Expert driving tuition and coaching in automatic cars with a ridiculously over-qualified, local, A-grade, independent instructor.

Stephen Bell, based in Sale, is a Masters graduate, a qualified high-school teacher (QTS), a DVSA A-graded Approved Driving Instructor and a Registered Fleet Driver Trainer.

During his ten years as a driving teacher, Stephen has earned a reputation for patience, calmness and attention to detail. He is highly experienced in working with clients who are anxious, who have already had unfortunate experiences with driving or learning to drive, who have specific learning needs.

Currently we’re offering tuition in cars with automatic transmission only.

Give us a ring, drop us an email, get in touch! Let us help you to have a positive, happy experience of learning to drive!

Business hours: Flexible; happy to discuss your availability and we’ll do our best to be there for you.

Phone: 0161 826 2486

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suad musa

Loved every lesson with Stephan !
I felt very prepared going to my test! And passed first time.
Very thorough and entertaining teaching style!
2 years ago
1. AutoScholar
  
  Hi Suad,
  Thanks for your lovely review. Very happy to learn that my teaching style is both thorough and entertaining!
  Congratulations on your first-attempt pass. Thoroughly deserved, in my opinion!
  Keep safe. See you around.
  Best wishes,
  —
  Stephen.
  2 years ago
Tali Germansky

Stephen is like a football coach, only for drivers! His diagrams are extremely helpful. He is very professional and has a great knowledge about road safety and safe driving, knows his way around every possible turn and bump in the road and is a master at detecting issues first hand. He was a kind and patient instructor, and thanks to his helpful tips I passed my first test in the UK!
2 years ago
1. AutoScholar
  
  Hi Tali, Thanks for leaving your kind response. I’m so pleased with your first-attempt success in your test! There was little doubt that you’d make it – just keep on thinking about those over-the-shoulder checks! They’ll save a life one day.
  Keep safe and keep happy!
  Best wishes,
  —
  Stephen.
  2 years ago
Shanker Chakraverty

Thank You Stephen !! I was under his supervision for past 1 year, thank you to COVID 19 and the flooding of the driving applications that DVSA is struggling to manage. I passed my test in the 2nd attempt and I must say Stephen is just an amazing instructor. His exceptional knowledge of driving and motivational nature helped me a lot to boost my confidence. I am hoping to keep following his instructions during my daily driving and keep the road safe for all. He is a great driving instructor, always punctual and so professional and overall a wonderful person. We’ll definitely cross our path in future and going to recommend him to family and friends.
2 years ago
1. AutoScholar
  
  Thank you Shanker for your fine compliments. You worked diligently and thoroughly deserved your good driving test pass. Working with you was very rewarding. I look forward to hearing from everyone!
  With best wishes,
  —
  Stephen.
  2 years ago
Nicola Tollitt-Steele

Stephen Bell is an amazing instructor, not only did he provide me with the skills to be a good driver and pass my test the first time, he also gave me confidence and knowledge to continue on alone and for that I can not thank him enough for.
2 years ago
1. AutoScholar
  
  Hi Nicola,
  Thank you for taking the time to write about your experience of learning with me. I’m so proud of you for winning your first-attempt, zero-error test pass. What a result!
  Enjoy your driving, keep learning and keep safe out there. Give us a wave if you see us on the roads.
  Best wishes,
  —
  Stephen.
  2 years ago
Iman Elsheikh

Stephen is an excellent instructor who’s calm nature immediately puts you at ease, his teaching style is personalised and focuses on your specific training needs which he picks up on after just a few hours! I appreciated the different approaches to teaching he incorporated such as using diagrams to explain particularly difficult manoeuvres so that the main concepts stuck! All his hard work payed off as I passed with only one minor! Would definitely recommend to anyone looking to not only pass their test but also gain confidence and the skills needed to continue being a good driver! Thanks Stephen!
2 years ago
1. AutoScholar
  
  Thank you, Iman! That’s a lovely response and I appreciate your words very much. We’ll do your Pass Plus course as soon as CoViD permits. I’m sure you’re happy to be a Full Licence Holder at last!
  —
  Stephen.
  2 years ago
Tayseer Mohamed

With Stephen Bell, passing on the first attempt is a doodle. Not only did he teach for the test, he also prepared me for life long driving skills. Stephen is a patient instructor who is very knowledgable of the driving field. He is conscientious and gives person centred coaching. Stephen is easy to work with as he is always pleasant and encouraging. His time keeping is without reproach and his judgement is accurate. I will not hesitate to recomend Stephen to any prospective learner driver.
2 years ago
Rana Musa

Helped me achieve a first time pass in the strangest of times during this lockdown as a key worker. Overall excellent service given by a wonderful driving instructor, a very patient and concise man – Good company too!
3 years ago
Alexei Verkhratsky

Absolutely first rate experience; exceptional teacher and wonderful person. Thank you Stephen!
3 years ago
1. AutoScholar
  
  Thank you, Alex! Working with you and with Irina has been great fun. I’ve immensely enjoyed our time together and I’m pleased you’ve been able to add a UK drivers’ licences to your vast, international collections!
  Warmest wishes,
  —
  Stephen.
  3 years ago
Ben S

Absolutely amazing driving instructor. There was a very organised plan and structure throughout lessons which I found alleviated any feelings of being overwhelmed by everything you have to learn.
Lessons were all conducted by Stephen in a really calm manor which helps in keeping stress levels down, especially when you’re just starting out. Can’t stress how much this helps, for instance in the inevitability that you perform a dangerous/potentially dangerous manoeuvre while learning, his interjections are performed in an extremely timely fashion without any shouting or flapping about, simply done in a very composed way. Its moments like these that make some of the biggest impacts to your confidence in driving and the way Stephen handles it is second to none. Overall giving you a real sense of safety while learning.
Stephen is also just a really easy person to get a long with, lessons were just like going for a drive with a friend, which made the whole process an enjoyable one! Passing first time was the icing on the cake and a true testament to Stephens ability!
I’d recommend AutoScholar to anybody looking to begin their driving journey!
3 years ago
1. AutoScholar
  
  Hi Benjamin,
  That’s a magnificent review and I’m very grateful. Don’t spare my blushes, or anything.
  I hope you’re getting lots of enjoyment from your driving now you’re a Full Licence Holder, and staying safe while doing so. Imagine my Obi-Wan-like voice in your ear as you approach that metaphorical exhaust vent, or whatever! I’m sure you know what I mean.
  Contact me soon if you’re still interested in the Pass Plus course.
  Best wishes,
  —
  Stephen.
  3 years ago
Jack

Stephen is easily the best instructor I’ve had and the reason I managed to pass my test first time. He knew the test inside and out and what areas we needed to work on to prepare me for it. He is also an expert at giving mock driving tests with excellent feedback so when the real test day finally came it felt very natural and I was ready for everything I said I was worried about. He was also very friendly and enthusiastic every lesson and all in all just very easy to learn to drive with. Would recommend him to anyone.
3 years ago
1. AutoScholar
  
  Hi Jack,
  Many thanks for your thoughtful and kind review. It’s very encouraging to receive such positive feedback! You thoroughly deserved your success in your driving test and I’m sure you’ll continue to be a safe, considerate driver.
  Best wishes,
  —
  Stephen.
  3 years ago
Georgina Cronshaw

After 10 years of failing to find instructors who would take their time to help me with my nerves while driving, I found Stephen who has not only been the most patient instructor I’ve ever met but also the most fun to learn from. Within a few lessons he had my confidence levels rising and by the time I passed my test, I can actually say I now enjoy driving, to the point where I shocked my friends and family by driving an hour to a big party I would never have been able to go to previously (Via the M6 too!) just a week after passing my test! I would recommend Stephen to anyone wanting to learn how to drive, whatever their level, especially if they have any fears about the road, as he will soon put them at ease 🙂
4 years ago
1. AutoScholar
  
  Thank you, Georgie! What lovely feedback! I’m super-happy that you’ve become a confident driver and one who actually enjoys the activity of driving your car. Working with you was the best fun and there’s a particularly Georgie-shaped gap in my calendar now.
  Keep safe, have fun and let me know if there’s anything that needs clarification or further (better!) explanation.
  —
  Stephen.
  4 years ago
Maha

Some people deserve more than just a thank you just like Stephen, he teaches me the skills which improved my driving , although i was driving for years and years in Egypt and UAE however he made me feel more confident and better in driving, he was very patient with me , he corrected my mistakes, actually he is very professional instructor
4 years ago
1. AutoScholar
  
  Thank you, Maha!
  I’m glad you successfully and skilfully bested the Portwood Roundabout and all the excitement of Bredbury Test Centre. That’s no mean feat!
  I hope you’re happy in your new home in Birmingham. Come back and visit us sometime!
  —
  Stephen.
  4 years ago
Karishma Shah

Stephen is a wonderfully experienced and patient instructor, always ready to help me with my mistakes and yet always ready to cheer me on when I finally listened to him and stop doing those mistakes!
I was pretty much always nervous and ready to be shouted at, but he calmly told me what I was doing wrong and made it easy to practice safe driving.
I will miss the “happiness, happiness” of the lessons and highly recommend him as an instructor.
4 years ago
1. AutoScholar
  
  Hi Karishma,
  Thank you so much for your positive feedback. We definitely set you on the right road for your driving test, didn’t we? 🙂 Whyever did you think you’d get shouted at??? :-O
  Hope you’re driving safely and having fun doing so. See you on the road! Wave if you see the Lean, Green Teaching Machine go by…
  —
  Stephen.
  4 years ago
Angel Scott-Bottoms

Stephen is a fantastic instructor. Not because he helped prepare me for the test (which he did) but because he helped me improve my driving overall and to feel more comfortable driving in this foreign land! Despite the fact that I have driven for years and years in America, I finished my lessons with Stephen feeling like a better driver and I passed my exam with no errors. Win-Win!
4 years ago
1. AutoScholar
  
  Hi Angel,
  Thanks for your lovely feedback! I’m absolutely chuffed to bits with your zero-error, first attempt success. I’m glad we helped you to become more comfortable with our funny, British ways on our overcrowded, left-handed roads.
  Give us a wave if you see the Lean, Green, Teaching Machine passing by.
  —
  Stephen.
  4 years ago
Tom

Brilliant Instructor!
I learned to put aside my anxiety and fears of not being able to pass my test with help from Stephen and passed first time! Highly recommend!
4 years ago
1. AutoScholar
  
  Hi Tom,
  Thanks for your kind feedback. What anxiety and fears were those, then? 😀
  Not only did you pass first time (which is cool enough) but you came back with a clean sheet! No driver errors at all. Jolly well done, chap. Proud of you.
  —
  Stephen.
  4 years ago
Mariya

Truly great instructor! keeps it very fun and simple. definitely recommend Steven to anyone that is a bit nervous or anxious as he teaches in a very calm and understanding way. Thank you Steven
4 years ago
1. AutoScholar
  
  Thank you, Mariya! It’s been fun. Glad you enjoyed working with me and that we got that excellent pass! Be proud of that #DVSABlue!
  Have an excellent couple of terms at med school and have a great summer afterwards.
  —
  Stephen.
  4 years ago
Laura Hartley

I would recommend Stephen to anyone. He made me into a happy and confident driver despite starting my journey a very anxious and worrisome one, fretting I would never enjoy driving. I passed first time and am loving my new found freedom getting out to places with my young daughter. Stephen is a very intuitive, friendly and kind instructor and it was a pleasure learning to drive with him.
5 years ago
1. AutoScholar
  
  Hi Laura,
  Thanks for your lovely words! It’s been a pleasure working with you.
  You were so concerned about learning to drive, yet you turned out to be one of the quickest of learners and most natural of drivers.
  I still owe you the last couple of hours of Pass Plus. Let’s get that bedded down soon.
  Best wishes,
  —
  Stephen.
  5 years ago
Farah

Today I passed my driving test with zero minors, I’m extremely happy with how far I’ve come! I occasionally lacked in confidence when driving but Stephen Bell from Autoscholar helped me build my confidence as well as emphasise the importance of road safety. He is a great driving instructor, always punctual and so professional, I will definitely recommend to family and friends!
Thank you Stephen!
Farah x
5 years ago
1. AutoScholar
  
  Hi Farah,
  Thanks for your super feedback. Your clean sheet test result is absolutely brilliant! A one-in-four-thousand outcome. Cannot congratulate you enough!
  Good luck finding a new car, and call me soon about Pass Plus.
  Best wishes,
  —
  Stephen.
  5 years ago
Natasha

Stephen I cannot thank you enough for your impeccable professionalism, stickler for detail and methodical thoroughness. Without you it would it would have been mission impossible. Thank you for your patience and support . Best instructor ever ?
5 years ago
1. AutoScholar
  
  Hi Natasha,
  Thank you so much for your lovely review! It was so much fun working with you and you thoroughly deserved your precious #DVSABlue!
  Hope you’re feeling super-confident in your Q5 – with the steering wheel on the correct side of the car! 😀
  Now, about that appointment at Masi’s? 😉
  5 years ago
Riz

I am very late writing this review but I wanted to do it because Stephen genuinely deserves it. He is a phenomenal teacher, he really listens to you, is patient with you, teaches according to your learning needs, style and pace and always keeps your best interests in mind. Stephen will explain something to you as many times as it takes for you to understand. He will quickly recognise your strengths and weaknesses and focus on your weak spots when teaching until you have perfected them. He also makes you feel confident in yourself and does not shy away from praising you for your driving strengths. Stephen’s goal is not to just make you pass at your driving test, it’s to make sure that you are a good and a safe driver and he will do his utmost best to make you that driver. I would highly recommend Stephen as when comparing him to other instructors he really goes the extra mile. Absolutely worth the money. I have passed and have moved back down to busy London and not flinched once driving here because Stephen has made me a confident and a safe driver. Gutted I did not get the opportunity to do the pass plus with Stephen at this juncture. I would also recommend this with him as finding someone who will make a new driver so comfortable on motorways is probably a rare find.
5 years ago
1. AutoScholar
  
  Blimey, Riz! That’s one heck of a piece of feedback!
  “Phenomenal Teacher”? Wow….
  Thanks for your extremely generous comments. I very much enjoyed working with you and your commitment to your learning was, well, phenomenal! Keep safe dahn sahf, and come back and do your Pass Plus when you’re ready, eh?
  —
  Stephen.
  5 years ago
Armine Hutton

This is a bit delayed review as I passed my test in April, but I wanted to make sure to leave a review as Stephen is REALLY a great instructor. He is very professional and patient, and I even passed the first time and I was terrified of driving.
I cannot recommend him enough! Many thanks again Stephen:)
5 years ago
1. AutoScholar
  
  Hi Armine,
  Thank you very much for your super review! I’m so pleased that we got the result for you and that you’re no longer so terrified of driving.
  Now, about that Pass Plus course…?
  —
  Stephen.
  5 years ago
khilna Patel

Stephen is a great teacher, not only did he teach me to drive but also how to drive responsibly. I can’t thank him enough for helping me pass the practical driving test! As an international driver, obtaining a British driving licence seemed too daunting. I was anxious and completely overwhelmed with the challenge of mastering skills required to drive legally and safely in England. His calm approach to teaching really put me at ease. He was acutely aware that I needed reassurance to build my driving confidence and always ended each lesson with a positive comment. He will always go the extra mile to ensure his students pass, he picked me up extra early to prepare me for my morning test too. I can say without a doubt that I wouldn’t have passed the practical driving test without his expertise and gentle guidance.
I couldn’t recommend any other person more! If you’re planning on driving Stephen is the best. Thanks again!
5 years ago
1. AutoScholar
  
  Hi Khilna,
  Thank you for taking the time to write such a kind review. Congratulations on your success at the driving test!
  Drive safely and with confidence – you know how…
  Best wishes,
  —
  Stephen.
  5 years ago
temitope

I never thought I could learn driving in a very easy and stress free conditions but working with Steve made the learning process very easy, he made my confidence level very high and he taught me how to be a safe driver on the road, from start to finish he made my driving experience was enjoyable . I would recommend auto scholar for anyone that want to learn how to drive. I am very grateful for your fantastic support.
5 years ago
1. AutoScholar
  
  Hi Temmy, thank you so much for your kind comments. It was fun working with you and I’m delighted that you won your DVSABlue – especially after the ice put paid to your original test appointment!
  Let’s see how Sam gets along next week, eh? 😉
  —
  Stephen.
  5 years ago
Basanth

My Instructor Stephen was extremely professional. Thank you for building my confidence and improving my techniques. I enjoyed every session and learnt something new each time. Stephen’s patience and expertise very much appreciated. His style of training is clear, informative, practical and put me at ease right from first lesson.
I would defintely recommend Stephen from autoscholar to all my friends !!!
5 years ago
1. AutoScholar
  
  Hi Basanth! Thank you very much for your kind comments. Your pass with just one minor error is a great result – congratulations! Shall we do Pass Plus soon?
  And thank you for recommending me to Sujith! I think he’s had an interesting time since you put him in touch with me!
  Best wishes,
  —
  Stephen.
  5 years ago
Sonia Moses

Based on the recommendation of a friend, I contacted Stephen from autoscholar. My overall experience with Stephen was a very pleasant one. Everything was very simple to arrange and taken care of in a professional and friendly manner. I was always aware of what was happening. In fact, he is the very best one I have ever had and there have been several over the years. I give full credit to Stephen personally and his teaching methods for the reason why I finally passed.
He was patient whilst encouraging you to challenge yourself in order to gain the much needed confidence and knowledge required to be out on the road alone. I like way he de-codes the roundabout signs and the manoeuvre in much simple and and effective way that you will get it right all the time.
He is very easy going and because he provides a relaxed environment for you to learn in, this gives you the freedom to really take on board what he is trying to teach you.
And when you get it right, he is absolutely full of praise! Which is exactly what I needed to hear as sometimes my anxiety is all over the place. He was a pleasure to learn with and comes with my highest recommendation!!
Thank you Stephen for helping me to achieve my licence.
6 years ago
1. AutoScholar
  
  Hi Sonia,
  Thanks for your lovely review and five stars! I’m so pleased that you’re so happy with the way we worked together and with your test pass! We’ll see you in September for Pass Plus.
  Meanwhile, enjoy your summer holidays.
  Best wishes,
  —
  Stephen.
  6 years ago
Sharifa

I have never in my life thought that I will be able to drive a car. Stephen gave me the confidence, helped me to learn how to drive, be a safe driver and enjoy driving. His teaching skills are marvelous, he is a born teacher. If you are looking to learn how to drive for life there is no better school then this. For Stephen he is punctual, caring and dedicated teacher who teaches in systematic way making driving easy. I would highly recommend him always.
6 years ago
1. Stephen
  
  Thanks, Sharifa! What lovely feedback! It was always fun working with you and you got the job done. Safe driving for life.
  —
  Stephen.
  6 years ago
Alex

Great driving instructor, very patient and professional, highly recommended, 5 stars
6 years ago
Zaili

Stephen is a superb instructor. I am very pleased to work with him. Thanks to his experience and systematic methods, I got a PASS first time with only a few sessions. Strongly recommend to others.
7 years ago
richardg

Stephen is an excellent instructor. He is patient and thorough. He teaches in a methodical way and he helped me pass first time. I would happily recommend him to family and friends.
7 years ago
1. AutoScholar
  
  Hello Richard! Thank you for your great review. I’m really pleased we won that first-attempt pass for you. Really well done and congratulations. I know you’ll be a safe driver: give us a wave when you see us on the streets – if it’s safe to do so! 😉 Best wishes,
  —
  Stephen.
  7 years ago
DavidJ

When I first started learning I was extremely nervous about driving and scared that I wouldn’t be able to pass first time, however when I met Stephen, he provided me with excellent 5* quality lessons and made me feel calm and at ease. At first I struggled to understand “how to car” (phrase me and Stephen used frequently) but I am very grateful for his fantastic support, patience and knowledge he has passed on and provided during my experience. Highly recommended! I passed first time with only 4 minors and feel truly grateful for the guidance provided. Thanks Stephen! – David.
7 years ago
1. AutoScholar
  
  Hi David, thanks for taking the time to leave this super feedback. It’s been a pleasure to work with you. Those last couple of weeks of moderately intensive work really helped you over the bar, didn’t they? You’ve developed a good understanding of traffic dynamics and hazard development. Keep on learning! See you soon for some post-test development work.
  —
  Stephen.
  7 years ago
steb

I cant thanyou enough for your dedication and support given to me well taking lessons with your company, fun guy and great personality putting me at ease. I would highly recommend stephen bell from autoscholar. Dont look anywere else but autoscholar. Kindest of regards.
7 years ago
1. AutoScholar
  
  Thanks for your kind words, Steven. Your one-in-four-thousand result of zero driver errors speaks for itself – a model student and an attentive driver! A pleasure to work with you. Now, when you’re ready, Pass Plus!
  -Stephen.
  7 years ago
feeali6

An complete star in his teaching methods, adapted them to meet the needs of a complete novice, insecure and panicky wreck! Managed to turn me into a fully passed driver and I commend his patience and teaching techniques, always on time and always willing to help my ways of understanding. Highly recommend this instructor but book fast as he is much sought after! Thank you Stephen!
7 years ago
1. AutoScholar
  
  Thank you, Fee! So, so pleased we were able to work so well together. Many congratulations on your much-deserved success.
  This is just the start of becoming an expert driver, though! See you for Pass Plus.
  7 years ago

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