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A Basingstoke driving school - driving lessons with experienced female and male driving instructors

01256 354789 (Office)   •   07736 254962 (Bernie)   •   07770 853358 (Richard)   •   Contact form

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Wayfarer's news

  • Atul

    Friday night, darkest winter, lots of traffic - you wouldn't choose that for your first test, Atul :) But still, that's the hand you were dealt - and you passed - first time!
    I was so pleased for you, you really did deserve the result.
    Thank you for taking your lessons with me, it's been a pleasure to help you to get that full licence.
    Richard.

  • Joanna

    Just think, Joanna - no more trains and buses to get to work!
    I was so pleased you passed today, well done. First time too - keeping up the tradition at your work place!
    Richard.

  • Becki

    Congratulations, Becki. You passed with only one fault - fantastic!
    Hope you get your new car for the week-end. Have fun, and take care.
    Richard.

  • Jason

    Nice one today, Jason. You deserved to pass first time - hardly any faults either.
    Thanks for taking your lessons with me, hope you get to drive your dad's car!
    Richard.

  • Laurence

    What a good drive today, Laurence. Sitting in the back was nice and comfortable - for about 99% of the test ;) Five faults and a first time pass - well done!
    Hope you got your insurance sorted out today and got out for a drive.
    Richard.

  • Katie

    What a good start to the week, Katie! You drove really well today, hardly any faults - well done.
    I hope you enjoy driving your Ka - take care and watch out for all those learners :)
    Richard.

  • Joe

    Well done today Joe - passed first time - a great drive.
    I'll be keeping an eye on the Palace results - especially when they play Saints!
    Hope the new job goes well, drive safely.
    Richard.

  • Hannah

    Congratulations, Hannah! I was so pleased for you today. Passed first time!
    In all the excitement I forgot to get a photo :(
    Hope to see you for Pass Plus.
    Richard.

  • Charlie

    Four faults and a first time pass, Charlie - excellent!
    Thanks for taking your lessons with me, and I hope you find a car this week-end.
    Richard.

  • Emily

    Well done today Emily! That's one less thing to worry about :)
    Passed first time with four faults - I'm sure your results tomorrow will be equally impressive.
    Thanks for taking your lessons with me.
    Richard.

  • Dr Ian

    I forgot to take your photo, Ian. Oh well, I expect you remember what you look like!
    Well done today, I was really pleased for you. Enjoy driving in London.
    Thanks!
    Richard.

  • Zak

    Zak - congratulations! You passed first time and totally deserved to. I'll look forward to seeing you when you return from your holiday. Have a good time :)
    Richard.

  • Connor

    Connor - a great drive today - well done! Three faults is excellent - especially on your first test.
    I hope you get a van on the road soon. I'll give you a call when I need some building work done :)
    Richard.

  • Steph

    You did it Steph! Congratulations and well done.
    First test? Only five faults? Don't be too hard on Mike 'cos you got less than him :-)
    Richard.

  • Hannah

    Congratulations, Hannah, you drove so well today. Hardly any faults, and a very early start!
    I hope you enjoyed driving your car as a full licence holder :-)
    Take care and have fun.
    Richard.

  • Rose

    I can't say how pleased I was for you today, Rose. You drove so well, and dealt with many awkward situations perfectly.
    Thank you so much for taking your lessons with me, and make sure you enjoy your driving.
    Don't work too hard!
    Richard.

  • Nikki

    In the words of the (very nice) examiner: "That was a very nice drive. And I don't say that to many people."
    Well done today, Nikki. First time pass, four faults - just what we wanted.
    (And no cursing - blimey!)
    Richard.

  • Basingstoke theory test centre to close

    From the end of August 2011 Basingstoke residents will have to travel to Reading to sit their theory test.
    The DSA say that there are not enough tests taken to make our local test centre cost effective - despite an increase in tests taken over the last two years.

    View Larger Map
    Reading Theory Test Centre, Hanover House (3rd flr), 202 Kings Road, Reading, RG1 4NN
    Read the Basingstoke Gazette article
    Richard.

  • Lee

    Congratulations, Lee. A great drive - four faults is excellent.
    I hope you enjoy your long week-end - and don't work too hard when you get the company vehicle!
    Richard.

  • Joe

    Thanks for taking your lessons with me, Joe - I'm so pleased that you passed first time today. Congratulations!
    Two faults in around 40 minutes is excellent, well done.
    Richard.

  • Brad

    Well done today, Brad. At least one of us knew you were going to pass ;-)
    It was an excellent drive, I think the examiner was impressed. You only get one chance to pass first time - and you can't fail unless you stop trying.
    Richard.

  • Billy

    Billy - two faults! Not a bad way to pass your first test. Good driving must run in the family...
    Thank you so much for taking your lessons with me, I hope you got your insurance sorted out and are enjoying driving without me sat next to you :-)
    Richard.

  • Hazel

    Hazel - it was easy, wasn't it? Thank you so much for taking driving lessons with me. Are you sure there aren't any more brothers or sisters I could teach?
    Congratulations - to complete a family trio of first time passes is no mean feat - no pressure for you.
    PS Thanks for leaving the kind comments.
    Richard.

  • Iqtedar

    Congratulations, Khan, a good first time pass today. I felt very relaxed sitting in the back, it was a lovely drive.
    I hope you find a car that suits you soon, good luck with that.
    Thanks!
    Richard.

  • James

    The first test of 2011, James, after all that bad weather. Congratulations on a first time pass, four faults is really good.
    Enjoy driving your car, have fun and take care.
    Richard.

  • Prabhakar

    I was almost as happy as you were today Prab - well done! I hope that's a weight off your mind.
    I'm looking forward to a trip up to London - let me know when you are free to get on the motorway.
    Thanks!
    Richard.

  • Louise

    You did it Louise - passed first time - well done! Just remember to check your mirrors now and again :-)
    I was really pleased for you, and hope it makes your holiday a bit more special.
    Thanks!
    Richard.

  • Charlene

    Congratulations, Charlene - I'm glad the weather was kind to us today.
    Passed first time. Hardly any faults, either. Congrats on your other news, too!
    Richard.

  • Karl

    Great drive today Karl - I'm so glad you passed first time. I hope your boss is happy!
    Richard.

  • Davina

    You both did really well today Davina - congratulations!
    Two faults is a great result, well done.
    Thanks again for taking your lessons with me.
    Richard.

  • Callum

    Four faults - passed first time - a piece of cake.
    Thanks for taking the lessons with me, and congratulations!
    Richard.

  • Ed - Pass Plus


    20/10/2010 - Thanks for the nice smooth drive into London today Ed. You should get your Pass Plus certificate in the next two weeks - let me know if not.
    Richard.

  • Basingstoke test centre not closing

    I'm sure you know that it was announced (back in 2008) that Basingstoke test centre was going to close. To date, it hasn't happened.
    I sent an email to the DSA asking when it would close, and received this reply on the 7th October 2010:

    Dear Mr Fosh,
    Thank you for your email dated 6 October 2010.
    I should wish to confirm that any plans to close Basingstoke Driving Test Centre have now been cancelled.
    Yours sincerely
    Scott Bradley
    Customer Service Representative
    Driving Standards Agency
    Tel: 0300 200 1122
    Fax: 0300 200 1155
    Email: customer.services@dsa.gsi.gov.uk

    To say that I was surprised was an understatement. I have emailed back asking when this decision was made, and when it was announced to us, the paying public.
    I'll keep you updated.

    Richard.

  • Darren

    Congratulations Darren! I'm so pleased you passed today.
    I hope you went to work in the afternoon - no skiving off to celebrate :-)
    Richard.

  • Laura

    A first time pass today, Laura - congratulations!
    Have fun out there in your Ka - but check your brake lights now and again :-)
    Richard.

  • Grace

    Three driving faults - and you passed! You really deserved to pass today, I am so pleased for you.
    Thank you so much for taking your driving lessons with me, Grace. I am sure your parents will enjoy their chauffeur :-)
    Richard.

  • Ed

    I forgot to take a photo, Ed! I'll take a snap when you do Pass Plus.
    Congratulations on passing first time, today, well done. It was really easy, wasn't it?
    Richard.

  • Jordan

    Ok, Jordan. Deep breath, let it out slow, picture yourself behind the wheel of your own car ... it worked! Passed first time - excellent. Oh yes - check your mirrors now and again :-)
    Richard.

  • Lindsey

    You did it , Lindsey! Passed first time. Easy, wasn't it? I was so pleased for you. Enjoy yourself out there on the road, take care.
    Richard.

  • Ross

    I hope today makes up for England's performances, Ross! Harry for England manager?
    Richard.

  • Anusha

    You did it, Anusha! Well done, I was so pleased for you. Just think of all the places you can visit, and photograph, now.
    Richard.

  • Theory Test Rip Off

    If you are booking a theory test online, make sure you go to the page linked to from Wayfarer's site - "Online test booking" in the menu on the left.
    Google will come up with lots of options, including several scam sites which will book the test for you. It all looks good, until you pay - much more than the £31.00 fee you should be paying.
    The website you should be using starts its address with www.direct.gov - anything else is going to cost you!
    Richard.

  • Kellie

    Well done Kellie, excellent drive. It's been a lot of fun teaching you, truly a laugh a minute! Cant wait for your Pass plus. Take care out there. Bernie
    Bernie.

  • Thomas

    Congratulations Tom. Really good drive, calm and steady just as a good surgeon should be!
    Hope your exams go the same way, see you soon for Pass plus.
    Bernie.

  • Independent driving on test

    From October 4th 2010 there will be a new element added to the driving test - independent driving. Full details are in this YouTube video
    To allow for the extra time independent driving may take, candidates will be asked to only do one reversing manoeuvre.

  • Lisa

    Congratulations, Lisa. A great drive today - and I didn't have to sit in the back!
    Enjoy driving, take care out there.
    Richard.

  • Lydia

    Congratulations Lydia. A really good drive and passed first time! Well done, you kept a cool head and you did it! look forward to seeing you soon for Pass Plus.
    Stay cool.
    Bernie.

  • Sarah

    Well done today, Sarah!
    I was so pleased for you. And you passed first time!
    Richard.

  • Daryl

    I hope you get your Mini soon, Daryl.
    A great drive today, well done, you only get one chance to pass first time.
    Thanks!
    Richard.

  • Ben

    Passed first time, Ben - well done. Thank you for taking your lessons with me, and enjoy driving your Punto.
    Good luck!
    Richard.

  • Take us on test with you.

    From April 6th 2010, examiners will ask all learners if they want their instructor (or accompanying driver) to sit in on the test. Nothing new, really - Bernie and I always ask our customers if they want us to sit in, and about half do. The only new thing is that now you will be asked by the examiner. It's still up to you - after all, you're paying.
    Richard.

  • Matilda

    Well done, Matilda - passed first time with only four faults - an excellent drive. Hope the journey to work goes well!
    Richard.

  • Josh

    Congratulations, Josh. You were born to drive, well done today! Passed first time - three faults - brilliant. Not a bad months work from start to finish :-)
    Richard.

  • Zoe

    Hi Zoe... you passed! First time!
    I was so pleased for you. Thank you and congratulations.
    Richard.

  • You did it Liam

    Great drive today, Liam - five driving faults - one test passed.
    You really deserved it. Thanks for taking your lessons with me.
    I'll see you for a coffee!
    Richard.

  • Sam - success on Saturday

    Well done today, Sam! Two faults - very good. Getting to work should be a lot easier, now, for Dad as well as you...
    Hope everything goes well this year, and thanks again for taking your lessons with me.
    Richard.

  • Dan the man

    Passed first time today, Dan - congratulations!
    Thanks again for learning with me. Give me a call about Pass Plus.
    Richard.

  • Well done Michael

    A great drive today, Michael. Thanks for taking your lessons with me, and enjoy your driving - on four wheels instead of two!
    Richard.

  • First success in twenty - ten

    Thank you Frank, you are the first test success of 2010!
    I was a bit worried about the weather, but the snow held off and the test went ahead.
    You must have driven very smoothly , to only get three driving faults - well done!
    Richard.

  • Test success for Wei Feng

    Congratulations, Wei - you passed - first time!
    It was a pleasure to teach you, and I wish you safe and happy driving.
    Richard.

  • Congratulations to Amanda

    Well done today, Amanda. You drove really well and passed first time!
    I'll explain to the examiner how the fog lights work in a Seat Ibiza next time I'm up there!
    I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy new year.
    Richard

  • Gaurav Karvir

    Congratulations, Gaurav! Passed first time today, and only two faults - brilliant.
    I felt really relaxed sat in the back of the car, I know the examiner (or Auntie) felt safe and secure.
    I hope everything goes well with your relocation and trip home.
    Richard.

  • Adam Fifield

    Adam drove really well and passed his test first time on Tuesday. I'm really pleased for you Adam, you got it sorted! Well done! It's been a pleasure to teach you, I'm looking forward to your Pass Plus.
    Bernie.

  • Pass Plus - Trafalgar Square

    Steve Cawley drove me up to London today as part of his Pass Plus course. It was a very nice drive, Steve coped brilliantly with the motorways and driving in the centre of London.

    We got to Trafalgar Square, had a quick glimpse of Nelson, and made our way back. As we returned, Steve navigated really well, I didn't have to prompt him at all as the junctions came up.
    Although I have a sat-nav in my phone, I think doing Pass Plus it's better to try to navigate the old fashioned way. Any thoughts? Should I show customers how to use the sat-nav?

  • Driving test cancellation checker

    There is a website which can automatically check for driving test cancellations - for a reasonable fee.

    This could prove invaluable for those desperate for a test date. In my limited experience, it does work.
    www.drivingtestcancellations.co.uk

  • Take your driving instructor on test

    One change to the driving test which was due to be introduced in 2010 was that the accompanying driver - probably your instructor - would have to sit in the back of the car.

    At the moment, I sit in on many tests, because the candidate has asked me to. But some people don't want me there, and it's right that they should be able to choose.

    In a victory for common sense, Lord Adonis (Transport Minister) said that the new proposals "have been reversed to avoid unnecessary regulation"

    The only relevant change is that the learner will be asked by the examiner at the start of their test whether they want their accompanying driver to sit in during the test.

    Press coverage:
    Daily Mail

  • DSA use YouTube and Twitter

    The Driving Standards Agency are really getting up to date, and using Twitter and YouTube to keep us all better informed.

    Their YouTube channel has several videos including "In the Driving Seat" (a fifteen minute drama, aimed at 15-16 year old pre-drivers) and "Are You Ready?" - advice for theory and practical test candidates.

    And like Stephen Fry, Britney Spears, Jonathan Ross and Arnold Schwarzenegger (top 50 twitterers) the DSA are twittering all their latest news.

    How long before you can book a test on twitter...

  • Basingstoke test centre closure - latest

    After a test today I spoke to one of the examiners about Basingstoke test centre closing.

    Although first proposed to happen about a year ago, it looks like we will be OK until well into the new year - 2010. The unofficial word is that Winchester test centre is being upgraded to take the extra work, and that won't be complete for a few months yet.
    (Incidentally, the examiners at Basingstoke are a very friendly bunch, always willing to have a chat and help out if they can. It's a tough job, but they do it really well.)