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Friendly, professional & comprehensive driving tuition.
All the skills you need to become a safe, confident driver.
Friendly, professional & comprehensive driving tuition.
All the skills you need to become a safe, confident driver.
Turning Point Driving School is run by Steve Hyde, an experienced Approved Driving Instructor, living and working in this area for over 20 years. Turning Point offers MANUAL driving instruction.
HIGH PASS RATE!
Turning Point Driving School serves much of:
Redbridge
Waltham Forest
and the surrounding area.
(Driving Lessons in Redbridge, Driving Lessons in Woodford Green, Driving Lessons in Loughton and many more!)
I believe in delivering complete customer satisfaction, value for money and above all an enjoyable, relaxed approach to teaching you to drive.
Turning Point provide you with a fully qualified, friendly and professional driving instructor with a commitment to each and every pupil.
At Turning Point I aim to produce confident, safe, considerate drivers who are fully equipped to deal with the demands of increasingly challenging and changing driving conditions on the roads today. I provide support for every stage of your progression towards passing your test and becoming a fully fledged driver.
Whether you are a total beginner, novice or experienced driver (but need your skills refreshing or confidence boosting!), I can provide the programme that suits you. I work from the DVSA approved syllabus utilising the skills list from the 'Driver's Record' - a document highly recommended for structured learning by the Driving Vehicle Standards Agency.
Independent Advantage
Since Turning Point is an independent driving school, not part of a franchise, it is not subject to the pressures of meeting the high costs that some franchises demand from their instructors. As a result, I can pass savings on to you.
Flexibility to meet your needs
Turning Point prides itself on a pupil focused ethos, our independence allows us flexibility to cater for every individual pupil's needs and ability level on a one to one basis.
Mock Tests
When you are getting close to your test, I make use of 'mock tests'. Mock tests are used as a diagnostic tool to highlight strengths and weaknesses, as well as giving you an insight into the test experience and develop the mindset required to pass.
Today | By Appointment |
Lessons can be 1 or 1.5 hours, subject to availbility
5 hour Block: £175
10 hour Block: £340
Parents and relatives often want to give the gift of driving lessons for birthdays or other celebrations. With Turning Point you can purchase vouchers with a value of 5 or 10 lessons. Please call or e-mail us for more information or to discuss buying gift vouchers. Vouchers must be redeemed within 12 months of the purchase date. Vouchers are not for resale can cannot be transferred.
I understand that it may be necessary to cancel a lesson from time to time - a minimum of 24 hours notice is appreciated. If less than 24h notice is given, you may be charged for the cost of the lesson.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS * lessons may be taken in 1h or 1.5h sessions, depending on availability. Booking a block of lessons is a payment commitment you make in order to receive a discount and is non-refundable. Remaining lessons may be transferred only if agreed with us in advance. Lessons purchased in a block must be taken within 12 months of purchase date. If, for some reason, you cannot take all lessons you have committed to within a block, no refund will be issued. We reserve the right to terminate service at any time and without reason. In this instance, a refund for the remaining lessons (at the discounted rate) will be issued. All prices may be subject to change. Block lessons are not for resale.
Steve is a brilliant driving instructor. He is calm, patient and clear with advice and instruction, and re-instilled a sense of confidence and belief in my driving. He got me through my test first time and as much as I’m delighted to have passed, I will miss our lessons. I have recommended him to many and will continue to do so.
Olivia - March 26
I passed my driving test first time after just over 20 lessons, and I couldn’t have done it without Steve. He was always clear and patient with his teaching, breaking things down in a way that made everything easy to understand.
What really stood out was how he helped me prepare for the test itself, not just the driving. He gave me great advice on how to stay calm and manage stress on the day, which made a huge difference.
I’d highly recommend him to anyone learning to drive.
Finn - April 26
Steve is an outstanding instructor—knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely caring. He taught me exactly what I needed, not just to pass my test, but to become a capable, sensible driver.
His passion for helping new drivers develop into safe and capable drivers is clear, yet he always maintains a calm and reassuring presence. What stood out most was his belief that mistakes are valuable learning opportunities. That mindset made a real difference, allowing me to learn from each error (or learning curve, as he would call them) and avoid repeating them in my test.
For all these reasons, I would highly recommend Steve to any new driver—in fact, I already have.
Evan - April 2026
Steve is an amazing driving instructor and made me feel comfortable and confident from our very first lesson. He is really patient and also is always ready to help out and answer any questions or doubts I had. Every lesson I felt like I was in good hands and Steve not only teaches you how to pass the driving test but to become an all-round great driver as well. Thanks to Steve I was able to pass my driving test first time and on the day I felt so confident and ready for the test due to his help. I would definitely recommend Steve to anyone learning to drive however far they are in their driving journey. Thanks a lot Steve for all your help and I wish you all the best.
Prathosh - April 26
Steve has been nothing short of a brilliant driving instructor for me. I was quite nervous starting out; however, Steve's patience, guidance and calm demeanour provided me with confidence while driving - allowing me to pass my test in the first attempt. His constructive planning over the weeks of lessons really enabled me to gain skills accordingly, pushing me out of my comfort zone to maximise my ability to drive. I would highly recommend Steve as an instructor to everyone as he builds on your strengths while also identifying weaknesses effectively to help you improve week on week - which is the best way to learn. I couldn't have asked for a better instructor. Thank you Steve
Amit - April 25
Steve is an outstanding teacher who is skillful but also very friendly. He builds up your confidence on the road and prepares you for any situation. He doesn't just help you pass a test, he helps you become a confident and competent driver, letting you learn from your mistakes. I was very prepared for my test after 24 lessons and passed my test first time thanks to him.
Oliver - May 25
“Hi Steve, just wanted to say a massive thanks for being my instructor these past few months. I’ve always appreciated your patience and guidance, it made all the difference. I couldn’t have passed without you!”
Rajvir - September 25
Thanks to Steve from turning point I was able to pass my driving test first time. His professional and calming techniques helped me with my confidence throughout my driving experience and made me feel ready for my test . I would and already have recommended Steve to many of my friends. He was actually recommended to me by a family friend which shows how well his teaching works with so many different types of people. Our lessons will be missed .
Sinead -September 25
Hi Steve, thank you so much for being a great instructor and having the confidence in me to do well. I really appreciate all the time and effort you put in to make me a better driver and will definitely recommend you to anyone looking to learn. All the best, Sam
Sam - November 25
'Steve was an excellent driving instructor. He was patient, informative and understanding, which is exactly what I needed. He made a serious commitment to preparing my driving skills for the test, and went above and beyond to ensure I had the necessary abilities to be confident and safe on the roads. I would highly recommend him for anyone learning to drive, because he cares deeply about the success and wellbeing of his students, and provides them with the necessary skills to succeed’
Curtis - Nov 24
Steve not only teaches you to pass the driving test, but how to drive for life. he is so patient and lets you learn from your mistakes. he was great at building up my confidence both on the road and in my mind. i would always recommend his services to anyone.
Matteo - February 2025
Learning how to drive can be daunting but from the get-go Steve gave me the confidence and skills I needed to pass on my first go. Would highly recommend.
Tommy - March 25
Steve has been such a great Instructor. Always constructive and helpful with advice, while also helping me build my own independence and confidence in driving. Thanks to him I was able to pass first try! He was always patient and great at making driving an exciting experience right from the start. I'm so grateful to him.
Amber - October 2024
Steve is an excellent instructor who teaches you to become a confident and considerate driver. He teaches you not only to pass your test, but also drive for life. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him.
Phoebe - October 2024
I was very put off to begin with, but your lessons definitely changed my attitude towards it. Thank you for your kindness and great lessons.
Neve - October 2024
Steve taught my daughter to drive after her previous instructor was reluctant to progress her by keeping her on quiet residential estates and with whom she'd lost confidence. From her first lesson Steve challenged her appropriately, his kind and encouraging nature improving her confidence and driving skills. it has been so lovely to see her driving confidence grow and know she was in such kind, experienced and encouraging hands. She passed her test this week. I recommend Steve highly and have done so to several friends. Thanks so much.
Katherine (Neve's mum) - October 2024
Learning to drive couldn't have been easier with the help of the amazing driving instructor, Steve. He was always calm and patient and from the beginning I knew I had made the right choice in driving instructors, which ultimately helped me pass my test first time. So, if you feel ready to learn how to drive, I couldn't recommend anyone better than Steve to teach you.
Ellis - August 2024
I was instructed by Steve over the course of 19 lessons prior to my test. He is very patient and calm when it comes to teaching all aspects of driving on the road. He has an easy to use vehicle when it comes to lessons and tries to push you to your limit in a good way. By my second lesson we were already on the road as he had the confidence in myself to do so. He covers all routes around the Wanstead Loughton and chingford area very thoroughly. I would recommend anyone to use Steve who requires a driving license. I passed on my first attempt! 5/5 - would recommend.
Paul - July 2024
Steve is an extremely friendly and personable driving instructor, whose patience helped me to pass my test first time. Upon making a mistake, he takes a proactive approach and prompts reflection in his students to make sure they don't make the same mistake multiple times. I would recommend Steve wholeheartedly if you want to make your driving experience as efficient and personal as possible.
Shaan - April 2024
Hi Steve,
Thank you so much for the patience you showed me. You made me feel at ease from the very beginning. From knowing nothing to being comfortable behind the wheel. I was over the moon to pass first time at Wanstead test centre, I could not have done that with out you.
Thanks again
Joanne - February 2023
' From my first lesson, I knew that Steve was an outstanding instructor who had the patience to assist me and help me excel as a new driver. Admittedly, I had a few instructors before Steve, however, Steve's calm nature, excellent communication skills and.. humour, really made me feel at ease and increased my confidence. In particular, I was really impressed at how Steve found new approaches to aspects of learning I was struggling with. I was so pleased to have passed my test first time with Steve, and I honestly cannot recommend him enough.'
Safya - April 2019
Steve was recommended to me from a friend and I initially started driving lessons in 2013. I took a couple of tests but was unsuccessful in both so I chose to take a break as I also had University commitments. I always had the intention of coming back and learn with Steve as I found him to be a very good instructor. He adopts a calm and steady approach whilst teaching and this definitely gave me confidence as I practised driving. I started refresher lessons in late 2018 and I passed on the 3rd attempt in February 2019. Steve not only helped me pass my test but also advised me on how to become an all-around good driver. He made our lessons very enjoyable and always had a joke up his sleeve! Steve will ease your nerves and will iron out any issues you may have. I'm grateful to have learnt with Steve as he provided a great platform to start my driving experience. I would definitely recommend Steve to anyone looking to be a competent driver, wherever they are in their driving journey. I wish you all the best, thank you Steve!
Akaash - February 2019
Steve was recommended to me by a friend whose older son had passed with Steve a few years ago and I would definitely recommend him to anyone who needs an instructor. I will be calling on him again in 18 months when my younger son turns 17!
My son turned 17 in January and started lessons with Steve end of February. On the 3rd July he passed first time and was over the moon. He had very little driving experience during the time he was learning, only his lessons with Steve. Steve managed to build up my sons confidence quickly and taught him in a calm and efficient manner which enabled my son to progress quickly. My son always looked forward to his lesson and returned each time pleased with the progress he was making.
A massive THANK YOU from both of us and I will be in touch again soon!
Sara - July 2017
Steve was a fantastic driving instructor. His calm and professional manner helped me to reach my goal of passing my test first time. Steve was supportive and motivational as driving on a road for the first time can be very daunting! I would recommend using Steve at Turning Point to my friends as well as anyone who wants to get the most out of their driving experience. I will also recommend him to my brother in 3 years as Steve was a great instructor.
Thank you Steve for all your help.
Samuel - June 2017
I wasn't too keen on learning to drive at first, but after being recommended to and starting with Steve it made learning to drive enjoyable and not a chore. He's reliable, easy to get on with and keeps good communication. After passing first time with one minor I'll miss the lessons and chats with Steve. I'd highly recommend him to anyone!
Thanks,
Louie - June 2017
'My 17 yr son has just passed his test first time and I would like to Thank Steve personally for every thing he did to support him through the learning process. When researching who to use (I looked through the usual big name companies first) it was really clear it can be 'pot luck' on who you get and it's a bit of a lottery..... worryingly so in fact. Thankfully my wife works with someone who knows Steve and he was recommended to us. I knew from the first contact we had made the right decision and even more so after my sons first lesson so thanks again Steve & good luck. We'll be back in touch in 3 yrs time for my youngest sons lessons'
Matt - June 2017
Before meeting with Steve, I experienced a not so pleasurable start to learning with another instructor in my local area. It got to the point where I stopped taking lessons, this was not down to my ability but was caused by the pressurised environment my previous instructor created during lessons. This was a shame as I had been looking forward to driving from a very young age. After a couple of months of no lessons, I was speaking to my good friend Andreas about potentially starting again and he highly recommended Steve. He went on to tell me that Steve was very relaxed during lessons and made him feel very comfortable in the car, which was exactly what I was looking for. I eventually met with Steve and everything Andreas had told me was true. My first lesson flew by and so did the next 3 months. I eventually passed first time! And I couldn't have done it without Steve. The passion he had for cars, bikes and his job really shone through and it always a pleasure to be in the presence of somebody who is passionate about what they do. Steve is not patronising at all, he created a very calm and warm learning environment and I looked forward to every lesson I had with him. His methods of teaching included a lot of self-reflection (which I believe is the best way to learn), this was something I appreciated a lot this as I experienced an instructor previously who only told me I was doing things wrong instead of constructively telling me how I could improve and politely questioning my actions as Steve did. I can't thank Steve enough for making me love driving again and I highly recommend him to all driving capabilities.
Jake - March 2017
Steve was recommended to me by a friend, and I have since recommended (and will continue to recommend) him to lots of my friends. He's always incredibly patient (even when mistakes are made) but equally unafraid to offer constructive criticism and advice for improvement in a friendly manner. I think he gets the balance just right! Steve was always punctual and did his best to fit in lessons around my busy schedule. I've heard horror stories of other driving schools turning up late or being very inflexible, but my experience with turning point was only ever a positive one. I have him to thank for my first time pass. A genuinely nice and funny guy. Thanks so much Steve and I'll see you on the road!
Ellie - February 2017
'I came across Steve on Google and it was a great find! Steve was always calm and patient and is definitely one of those instructors who doesn't make you feel anxious or on edge. One thing in particular that I felt really helped me was when I made a mistake, Steve would ask me a question that made me think about what I did and gave me the chance to see if knew what I should have done instead of having a go.
If you are looking to have lessons with a great instructor, lessons which you will enjoy, laugh and learn a lot, I honestly would recommend Steve to anyone looking to pass their test.'
Nikhil - December 2016
I would like to start off by saying a huge thank you to Steve for teaching me how to drive well and I would highly recommend him. As Steve being my instructor, it kept my nerves down and I was more confident in my driving due to how brilliant of an instructor he is. Steve is very patient and calm whilst teaching which we all need and he goes through everything and allows you to learn at your own pace. Every lesson we had, I knew it was worth it and the quality of the lessons was excellent. I would recommend Steve to anyone who is learning to drive whether they are beginners or returning to driving. Many thanks,
Josh - November 2016
Steve is a great driving instructor, he was always very patience and calm when I was learning to drive. I passed my test first time at wanstead test center and couldn't have done it without Steve. I recommend him to anyone who is learning to drive for the first time as he makes you feel comfortable and at ease. Thank you so much for helping me pass and all the best for the future.
Isla - September 2016
Steve is a great driving instructor, he was always very patience and calm when I was learning to drive. I passed my test first time at wanstead test center and couldn't have done it without Steve. I recommend him to anyone who is learning to drive for the first time as he makes you feel comfortable and at ease. Thank you so much for helping me pass and all the best for the future.
Isla - September 2016
Steve is a great driving instructor, he was always very patience and calm when I was learning to drive. I passed my test first time at wanstead test center and couldn't have done it without Steve. I recommend him to anyone who is learning to drive for the first time as he makes you feel comfortable and at ease. Thank you so much for helping me pass and all the best for the future.
Isla - September 2016
"After some stop start lessons with unreliable instructors and an intensive course with a very poorly managed school, luckily I found success with Steve at Turning Point. His punctuality, communication skills and flexibility are qualities which a student should rightly expect but will not often find in other instructors. I passed 2nd time but I think I can get away with saying I passed 1st time . . . with Steve!"
Jamie - July 2016
For the first few lessons I struggled to get to grips with the basics of driving, however Steve was incredibly helpful and explained to me how the car works and took it slow with me. I felt this approach was critical for my driving experience and from the first lesson I knew Steve would be an exceptional instructor and teacher. I wasn't at all the best driver but Steve adapted to my needs and he helped me to comfortably overcome any challenges I faced. Steve has an very warm and welcoming personality, which made my lessons fly by with him and allowed them to be rather enjoyable. I did not pass my first test which had a strong impact on my confidence, however Steve knew how to react to this knock and in no time I was back at my best and I pasted on my second try. I cannot thank him enough for the experience he has provided me with I will certainly be recommending him to all my friends.
Andreas - May 2016
Steve was recommended to me and I started learning with him in October 2015, just after my 17th birthday. I found him to be a very good teacher since not only was he patient, supportive and explained everything clearly, he gave me lots of useful tips which I will always remember. He was not afraid to correct my mistakes but it never knocked my confidence since it was given in a constructive and positive way. He also told me when I did something well which boosted my confidence further and he always told me I could do it and didn’t doubt me once. Steve was always punctual and flexible around my busy schedule and always tried to fit me in when he could. He had lots of funny stories to tell and I always looked forward to my lessons with him. I was so pleased to pass first time and I put this down to Steve’s excellent teaching and I recommend him whole-heartedly.
Esther - April 2016
You must be 17 years of age or over. Did you know you can apply for your provisional licence up to 3 months before your 17th birthday?
You must hold a preliminary licence.
For details of how to apply - follow this link: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/Motoringtransactions/BeforeyouapplyA/DG_10032690
You must not have any convictions or related restrictions that mean you cannot apply for a licence
You must make sure any vehicle you drive is roadworthy and properly taxed and insured - at Turning Point, this is taken care of for you, the vehicle we use is well maintained, taxed accordingly and has the insurance you need.
You must meet the legally defined eyesight requirements - you must be able to read a new-style registration plate from 20 metres (66ft) or an old-style one from 20.5 metres (67ft).
Before your test the examiner will ask you to demonstrate that you can do this, you will have 3 chances to get this right. If you need glasses or contact lenses you can wear them but they then must be worn for the rest of the test - this is a legal requirement.
NB: You should inform the DVLA when applying for your driving licence if you have any visual condition which affects both eyes (not including long/short or colourblindness); and visual condition that affects your sight (for instance reduced peripheral vision, only one eye). You should also declare on your preliminary licence if you have had corrective surgery on your eyes.
The official DSA statistics for the amount of hours tuition to pass a driving test is 40 to 45 hours with an additional 20 hours of private practice. Of course this is a guideline figure and is in no way typical of every learner, but should be used as an estimate of time. At Turning Point, we are aware that each pupil will learn at a different rate; therefore we ensure the best possible tuition is given to enable each and every pupil to achieve the required results, at a pace that is suitable, yet challenging and manageable.
Everyone learns at a different rate so there can be no definitive answer to this question. But since DSA official statistics state the average is 40 to 45 hours, then if you take hourly lessons it will take 40 to 45 lessons (not including any private practice you take). You may decide to take 1 and a half or 2 hour lessons which will undoubtably accelerate your progress, if this is the case, you could be ready for your test quicker.
We have chosen the Vauxhall Corsa based on it's ease of use and suitablilty. It is compact, manouverable, easy to use and has good all round visibility. These attributes mean it will be a good car to get you started. Plus, dual controls mean you can be sure you are in a safe, controlled environment.
ADI is Approved Driving Instructor; Trained to exacting DSA standards, having undergone thorough and comprehensive training with an advanced knowledge of theory, and a high level of driving ability and skill.
Some people ask a parent or an older family friend to teach them to drive. While this has it's advantages, an ADI has been trained specifically to use the DSA syllabus and will be able to apply a range of teaching techniques to suit the learner. They have up to date knowledge of what the driving test requirements are and have a range of resources availaible to support the learner. In addition, there are proposals that may lead to this kind of private tuition being made illegal.
Of course it is entirely up to each individual who they choose. Independent driving schools often rely on 'word-of-mouth' for their continuing business, this means they have to provide a good service so they can maintain their business. Many franchises provide a constant stream of pupils to their instructors, regardless of the instructors ability and success rate. Also, with franchises you may feel you have more peace of mind as you are with a well known organisation; but you may be unaware that many franchises use instructors who are still only on a trainee licence and have not yet qualified although this will not be reflected in the price of the lesson. At Turning Point you will be learning with a fully qualified ADI.
DVSA gov.uk/drivingtest
Practice your Theory Test online
http://www.theory-tests.co.uk/register
direct.gov.uk/booktheorytest to book a theory test
direct.gov.uk/changetheorytest to check, change or cancel a theory test
direct.gov.uk/bookpracticaltest to book a theory test
direct.gov.uk/changepracticaltest to check, change or cancel a theory test
Find your nearest test centre: direct.gov.uk/motoringnearest
Apply for Tests in person or by postD1 application form.
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