2025 year review

2 February 2026

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What happened in 2025?

Still not enough driving tests available

Record after record somehow managed to be broken last year on how bad the wait is for a driving test in the UK, peaking at 5.5 in the autumn.  The head of the AA declared that things couldn't get any worse, and that's why, finally, the chief of the DVSA had to go.  So a big shake up at the top and hopefully the new big cheese will bring lower waiting times soon.


We expanded and welcomed onboard a new instructor, Jake.  Who's new to Bristol, but not to driving instruction.  He has moved to the east side of the city from Bournemouth and covers the Kingswood test area in a manual car.  So if you're after lessons in and around that part of the city, call him on 07399901234.

Highlights

In a year where getting a test proved to be extremely difficult, I managed to get the majority of students taking their test their drivers' licence.  Finishing with a strong 7 consecutive passes and 4 in the last two weeks of December I ended the year with a 79% pass rate (19 out of 24).  The national average last year was only 48%.  So not a bad year in all.


Here's a few of the success stories from the past year.

Congratulations card for Noah Shine passing his driving test, with photo and teal ribbon on a beige background

Noah

Noah passed their test first time with ZERO minors in the summer. 

Congratulations card for passing driving test, with a smiling person holding a certificate beside a car.

Alice

Another zero minor passing student from the spring time. 
"Thanks so much to Will, I passed today with no faults! I never thought I’d be a confident driver but Will’s teaching has made me feel so calm on the road and I’m actually excited about driving now. Highly recommend!"

Congratulations on passing your driving test, featuring Kamil Hendrych with a van in the background.

Kamil

This review came in for me back in October from the wonderful Kamil Hendrych, who passed first time with just 3 minors.

Here's their review in full.


"Absolutely the best driving experience I could have hoped for!
Wil is an outstanding instructor. Incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and professional. His calm and reassuring voice made the whole experience even more enjoyable and relaxing. I felt confident and well guided throughout, and I couldn’t have asked for a better teacher. Highly recommended!"

Congratulations message with portrait photo and the name Katie Huges on a ribbon banner

Katie

One of the final 4 in December who all passed just in time for Xmas.  Another first timer and with just 3 minors to her name.

Congratulations on passing your driving test; woman holds certificate beside car, with “Emma Tomlinson” ribbon.

Emma

My final test of the year and yet another zero minor wonder pass. 


"I cannot recommend Will highly enough! As an older learner with a real fear of driving, I never thought I’d be able to pass. From my very first lesson, Will put me completely at ease with his calm, patient, and encouraging approach. He gave me the confidence I needed and guided me every step of the way. Thanks to his wonderful instruction, I passed my test first time this week! I’ll genuinely miss my lessons, but I’m so grateful to Will for making what once felt impossible into a reality."

A CLASS DRIVING SCHOOL NEWS

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by Wil Dracott • 3 August 2026
Blog post for a mid year catch up on what's been happening at a-class driving school Bristol 2026. Reviews and a new driving instructor has started at the school
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31 May 2026
Blog post on the laws surrounding CBD drinks and the effects on drivers
Poster with two opposite arrows and text: “How to switch driving tests come May 12th.”
by Will Dracott • 6 May 2026
DVSA posts driving test swap guidance for learners