altessefitness Posted July 4, 2013 Share Posted July 4, 2013 6 weeks ago I put a skills swap ad up to give a certified driving instructor the opportunity to exchange 10 driving lessons for 10 personal training sessions. I was glad that Nick from Nicholas Driving Academy took up the offer to exchange services. Nicholas Driving Academy has been based in East Dulwich since 1981, I was sure I would be in the right hands. Nick has a calm, laid back personality which has worked perfectly for me as I have not had lessons for almost 4 years. I have been growing in confidence as the lessons go by, with Nick pitching the sessions just right. He is a very knowledgeable and experienced instructor. Nick's personal training sessions with me have been going really well. Nick has a football background having played a good level 11 years ago. He plays badminton on the weekends. I have been working with Nick on acquiring the right nutrition to suit his work & lifestyle to enable him to attain his health & fitness goals. We have been working on Nick's cardiovascular fitness, his agility and flexibility in particular to enable him to compete effectively at badminton. Nick has had back problems and so we have looked at correcting postural issues that have been enhancing the problem.This experience has been a great learning point for me, having to almost begin driving from scratch, needing Nick to guide me step by step and exhibit the patience I need to excel. I am used to being on the other side having to exercise patience and care, especially for those having to make a complete lifestyle change from being inactive with poor nutrition, to being active and making the right nutritional choices.I would most definitely recommend Nick to anyone looking to start driving lessons or looking for an instructor for a friend/family member. You can contact Nick on the details below:Nicholasdrivingacademy.co.uk[email protected]07956221706 Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/33914-skills-swap-success/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cora Posted July 4, 2013 Share Posted July 4, 2013 Great post - love seeing skills swaps work..... Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/33914-skills-swap-success/#findComment-659195 Share on other sites More sharing options...
altessefitness Posted July 5, 2013 Author Share Posted July 5, 2013 Thanks Cora. Have you done one yourself? Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/33914-skills-swap-success/#findComment-659298 Share on other sites More sharing options...
balanceforlife Posted July 5, 2013 Share Posted July 5, 2013 Have you passed your test now? :)I'll be needing a driving instructor soon (so my other half keeps telling me). Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/33914-skills-swap-success/#findComment-659485 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicholas Posted July 5, 2013 Share Posted July 5, 2013 Just to say, thank you Altesse, I'm so glad I took you up on that skill swap. It has been 15 years since my last game of competitive football and all I play is badminton but that's not enough to keep me in shape, never mind my chocolate addiction. I must say that getting back to the gym with Altesse has been better than I expected as I suffer with back problems, but having someone understanding and who knows my limitations is fantastic and although he pushes me hard I know that under his watchful eye I won't cause myself an injury.As a professional driving instructor who knows his stuff it's a pleasure to work with someone like him and I would thoroughly recommend him to anyone who,like myself wants to get fit and in shape.He also has a very relaxed/cool studio in East Dulwich with various equipment.His mobile number is 07886 176893. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/33914-skills-swap-success/#findComment-659520 Share on other sites More sharing options...
altessefitness Posted July 11, 2013 Author Share Posted July 11, 2013 Hey Balanceforlife, I'll keep you posted ;-). Defo give Nick a shout. Nice one Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/33914-skills-swap-success/#findComment-660778 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fidoc87 Posted July 16, 2013 Share Posted July 16, 2013 For driving lessons would definitely recommend Nick. Have been working with him for the past year (work full time as a teacher so took longer!) and passed my test first time yesterday. Good, professional service and I would highly recommend him. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/33914-skills-swap-success/#findComment-661834 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicholas Posted August 11, 2013 Share Posted August 11, 2013 We've both had 8 sessions now, Altesse doing driving lessons and myself doing fitness lessons. The last two sessions were tough and demanding. Altesse and I both share a footballing background, the difference is he's a bit younger than me! As a personal trainer and as a motivator, I can't recommend Altesse enough. Although he's in the early stages of learning to drive, all seems to be going well and in due course he will definitely pass his test with ease. We will keep you all posted on both of our progress. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/33914-skills-swap-success/#findComment-669412 Share on other sites More sharing options...
altessefitness Posted February 8, 2015 Author Share Posted February 8, 2015 I should have posted this 2 weeks ago! Been too busy on the road! Great feeling to have passed my driving test 1st attempt, only 4 minors. Thanks to Nick! I took a lot of time away from driving lessons with work and family commitments, gave myself a short time to practice for my test, just wanted to get this done. Nick was great getting me test ready and keeping me reassured. Top man Nick. Driving has definitely improved the quality of my work/life. I have more energy for the family when I get home. Awesome!Anyone looking for a driving instructor contact Nick 07956221706. web: drivinglessonsdulwich.tel Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/33914-skills-swap-success/#findComment-821593 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicholas Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 Very well done Altesse! Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/33914-skills-swap-success/#findComment-821937 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahindley1983 Posted February 24, 2015 Share Posted February 24, 2015 Another Nicholas Driving school success. Me and my wife both came back from our holidays last year keen to get started with learning to drive. Nick was able to fit us in early and give us all the support and advice that we needed. We both have just passed so wanted to say a big thanks! Certainly recommend! Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/33914-skills-swap-success/#findComment-825951 Share on other sites More sharing options...
PatoAlli Posted March 12, 2015 Share Posted March 12, 2015 Passed first time with Nicholas! Great instructor, flexible on timing for lessons and very nice new car!Highly recommended.Katia Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/33914-skills-swap-success/#findComment-831153 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zuki16 Posted March 27, 2015 Share Posted March 27, 2015 Found Nick on this forum under driving tutors.So glad I did I just passed today @Westwickham test centre.Thanks to Nicholas.Find him on drivinglessonsdulwich.tel and his recommendations go back a long way Thanks :) Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/33914-skills-swap-success/#findComment-834477 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shona Elliott Posted April 22, 2015 Share Posted April 22, 2015 I passed my test today with Nicholas at West Wickham, with only a few minors. Just had a baby so needed a good instructor to pass quick. His website is www.nicholasdrivingacademy.co.uk Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/33914-skills-swap-success/#findComment-840844 Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJB24 Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 I would also recommend Nicholas for refresher lessons. I had not driven for ten years and having found his details on the EDF have now had 4 lessons with him including a motorway lesson. He has a very calm and relaxed style, and after the last lesson practising parking in my own car I now feel far, far more confident to drive on my own around London. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/33914-skills-swap-success/#findComment-849917 Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgeHenshaw Posted June 8, 2015 Share Posted June 8, 2015 Just passed first time with Nick. I found Nick on the forum a few months ago and has really helped me improve my driving skills and get me to the point where I was very confident going into my test.Nick has a great knowledge of the East Dulwich area, so each lesson is tailored to your needs. As well as being very calm and relaxed, he's also really flexible (which is great if you're trying to work at the same time).I would definitely recommend using Nick if you're looking for an instructor in the area.CheersGeorge Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/33914-skills-swap-success/#findComment-857194 Share on other sites More sharing options...
TylerVR Posted June 23, 2015 Share Posted June 23, 2015 I passed today at West Wickham test centre with Nicholas. I had a great examiner, great experience thanks Nick. :07956221706 Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/33914-skills-swap-success/#findComment-864331 Share on other sites More sharing options...
magda-lena123 Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 Found Nicholas on EDF. Had some refresher lessons in town and motorway in my own car. He has really helped my confidence. Watch out Dulwich in a big Toyota Avensis estate! Highly recommended👍🏼 Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/33914-skills-swap-success/#findComment-925630 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luluredshoes Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 I can also recommend Nick for refresher lessons. I had been a nervous driver with only a couple of years experience under my belt when I stopped driving for just over five years ago. Nick was calm and chatted just enough to take my mind off my nervousness but kept me focussed. We had about 5 lessons and then a motorway lesson. I have just come back from a trip down to Somerset and drove all over the county with total confidence. Couldn't have done it without Nick's help. Thank you! Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/33914-skills-swap-success/#findComment-964835 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Femke Posted April 11, 2016 Share Posted April 11, 2016 I had a series of refresher lessons from Nick. Having not driven for years and with no previous experience driving in the UK let alone in a busy city I was worried that I would have had to learn to drive from scratch. Nick quickly rebuilt my confidence and within a few lessons I was able to drive around my local area and further afield. Nick is an extremely chatty and parient instructor who helped me to eliminate any feelings of anxiety thanks to his very positive and encouraging attitude. With years of experience he is extremely knowledgeable about the area which is advantageous when learning to navigate around East Dulwich. Being new to the area myself it also means that I walk away with a list of shops and restaurants to try out as well. Thanks very much, Nick! Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/33914-skills-swap-success/#findComment-984739 Share on other sites More sharing options...
edli Posted April 29, 2016 Share Posted April 29, 2016 I passed my driving test first time earlier this week after taking lessons with Nick. I'm due to have a baby in two months and it was really important to me that I learn to drive before the baby is born, so I'm really grateful to Nick for getting me up to scratch in time and for all his patience in our lessons! I started as a very nervous driver but Nick managed to keep me calm and make me feel comfortable on the road - he's incredibly calm, friendly and relaxed.. after a pretty bad experience trying to learn to drive about six years ago, this really made a difference. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for an instructor! Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/33914-skills-swap-success/#findComment-991929 Share on other sites More sharing options...
jolly17 Posted July 28, 2016 Share Posted July 28, 2016 I have just completed four refresher lessons with nick and would highly recommend him. I hadn't driven in over ten years and needed to get my confidence back. Nick was very positive and helpful and by lesson four I was on the motorway and feeling comfortable behind the wheel again. Great experience, thanks nick. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/33914-skills-swap-success/#findComment-1028570 Share on other sites More sharing options...
vsfamurri Posted December 28, 2016 Share Posted December 28, 2016 just passed my test today with Nicholas, it was my first time and it went super smooth! He knows his way around and how to point you out to the right direction, and is a pleasant guy!Thanks NickCiao Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/33914-skills-swap-success/#findComment-1086705 Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlexSmith87654 Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 Passed my test today first time after learning with Nick. Very good instructor, relaxed and patient. he has brought my driving up to a very good standard. Lovely to chat to and very trust worthy. Thanks Nick!Alex Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/33914-skills-swap-success/#findComment-1094145 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALAISE Posted July 26, 2017 Share Posted July 26, 2017 Nicholas is great. Had a refresher lesson with him and now feel a lot more confident to drive to Cornwall. Thanks nick. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/33914-skills-swap-success/#findComment-1160691 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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