Welcome to Mark Carroll Driving School

Serving Lougborough, West Bridgford and the surrounding area with a professional and reliable service offering full support to our students to allow them not only to pass both their theory and practical tests but to drive with confidence beyond. Our aim is to promote road safety and defensive driving techniques to protect our students and all other road users throughout their driving lifetime.

Corona Virus Update - 25th June 2020

In Parliament this morning the honourable Jacob Rees-Mogg stated that driving lessons would be able to resume from 4th July and that official communication from the DVSA would be imminent. Currently we have received no official communication and therefore will not be planning to resume lessons. We will look at requirements for lessons to resume and will update as soon as we can.following official communication from the DVSA.

Stay alert and stay safe.

Corona Virus Update - 24th June 2020

With the latest update from the prime minister yesterday the situation with regards to driving lessons remains unchanged. Whilst the social distancing requirement can be reduced to 1m plus, this still cannot be met within a car.

At this time you may still other driving instructors giving lessons. We are still able to deliver lessons to Key Workers who have an essential driving test booked, and in this situation should be operating under very strict Covid secure guidelines. If we were to start normal lessons and were to be stopped by the police, both the pupil and the driving instructor could be fined.

Stay alert and stay safe.

Corona Virus Update - 12th June 2020

DRIVING PRACTICAL TESTS

Practical tests are only available for KEY WORKERS, and you are unable to book a test unless you fall into that category. Some pupils have tests booked in the next few weeks, as an industry we expect those non-essential tests to be cancelled. Please keep checking your email accounts for any notification of changes by the DVSA.

DRIVING THEORY TESTS

Theory tests up to June 21st have been cancelled. You can book a theory test, however, be prepared for it to be cancelled.

DRIVING LESSONS

Currently we cannot conduct driving lessons as we cannot maintain current social distancing guidelines. You can practice with a member of your own household provided that you are insured and comply with the Road Traffic Act.

It is assumed by the governing bodies of the industry that normal lessons may be able to resume July 6th. This is a date that we are working towards, and as that becomes clearer, we will be in touch to arrange lessons. At this point we will communicate any special requirements that may be required for lessons to proceed.

Stay alert and stay safe.

Corona Virus Update - 30th March 2020

DRIVING PRACTICAL TESTS

If your test has been cancelled due to the Coronavirus outbreak you

should already have received a new date by email, or will shortly do

so. Please can you forward the new confirmation date to me as soon

as convenient.

DRIVING THEORY TESTS

Please keep checking for available dates. I have no information as to

when tests will be available. Assuming the current restrictions

remain in place I would expect no dates to be available.

Corona Virus Update - 23rd March 2020

It is with regret that I announce that all driving lessons are suspended with immediate effect. I have received the following advice from the professional associations that represent driving instructors and regularly consult with the government.

This is a very uncertain time, with unique actions required by us all

to keep the vulnerable in our society safe and ensure that the NHS

and health care professionals can cope. I will resume teaching as soon as it is safe to do so.

Please feel free to contact me directly should you have any

questions.

Statement from NASP (National Associations Strategic

Partnership) which comprises the ADINJC, DIA and

MSA GB

By NASP, Mar 23 2020 01:36PM

At an extremely difficult and worrying time for us all, taking into

account the Government public health advice regarding social

distancing and trying to and delay the spread of the COVID-19 virus

NASP would urge all instructors to stop delivering driving lessons,

if you have not already done so, with the exception of teaching key

workers where necessary. This should be until the end of April and

then we can then all review the situation again.

We fully appreciate the worry of financial loss that this brings, and we hope that

our calls for Government to offer a rescue package to the self-employed are acted

upon, but we consider it is not possible for us comply with current social

distancing measures whilst teaching in a car.

We realise that any decision regarding your business is ultimately your own to

make, but hope that this announcement might help those of you with uncertainty

about the appropriate course of action to take in these unprecedented

circumstances. We will keep you updated as times go on and if the situation

changes, please keep checking NASP website for current updates and advice.

Lynne Barrie on behalf of NASP as the current chair

Corona Virus Update - 21st March 2020

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has suspended all Driving Theory Tests for the month of April and all Practical Driving Tests for three months. There are some exceptions to this and more information can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-driving-tests-and-theory-tests

I am reviewing the situation with regards to resuming lessons from Monday 30th March.

It is possible that with the current crisis unfolding that you may not wish to continue lessons for the foreseeable future, please contact me and inform me as soon as you can. In the event that you are a key worker; according to the government lists, you may still be able to book a test and I will endeavour to continue delivering lessons to you. More information can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision

I will continue to operate within Government, Health Expert and Driving Instrustor Association guidelines.

Free Theory Test support is available to all of our students through our partners Theory Test Pro.

Why choose Mark Carroll Driving School?

Choosing the right driving instructor for you is a big decision. Obviously price is a big factor, however so is what the instructor has to offer in the way of support and flexibility, please take the time to read the reviews written by our former pupils. We offer friendly and relaxed lessons adapting our coaching to suit your own individual learning style and pace of learning. Our lessons are designed to prepare you for driving for the rest of your life, not just for passing your driving test. During lessons we will look to make sure that you put fuel in the car, visit a drive through restaurant, multi-storey car park and have a significant dual carriageway driving lesson. Additionally you will have the opportunity to plan a route to places that you may need to travel to, use a satellite navigation system, and have your parents join us in the car to aid your driving practice with them. With prior arrangement we can start and end your lessons in different places to suit your day's plans. We provide free on line theory training, and full support to ensure that you can pass the theory test as well as the practical test. If you want to find out more read the reviews posted by our former pupils and call us today, it could be the best call you make.

Downloads

Learner Drivers on Motorways

From Monday 4th June 2018 learner drivers will be able to have lessons on the motorway network in England, Scotland and Wales.

How Will the Change Work?

Learner drivers will need to be:

accompanied by an approved driving instructor
driving a car fitted with dual controls

Motorway lessons will remain voluntary with the driving instructor deciding when the learner driver is competent enough to have motorway lessons.

Full details can be found HERE.

The Driving Test has Changed

The Driving Test changed from Monday 4th December.

Whats changed?

Independent Driving: The independent driving section of the test is increasing from 10 minutes to 20 minutes and during most tests will involve using a satnav.This should include more higher speed roads and fewer housing estates.

Manoeuvres: Out go the turn in the road and reverse around corner to be replaced by forwards bay parking and reversing out and pull;ing up on the right side of the road and reversing before pulling off.

Show Me, Tell Me Questions: Rather than both questions being asked at the start of the test, one tell me question will be asked before the test commences and the show me question will be asked during the driving section of the test. The Q&A's can be found on the Downloads page of this website.

You can view videos explaining the changes on the Vehicle and Driver Standards Agency YouTube channel here.

East Leake Academy Young Driver Experience

East Leake Academy Students who were allocated places on the first Young Driver Experience

Our first Young Driver Experience Day in partnership with East Leake Academy will took place at the Academy on November 19th. The students who took part were challenged to move off, stop under control, steer through a course and reverse manoeuvre the cars. First image of the day is below and further images can be found here.

Laura with jake Wardle, the first student to get underway.

Proud to Sponsor West Bridgford Hockey Club Mens 2nd Xl

The Mark Carroll Driving School Awards 2017

The Mark Carroll Driving School Awards are presented in partnership with East Leake Academy to recognise Year 11 students who have excelled during their time at East Leake Academy.

This year four students have received the award, one representing each House at the school. Two are pictured above, unfortunately the two other recepients were completing their NCS placements and were unable to attend the presentation. Each student received a voucher for 5 hours of driving tuition with Mark Carroll Driving School.

Elaine, Laura and Mark with award winners after the presentation 29th June 2017

Mr T Smith, Vice Principal, with two award winners after the presentation 29th June 2017

Our Latest Successes:

Ethan Fox passed his test 13th March 2020

Ethan Johnson passed his test 12th March 2020

Ned Johnson passed his test 4th March 2020

See more successes

Our Latest Reviews:

Hasnain Kapasi - East Leake

Hasnain Kapasi recommends Mark Carroll Driving School.

12 November at 15:07

Fantastic instructor, taught me everything I needed to know and tons more. He's a friendly guy whose really helpful. Would definitely recommend ?

Poppy Priestley - Thrumpton

Poppy Priestley recommends Mark Carroll Driving School.

29 April

Mark is an amazing instructor! If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t have had the confidence to pass! His funny sense of humour put me at ease the second I met him on my first lesson. I can’t recommend him enough! Thank you so much for your help Mark!

Xander Purcell - Radcliffe on Trent

Xander Purcell recommends Mark Carroll Driving School.

6th March 2018

Mark was very good with helping me get ready for my test. Made me feel confident to drive and now feel that I can drive by myself confidently. He is very good with confident and non-confident drivers and will be patient to help you pass. Cheers Mark

Leah Peters - East Leake

Leah Peters recommends Mark Carroll Driving School.

1st March 2019

I’ve always struggled with my confidence and my nerves but mark really helped me and made me feel so comfortable, he was patient and taught me really well, I only had around 20 lessons with him and in that time he managed to help me pass my test and now I feel so comfortable to go out and drive anywhere. I would recommend him to anyone I know?

Katie Davidson - East Leake

Katie Dee recommends Mark Carroll Driving School.

I had previous experience in driving lessons (not very confident at all) and then had a long gap. From the start I was very anxious and Mark was incredibly understanding and knew how to push me to get my driving up to scratch! He’s very experienced, honest and friendly which has played a big part in how I have progressed. He worked around my shift work very well and was very flexible. He provided all of the resources needed to pass both my theory and today my practical test both first time! Very happy to say that I passed with only 4 minors today and it is because of Mark who has always encouraged me to be confident. Thank you so much! Would highly highly recommend!

Kirsty Ranson - Woollaton

Kirsty Ranson recommends

Mark Carroll Driving School.

23rd August 2018

Cannot recommend Mark enough! I started lessons with Mark as a nervous/unconfident driver, partially due to my previous instructor failing to teach me how to use a brake in 10 hours of lessons(!!). Despite me being out of my comfort zone, Mark made me feel at ease with lots of reassurance and a brilliant sense of humour from the very first lesson. I enjoyed how Mark allowed me to choose the lesson content, as it meant he could help me more with the areas I found most difficult. I greatly appreciate how Mark put up with my perfectionism, which ended up being my main problem with learning to drive! Once this was overcome, I became a much more confident driver, and passed my test all thanks to Mark!
I highly recommend him to anyone looking to have driving lessons, no matter what experience or ability?

Sophie Robinson - Costock

Sophie Robinson reviewed

Mark Carroll Driving School – 5*

- 21st May 2018 -5 star

-·

Highly recommend Mark if you’re looking for a driving instructor. After my old one not teaching me anything, Mark was happy to help and I learnt something new each lesson and eventually passed my test first time! Thankyou for all your help Mark

Megan Cox - Castle Donington

Megan Cox reviewed

Mark Carroll Driving School – 5*

- 2nd May 2018

5 star

After failing a test and having a bad experience with a driving instructor, I completely - pardon the pun - wrote-off driving three years ago. I was a nervous wreck and the thought of getting behind the wheel made me want to have a panic attack. For some reason, I decided to give this driving lark another go last year and heard from a family friend that Mark was pretty good. I clicked with Mark from the very first lesson and soon found out he's definitely more than 'pretty good'. Mark understood my anxieties, he put me at ease and he made me laugh - a lot! Three years ago I would have told you I'm never going to drive. Last Friday I passed my test and now I can not only drive, but I can drive confidently. I can't thank you enough Mark and I definitely recommend him to anyone thinking about driving or getting back into driving.