What My Students Say…

I was aware of Zoe’s excellent reputation and chose to begin lessons with her as a very nervous learner in my 30s. From the outset, Zoe’s friendly and reassuring manner put me at ease. Her calm and patient approach to teaching helped me slow down mentally and fully absorb each lesson, then return each week feeling ready to build on it. Her instruction was thorough, well-structured, and of the highest standard, with lessons tailored to me to support times I felt particularly anxious. Thanks to Zoe’s guidance, I passed my driving test and now feel far more confident on the road, knowing that her teaching has provided me with a strong foundation. For anyone feeling nervous about driving, you couldn’t be in better hands; and for those who aren’t, you couldn’t choose a more professional and knowledgeable instructor to guide you to a pass.

– Testimonial from Ali

I suffer with anxiety and I had been learning to drive on and off for about 20 years with one failed test. I was beginning to despair and think that I would never learn to drive then I met Zoe, her teaching methods were fantastic and helped me so much, she was patient and understood me very well. I am thrilled to say that I recently passed my test with only one minor. Thank you so much Zoe, I couldn’t have done this without you and your excellent teaching methods. I absolutely recommend Zoe! 100%.

– Testimonial from Gillian

I left hospital with reduced mobility following a spinal cord injury, and I needed a driving instructor who could teach me how to drive with hand controls. From the start, Zoe was professional, responsive and highly attentive to the specific needs arising from my mobility issues. During our lessons, she focused on ensuring that I optimised my learning time, without pushing me beyond my comfort zone. Her calm, clear and kind manner helped me to feel at ease in her company, and allowed us to build a strong and happy working relationship quickly. During my driving test, I mentioned Zoe’s involvement in my learning, and she was highly endorsed by the examiners – she is clearly well-known and highly regarded in her field. Passing my disabled driving test first time was in large part thanks to Zoe’s involvement. However, for me an stress-free and enjoyable learning experience was just as important as the positive test result, so I owe Zoe my thanks on many levels. I have no hesitation in recommending her services to other learners.

– Testimonial from Keith (Spinal Cord Injury Patient and driving test candidate in 2025)

Although initially learned to drive in the early 1980’s Life’s recent years disabilities changed driving requirements from foot controls to hand push/pull thus meaning starting from scratch. Zoe facilitated the mindset needed to change. Her Advanced Driver Knowledge instilled confidence and skill with the depth and breadth of driving environments utilising experience being such to recommend me for DVlA/QEF Driving Assessment after only three lessons. And at short notice able to fit me in for one more lesson prior to passing the Driving Assessment, which both examiners on the day asked me to congratulate Zoe on what she has achieved with me – Gold Star. I recommend Zoe no matter what level of Driving you may have as I know Zoe is the consummate professional. So grab the wheel of opportunity and enjoy!

– Bob.

I had the pleasure of using Zoe’s Disability Driving School for Driving training, and I am thoroughly impressed by her professionalism, efficiency, and attention to detail. From the initial consultation to the final assessment, every step was handled with exceptional care and expertise. Zoe demonstrated a deep understanding of my requirements and went above and beyond to ensure complete satisfaction. Her dedication to quality and candidate focus is truly commendable. I would highly recommend Zoe’s Driving School to anyone in need of reliable and high-quality disability driving instructor

– M Sheriff Jallow.

Having not driven for 3 years, Zoe was a brilliant tutor to get me back on the road with confidence – after only four 90 minute lessons. Zoe is clear, calm and made the whole experience positive for me.
I’m delighted to now be back on the road and happily driving again.
I would thoroughly recommend Zoe to anyone looking to learn to drive or brush up on their skills.

– Ron.

Just passed my driving test first time my driving learning experience has been amazing Zoe is great instructor very informative and helpful. Help me with the nerves of a new driver learning, how to stay calm and how to drive safe. Definitely recommend her as an instructor. .

– Damon.

I recently had a two hour driving lesson with Zoe to help familiarise me with the adaptations to my car as I can no longer drive using the foot pedals.  Zoe was patient and kind and I felt very comfortable under her instruction.  The session helped build my confidence and was extremely worthwhile.  I am now much more confident behind the wheel and using the adaptations has become second nature now. I have no hesitation in recommending Zoe as an instructor.

– Karen

5 stars 😊
I recently had a refresher / assessment lesson with Zoe ready for my return to adapted car driving.
When we met, she immediately made me feel at ease because she extends a very pleasant and calm demeanour.
Her instructions about the vehicle were very clear and easy to understand and once we started driving, I did not feel under pressure, even though I was driving an unfamiliar car. We progressed very well, and she gave me a few tips of how to correct things that were probably bad habits I’d previously developed. All in all, I really enjoyed my session with Zoe and would have no hesitation in recommending her to anyone.
Thank you Zoe, you were great!
Peter.

– Peter.

Fantastic first driving experience for our son at Dunsfold Aerodrome with Zoe. She is a brilliant teacher – a very clear communicator with a lovely calm manner, which helped build confidence and made for a safe and successful lesson. He is looking forward to the next one! Our son has additional learning needs and Zoe was really thoughtful in helping him prepare for the lesson with an online meeting first and this really put him at his ease and helped him understand what to expect. We would highly recommend Zoe to anyone looking for an off-road introduction to driving.

– Ainslie.

Having previously driven a manual car, learning to drive with hand controls in an automatic was initially a daunting prospect but Zoe made sure that this was a positive experience for me. I was worried about having to wait a long time for lessons, especially being outside of the catchment area. but Zoe was quick to offer me her soonest availability. I felt I made clear progress after each lesson, both in my driving ability and in my confidence using adaptations. I would look forward to lessons as Zoe was positive, patient and easy to talk to which meant I was able to pass my assessment first time quickly and confidently. I highly recommend learning to drive with Zoe and I am very grateful that I was able to.

– Sarah.

Zoe is a brilliant driving instructor. When I started I was very nervous but Zoe took the time to understand my difficulties and helped me move through them. She has the patience to make sure you are 100% ready to pass your test with confidence. I would recommend Zoe to any nervous disabled drivers.

– Rebekah.

After 2 successful hours trying out hand controls, Zoe who provided tuition and vehicle has helped me no end with the imminent transition from manual to auto with hand controls. Im pleased to say it all came quite naturally to me, definitely helped by the calm and informative Zoe. Zoe has a wonderful assortment of additions that can be used in her vehicle. If your unsure or at all nervous about using hand controls Zoe is the instructor for you. Thank you for helping make this huge change in my life easier.

– Adam.

Zoe was a real lifeline to me as I was struggling to find a driving instructor with the correct adaptions I needed to complete my retraining to drive with hand control’s, Zoe went above and beyond to accommodate me in her busy schedule despite being out of her area. Zoe is an exceptional teacher, she pitched my lessons to my learning needs, which enabled me to progress quickly, nothing was too much trouble & Zoe not only taught me how to drive with hand control’s but she also helped me with refreshing my overall driving knowledge and has made me feel a much more confident driver, this was borne out by the complements I received when I went for my driving assessment Test, I put down the standard I displayed down to Zoe’s tuition!  Zoe’s adapted vehicle whilst may seem daunting due to the size is actually perfect for someone like myself who is short in stature but would accommodate a tall person also due to the vehicles easy access & excellent visibility, the vehicle is also accessible enough to accommodate a wheelchair should that be required by a client. I wouldn’t hesitate recommending Zoe to anyone who needs a driving instructor with an adapted vehicle or not. I will forever grateful for the help & support she has given me.

– Gail.

Zoe’s car has been adapted with everyone in mind, there is multiple variations of the steering ball with different placement. Paired with the push pull accelerator which has a multifunction indication unit placed on top. When I was learning with Zoe, she made me feel welcomed from the first day. I know Zoe will be great for anyone with learning disabilities. Or for the people who struggle with anxiety. Through every lesson my confidence built and she always make sure to adapt her learning style to suit me best. Zoe was always so easy to talk to, And although I passed my test I am going to miss her company.

– Finley.

Looking for a driving instructor for someone with special needs was very frustrating, until we found Zoe!!! She was friendly and approachable from first contact and so open to teaching my son to drive. Very refreshing after every other instructor refusing. Thomas has loved every lesson with Zoe and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Zoe was always smiling ready to have a laugh and provided a relaxed environment for learning. Zoe was very flexible with booking and always ready to help be it via a call or text message. She helped with booking and ensuring Thomas had all the support he needed to successfully pass his test. He is now a happy confident driver thanks to Zoe. Huge thanks Zoe for giving Thomas his independence.

– Nadine.

As a left leg amputee I wanted to gain some confidence, before getting back in the car.
Zoe was extremely professional, I found the lesson informative and well structured.
Zoe is very good instructor and communicates instruction clearly, and coaches relevant feedback explaining rationale in a very calm and relaxed manner.
I picked up some good pointers to help me improve my driving for the future, thoroughly recommend.

– Simon

Zoe helped me prepare for my taxi test last year, which I went on to successfully pass. Being an experienced driver she pitched her tuition at just the right level for me, generally helping refresh my skills, while identifying & rectifying any bad habits. She was also able to assess my driving style & give an important insight into what the examiner would expect to see during the test. I would happily recommend her to help anyone doing something similar.

– Nigel R.

I took some training sessions with Zoe to help me prepare for the Diamond advanced test and the ADI Part 2 test, having taken the RoSPA test many years ago. Zoe’s tuition restored the lost polish in my driving, and helped identify the changes I needed to make between the RoSPA style and the DVSA’s standards. Thanks to her coaching and her detailed knowledge of the required standard, I passed both tests comfortably on the first attempts. Zoe’s calm and friendly demeanour make her lessons very enjoyable.

– David.

I was applying for a Private Hire License and needed to take a driving test, Zoe took me out to see where I should improve. She was very constructive in her criticism. I passed my test a week later. Thank you Zoe.

– Jan F.

My driving experience with Zoe was fantastic. As a learner, you’re nervous the first time that car starts moving especially because you’re the one behind the wheel, but Zoe has the ability to put your mind at ease and makes you feel calm and comfortable within minutes of being in her company. I truly believe I wouldn’t have passed first time if it wasn’t for Zoe. Whenever I made a mistake or she could tell I was struggling with something whether it be the gears, hill starts or Parallel parking, she would find somewhere quiet for us to pull over, talk, show me through diagrams & pictures and then when I was ready we would start driving again. By the end of each lesson I truly felt more confident & comfortable driving a car. She is a great teacher, she’s understanding, approachable and flexible when it comes to booking the next lesson. What more could you ask for when looking for a driving instructor?

– Leanne.

First Rate
I Needed some refresher lessons not having driven for years. Zoe provided a series of tailored lessons covering everything I wanted at a pace that was just right. Excellent instructor, couldn’t be faulted.

– Chris.

I trained with Zoe for my Diamond Elite test. Having already achieved RoSPA Gold and IAM Masters Distinction qualifications, I was looking for an experienced advanced level instructor to help me transition across to the Diamond Elite Test requirements. I found Zoe’s tuition to be of the highest standard. Her calm friendly manner, and exceptional knowledge of her subject meant that I was able to learn effectively and I went on to pass my Diamond Elite test on my first attempt. I would not hesitate to recommend Zoe to anyone at any level of driving experience, from complete beginner, to advanced motorist… she has the skills to teach at all levels.

– Panch.

Zoe provided some specialist driving tuition for my mother who, because of mobility difficulties, has had her car adapted so that it can be driven with hand controls. The transition to using hand controls after many years of using conventional pedals is not an easy one, and we feel we were very lucky to find Zoe. She provided stress-free practice for my mother, so that she could build confidence and get accustomed to using the new controls in a safe environment. Zoe was an ideal teacher – so patient and reassuring, and also with some really helpful tips about using the new controls. She was very positive and supportive and made some very practical suggestions to ease the transition. By the end of the session, my mother felt very encouraged and newly confident about using the controls. On a personal level, we found Zoe always helpful and empathetic. Highly recommended.

– Frances.

I booked a series of lessons with Zoe. After my husband passed away, I needed someone to give me confidence to get back behind the wheel and to reverse park. Like many women my age, after retirement the men seemed to do all the driving and I just needed refresher lessons. If you’re looking for someone who is very patient, calm and quietly spoken, an overall lovely person, perfectly suited to the job she loves then look no further.

– Margaret.

Two years after experiencing quite a serious stroke, I felt ready to think about driving a car again. I knew I would need to drive an automatic car with adaptations but I had little knowledge or experience of how to go about it and I was apprehensive about the process because my self confidence was low. I had an assessment with the DriveAbility service and they recommended I could drive with certain adaptations fitted and that I should have driving refresher lessons with an Approved Driving Instructor who was able to provide the adaptations listed. I found Zoe Dancey’s driving school online. Zoe had availability and fairly soon I was behind the wheel of her car with the exact adaptations to those I had used in my assessment and which had been recommended for me by DriveAbility. Zoe was friendly and very welcoming and with her help my confidence behind the driving wheel quickly returned. Zoe was praising of my ability and also gently guided me through any challenges. After a few lessons and in consultation with Zoe, I booked a review assessment with DriveAbility which I passed with flying colours! I now hope to be driving independently again soon. I would have no hesitation in recommending Zoe to anyone with a disability who wants to learn to drive or return to driving after a similar medical episode to mine. Zoe is knowledgeable about disabled driving and allows people to develop their best skills whilst offering a professional and calm atmosphere which makes the learner driver feel safe and secure.

– Richard.

After having a below right knee amputation I wanted to gain confidence driving with my left leg, I found Zoe online and booked in a lesson. She was amazing, within 5 minutes I was driving. Zoe helped me immensely to relearn over 20 years of driving with my right leg. I highly recommend Zoe, her teaching style is calm and understanding. If it’s learning to drive first time, learning with adaptions she will get you driving with confidence

– Helen.

Having driven a manual vehicle for 40 years, my long term medical condition meant that I needed to change to driving an automatic vehicle with a left foot accelerator adaption. Having taken a driving assessment, it was recommended that I undergo a few lessons. I contacted Zoe who suggested a suitable meeting place half way between us which turned out to be ideal. I was apprehensive after my assessment, but Zoe’s patient and professional manner quickly put me at ease. Lessons were pitched just right. Informative and structured. I very soon gained confidence and passed a reassessment in an adapted vehicle after just 3 lessons. Thank you Zoe. I can’t express how marvellous it is to know I am cleared to drive again. I would definitely recommend Zoe to anyone

– Paula.

I developed neuropathy in my feet and lower legs,meaning I have no sensation there..I had to give up driving 5 years ago,and as an able bodied driver, it was devastating. I had an assessment at carshalton to see what adaptions I would need,and based on my disability,they recommended hand controls. I went away thinking,this could take months,but to my surprise I contacted Zoe and was booked in the following week. I have now had 3 one and a half hour lessons, and my final assessment is now coming up, and I feel more confident than ever that I will pass, thanks to Zoe. Zoe is patient and relaxed, and made me feel at ease about using hand controls. Zoe is an absolute delight to learn with. I would highly recommend her for adaptive driving.

– Jamie.