Starting the car was easy but stirring the wheel in the right position and lane was a little difficult, instead me going in circles, I went in square. He could see that I was very nervous, so he lovin... See more
Company replied
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Review summary
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What people talk about most
Reviews shaping this summary
Called National Intensive to learn more about their offering but also to figure out the best way to book a course that would suit my needs. Spoke to Yad who was extremely helpful and went the extra mi... See more
Company replied
I spoke to Yad, today and he was very knowledgeable on the UK driving system and how to go forward and book a driving test. He gave me all the information that I needed to help my daughter on her way... See more
Company replied
I did an intensive course, limited time, lot to cover, it was hard, Lindy was very tough and firm, she pushes you to go above and beyond your driving skills, you get to test standard and she pushes yo... See more
Company replied
Company details
Written by the company
We are amongst one of the largest established providers of intensive driving courses in the UK, We have a hardworking and dedicated team, who arrange the administration while the instructor and yourself have the time to prepare properly for your driving test. You can book anything from 5 - 45 hours with us and include tests if required + other optional training services such as theory training and pass plus scheme.
Our Aim
Written by the company
- We are committed to delivering fast-track Intensive Driving Courses for all learner driver experience / abilty. Offering courses in England, Scotland & Wales with home pick up.
100% Refund Guarantee
Book with confidence
If we fail to allocate a driving instructor within 45 days of making the booking you would be entitled to a refund.
Contact info
Cheadle Place, Stockport Road, Cheadle Point, Cheadle, SK8 2JX , Manchester, United Kingdom
- 0161 204 3790
- office@nationalintensive.com
- www.nationalintensive.com
10% OFF ANY DRIVING COURSE DEPOSIT
4.3
Excellent
8K reviews
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Replied to 100% of negative reviews
Typically replies within 24 hours
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£1000 taken, no lessons provided and no refund given
I booked a 25 hour intensive course (to be completed across 3 weeks) with this company last March. Shortly after I was contacted by my instructor who requested I pay them to book in lessons, which I did.
The first lesson was scheduled a few weeks ahead of my first test date. The instructor sent me some mesaages saying that she was moving house but would still honour the course. The night before the lesson my instructor cancelled and then didn't respond to my messages until just before my test date saying I would have to move my test.
I was told by the company that the instructor was having personal issues, I asked for a refund or to be allocated a new instructor but was told no by national intensive as the instructor said they would honour the course. This happened a further two times across the space of 14 months.
During this time I found out that the new house the instructor moved to was 1.5hours away from where my course was supposed to take place, the instructors company had gone into administration and she had another 40 customers at her new location. After 14 months of excuses 0 lessons and 3 missed tests national intensive finally agreed to give me a refund however they said that the instructor cannot currently pay me. Its been weeks since the refund was agreed and the instructor who owes me £1000 wont respond to messages and all national intensive have done is say the instructor isn't responding.
Im now left in a position where I have no test, havent done any lessons for 2 years, my theory is due to run out and I'm still awaiting a £1000. The process with National Intensive has been awful, I've received 0 compensation and think its unlikely the instructor is going to appear again. The instructor they provided me is terrible at communication and jas effectively taken my money and ran. I would save your money for a local instructor who you can trust as I feel like I've been scammed by this company.
Do not give any of the instructors any money until you understand the position of the company. Intensivedriving wont take any responsibility for the instructors they send you to or their financial situation as no due dilligence is completed.
To clarify, contrary to the below no alternative instructor was ever offered this situation is still ongoing and has not been resolved despite the comments/past tense language used below.
29 June 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from National Intensive
Where a refund has been requested and processed, as it was in your case, we are unable to also offer a new ADI. Once the refund has been agreed and completed, the booking is considered cancelled and cannot be transferred to another instructor.
We're sorry that your experience did not meet your expectations.
It is correct that your allocated instructor experienced an exceptionally difficult period involving a personal bereavement, significant financial difficulties, and a vehicle breakdown. Unfortunately, these circumstances affected her ability to deliver lessons as originally planned.
Throughout this time, we remained in contact with both you and the instructor. We also offered to allocate you a replacement instructor so that your course could proceed, but this option was declined.
Once it became clear that the course could not be completed, we processed a full refund of the amount held by National Intensive. The instructor has assured that she will refund you directly as soon as she is financially able to do so.
We appreciate that the delays and disruption were frustrating, and we understand why you were disappointed. However, we do want to clarify that we worked to resolve the situation, including offering an alternative instructor and ensuring that refunds were made.
We wish you every success with your driving in the future.
Regards
NI Team
Katie went through everything about…
Katie went through everything about their service with me in detail- it was clear and well explained.
29 June 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from National Intensive
Thank you for your wonderful 5-star review, Mariam!
We're so pleased to hear that Katie explained everything clearly and took the time to go through our service with you in detail. Providing clear, helpful information is important to us, and we're glad you had such a positive experience. We'll be sure to pass your kind comments on to Katie.
Thank you for choosing National Intensive, and we wish you all the best with your driving journey!
Regards
NI Team
Really understanding and answered all…
Really understanding and answered all of my questions perfectly! Thank you Katie!
29 June 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from National Intensive
Thank you so much for your kind review! We're delighted to hear that Katie was able to answer all of your questions and provide the support you needed. We'll be sure to pass your lovely feedback on to her. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience!
Regards
NI Team
A total scam
I would not recommend this company based on my experience.
I paid for an intensive driving course with an expedited practical test date, expecting the service that was advertised. However, the company was unable to secure a test date within the agreed timeframe. Even more frustrating, they only informed me that they had been unable to find a test date a week before my theory test certificate was due to expire. This left me with virtually no time to make alternative arrangements.
In my experience, the service is highly overrated and certainly not worth the amount of money charged. The promises made during the sales process did not match the service I actually received.
I was also disappointed by the attitude of some of the driving instructors, who I found to be rude and unprofessional. Good customer service is just as important as good driving instruction, and unfortunately, that was lacking.
Overall, I feel let down by the company and would encourage anyone considering their services to do their research carefully before committing. Based on my experience, I would not use them again.
28 February 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from National Intensive
Thank you for your feedback.
Unfortunately, your review does not provide sufficient details, such as your course reference or email address and only uses your initials, which means we are unable to identify your booking or investigate the points you have raised.
We do, however, refute several of the comments made. The completion dates provided at the time of booking are estimates only, based on the practical test availability being released in your chosen area at that time. As confirmed in the Terms and Conditions, which must be read and agreed to before a booking can be completed, all estimated completion dates are subject to DVSA practical test availability and the release of new test appointments in your area.
We are sorry that your experience did not meet your expectations. However, we cannot guarantee practical test dates within a specific timeframe where availability is outside of our control. We always endeavour to secure the earliest suitable test possible and keep customers informed based on the availability released by the DVSA.
We also take comments regarding our instructors seriously. Without being able to identify your booking, we are unable to investigate your concerns further. If you would like us to review your experience, please contact our customer service team with your booking details so we can look into the matter.
Regards
NI Team
My driving instructor is amazing great clear commands, willing to listen to what I have to say and full of knowledge
My driving instructor is am
26 June 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from National Intensive
Hello Brian,
Thank you for your feedback. We will pass this on to the team.
Regards
National intensive.
Reply from National Intensive
Hello Andy,
Thank you for your feedback. We will pass this on to Yad for you.
Regards
National intensive.
Good service
Good day. To a very consistent lady rachel. She has been dedicated. To serve. Me very well. Even when I call her 5 time for the day she never gets annoyed. She elite me also to swap my tess, centre. She have been very outstanding. I will recommend people that the service is excellent, which is very honest.🙂
26 June 2026
Reply from National Intensive
Thank you so much, Delroy, for your wonderful 5-star review! We're delighted to hear about your positive experience with Rachel. We'll be sure to pass on your kind words to her—she'll be thrilled to know her dedication, patience, and commitment made such a difference. It's great to hear she was able to help you change your test centre and support you every step of the way. Thank you for your recommendation and for trusting National Intensive. We wish you all the very best with your driving journey! 🚗😊
Regards
NI Team
Very easy booking process and useful…
Very easy booking process and useful app to track lessons and progress. I was on the cancellation tracker but nothing came up earlier, but I worked with my instructor to plan lessons so that I was prepared ahead of my test.
26 June 2026
Reply from National Intensive
Hello
Thank you for the feedback, much appreciated. We always aim to offer the best service possible and we are glad you are satisfied.
Regards,
National Intensive.
Reply from National Intensive
Thank you, Sarah, for your 5-star review! We're so pleased to hear you found our team helpful and quick. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, and we look forward to helping you again in the future. Safe driving!
Regards
NI Team
Very effective turn around where I had…
Very effective turn around where I had a very short window where I was free and he managed to pass me.
26 June 2026
Reply from National Intensive
Hi there,
We really appreciate your feedback; please don't hesitate to reach out should you have any queries or concerns.
Kind regards,
National Intensive.
Great first lesson
Great first lesson, friendly, patient and knowledgeable instructor!
25 June 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from National Intensive
Hi Connor
Thanks so much for your comments. Good luck with the rest of the course
Regards
National Intensive
National Intensive should be proud to have Laurie as a team member.
I was recently offered a 17.5-hour intensive driving course through National Intensive, which I accepted based on the information provided stating that the pupil could be asked to meet the instructor.
As soon as I accepted the course, I asked where the pupil would be meeting me and was then informed that I would need to pick up and drop off the pupil. The journey would have been 40–50 minutes from my location, making the course unsuitable.
I contacted the National Intensive team, and Laurie immediately took ownership of the matter. Once I explained the situation, Laurie resolved the issue swiftly and professionally.
This is not the first time Laurie has helped sort out errors for me, and I am always impressed by the efficiency, understanding, and excellent customer service provided.
Thank you, Laurie, for your help and support. National Intensive should be proud to have a team member like you.
Kind regards,
Sakina Hussain SWE Driving School
23 June 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from National Intensive
Thank you, Sakina, for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review.
We are delighted to hear that Laurie was able to assist you promptly and professionally when this issue arose. While we regret that the course details were not suitable in this instance, we are pleased that the matter was resolved quickly and to your satisfaction.
Providing excellent support to both our instructors and pupils is extremely important to us, and it is great to know that Laurie's efficiency, understanding, and commitment to customer service made a positive difference. We will be sure to pass on your kind words and recognition.
Thank you again for your continued trust in National Intensive, and for your recommendation. We wish you and SWE Driving School continued success.
Regards
NI Team
attended a zoom call with Yad and he…
attended a zoom call with Yad and he was supportive and helpful.
24 June 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from National Intensive
Hello
Thank you for your feedback. Much appreciated, we are glad to hear you are happy so far.
Regards,
National Intensive.
I just had Yad on the phone for some…
I just had Yad on the phone for some questions I had, he was very helpful. Thank you!
24 June 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from National Intensive
Hello Anaelle,
Thank you for your feedback. We will pass this on to Yad for you.
Regards
National intensive.
Yad was very helpful on the phone and…
Yad was very helpful on the phone and guided me through every step and what to expect from the intensive driving course.
23 June 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from National Intensive
Hello Lara,
Thank you for your feedback. We will pass this on to Yad for you.
Regards
National intensive.
Straight forward helpful answer and…
Straight forward helpful answer and going above and beyond
23 June 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from National Intensive
Hello Jonathan,
Thank you for your feedback. We will pass this onto the team for you.
Regards,
National intensive.
Middle man
This company is a middle man and will not take responsibility if something goes wrong with the allocated instructor.
You will be financially liable. They also offer fast pass courses but it is likely your test will be cancelled and you will have to pay more because most instructors are not willing to take you to test that quickly.
Can be good to obtain an instructor but they will just allocate you someone you could find yourself for double the money you would have paid and less protection.
18 June 2026
Reply from National Intensive
Thank you for your review.
We would like to clarify a number of points that we believe are inaccurate or misleading.
National Intensive is a driving course booking and management company. Our role is to arrange driving courses and put customers in touch with suitable local instructors from our nationwide network. This is clearly explained before booking and is not something we have ever hidden.
It is also incorrect to suggest that we take no responsibility if issues arise. Where problems occur, we actively liaise between customers and instructors and do our best to help find solutions. However, there are occasions where customer expectations may not be realistic or achievable, particularly where instructor availability, test availability, or timescales are outside anyone's control.
With regard to fast-pass courses, no reputable company can guarantee that a driving test will not be changed, moved, or cancelled. Driving test appointments are controlled by the DVSA, not by instructors or course providers. We work hard to guide and assist customers in securing suitable test dates and keeping them informed of earlier availability where possible.
It is also important to note that since the DVSA rule changes introduced on 12 May, only the pupil is permitted to make changes to their driving test booking. This means neither National Intensive nor the instructor can amend a customer's test appointment on their behalf.
Finally, while customers are always free to source an instructor independently, many choose our service because we save them the time and difficulty of contacting multiple instructors, checking availability, arranging intensive schedules, and coordinating courses around test dates. The value of our service extends beyond simply providing an instructor's contact details.
We appreciate all feedback, but we do not believe this review provides a balanced reflection of the service we offer or the support we provide to our customers.
Regards
NI Team
Rachel was very helpful and helped me…
Rachel was very helpful and will hopefully help me book a different driving instructor asap.
23 June 2026
Reply from National Intensive
Thank you for your 5-star review, Zoe.
We're delighted to hear that Rachel was able to help you and assist with arranging a different driving instructor. We understand how important it is to find the right instructor, and we're pleased that Rachel could support you in getting everything organised.
We wish you all the best with your lessons and your driving journey. Thank you for choosing National Intensive.
Regards
NI Team
Yad was very helpful and reassuring
Yad was very helpful, not only in helping me work through the different options for lesson hours and dates but was also very positive regarding the driving test its self. I left the call feeing very reassured
23 June 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from National Intensive
Hello Sabrina,
Thank you for your feedback. We will pass this on to Yad for you.
Regards
National Intensive
This company is a complete scam
This company is a complete scam. Ignore all positive reviews they’re fake and bot written. They have no organisational skills whatsoever, I got allocated THREE drivers all have which pulled out before my test because national intensive didn’t tell them I was yet to 1. Do my theory test (so obviously can’t start a crash course) 2. Tell them my location was in Doncaster (I’m from Hertfordshire) and 3. When it’s too late they give an instructor the wrong address AGAIN. They’ve also refused to give me any refund because I ignored my instructors? I have evidence of myself being happy to do lessons with them and they chose to pull out because they were not informed by NI about location and theory test. Useless company, the amount of times I called up explaining my test is soon and they haven’t got me a teacher that is actually in my location and they just tell me they’ll give me an update later - update they don’t. No one cares they just money grab and scam you. Please do not book with these guys.
1 May 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from National Intensive
Thank you for your review.
Unfortunately, we cannot locate any course under the name used for this review. To enable us to investigate your concerns properly, please provide your course ID or contact us directly with the email address used when booking.
Based on the information provided, there is currently no validation for the claims made in your review. In fact, if three separate ADIs returned the course, this would suggest that communication difficulties were not on our side but your own, particularly as instructors rely on timely responses from pupils when arranging lessons.
Regarding your comment about needing to pass a theory test before starting lessons, this is incorrect. Pupils can undertake driving lessons while waiting to pass their theory test. Whether lessons commence before the theory test is passed is a matter for the pupil and ADI to agree between themselves.
With regard to the address concerns you have raised, we would need confirmation of the specific course and booking details before we can access the relevant file and verify what information was provided and when.
We take customer feedback seriously and are always happy to investigate genuine concerns. However, without sufficient information to identify the booking, we are unable to substantiate the allegations made in this review.
We invite you to contact us directly with your course ID or booking email address so that we can review the matter fully.
Regards
NI Team
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