Testimonials
Testimonials:
Becoming a Driving Instructor was something I knew nothing about and which I found quite daunting. However, from the outset Gary gave me a brief, but full outline of the process involved and made me feel much more relaxed about this life-changing decision. At this point, I knew straight away that I wanted Gary to train me as he made me feel comfortable, relaxed and had a wealth of knowledge to share.
Even though there’s no one-on-one training required for the Theory & Hazard Perception Test (ADI Part1), Gary was able to provide me with web-links and send me useful emails related to this exam. In addition, Gary was always on the end of a phone, text or email to answer any questions and give further support.
When the training for the ADI Part 2 exam started, I wasn’t too sure what to expect but Gary eased me into the lessons gradually, building up my confidence and knowledge; almost without me even noticing. This made the lessons more enjoyable and less of a ‘work-based’ chore; and I actually found our time together seemed to go quickly.
Once I had passed Part 2 we quickly moved onto ADI Part 3 – this, I wasn’t looking forward to. I knew that a certain amount of roleplay would be involved which is my worst nightmare. However, Gary quickly picked up on this and helped me to approach the roleplay in the right frame of mind; which surprisingly to me, put my mind at rest and allowed me to jump into it with both feet. Needless to say, Gary’s techniques and continued range of teaching resulted in me passing my part 3 at the first attempt.
In summary, over my whole training experience (and even to date), I have found Gary to be professional at all times (including his manner, presentation and time keeping), super helpful and so knowledgeable about his subject. Gary is clearly passionate about teaching and has several more driving qualifications to his name; which speaks volumes. I find Gary very approachable and always has time for you; which is why I consider him a very good colleague & friend. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Gary to anyone who was considering to train as an Approved Driving Instructor.
Dave - Dec 17
I’m a fully qualified ADI, all 3 parts where passed first attempt with Gareth James of FIVESTAR, from the minute I decided to become an ADI Gareth James was there to help every step of the way,
My part 1 was so easy to use, I received my books and was able to revise at my own leisure, all the training books were so easy to follow and the online Theory Practice was amazing and really did give me an insight to what the Theory and Hazard Perception was about. It really put me at ease.
Part 2 Driver Training with Gareth James, I really enjoyed this part, I was automatically put at ease by Gareths professionalism , he was always punctual and never let me down, I was never made to feel this was out of reach, Gareth explained everything clearly and was very thorough. The quality of my tuition was very high, I passed my Part 2 with only 2 minor faults, and that was 2 minor faults with the flu, so I’m sure it would if been better if I was well. Gareth was available for questions at all times, either answering a call or by text, my training felt like a one to one basis at all times.
Part 3 Teaching with Gareth James, well what can I say this was for me the scariest part, at all times Gareth James made me feel I could do it, even though I had my doubts, Gareth made me believe in myself and at all times provided me with a real depth of knowledge, again it was a one to one touch that made me feel I was his only pupil. I am the type of person that does not have a lot of confidence but Gareth made me believe in myself. This training is something I will never forget, meeting somebody who had so much faith and belief in me, so much so that I didn’t only pass my part 3 first time, I was told by the examiner that I smashed it with a score of 6/5 , I was told they hadn’t sat in a part 3 test like that in years, yes I did it but only followed my brilliant training from Gareth, a man who I will be thankful to forever.
So now I’m out on the road still using my training, with Gareth’s words coming out of my mouth lol, Thank you Gareth James and my new FIVESTAR family, I’m loving every minute x
Nicky - Nov 17
I was made Redundant in January 2014 and after 22 years in the same Office Job as an IT Manager in London I decided it was time to do what I’d always wanted to do and become a Driving Instructor.
I started searching on the web and soon realised it was easy to take the wrong path and pay up front with a large well-known company who don’t really care, and it was all about the money. There was and is plenty of Testimonials to this day on the web sadly of this fact. So, I soon realised it was best to try and find a decent independent Ordit Trained Instructor to train me. I got in touch with a chap called Tony who is one of the highest qualified Instructor Trainers in Essex, He trains everyone, The Army, Police, right down to basic pupils, He’s done it all and was very well respected in the business. So, I managed to get his number and pluck up the courage to call him, Lovely chap who recommended a Mr. Gary James who covered my Area where I lived and who Tony trained. So next step, Call This Gary chap.
I spoke to Gary the next day I believe it was and found him to be so encouraging even on that first call. In a few days he popped over to see me.
From that moment started a respect for Gary that never wains, Gary explained all the 3 Parts of qualifying process and I agreed there and then to start. Part one was fully supported by Gary but is mainly down to me to learn as it’s the theory part, When I passed this I started Part 2, Training to drive to a high standard, “You have to practice what you preach” to be an Instructor. Over the course of the next few months I spent many hours with Gary and after he got me to “Unlearn” my bad habits of 28 years of driving. If there’s a problem, He has a way of teaching and helping you understand where your going wrong that you correct that fault much faster. He truly knows what he’s talking about. Not long after I thankfully passed part 2. During this time my opinion of Gary truly grew, to this day it never ceases to amaze me Gary’s enthusiasm, Knowledge, Patience to his teaching approach. I’m sure there’s nothing about driving and the skills involved that he doesn’t know about? whether it’s a basic learner he’s teaching or if it’s an Instructor he’s teaching. And I know that he is constantly on the ball with his learning as well and has many additional teaching and advanced driving skills and qualifications.
Part 3, The harder part to be truthful. But I learned this with Gary by my side always, When I felt a bit despondent he always made me feel positive and I always walked away from his lessons much happier. So, about 8 months later I was on the road, earning money, I’d still yet to take my Part 3 but with Gary’s help always. I fully qualified a few months later and I’m now part of the family that is Fivestar. I’m doing a job that’s so rewarding and I go home happy most nights (we all have bad days) I’m so grateful to Gary and his team because now I’ve been in the job for 18 months or, so I know how lucky I was to find him, it could have been a harder path. If I eventually become half as good an Instructor as Gary, I’ll be a happy man.
Dean – Nov 2017