Driving with Ellis

03/09/2026

02/09/2026

31/08/2026

🚗 For those pupils who feel that it's unfair if an instructor removes their car for a driving test, please let me explain for those that do not know how driving instructors are monitored -

🚗 In recent years, the DVSA decided to change the way in which we, as instructors are monitored on our test performances......In presenting a candidate to test, they MUST be at a safe standard for a driving test, to make informed decisions without the help of their instructor and for the examiner to confidently sign the PASS CERTIFICATE.

🚗 If an instructor has too many FAILS, it can trigger what is known as a Standards Check, whereby a DVSA Enforcement agent (yep, stupid title) gets to sit in the back of the instructors lesson and score their performance 🤔 Grade A Grade B or FAIL... Now you may think that this is a good thing, to check on how instructors teach/value for money etc!

🚗 However, an instructor can be the BEST, with fantastic rapport with their pupils, informative and liveability BUT if they FAIL their Standards Check 3 times, they LOSE their livelihood and their badge removed!!!

🚗 So, before any of you judge that its harsh of the instructor to refuse the use of their car, if they feel that YOU are not at the acceptable standard to pass...Think again! To you, it's a rearranged driving test but to them - It could be the difference between TEACHING OR NOT!

🚗 We, any of us do not make the decision out of spite/nastiness or vindictiveness BUT ultimately to KEEP YOU SAFE!

(Borrowed from another instructor)

🚗🚗🚗🚗🚗🚗🚗🚗🚗🚗🚗🚗🚗🚗

29/08/2026

Interesting stats on our local test centres. Surprisingly the pass rate is STILL around 50% same year on year. How is that possible? I’m sure quite a few of us have the answer but where’s the fun in that? Draw your own conclusions.

27/08/2026

oh dear

26/08/2026

Do this ONE THING to guarantee you never get a speeding ticket. Right so I could go off on a rant about my driving history and seeing loads of people getting tickets and how the government makes 1000’s off the poor motorist just going about their day but I won’t. Just do this…..stick to the speed limit on the sign posted on the road. Don’t trust your car’s sign reading ability or your satnavs knowing where they are. Just read the sign and don’t exceed the speed the sign says. Simplez

19/08/2026

Huge congratulations to Olivia Carroll-Cunningham for passing her test in Hartlepool today with just 4 minors. Gonna miss you lovely, won’t be the same without you. Remember to wave if you see me on the road and send a photo of your car when you get it.

18/08/2026