“I would like to take the time to recommend 17 PLUS Driving School to any one that is thinking of learning to drive.
Mrs WybrowFrom Gillingham
Nick taught my partner to drive in 2005 and when it came to looking for my son to learn to drive, we were in no doubt where to go .
From Kian's first lesson Nick mentored him explaining step by step, remaining patient and supportive throughout the whole process.
Kian grew in confidence and passed his practical driving test on his first attempt .
Thank you so very much Nick.”
“As soon as my daughter Lois started learning to drive with Nick I knew we had made the right decision to choose 17 PLUS Driving School. Even though Lois was quite nervous to start with, Nick quickly put her at ease and she became a confident and calm driver. He came to the house and met Lois before the actual practical driving lessons started, free of charge by the way, and I think this really helped. His teaching methods clearly suited her and she went on to pass her driving test first time. Lois would always come home from her lessons laughing about Nick's jokes and humour, he always made her laugh. Lois enjoyed every lesson and is now a very good confident driver. I would highly recommend Nick at 17 PLUS Driving School, I do not think you could find a better instructor.”
Mrs CrosbyFrom Wigmore
“We were recommended to Nick by our close friends, whose son had also been recommended to Nick and we have never looked back. We saw our son build in confidence with every session with Nick, where you could see the rapport and trust building on each lesson. Nick also took the time to involve us in our son’s progress, plus given the Covid lock down, and our son being out of action for a couple of months due to surgery, Nick always stayed in touch, and reassured our son that he would not lose his slot. Nick was always professional, very approachable, and more importantly, our son enjoyed learning with Nick, always coming back with enthusiasm for the areas that he did well in, but also in the areas that he needed to improve due to the patience and way in which he gave feedback. He gave honest guidance and reassurance when he felt our son was ready for his test, 100% contributing to our son passing with flying colours on his first attempt! We can not recommend Nick enough, a man with the patience of a saint, and honest to the core, so do not hesitate in booking Nick if you are reading this, he will not let you or your child down, and goes that extra mile when others would not. In fact, we have already recommended Nick to others, and we are booking our son on one of Nick's advanced Pass Plus days to build on the experience, safety, and confidence that Nick has instilled in our son.”
Mr & Mrs AblewhiteFrom Walderslade
“When we first contacted Nick to teach our 17 year old son to drive we expected him to be no different to other instructors. That being, we hand over the payment and have no further interaction with him. We couldn’t have been further from the truth, whilst other instructors work solely with the student, Nick spent the first half hour with us (without charge) going through his method of teaching and the expectations we should have of each other. Nick continued to keep us informed of our son’s progress throughout the 8 months it took him to successfully pass his driving test.
Mr & Mrs RanaFrom Walderslade
Nick also included a free theory lesson at home helping our son to familiarise himself with the structure of the theory test. Nick conducted himself in a professional manner by ensuring we were present in the house and all we did was provide the tea and custard creams!
As a parent, we worry about our child driving in the dark and on the motorway. Nick ensured our son experienced after-dark driving and also offered a free motorway driving lesson once he passed his test. This was a tremendous bonus, it was re-assuring to know our son would experience his first motorway driving with Nick in his dual control car, because as we all know, motorway driving conditions are uniquely different to street driving and is an experience in itself.
With these invaluable extras, Nick’s driving lessons package is a cut above the rest and his commitment to both his students and the parents is admirable.
Nick had a natural rapport with our son; he was able to connect on a ‘down to earth’, friendly, relaxed level whilst maintaining total professionalism. I would say he came across as the teacher at school that every student liked…...including the parents”
“My daughter was very nervous about starting her driving lessons but Nick put her at ease immediately. He came to our house, (free of charge) to get to know her before any lessons were booked to make sure that he was the best fit for her. Nick was always very patient, calming and reliable for every lesson. Molly passed her theory and practical tests first time in just 6 months of starting to learn with Nick. I recommend Nick as he is a fantastic instructor and I wish him all the best for the future. Thank you Nick!”
Mrs CarwardineFrom Rainham
“My daughter Emily was learning to drive in an automatic adapted vehicle at the South East Driveability centre at Maidstone. She was progressing well but slowly. She was eventually placed under the instruction of Nick and followed him when he left S.E.D. to focus on his own driving school because they got on so well together. His patience, calm instructing ability and the confidence he installed in my daughter was amazing. She has now passed her driving test which has given her so much confidence, freedom and independence within herself. Her smile and joy on the day my wife and I will always remember.
Mr HallFrom Dartford
Thank you for everything Nick.”
“Nick was a fantastic driving instructor for my son Harry. He was able to mould, coach and provide positive feedback during my son’s lessons. Nick was very flexible and tailoring his time around Harry’s needs, with his expert knowledge in the motoring world, he also helped Harry in passing his Theory test first time. This was achieved by sitting down one lesson at our home, free of charge and went through the revision pack that he provided. As well as this, during the closing stages of Harrys tuition, Nick devoted a lot more time and Harry passed his test with flying colours. I would recommend Nick to anyone that would want an honest, reliable and careful car driving instructor.”
Mrs WilliamsFrom Rainham
“It can be very daunting for a parent when their teenage son starts driving lessons, knowing that they are going to be out on the roads brings a whole new set of worries, as if being a parent to a teenager isn't stressful enough!! I was lucky as I happened to know Nick before Charlie started driving so he already had the thumbs up from me!! Charlie on the other hand didn't know Nick so he was about to embark on a new adventure and spending hours on end in a car with a stranger... This can be difficult from a teenager’s point of view as they are not the most sociable breed!
Mrs GarlingeFrom Gillingham
Nick came round to our house to introduce himself and for an informal chat and to go through the driving lesson process, which as a parent I thought was a really nice touch as not all instructors do this.
From Charlie's perspective he had nothing but nice things to say about Nick whilst learning to drive over the weeks, he said Nick was patient, thorough, calm, informative and easy to get along with, he did say though that he needs to work on his jokes as they are not always funny!! (Feedback is always a good thing, we all have areas we can improve on lol.)
The theory test proved to be a challenge for Charlie, Nick came round to the house and went through the test with him, at no extra cost I might add, Charlie found this to be really helpful, again not all instructors offer this service.
Then came the dreaded test, Nick was brilliant on the build up to the test and they worked on Charlie's weak areas... What really impressed me as a parent was that Nick also went over with Charlie how to control the car when put in difficult situations, as a parent we would be naive to think that once they've passed there will be an element of 'showing off' on the roads.Charlie passed!! I would not hesitate in recommending Nick, he's a fantastic instructor and a jolly nice chap!”
“Nick was recommended to me by a work colleague. My daughter was very nervous and on her first lesson was in tears. Not only did Nick go and speak to her, he managed to calm her down enough for her to go on her first lesson and also to drive!! We found Nick very approachable and he has a very good way of dealing with all sorts of people and situations. He is very understanding and makes learning to drive fun. I wouldn’t think twice about recommending Nick to people in the future. Thanks for everything you did to help Helen through.”
Mrs YoungFrom Gillingham
“I was delighted with the way my son was taught and would 100% recommend Nick to the parents of any young person thinking of learning to drive.
Mrs Morice-JonesFrom Chatham
Nick has been brilliant teaching my 17 year old son. He was always punctual, patient, calm and concise and always very approachable at every stage and I was particularly impressed that he had a superbly flexible style of teaching. My son loved every lesson and was always looking forward to the next one.
My son really enjoyed learning to drive with Nick and I was so impressed I have booked myself a refresher lesson, even though I have been driving for over 30 years!”
“A huge thanks to Nick Salzen for teaching my son to drive. James passed first time with flying colours. Nick has a huge amount of kindness and patience, James always had good things to say about him after a lesson not only as a teacher but as a genuine nice guy who really cares. He also went out of his way to help James with his theory, again passing first time. We would happily recommend Nick.”
Mrs TaylorFrom Rainham
“After our Daughter having had a bad experience with another driving company, Nick from 17 PLUS Driving School was brilliant.
Mrs KnightFrom Rainham
He helped our Daughter to regain her confidence in driving.
His one to one personal teaching skills were excellent, his patience and dedication as a driving instructor were outstanding.We would thoroughly recommend Nick as your first choice of a driving instructor.”
“Nick taught both our sons to drive, having been recommended to us by friends. He is a committed instructor who clearly wants the best for his students, he never cancelled a lesson for either of our sons and always provided honest and thorough feedback throughout the learning process. He adapted well to both our sons differing needs and assisting in making them capable drivers.
Mr PerfectFrom Rainham
Both of our sons passed their tests under Nick’s excellent tuition and we have recommended his driving school to both friends and family and will continue to do so.”
“Nick taught our son Harry to drive in 2019. Patient and friendly Nick put Harry at ease from the very first lesson which dramatically improved his confidence over a very short time. Nick was always punctual and flexible in terms of pick-ups and drop-offs so Harry could fit his driving lessons around his A levels.
Mr LawerenceFrom Rainham
Harry passed his both his theory and driving tests the first time under Nick’s instruction and Harry subsequently took the Pass Plus course. Harry has been driving over 9 months now. Drives every day to Sidcup for his degree course.
Harry is a safe, confident and a considerate driver and much of that is down to Nick.”
“I really enjoyed my lessons with Nick! He made me feel comfortable and confident on the road. I passed my theory and practical tests at the first attempt and definitely would recommend him. Nick taught me to drive with clear instruction and was always helpful and friendly. He regularly asked me how it was going and what I wanted to concentrate on. He always made the lessons fun and made me laugh.”
Lois CWigmore
“I highly recommend Nick at 17 PLUS Driving School. He is an amazing instructor, kind, patient and friendly. My brother and I both passed our driving tests first time with him. Thanks for everything Nick, you've been brilliant!”
Misha MRochester
“Being a nervous new learner, Nick put me at ease straight away, he always made me feel comfortable and safe when driving. The way he taught was very thorough and easy to understand, taking me through all the steps and encouragement even when I made mistakes. He not only taught me how to pass the test, but also how to put what I had been taught into real life driving. His honest constructive feedback allowed me to develop my skills and understanding of safe driving for the future. From a student perspective, I would highly recommend Nick and his attitude whilst teaching, which helped me achieve the milestone of passing my driving test.”
Nathan AWalderslade
“Nick was a really supportive driving instructor, who taught all the skills I would need to drive safely for a lifetime. Nick tailored lessons to my individual needs which meant that I was always able to revisit manoeuvres that I struggled with. In the lead up to my test I felt really well supported and Nick helped to calm my nerves on test day! I always felt valued as a student and would often chat away about many non driving related things. As somebody who struggles with anxiety I couldn't recommend Nick enough, he is a genuinely nice individual and a brilliant instructor!”
Ellie KRainham
“Thanks Nick for giving me the confidence to pass my driving test on the home straight. Very professional, friendly and easy going instructor who knows what he's doing. The atmosphere inside the car was always relaxed and we were always laughing. Thank you so much Nick for boosting my confidence and helping pass my test with only 1 minor fault! Highly recommended!”
GregCroydon
“Nick was the most patient and kindest instructor, I started driving with Nick on the day of my 17th Birthday & knew it would take me quite a while to warm up to using a manual car, I felt very nervous behind the wheel. Nick guided me with his words of wisdom and witty jokes. I like to think of Nick as more of my friend after the past 2 years (and covid on the side), from singing in the car, telling him my life stories & hearing all about his, whilst learning how to drive & gaining confidence in myself doing so. I couldn't say enough thank you's to Nick for his professionalism, the laughs he gave me and me passing my test today, first time with only 5 minors! No matter how much I wanted to give up and let my self esteem take over, Nick picked me back up and believed in me. I would recommend him to anyone. Thank you so much Nick & never change your teaching style.”
Katie BGillingham
“I have a below elbow, right arm amputation so need to drive an adapted vehicle. I started learning to drive at South East Drivability in Maidstone but felt I was not progressing. I then met Nick there and we hit it off straight away. So much so that I followed him when he left S.E.D. to focus on his own business. He conducted lessons in my own adapted car. I found the lessons professional and engaging. He gave me the confidence to drive which I never thought I would gain through his patience, instruction and his ability to explain clearly what was required to be a good driver, his lessons were instructive and set me challenges to improve my driving throughout the week. The day I passed my driving test I was overwhelmed and feel that without Nick I would never have accomplished such a huge milestone and became the safe driver I am today. I was his first student to pass with a physical disability and it was a very emotional moment for both of us. Thank you so much Nick I will never forget you. You've completely changed my life!”
Emily HBean near Dartford
“Well what can I say about learning to drive with Nick Salzen?
Natalie SStevenage
It is an experience that I will never forget. I did a two-week intensive driving course with Nick in Rainham, Kent and did not think that I would be able to learn as much as I did. The lessons were very professional yet relaxed and he never pushed me further than he felt I could cope with. He also did theory lessons with me that none of my previous driving instructors had done. Nick made driving fun yet safe and I firmly believe that the two weeks I spent with Nick made me the driver I am today. I will never forget what he taught me.
Thank you so much Nick!”
“I cannot thank Nick enough for helping me overcome my fear of driving and getting me to where I am today having passed my theory and practical tests first time! Following a bad experience with a previous instructor, I was unsure about driving but Nick really made me enjoy it. His way of teaching is structured and productive yet he always found a way to tell jokes and calm me down if I was feeling stressed. He's honestly been so supportive throughout my lessons and has always gone above and beyond to help me feel confident in myself to drive. Thank you so much Nick for helping me with this huge milestone, I'll be sure to recommend you!”
Molly CFrom Rainham
“I can honestly say that Nick was brilliant in helping me to pass my driving test. My previous instructor was unhelpful and it seemed he was just interested in taking my money rather than focusing to help me pass my test but with Nick it was totally different.
Andrew RFrom Rainham
Nick was calm, patient and professional and most importantly his aim was to help me pass my test as quickly as possible. He assessed my weaknesses and gave me confidence in turning these into strengths.
I would not hesitate to recommend Nick and neither would my friends who Nick also helped to ensure that like me, they passed their test first time after being taught by him.”
“Nick is very friendly, easy to get on with and he has a great sense of humour (not to mention completely nuts!). On a serious note he is a good teacher, I made a lot of very silly mistakes whilst learning and he never lost his temper with me once. He always gives constructive feedback but most importantly he listens. If you feel worried about something, he will listen and go over that section with you until you are happy.
Jamie EFrom Wigmore
Nick also spent some time helping me with my theory (free of charge) instead of leaving me to get on with it as I know some other driving instructors like to do. Thanks largely to Nick's dedication I passed both my theory and my practical tests first time, I highly recommend learning with Nick Salzen.”
“Learning to drive with 17 PLUS was a great experience. Nick was the second instructor that I had lessons with, after failing my test the first time, he not only helped to broaden my driving experience, but also greatly improved my confidence to a point where I passed my test the second time with very few minor faults. I found that Nick taught me how to drive in real life situations, with handy tips, rather than teaching me just how to pass my driving test, which isn’t typically a ‘real life’ situation. When I passed, I was offered a complementary 2-hour motorway lesson, which provided me with even more driving experience. I then went on to complete Pass Plus with Nick, which was an enjoyable day that helped to develop my confidence with motorway, long distance and night driving. I would recommend Nick as a driving instructor to any learner driver, he is a perfectionist and a great teacher. Thanks Nick!”
Emily FFrom Rainham
“Nick is the best driving instructor! He has taught both my sister and myself to be safe, confident drivers. He is patient and teaches you at a pace that suits you so you don’t get overwhelmed. He gives constructive feedback and listens to your worries and goes through whatever you’re concerned about until you feel confident. He’s more like a fun friend than a teacher and has so many rhymes and sayings about driving - “amber glow, get ready to go” - that will stick in your head for years! I have learned so much from learning with him, he also does a free theory lesson and a free motorway lesson which most driving instructors don’t offer! I would hands down recommend Nick as he’s fun, safe and made me feel confident as a driver. He didn't just teach me how to pass the test but also how to be a good driver in the real world.”
Megan GFrom Gillingham
“I previously started my driving lessons with one of the larger driving schools and found I was spending a fortune but not really getting anywhere. Then I found 17 PLUS and it's the best thing I ever did! Nick is such a good instructor and makes his lessons fun whilst at the same time, teaching you everything you need to know. I passed my theory test first time with his help (free of charge,) and a few weeks later I passed my practical test first time as well! I would highly recommend Nick to anyone!”
Ruth HFrom Gillingham
“I came to Nick after having 2 previous instructors that I just didn't gel with. I had struggled with driving and had multiple driving tests before starting lessons with Nick. Nick's teaching style worked for me as he listened to what I was struggling with and pushed me to work on those things. We completed many different routes rather than just drive round test routes and I was pushed out of my comfort zone in order to build my confidence. I have now passed my test and am finally on the road, something I was starting to believe was impossible! So, a huge thank you Nick for helping me see what I thought was impossible, was actually possible.”
Jasmine LFrom Walderslade