servicing: Adhere to manufacturer-recommended service schedules. Professional mechanics can identify and address issues before they become serious safety hazards.
• Understanding Your Vehicle: Familiarize yourself with your car’s features, warning lights, and emergency procedures. Knowing how to handle a flat tire or a minor mechanical issue can be crucial.

Mindset and Responsibility

Ultimately, safe driving comes down to a responsible and disciplined mindset. Byhappyme.com Reviews

• Avoid Distractions: Refrain from using mobile phones, eating, or engaging in other distracting activities while driving. A momentary lapse in concentration can have severe consequences.
• Manage Emotions: Avoid driving when angry, stressed, or overly fatigued. These states impair judgment and reaction times. Pull over and rest if you feel drowsy.
• Adhere to Traffic Laws: Always obey speed limits, traffic signals, and road signs. These rules are in place for the safety of all road users. Driving responsibly is a manifestation of caring for oneself and others on the road.

The Importance of Ethical Business Practices in Education

When choosing any educational service, including driving schools, evaluating their ethical framework is crucial.

Excel-driving.com’s approach to pricing, community involvement, and student welfare provides a good example.

Fair and Transparent Pricing

Ethical businesses maintain clear and honest pricing structures, avoiding hidden fees or deceptive practices.

• No Hidden Costs: The mention of a “£1 per hour surcharge for PPE” is a minor cost but demonstrates transparency, which is a positive sign. Businesses should avoid bait-and-switch tactics or unexpected charges.
• Value for Money: While price is a factor, the emphasis should be on the value received for the investment. A slightly higher price might be justified by higher quality instructors, better pass rates, or more comprehensive training.

Student-Centric Approach

Putting the student’s learning and well-being at the forefront is a hallmark of an ethical educational provider.

• Personalized Learning: The instructors’ willingness to adapt their teaching styles and address individual student needs, as highlighted in testimonials, reflects a student-centric approach. This contrasts with a one-size-fits-all model that might not benefit all learners.
• Confidence Building: Actively working to build student confidence, particularly for nervous drivers, goes beyond mere instruction and shows a genuine concern for the learner’s emotional and psychological state during the challenging process of learning to drive.

Community and Social Responsibility

Businesses that give back to the community demonstrate a broader ethical outlook.

• Charitable Support: Excel Driver Training’s support for “Keep the Beat” and local sports teams shows that they are not solely focused on profit but also on contributing positively to society. This can inspire confidence in their overall integrity.
• Sustainable Practices: While not explicitly mentioned, an ethical driving school might also consider fuel-efficient vehicles or other environmentally conscious practices to minimize their ecological footprint.

Navigating the Process of Learning to Drive

For anyone considering starting their driving journey, understanding the typical process and what to expect can be beneficial.

Initial Steps

Before even getting behind the wheel, there are a few prerequisites.

• Provisional Driving License: This is the absolute first step. In the UK, you can apply for a provisional license from the age of 15 years and 9 months, though you can only start driving a car when you’re 17.
• Theory Test: This involves two parts: multiple-choice questions on driving theory and hazard perception. Passing the theory test is mandatory before you can book your practical driving test. Many driving schools, while not directly providing theory training, will advise on resources.
• Choosing an Instructor/School: This is where reviews like those for Excel-driving.com become invaluable. Look for instructors who are calm, patient, knowledgeable, and have good pass rates. Consider their teaching style and whether it aligns with your learning preferences.

Practical Driving Lessons

This is the core of the learning experience, where you develop hands-on skills.

• Structured Learning: Good instructors follow a structured curriculum, progressively teaching maneuvers, road situations, and defensive driving techniques. The use of apps like Total Drive can help track this progression.
• Consistent Practice: Regular lessons are more effective than sporadic ones. Aim for at least one lesson per week, or consider intensive courses if your schedule allows and you’re comfortable with accelerated learning.
• Private Practice: If possible and legal with a qualified supervisor and insured vehicle, private practice between lessons can significantly boost progress. This allows you to reinforce skills learned in lessons.

The Practical Driving Test

This is the culmination of your learning journey.

• Preparation is Key: Ensure you and your instructor feel you are fully prepared across all aspects of driving. Don’t rush into booking a test if you’re not confident.
• Mock Tests: Many instructors conduct mock tests to simulate the real experience, helping you get accustomed to the format and identify any remaining weaknesses.
• Staying Calm: Nerves are common. Techniques like deep breathing and positive visualization can help manage test day anxiety. Remember that failing is not the end of the world. it’s a learning opportunity.

Conclusion

Based on a thorough review of its website, Excel-driving.com presents itself as a highly professional and effective driving school. Remmotorcycle.com Reviews

Their diverse lesson offerings, emphasis on experienced and patient instructors, utilization of technology like the “Total Drive App,” and a plethora of positive testimonials paint a picture of a reputable institution dedicated to producing safe, confident drivers.

The consistent praise from both pupils and parents regarding high first-time pass rates and the supportive learning environment further solidifies their standing.

Their commitment to transparency, community engagement, and a “safe driving for life” philosophy also speaks to strong ethical business practices.

For those in their service area looking for a reliable and student-focused driving education, Excel-driving.com appears to be a strong contender.

However, always remember to consider broader, ethical transportation alternatives and prioritize continuous learning and responsible practices for lifelong safe mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Excel-driving.com a legitimate driving school?

Yes, based on the website’s content, Excel-driving.com appears to be a legitimate and established independent driving school, offering comprehensive driver training services.

What types of driving lessons does Excel-driving.com offer?

Excel-driving.com offers a range of lessons including standard hourly “Pay As You Go” lessons, “Block Bookings” for cost savings, intensive driving courses Excelerate, confidence-building lessons, and specialized motorway driving lessons.

How much do driving lessons cost at Excel-driving.com?

Based on the website, “Pay As You Go” lessons start from £37.50 per hour.

Block bookings are priced at £350, saving £20. Intensive courses start from £450. There is also a £1 per hour surcharge for PPE.

Does Excel-driving.com offer intensive driving courses?

Yes, Excel-driving.com offers “Intensive Driving Courses” designed to help students learn to drive quickly, typically in one to two weeks, with 4 to 6 hours of one-to-one lessons each day. Subcold.com Reviews

Do Excel-driving.com instructors help with confidence building?

Yes, the website explicitly states that they offer “Confidence Building Lessons” and are dedicated to helping a wide range of drivers become safer and more confident, addressing specific needs.

Are the instructors at Excel-driving.com patient?

Based on numerous testimonials on their website, instructors like Matt Taylor, Aneka, Aiden, and Richard are consistently praised for being “calm,” “patient,” and “making nervous learners feel at ease.”

Does Excel-driving.com have a high first-time pass rate?

The website “proudly boasts high first-time pass rates,” and this claim is strongly supported by multiple testimonials from pupils who confirm they passed their driving test on their first attempt.

What is the “Total Drive App” mentioned on Excel-driving.com?

The “Total Drive App” is an application used by Excel Driver Training to help students track their progress, reflect on lessons, and identify areas for improvement, as well as for parents to monitor their child’s learning journey.

Can I learn to drive an automatic car with Excel-driving.com?

Yes, based on the testimonial from Gisele, who passed her “automatic test yesterday on my first attempt with only 1 driver fault thanks to my amazing teacher Aneka,” it confirms they offer automatic driving lessons.

Does Excel-driving.com offer motorway driving lessons?

Yes, Excel Driver Training provides “Motorway Driving Lessons” to help newly qualified drivers develop their ability and confidence on motorways after passing their practical driving test.

What is the teaching philosophy of Excel-driving.com?

Their teaching philosophy emphasizes “Safe Driving For Life,” aiming to provide the highest quality driver coaching from the moment you first get in the car until your test and beyond, setting you up for years of safe driving.

How can I book lessons with Excel-driving.com?

The website provides options to “ENQUIRE NOW” and “Book a lesson,” along with contact details including a telephone number 0800 246 5670 / 01455 633365 and email [email protected].

Is Excel-driving.com involved in any community initiatives?

Yes, Excel Driver Training is a proud supporter of “Keep the Beat,” a local charity supporting children with heart conditions, and also sponsors Hinckley RFC Colt’s.

Are there testimonials from parents on Excel-driving.com?

Yes, the website features numerous testimonials from parents like Paul Bennett, Katie, Fiona Burton, Lynn Elkington, and Jon Collins, praising the instructors and the school’s services. Apparelnook.com Reviews

Where is Excel-driving.com located?

Their office address is listed as Francis House, Coventry Road, Burbage, Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 2HL, indicating they primarily serve this region.

Do Excel-driving.com instructors provide personalized feedback?

Yes, testimonials suggest instructors adapt their teaching to individual needs and the “Total Drive App” helps with progress tracking and reflection, implying personalized feedback is a core part of their method.

How long does an intensive driving course usually last with Excel-driving.com?

Intensive driving courses are designed to condense learning into “just one to two weeks” with daily lessons.

Can I save money by pre-booking lessons with Excel-driving.com?

Yes, by choosing “Block Bookings,” you can save £20 compared to “Pay As You Go” hourly rates.

What makes Excel-driving.com different from other driving schools?

Based on the website, differentiators include high first-time pass rates, a strong focus on building confidence, the use of the “Total Drive App” for progress tracking, and personalized instruction tailored to individual needs.

Does Excel-driving.com prioritize safety beyond the driving test?

Yes, their slogan “Safe Driving For Life” and the offering of post-test lessons like motorway driving lessons demonstrate a strong commitment to long-term driver safety and competence.