Testimonials

Testimonials

Thank you Paul!

I would 100% recommend Paul! He’s was amazing, made me feel more confident on the road, reassured me whenever I needed it and helped me pass. He’s a lovely man and made me feel comfortable.

Kira Valentine

Thank you Justin!

I cannot recommend Justin highly enough! After a few negative experiences with other driving instructors in the past, my confidence was low and I had stopped taking lessons altogether. However, lessons with Justin were like night and day by comparison. He was extremely patient, explained things clearly, made me feel at ease and, most importantly,

Chloe Szilagyi

Steve Pearce

Would highly recommend Steve he is a great instructor with many of years of knowledge which he teaches clearly and concisely. I failed my first test but thanks to Steve I was able to quickly get back on track and he managed to get me a test 2 weeks later which I passed with no

Henry Long

Highly Recommend

Massive thank you to Paul! If you look up the definition of a what a driving instructor should be like you’ll see Paul. Amazing guy, patient, friendly & a great sense of humour. An amazing instructor I couldn’t have been luckier to have him teach me. Thank you Paul and thank you 1st Castle

Stephen

Thank you so much Paul!!!!

After trying several driving schools we found Paul at 1st Castle who had been recommended to us. He immediately made me feel at ease and made all my lessons so fun. He was reassuring and very positive which is exactly what I needed. Would fully recommend Paul specifically to any neurodivergent driver who needs someone

Thomas Toghill

Thanks Steve!

I recently passed my driving test on the first attempt with no minors thanks to my instructor Steve JP! He has extensive knowledge and experience, and his high standards thoroughly prepared me for the test. Steve has also kept in contact after passing and helped me pick out some cars. Thanks again Steve, was great

Emily Kelly

Thank you Steve Pearce

Having had a break for several years from driving. I decided to take my pass plus to refresh my driving skills and build confidence. I was a little nervous. Steve’s patience, encouragement, and knowledge put me at ease immediately and I really enjoyed being back on the road. Steve has a wealth of knowledge regarding

Anne Rutherford

I would highly recommend 1st Castle

I would highly recommend 1st Castle to any new driver as I had Steve Pearce as my instructor and thought he was brilliant. His teaching is thorough and he gets you to really understand why you should do each procedure rather than just ticking a box for a test. I feel that I have properly

Anju Bhatia

Excellent!

My daughter recently passed her driving test with Steve Pearce. Sophie was very nervous at first. Steve was encouraging and patient, with a sense of humour! Sophie became comfortable learning to drive with Steve and her confidence grew. At all times, Steve was contactable, not only to me, but Sophie. He offered lots of useful

Georgina Steen

5 Star rating for Steve

Steve Pearce has been an excellent instructor and we used him for all three of our children and two passed first time. He was very helpful booking the test for us too. We would highly recommend him. Fiona

Fiona Marley

Massive thanks to James – brilliant Instructor

Just leaving a testimonial having passed my drivers’ test yesterday with 1st Castle at the Chichester DVSA Test Centre. I would like to thank my instructor James for supporting me through the test and for taking the time to help me improve my driving. I found myself re-taking my test aged 48, having been on

Tim Sheppard

Andrew is a great instructor,

Andrew is a great instructor, I couldn’t have asked for anyone better. Not only is he fun to chat to, which eases your nerves, but he’s also knowledgeable in what he does. He explains things very well, which has helped me to pass my test! Many thanks!

Tyler B

A Great Experience

Passed my driving test last October (2023) and I can’t thank Justin enough. As someone who is neurodivergent (Asperger’s Syndrome), I was paired with Justin as my instructor after enquiring about lessons and since the first lesson, I found him to be knowledgeable, patient and understanding. During each lesson, I felt I was gaining valuable

Glenn Ettridge

Great experience with Paul Groves!

I passed my test first attempt today with no fault! Big thank you to Paul for getting me there and making driving enjoyable again! Paul was very patient and gave clear instructions. He help build get back my confidence in driving. It was very pleasant experience and would highly recommend!

Marianne Rachid

Passed with Paul Groves!

Absolutely amazing service for new learners, Paul especially is very patient and understanding with a good sense of humour. Passed within two years of learning and 3 tests with no fault from Paul – I took it slow. 1st Castle is definitely a recommend for me due to the reassuring environment and support. Thank you

Alexandra Mattock

Passed with Paul Groves!

I passed my test today thanks to Paul! His lessons were always calm, informative and he has helped me reach a goal I thought I would never achieve. I can’t thank him enough for everything. I am the most anxious person ever and paul made me feel at ease. 100% recommend! Many thanks again!!

Elle Linford

Kamil Cedro is an excellent Instructor

My special appreciation goes to Kamil Cedro for his dedicated and highly observatory teaching style. He opened my eyes to many grey areas that were affecting my mastery of driving skills. I understood how the way i drive is connected to how I handle other tasks; my level of concentration, mindfulness and attention to detail

Florence Osuagwu

Amazing experience

Paul was a brilliant teacher really went out of his way to understand my needs with in the lesson and making sure I understand the plan of the lesson. Thanks to Paul and his time and effort I managed to pass first time and I know I couldn’t have done it without his guidance thankyou

Sian Turrell

Thank you!!

I learnt with Kevin and he was the best instructor I could have gotten. I was extremely nervous and he was really good at explaining everything well and being patient with me. Still can’t believe I passed! Thank you so much

Hollie

Great instructor Paul

Paul Groves is a fantastic teacher. He is very professional and helpful. He was very patient and polite during my lessons which helped massively to boost my confidence. Highly recommended. Thank you Paul for helping to pass my driving test.

Moniba Shadloo

Steve has been great!

Steve Pearce has been a great instructor for me the past few months, and we managed to get me a pass first attempt. Very friendly, knowledgeable and calm. He could gauge exactly how many lessons i would need after just a couple hours, and he was absolutely spot on, no more, no less, bang on.

Joshua

Steve is the best!

Steve was patient and observant with his teaching. He knew from the first drive my strengths and weaknesses and helped me to work on them in our lessons. I also got anxious before my test and Steve was very sympathetic and helped me calm down so I could pass. Brilliant teacher, especially if you are

Edmund Gilbert

Thanks to Paul!

Paul was an outstanding teacher. He gave me full confidence in my driving and we achieved a calm first-time pass. Can’t recommend him highly enough – great teaching, flexible timings and he won’t ever try to sell you on lessons you don’t need. 5 stars!

Alex O'Neill

Thank You Paul!

Paul has been an excellent instructor from start to finish. He was very methodical and thorough, as well as being very approachable and putting me at ease. I have actually enjoyed driving and am grateful to have passed my test. Managed to conquer my anxiety which was my big problem by the day of the

Catherine Dominic

A massive thank you to Dave Robinson

I would just like to say a massive thank you to Dave Robinson. What an amazing instructor, Dave is patient and motivated guy whom made me feel at ease. What an amazing man thank you.

Tyler Ablitt

First time pass with Steve Pearce!

I can honestly say that Steve is the best. I picked up so many bad little habits from previous people who taught me how to drive . Steve ironed all these out and from that, it gave me confidence, made me feel safer and in more control of the car and I passed first time

Oliver swift

Super Steve

Steve Pearce was my first and only driving instructor, having originally started learning with my dad and picking up some bad habits. Steve was able to make me aware of what I had been doing wrong and within a few. lessons I could see my driving was beginning to improve to a point where I

Benjamin Cotton

STEVE PEARCE IS THE BEST!

Steve Pearce got me to feel confident in myself and my driving. He taught with so much patience, encouragement and also a lot of fun, which really helps relax those nerves. At the age of 34,I really believed I’d struggle to pass my test but I did, first time! All thanks to Steve – forever

Claire Christian - Farman

ON CLOUD 9!

I passed first time yesterday and cried with happiness with only 7 minors. I just won’t to say a big thank you, to Justin at First Castle Cars, for believing in me and not giving up on me, I suffered with low self esteem and a lack of confidence with driving. Justin made me feel

Kelly

Amazing experience, first class instructor

From the initial first phone call right up to and including my test 1st castle and my instructor Paul Groves were absolutely fantastic, I was very nervous when I first started to learn and Paul was brilliant with me, I couldn’t recommend this company and Paul highly enough, I’m grateful for everything I have learned

Matt Tull

Passed 1st time, thanks Steve

Steve Pearce was my 4th instructor I’ve had, and within a few months Steve got to place where I was ready for my test. I passed my test first time with no minors. He is a patient and friendly instructor, after a few lessons with Steve, we both made a decision that manual drive was

David frost

I almost bottled my test!

I just wan’t to say a big thank you, to Justin at First Castle Cars, for believing in me and not giving up on me, I suffered with low self esteem and confidence with driving. And I felt that Justin generally cared about passing me and not just about the money. Keep up the good

kelly dasseville

First Time Pass.

I passed first time after lessons with. Steve Pearce, he was superb. Having had lessons with another instructor in another part of the UK, I learnt more with Steve in a three hour lesson than many other lessons combined. Throughout my lessons he was calm, professional, and encouraging. Thank you Steve !

Amie Simpson

First Time Pass

I passed with Paul Groves at my first time. I also recommend him to my friend and he also passed. He got the technical know how and patience. Will always recommend Paul Groves

Moses

Passed 1st attempt , Thank you Steve!

A big thank you going out to Steve Pearce who helped me navigate driving in the UK, which can be a daunting experience for a newcomer to the country. Steve’s calm, easy- going manner made driving lessons a breeze and there is no doubt that his clear instructions and very useful practical tips made all

Saurabh K

Thank you Genna !!

I literally couldn’t have asked for a better instructor. I didn’t start driving with Genna but honestly she is absolutely amazing at teaching and creating a really chill, comfortable learning environment. So patient but also really caring, will never rush you or pressure you. Couldn’t be happier with my pass and it’s all testament to

Hattie Cole

Steve Pearce

Would highly recommend Steve, very patient & good communicator, got me through my test quickly & efficiently. Thank you I am over the moon 🙂

Freddie

Thank you Steve

We cannot recommend Steve Pearce highly enough. My son James passed first time and that was all thanks to Steve who fitted us in with intensive driving lessons and was able to take my son for his test. Steve was brilliant and I would recommend him and 1st Castle to anyone looking for driving lessons.

Elaine Victory

Kevin Groves

Thank you Kevin for your calm , patience and understanding but most of all thank you for believing in me! I feel safe and confident now and all because of you! You are the best!

Mirela Warner

Absolutely Amazing

Just wanted to say thank you to Steve Pearce for getting me through my test! Very patient and professional instructor and is very easy to get along with which was lovely! He boosted my confidence as a driver as I was very anxious before and passed first time with Steve which still has not sunk

Madi Brown

Steve Morely is excellent

Steve Morely is an excellent instructor. He has a huge amount of experience in teaching all levels of driving and is able to install confidence in his pupils. He is always very calm and positive. I could not recommend him more highly.

Rupert Ellwood

Highly recommended

I passed my driving test after lessons with Steve Pearce at 1st Castle. Reliable, patient and helpful with attention to detail, he went the extra mile to help me work on the aspects of driving which were out of my comfort zone, helping me gain confidence on the road at a suitable pace. Great driving

Maddi Howell

Brilliant Steve 😀

Thank you Steve Pearce for helping our son pass his test on the first go. You got the measure of him from the first lesson and quickly built his confidence back up and gave him all the tools he needed to drive safely but confidently. And you managed it all in the space of 4

Carri Mackenzie

Steven Pearce

I would just like to thank Steven Pearce for getting me threw my extended driving test he drove upto King’s Lynn in Norfolk took me on a full day’s driving lesson and had my test today and passed I’ve been driving for over 30 year’s and had some bad habits steven took all that in

Simon Casey

Pass Plus!

Had an awesome experience on my Pass Plus course with Steve Pearce! Learned a lot of new driving skills that help me to be a more confident driver! I highly recommend Steve as a driving instructor, very patient, knowledgeable and has his own unique way of making sure you remember his driving lessons! Thanks and

Angelique Altobar

Thank you James!

James is the instructor to ask for in Chichester – he’s taught both my children and they both passed first time. He’s really good at explaining everything, patient and adaptable. Can’t recommend him more highly

Deborah Rubli

Passed First Time

Steve Pearce helped me gain the confidence and control i needed to push myself to accomplish something i didn’t think i could by passing my driving test first time this weekend. Amazing man.

Paige Jones

Thank you Genna!🚗

I want to say a huge thank you to Genna, I honestly could not have asked for a better driving instructor! When I started with Genna I was nervous on the roads and had no confidence but Genna helped me to gain back my confidence and pass first time! Thank you Genna for your kindness,

Lily Seymour

Steve Pearce

Thank you for the amazing experience!, for the kindness, patience, humour and understanding during all of my lessons. I couldn’t aks for a better instructor. Highly recommend to anyone. Keep up the great job! And thank you one more time!

Daniela Dicu

Pass first time

Steve has been fantastic as a driving instructor for myself and my two brothers. He is patient but firm and will prepare you for a lifetime of safe driving. Looking forward to doing pass-plus with him in a few months.

James Hughes

Thank you Genna !

Thank you so much for getting me through my test. I am so grateful for the support and advice you provided, as well as your encouraging, positive attitude. Not only did you help give me the confidence and skill to pass my test, but I am now a comfortable driver beyond that after passing. I

Rose

Steve Pearce

I passed first time and I wouldn’t have without the amazing support and help from Steve. We went at my own pace and helped me build up my confidence on the road. I cannot recommend 1st castle enough, they care and they’ll get you that pass.

Thomas Wright

Great Instructor

Just passed first time thanks to Paul! His intructions were always clear and he paced learning in a way that didnt overwhelm me with information. He was incredibly patient, friendly, supportive and ensured I was completely ready to pass my test. Legend!

Cameron Polidano

Truly Amazing

I passed my test today first time thanks to Steve – I genuinely don’t think I could’ve asked for a better instructor. He was very thorough in teaching everything I needed to know and also managed to keep me calm – very direct and to the point as well as funny. Very thankful that I

Lucy Harris

Refresher course well worth while

After 16 years off the road for various reasons, I gave Steve a call and asked if he could fit me in for a couple of lessons for 2 hours duration. I was nervous, naturally, but Steve soon put me at ease, allowing me to regain confidence. Driving with him in charge made it seem

STEPHEN P WOOLFENDEN

Perfect experience

I almost thought I’d never be able to drive, I’d gone through seven instructors and failed the test twice. But all that changed after I booked lessons with 1st Castle. A huge thanks to my instructor Mike, he was tougher than some of my previous instructors but also fair and I wouldn’t have been able

Charlie Mariscotti-Wyatt

Lauren Spalding

I had Trevor as an instructor and managed to pass first time! I’ve had a few instructors before and never even made it to the test, but Trevor stuck with me, drilled things in to make sure I get it, and even though I must have been difficult to teach, he got me to the

lauren spalding

Great Experience!

I recently passed my driving test- first attempt. Really appreciative of my driving instructor- Steve Pearce- who had a calm but firm approach to teaching- which is what I needed. Encouraging me to think independently which boosted my confidence in my driving. Super happy with my experience and would definitely recommend to others!!!

Zoe Tunnel

Mike was a great instructor

Mike was a great instructor who helped me develop confidence on the road by being precise and calm in his instructions and even giving up some of his own free time to teach me at the end of each lesson. I would highly recommend this driving school to anyone wanting to start driving lessons!!

Neve Ferrie

Steve Pearce

I would highly recommend 1st Castle to any new driver as I had Steve Pearce as my instructor and thought he was brilliant. His teaching is thorough and he gets you to really understand why you should do each procedure rather than just ticking a box for a test. I feel that I have properly

Tessa Marley

Big shout out to Glynn!

After taking one driving test and failing and being such a nervous driver, meeting Glynn helped beyond words. He helped calm me down after making stupid mistakes and make me realize where I was going wrong in a calm and cool manor, even when I had a bad lesson, he never gave up trying to

Matthew Foreshew

Benard Kipchumba

I am very grateful and pleased to have had Paul as my instructor. He has been brilliant in guiding me throughout my lessons upto passing my practical test. He is very friendly and has been very patient with me and always gave me invaluable driving information. I felt confident at the end of my lessons.

Benard Kipchumba

Excellent coaching and support.

I recently passed my driving test first time with zero minor fault. A huge amount of thanks goes to my amazing instructor STEVE PEARCE for his excellent coaching and support. He is very friendly, patient, calm and encouraging. He can also tailor his method of teaching according to the learners’ needs and keep them calm

Htet Aung Naing Lynn

Jim Voss lessons

Before starting lessons with Jim after having a previous instructor, I thought I knew how to drive and thought I had just been ‘unlucky’ with a few tests. In truth I wasn’t ready at all. I couldn’t park and roundabouts where a big struggle for me. I am very much a visual learner who needs

Naill H

Highly recommended

Jim was an excellent driving instructor! I passed first time and couldn’t have done it without him. Highly recommend to anyone.

Sophie Orde

Lucy P

After having lessons on and off over the last 10 years I decided it was now time to learn to drive and decided to opt for a automatic. Paul was my driving instructor and I can not recommend him enough. I had very little confidence from not great driving lessons in the past with previous

Lucy P

Great Experience

Decided I wanted to learn to drive late last year and was put in contact with 1st Castle and specifically Steve; honestly can say that it made the challenge of learning to drive an enjoyable experience. Very knowledgable and reliable as well as making sure I was fully ready for my test with no gaps

Joe

Absolutely brilliant

I had to take an emergency test as a key worker and Steve Pearce got me through it with only 4 hours of brilliant teaching. I also had David Robinson previously who laid great groundwork. I could not recommend the company highly enough, the levels of customer service and the efficiency with which I was

Zack Hodson

Lucy Madgewick form Midhurst has just passed her driving test

I failed my driving test seven times before trying automatic with 1st Castle. They really helped me perfect my driving skills and gave my confidence a massive boost. Inside four months I felt like a safe confident driver. Not only did I pass my test first time, I did so with a clean sheet! The

Lucy

Congratulations Tyrone

my driving lessons with Matt were pretty cool. I chose him because I had been advised he sort of knew what he on about (haha). He was easy to get on with and chose the right methods to teach me.

Tyrone

Congratulations Caprice!

I chose 1st Castle because they advertise manual and automatic cars and were very helpful when I phoned up for more information. I was worried about collisioning the car but I needn’t have worried as my instructor had a calming influence and did not start the lesson until we had discussed the lesson plan. I

Caprice

Congratulations Paula!

It still hasn’t really sunk in yet that I have passed, I keep telling myself, “You did, you can drive”.  My worst fear with driving was roundabouts – awful things! However with the great guidance from my instructor I found that I could tackle anything. I chose 1st Castle for their outstanding record and also

Paula

Congratulations Katrina!

Thank you very much for getting me through my test.  I never ever thought I would be driving.  I have always been very nervous in a car but you made me feel so comfortable.  I had been with another driving school before 1st Castle but I did not feel confident and was never made to

Katrina

Congratulations Nimmy!

I Still cannot believe that I’ve passed – was still so scared on Thursday!  One of my worst fears was being observed whilst driving.  Having driven previously overseas, driving with an instructor in the car again surprisingly took me very little time to get used to.  Having an examiner was harder – my worst nightmare! 

Nimmy

I Couldn’t Ask For a Better Instructor

Hi Gill, I just wanted to thank you for your kindness, patience, humour and understanding during all of my lessons. I couldn’t aks for a better instructor.  You’re a star 🙂 Thanks again for all.

Mary

I Nearly Gave Up On Several Occasions

Just wanted to say how grateful I am for all the support, patience and advice you have given me since learning to drive with you. As you know I nearly gave up on several occasions but your positive attitude and encouragement really got me through. I would highly recommend you to anyone learning to drive

Sarah

Thank You Barbara!

I was ready to throw the towel in with driving… 1st Castle has given me a real chance and belief in my ability to do it.  They are accommodating, friendly and reliable.  I will definitely recommend them to anyone needing lessons. Thanks guys.

Barbara

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    Just Passed

    Lee

    Congratulations Lee on your 1st time pass. Lives Bognor Regis and test at Portsmouth. Just the 3 driving faults too,

    Htet

    Great to be back at the test centres now tests have resumed albeit at a reduced rate! Today was an