Reviews of Wanstead DSA. (Driving School) in London (London).

Wanstead DSA

90 Reviews

50 Comments

Driving school

Driving test center

2, Devon House, Hermon Hill, London E11 2AW, United Kingdom

Description

Information of Wanstead DSA, Driving school in London (London)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

Sometimes there are places with not the best rate, this is this case but this doesn’t mean that they are giving a bad service to their customers, sometimes in the internet the people only post reviews when they are not happy with the service, so sure you’ll find a good service here too.

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Reviews of Wanstead DSA

S. R.

I've recently passed the test from this center on first attempt. It is a challenging place to drive for the beginners with lots of complex roundabouts. However if you have got a expert driving instructor and an unbiased good examiner and a bit luck, then it is possible. My examiner was Jeff. He is really a polite person with high degree of professionalism. He released my tension at the very beginning and I was able to demonstrate my normal skills. Many thanks to him 👋 . The center also has a nice waiting room with music on the background. Welcoming for the participants. Last of all my driving instructor was the key person to my success.

A. M.

Just did my test yesterday and passed. The examiner I had was really nice. I forgot his name, but he made sure I was calm. I drove through 3-4+ Roundabouts, 2 of which have no lights, so you have to make the correct judgement when to enter it. I didn't do sat nav, mine was navigating using signs. Good luck to everyone

s. b. m.

Passed my test today(22/02/22). Michael was my examiner, I must say he was very polite and professional, made me feel comfortable during the whole process as I was nervous from beginning till end. Instructions were made very clear and he kept reassuring me throughout, especially when I was portraying some uncomfort or nervousness. This was my 2nd attempt, previously I had Lee who was equally professional and supportive. Both examiners were constructive and really tried to help me pass rather than fail me(Lee did felt bad when I failed on my very last task). The area is also very nice and quiet compare to Barking or Goodmayes, but you need to know your roundabouts. Good instructor like mine will know how to get you on that level as its shows more driving skills(if you still put off by roundabouts, if someone can drive you in late night,make a video of roundabout lanes and study it also watch it on YouTube).

D. L.

Took my test at this centre on the 4th December and I can't complain about the whole process. I was seen on time, and the examiner ( I think her name is Geetah ) make me feel at ease since the beginning. Her instructions were very clear which made the test easier. Only point against this test center is that it does not have a toilet.

M. E.

First of all I would like to thank Michael who was my examiner on the test day from the start to finish he was absolutely professional and consistent throughout my test made me feel relaxed and calm. And thanks to him I managed to pass my test in the 1st try. Appreciate everything. Thanks Michael continue on with the good job 👍🏻

P.

Yesterday I passed my practice test 11january at 2:32 pm, the second time was Wanstead, the first time in Goodmayes I did not pass on 20.12.21. I want to say thank you to the examiner, but unfortunately I did not remember him name.

B. H.

I have to confess, as the other people described, a day before my test I read the reviews and got pretty worried and questioned if I picked the right drive centre. After my test I thought unfair some of the comments so decided to leave my experience here. Wansted does have a low pass rate but don´t let that mislead you, the pass rate is more for the fact that people are not ready to pass the test when they try it. The area is great as you can have a bit of everything and the area is really nice. In relation to the examiners, I read great things about Cormac and horrible things about Vita and of course I went there thinking "Pls not Vita, pls not Vita" and guess? I got Vita. However, I passed with Vita on my first time. Be careful to not be misled by the comments, as my instructor said, what passes you is not the drive centre or examiner, it is your driving. So if you drive correctly and if you have the right skills you´ll be fine. She might look intimidating because that´s just her way, but she never sounded rude or disrespectful at all. I think when we are taking our test our nerves are kicking in and we have this impression but she explained the test very clearly even when I wanted to confirm if I understood correctly she repeated very nicely. I´ve made 5 minors that made me think I failed and I kept my sh*t together until the end of the test as that didn´t happen and I passed. Come ready to the test, have the right training and you´ll be successful. I had my test 8:10am. The traffic was busy, people were in a rush and there were lots of encounters in narrow roads as people are in a rush, just special attention to that (that´s where my minors were) I had nearly everything, carriage way, maneuver, sat nav, independent driving, all the roundabouts (3 or 4) - if you´re coming to this test centre, be ready for it, emergency stop, hill start and others. I give 5 stars because this centre does test driving skills, and it does the job. You get there in time, you get the results quickly, the instructors do their work efficiently. So no complaints.

A. S.

After reading the information about Wanstead test centre on the internet, which is famous for its low pass rates, I felt pretty scared. I also thought there is a high chance of an examiner to be very cold-blooded (like I read from some of the reviews) which will shoot my anxiety through the roof. On the test day I was lucky to have Michael Jackson as my examiner! From the start he was very friendly and kind, and did everything to make me feel comfortable and calm my nerves. His directions were very concise and clear, and he repeated them when I needed. I passed my driving test 1st time and the professionalism and reassurance of Michael contributed a lot to the result. Many thanks, Michael! Best of luck to all of you!

B. V.

Very happy with my examiner Dimitri, he made me feel relaxed and comfortable throughout the test. Fully recommend this test centre!

S. B.

I passed in Wanstead first time on 10.12.20 with 1 minor. I had Lee who was very supportive and kind. Lee was very clear with his instructions and made sure I knew what he wanted me to do. I felt at ease throughout the driving test and had a good experience. This allowed me to drive to the best of my ability.

H. Y.

Pass my first attempt! Examiner is very kind but quite. I don’t know why some comments said is not good for Asian, but for me personally, the whole experience was very good and I finally got two faults but pass.

M. B.

I passed in Wanstead for the first time. I had Dimitar as a examiner and he was very supportive and very clear with his instructions. He was very professional, provided clear directions and I had a very good experience. Many thank Dimitar!

A. H.

Just had my test in Wanstead so i though i will share my experience. I do not normally write reviews but i going by how nervous i was in the morning, i think i my review will be helpful to reader. I certainly checked the reviews here once i booked the test, honestly speaking they did not help as i made my mind up that no matter what i do , they will fail me on first attempt. Thanks to my instructor, as he encouraged me and said "Failing and passing is their job and driving is your, if you drive right no one can fail you at all". Did 18 hours with instructor and went around the roundabouts as many time as i could as that was my weak point. Before my test i did 2 hours lesson again so i dont feel like i am in a deep end. My test was at 8:20 and the roads were ridiculously busy, special since the school are back. My examiner was Taz, he came out and asked my name, checked my Provisional and asked me to sign declaration. Then he asked me to read number plate and started walking towards the car while telling me what to expect today. To break the ice, i asked him what advice can he give me to control my nerves and he smiled and replied "just remember your lessons and we all have been there". He then asked me a tell me question about tyres tread depth and then asked me to sit in the car be comfortable. Instructors are not allowed due to covid so it was only me and Taz in the car. He set the navigation and i made the conversation again by asking about his aftershave (I AM NOT GAY) he was wearing Joop which happen to be one my favs as well. it made him smile again and made a quick chat about the aftershaves. He then asked me to move off. We did not talk much, actually at all during the test. He explained the he will be doing an emergency stop and he will look back first and do this with hand sign and that point i will have to stop the car. Cheeky guy waited as long as he could, did not looked back at all and suddenly shouted in closed car (STOP), my heart came to my throat but i did managed to stop the car. Then general driving back to test centre, asked me turn the engine off and relax and said " WELL DONE YOU HAVE PASSED YOUR TEST TODAY". I passed with 4 minor (Really minors) Summary: Do not stew about the fact how hard Wanstead is to pass or the examiners etc, focus on your driving instead, polish your manoeuvres, get confident around the roundabouts. Like in school and college etc, the examiners are there to assess on the elements i mentioned above, they cannot fail because they dont like you etc. Its purely down to your driving skills. Examiner is not your neighbour or friend who will make chat, they a got a que of people to go through so they focus on their jobs. Yes, it would be nice if they make a little chat but quite car is not a bad sign. TIP: DONT RUSH, KEEP IT BETWEEN 20 TO 30 AND, EXAGGERATE THE MIRRORS CHECKS AND SAFETY IS NUMBER ONE PRIORITY.

k. k.

On behalf of someone. Thank you Mr Cormac Many say Wanstead is hard to pass due to Charlie Brown round about. This is true, that Charlie Brown round about is small but has lots of confusing exits. You need to use google maps and view it then have an idea. And if they take you on that roundabout and you get confuse "just continue straight ahead. don't freeze. Other that the round about the local roads are quiet and easy just relax and go slow. My first examiner a black lady with Caribbean heritage was OK but she was not helpful on providing understandable instructions at the round about. My second examiner MR Cormac was great he is a very on point man and gives very understandable instructions which help me to master the round about. I pass with Mr Cormac on my second test attempt. And yes you will have a better chance at passing at wanstead once you have an idea of that chalie brown round about. Thank you Mr Cormac

L. S.

Had my driving test here and I passed 1st time with the lovely examiner Geetah, Very professional and knows your nervous and does the test how it should be. Made conversation about Christmas which made me feel more relaxed. I would recommend this test centre but make sure you’re ready, these roads really help you to gain beneficial skills which you can use anywhere when driving.

A. R.

JEFF deserves the feedback. I thought examiners were robots until Jeff came out with a bright smile. I’ve passed on my third attempt. First failed due to overtaking fast approaching vehicle and second failed due to undue hesitation. I’m not going to name the ones that failed me because it was my fault even if it wasn’t my fault I totally forgot about it because of JEFF. He was very friendly, open minded yet reassures you to focus on the road at the same time. I thought I’ve failed on multiple occasions today but apparently they were all minors.

A. S.

Hey guys, I just wanted to add in that I passed my practical driving test at wanstead. It took me three attempts all at wanstead. My experience was rough but I recommend to everyone do not give up and continue. My first test was with the examiner vita, my strategy was to be over confident and talk to her as much as possible. As she asked me for my provisional license I told her you need to pay me a tenner just to see it. This instantly put her in a bad mood. So don't joke around. As I went on the test I was super nervous and had 6 minors and 1 major. Now I could of passed the first time but she claimed I made a serious mistake which was controversial. So as I was approaching a traffic junction I wanted to turn left, 2 cars where in the box junction ahead one turned left and the other was about to. As I was entering the junction the light was green. At the point where I could not see the traffic light, so my car was right on the pedestrian crossing she slammed the brakes. I quickly saw the traffic light and it was still amber ! So I failed with that. No point of arguing which I personally found out 😂. Second attempt was after a month, had the same examiner and she failed me again. For being close to a parked car when I was over taking it really stupid reason. And also something on Charlie roundabout where she failed to explain the reason clearly. When I asked her why did I get a serious on the roundabout she started to throw unaswerable questions to me. I was ready to give up seems like there was no hope left but I continued. I booked my test again for the next month. Although this time I constantly checked the test dates and found one In the next 8 days! On the the third test day, the time was 10:14am I recommend this time, it's very quite in the area. I had a male examiner named Callum surname ends with a c. I've read reviews that he is racist to Asians and blacks. But he was lovely made me feel comfortable and I managed to pass with 6 minors. So overall, don't give up and I think Its harder to pass with a women examiner than a male. most my friends who have had a women examiner has failed. If you have vita you better drive perfectly she would find a silly reason to fail you. My first test was at 2pm, second was at 9:07am and third was at 10:14am. My advice, do not be nervous! I know it's hard but once you control them you make less mistakes. If you fail you can do it again. And if you are really want to pass to buy your first car, good luck with insurance it's crazy! Secondly, be polite and do not argue. Thirdly, take all mistakes that your driving instructor tells you seriously. And try to avoid them as much as possible. Fourthly, don't blame examiners, I know I have but they fail you for a reason. And when I started driving my mates to me some mistakes I do and I remember doing them on my first and second test. So be positive and drive your best. Finally, never give up and pray to God. Just keep trying and trying until you make it. There is a saying if you fail in life you have a lesson to learn from. So learn from the lesson. Think about it if you get your license it's all good if you fail you learn and and become a better driver. What failure is in my eyes is if you give up. Don't give up keep pushing and you will pass people. Also I did not tell anyone about my test the third time, do this aswell because it reduces the pressure on the day making you less nervous. I hope this review gave you some comfort and aid. Good luck and pass that test!

A. H.

Definitely had a great fortune of meeting an examiner named Steve whom I am extremely grateful to be assigned to as he is a nice and patient person. Although, he may appear cold at first glance, he is considerate and gives me the feeling of being comfortable and at ease which brings out the potential of being more confident to drive. The test-route that was encountered made good use of roundabouts, meeting traffic and driving at high speeds on a dual carriageway. The one thing that can be downfall to note for perhaps, is undue hesitation which can lead to lack of progression. Therefore, if possible do try to go at an appropriate speed when need be and try to maintain that standard. Other than that, it has been quite a pleasure to take the exam here and to have passed too- Credit to the instructor and examiner. Likewise with any positive feedbacks, I've been told that road is road and do strongly believe that. So Good luck but mostly try not to be stressful :)

A. A.

I passed at this test centre for the time, before I booked my test here I done my first test over at Chingford and failed due to the rude examiner and over Chingford the roads are so difficult, whereas Wanstead the roads are more spacious but you have more round abouts so you do have to masters them and if you do then you should have no problem passing! I passed my test on the 4th of November 2017 with Jeff he was my examiner and he was so lovely he really put me at ease he talked to me on and off which was really nice and made my test go super quick and at then end he turned and gave me the great news 😊 I was so cuffed! Like I said done two tests and my Second try over Wanstead I passed. So did a good few of my friends!

N. E.

This is actually for examiner Jeff he is such a nice guy made so comfortable throughout the test

H. S.

I passed 2nd time at wanstead test centre and to me i think wanstead has the best routes to get yourself used to professional driving within london areas in every rules and regulations. Please ignore the examiners and don't blame them if you have not passed its honestly not easy for everyone especially myself having work 12 hours night shift then going to the test next morning. some learners just feel lucky and some feel unlucky therefore take as many lesson as you can and ask your instructor to be your examiner on one of your lessons they have a copy of the test report in their cars and go with that flow learn from the mistakes. work harder on those mistakes and prepare for the exam well before actually going to the test. This has nothing to do with examiners. Some examiners do discriminate against people before actually sitting the test i have also experienced this with other family members during their tests and have reported them however in the exam if you have faults wether minor or danger pick up from that with your instructor but don't blame examiners just because you have not passed. Observation is the main reason that the majority fails you are allowed up to 15 minor faults throught the 40 mins test so why can't you people pass and then start blaming examiners straight away. REMEMBER PREPARE TO FAIL AND FAIL TO PREPARE... good luck from now people.

W.

Had my test today and the examiner could NOT have been more professional. As most others would have said, there's a little bit of a bad rep associated with this test centre but I found it to be excellent. I did not pass but that was all my fault and the test was carried out well. Will be booking again. Credit where credit is due, Taz was the man of the hour (or 45mins lol)

A. S.

So i have seen so many bed things here, that it really put me off. There are very hard routes in this area, and you have to practice a lot. I had my test today and failed. BUT! It wasnt a bad experience. My instructor was Gita. I saw people complaining that she is arrogant or cold- absolute lie. She was very nice and polite with me. I cant concentrate on deiving if we are having a conversation and i was also nervous, and she respected it. The moment I made a big mistake I knew I failed ( unfortunatelly we went on the only road I struggle with) but she remained very nice and after that I was driving very well. She explained my mistakes and said that she is sure i will be ok next time. I dont know about others but I have found her super nice and calming. The roads are a bit difficult here, but i also think people dont practice them just come and then blame the instructors when they fail. I will keep practicing and Im sure i will pass next time- i wouldnt mind Gita as my examinor again! ( just dont take me on that hill again)

s. H.

Im not one to write reviews but i must let the world know about Jeff. Honestly, I was an absolute wreck coming into the test having failed the previous one but when I met Jeff, he instantly smiled at me and it instantly calmed me down a bit. He seemed cheerful and reassuring throughout the whole test and unlike a lot of examiners, wasnt annoyed when asked to repeat instructions. He was an absolute joy and I would reccomend him to anyone taking their test. Sure there are some bad examiners but when you meet examiners like him you will forgive and forget.

R. A.

Failed here the first time and passed the second. The test centre is small but there is seating which is adequate enough for the short time you wait. Both tests started on time and I had the same examiner both times (Vita). She was very thorough and professional and gave clear instructions throughout and good feedback at the end. The test route contained a variety of different scenarios - hill starts, roundabouts, dual carriageways, meeting traffic etc. I was nervous about the independent drive but using the tomtom actually made it easier. I didn't realise there were car parks in the test area so I had to do the bay parking (forward in and reverse out) - luckily I had practiced this, but didn't expect it to come up. She was patient with me as I did this! Overall, I have had a good experience. Some say this is a "harder" test route compared to Goodmayes - I initially tested at Goodmayes but failed, and then struggled to find appointments there, hence the switch to Wanstead. However, with plenty of practice you will be fine. I think this test area is far better and makes your a more confident driver, as there are lots of different skills you can practice that you would miss out elsewhere.

S. G.

Had a man named Jeff in my first test who was absolutely terrible. Today I had a man named Dimitar who was such a pleasant person. Know your roundabouts if you are going to this test centre

M. F.

Despite failing twice here, I think its important that learner drivers are aware of how the test works. Just be confident and make sure you always observe and think. Don't listen to people about goodmays or other test centers as this centre has decent drivers in the area. Passed on third time without any instructors used own car.

J. M.

Passed my test here first time today with Cormac as my examiner. Very professional, kind and friendly. Great test route choice which made good use of roundabouts and the A406. Put me at ease too which helped me to focus. 👍🏻

L. D.

I wouldn't suggest this test center if you do not know the roads. Please do the work and time on the roads. I've failed twice due to my lack of knowledge on the wanstead area. The examiners are perfectly fine, anyone that is giving a one star review is just disgruntled because they failed. I have failed again today due to my own mistakes but i thank Geetah and Gariol for examining me on the two exams i have done respectfully and patiently. Edit: Finally passed, and i got Geetah again! Thank you so much!

x. S.

Centre is amazing. The examiner was very kind and made me feel relaxed. People usually post bad reviews when they fail and blame it on the examiner when its their fault. Credit is not usually given to the test centre when people pass. So theres my review. 5/5

A. G. (.

Did my test twice. First time failing with an absolutely awful lady, no examiner should tell you ‘hurry up with ur manouver’. Second time passing with Jeff- the guy is a blessing all examiners should be like him!!!

L. M. D. C.

Vita is very professional. Didn't pass on my first attempt ,but kept with Wanstead even people was telling me to change test centre but I sticked with this area and passed . And I am happy about it as it's easier to drive now elsewhere after driving at wanstead routes .

N. M.

Test today; lovely examiner who made me feel comfortable and provided concise, clear directions and answers as well as nice conversation when appropriate throughout the test. Passed.

I. T.

Not a test route for people who haven't perfected roundabouts. If you have on the other hand you can't ask for an easier test route.

N. A.

I had Jeff as my examiner, he was amazing. Totally had me relaxed, didn't make me feel in edge. Brilliant examiner. I hope you get jeff!!

S. R.

I have failed there 5 times previously and passed today with Leonard he was lovely very honest and talkative I thought I failed and he encouraged me to continue. Reading previous reviews and seeing his name so many times I was nervous to have him as there are many bad reviews but he was nothing like what I read even if I had failed he was professional and direct

A. M.

Good test centre to take your test, apart from country lanes most road types are present, should give learners a good grounding in urban driving. No toilets!

K. C.

Took my driving test with Lee, he’s was very friendly and made me feel relaxed whilst on my test, I passed first time with one minor at the very end of the test

S. B. L. S.

Wow I'm excited to take Test at Wanstead but now it's to hard. Let's see what's going on

H. K.

Jeff deserves a medal! I didnt pass but it was my fault. I couldn't ask for a better examiner, Jeff was polite and reassuring thoughout the test.

l. m.

I pass my driving test today is a great center for you do your test just been attention you will pass to thanks

S. D.

I passed at the test centre 1st time! Friendly and professional staff and a great experience.

H.

passed here 2nd time, big shout out to lee proper geezer

R. B.

No toilet facilities

F. S.

I have just passed my first driving test at Wanstead centre. My examiner was Taz and I thought he was kind. He didn’t talk much during the test but I remember him saying on a one way route that ‘on this one way route, please take a right turn’, which was my cue to keep to the right lane. Having seen the reviews about this centre, I was definitely worried about passing. I’ve read one of the comments about checking your mirrors, remain calm, and I can’t agree more. Also, remember what your instructor has taught you as he has prepared you for this test, be patient and anticipate anticipate anticipate. All the best to anyone who’s going to be testing at this centre soon!!!

N. h.

B. A.

S. E.

A. K.

R. S.

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