I was a very nervous driver and found driving extremely confusing when I was learning with previous instructors. John, however, made it all so easy to understand. His planned out and structured lessons all came with notes I could take home, which really helped me remember the steps for all driving manoeuvres.

At the end of every lesson a score card type thing is filled out on how that lesson went, and that really put into perspective the parts you need to improve at.

John always had time for two lessons a week, which meant learning was fresh in your mind.I finally passed my driving test with 3 minors thanks to John.

He really cares about each student individually, pushing you to do better. I have friends who have also passed with John who have said the same things.

He was in fact right when he said "you're not leaving this car without a driving licence"!

Thanks again John

Before starting with John I was a very nervous and unsure driver, having had lessons before with another instructor that had not worked out well and had left me wondering if I would ever pass my test.John put me completely at ease as soon as I met him, telling me that no matter how long it took I would absolutely be leaving his car with a driving license. John's patient and calm demeanour made me feel safe while driving with him, which helped me a great deal as I felt as though I could make mistakes to learn from.

Lessons were well structured and planned out beforehand- I always knew what we would be doing before we got in the car. This, along with the information sheets and feedback that John provided meant that I could read through the lessons, prepare and revise before heading out. Whilst learning I was working full time, John was very flexible in where and when he could collect me, often starting a lesson from work and ending it back at my flat which was very helpful and meant I could avoid buses and learn in rush hour traffic.

 Overall I have very much enjoyed my learning to drive experience (and the pass plus course- which included coffee and cake!). John is a patient, kind and experienced instructor who completely puts you at ease, making learning to drive a fun and quick process, ensuring that you pass your test first time.

Brooke

I started with John  after a few months tuition with another instructor

 When I stepped into the car for the first time he immediately came across as a very professional instructor.

He is committed to ensuring that you learn to drive safely. Each lesson is planned, and structured towards a specific learning  outcome. John is incredibly thorough and will not take second best as an option.

This is reflected in his very high first time pass rate, and I  myself, was no exception. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Thistle School of Motoring to anyone looking for an excellent instructor in the Stirling area.

Thanks again,

Douglas.

I REALLY can’t say all that I need to but simply said thank you John this much for changing my life forever, that is when I fall off cloud 10!. 

I knew as soon as I stepped into John’s car that I’d made the right choice.  I asked John if he had ever taught anyone my age (62!) No was the reply but, like his mantra goes, he said I wouldn’t be leaving his car without my licence. 

Well, within 4 months of John’s expert teaching I left his car with my licence on my 1^st attempt thanks to John.  I was also a nervous driver but with John’s wicked sense of humour (and of course the dual controls!) he helped me tremendously.  I don’t think I left his car after any lesson without saying “thanks for your patience John” and, I’ll get better – and he’d say,,, “it’s only practice”!

John has a great methodology which obviously works very well for his students giving them handouts and homework to study for the next session.  I believe this is the hardest practical thing I’ve done in my life (so far) and John made it happen.John Spalding as a driving instructor is one of the very best and will highly recommend him to anyone.

Marion

John was recommended to me by a colleague and friend from work who had taken lessons and passed her test with him a few years earlier.  I had been taken lessons on and off since I had been 17 and had 5 failed attempts at passing my driving test 5 times the last in 2007! In hindsight, I now realise I was not ready to have been going for my test then, even after more lessons than I care to remember.

I remember on my first lesson John had said to me that I would not be leaving his car without a driving licence.  I remember thinking “he’s more confident than me about that!” Every lesson was structured and I was well aware of what was happening on my next lesson.  His workbook containing handouts with step by step instructions were invaluable, so much so that I have referred to them a few times since I have passed my test. 

John was friendly, patient and very understanding, even during one of my meltdowns when I was struggling to grasp what I was doing he was very supportive.   I can honestly say I didn’t think I would have ever passed my test, and still feel that I owe it all to John and his wonderful teaching skills.  You have a gift John and I will recommend you to anybody who is thinking about learning to drive.  Thank you so much for everything.

Karen