Varney Driving School

After failing my test 10 years ago and being anxious to try again, James proved to be the perfect instructor to get me back behind the wheel and up to speed (sometimes too much speed he might say). James' patience and dedication to ensuring that all aspects of driving are understood, rather than simply learnt, allowed me to rapidly return to feeling comfortable on the road, and it was clear that his style would help any level of experience to become a better driver. Being in the car with James always felt comfortable and there was never a lack of conversation when I wanted it. He knows how to provide effective and constructive criticism in exactly the right way, and I'll definitely miss him bemoaning my strange choices to do things the hard way. James knows how to meet his students at their level, and I would immediately recommend him for anyone who has worries about learning to drive, whether newly or learning again. Varney Driving School has been a great investment.

James is amazingly patient and was so kind but still a fantastic teacher. I was so nervous to learn to drive but I passed first time! Would highly recommend to anyone neurodivergent, especially if you're anxious about driving.

James’ teaching was fantastic.

James was an amazing driving instructor. I’m an anxious and autistic person, and he made me feel completely calm and comfortable from the start. His teaching style is very clear and educational, which really helped me build confidence. I passed thanks to him - highly recommend!

James is fantastic - calm, patient, and really supportive. He helped me pass first time! Highly recommend.

I passed my driving exam with Varney Driving School. James is a really friendly and supportive teacher. He provides excellent insights in how to improve your driving skills and is very paitent and reassuring. For anyone with learning difficulties I would especially recommend James as I have dyslexia and ADHD which James puts into consideration and helps you through the extra challenges that can cause when learning to drive. Overall, Varney Driving School is a great instructor and a great guy.

James was very patient with me, taught me really well and was very patient if he had to repeat things more than once.

Varney is patient, thorough and considerate. He tailors the lessons to match your style of learning while also ensuring progress. His number one goal is to teach you to drive safely and confidently, rather than to just pass the test (which comes naturally once you have mastered the first two). Because of him, I can now drive independently with good technique and feel confident in my ability to handle difficult situations if they arise. Thank you!

Yeah he's alright Just kidding! Just passed my test with James. Our lessons have been excellent. He teaches safe and efficient ways of driving and has a good amount of patience. Notices things you need to improve on and helps you with it. A rather charismatic fellow too, which was nice. I'd certainly recommend him. As a bonus, he's a Dr. Who/Harry Potter fan, so that's good news if you're one too!Moreexpand_more

James is an excellent driving instructor, adapting his teaching style to fit me and make me into a safe and confident driver. Cannot recommend enough!

Absolutley amazing driving Instructor! Can not recommend enough. Patient, calm and adapts to individual need. Thank you James.

I would highly recommend Varney Driving School. James is very supportive and patient and his teaching methods prepared me well for the test.

Would highly recommend. Varney was very helpful and patient with me especially when my anxiety got the better of me and help me to work through my nerves when driving.

I enjoyed my time with you and you helped me a lot. It was great value for money for a 2 hour lesson each week I thank you and I hope to see you soon.

A brilliant driving instructor. James knows how to get the best out of people who are learning to drive.

James gave me clear driving instruction. I had a regular two hour lesson once a week while I was in sixth form and then was able to continue with more flexible lessons through taking cancellations once I had gone away to university. Even after I had moved away I was able to get generally at least one and often several more lessons a week. We started near my house with the basics and then advanced to different roads around York. I felt consistently challenged but never pushed to do anything beyond my capabilities. In the run up to my test we also did lots of practise tests which I found particularly useful. James gave me resources to study for my theory test. Because of these I was able to study effectively and pass first time. James taught me very thoroughly and to a high standard valuing both safety and precision with driving. I also passed my driving test first time because of a combination of James' rigorous teaching and practise on my part.Moreexpand_more

A patient and insightful instructor, able to work sensitively with my anxiety around driving whilst also giving me the push I needed to become a confident and safe driver.

James was extremely supportive and restored my driving confidence as well as tailoring my lessons perfectly resulting in me passing on my first test with him, thoroughly recommend!

James was very helpful and engaging in his teaching style, I looked forward to my driving lessons with him. I passed first time and now feel comfortable while driving.

James has been a great instructor and helped improve my driving by making the lessons fun and engaging, with some challenging moments in between but over all he is a good driving instructor and would recommend for anyone wanting to learn to drive.