I passed on my very first try after having around 5 to 6 lessons with Alex. This achievement is even more significant, due to the fact that I had only 3 hours of sleep in me from the night prior. As a mentally anxious person, I worried that I might make many mistakes during the driving exam, but in reality, I didn't really make much. Even Alex expected that anyone would make a few minor mistakes as no one is perfect (in his own words). And he was right. Despite passing, I only had 4 minor mistakes, which I could slowly improve on over time with my new driver's license that is coming in the mail in a few weeks. The main thing Alex wanted me to focus on was to "follow the rules" of the road.
About 5 to 6 lessons total to less than a week of lessons and also less than a week of knowing him as a driving instructor. He may come off as a rude person that is always yelling at you for every mistake you make, but in my perspective, that's totally blown out of proportion. Rather, he is blunt and concerned for everyone's safety. The rule of thumb is to not take everything too personally and to learn why he is yelling at you (in my opinion, it's more like building discipline within you). So why does he actively build discipline into you? That is because he wants you to learn how to master driving SAFELY. On the first lesson, he knows nothing about you as a driver other than being a first timer. So the mistakes made could potentially be a hazard to yourself, himself, and the people around you. A potential scenario would be when suddenly stepping on the brake could reduce your car's lifespan, break the backs of your passengers, and cause the driver behind you to crash into you for not having enough time to react to the sudden brake. Rather it's better to slow down and eventually coming to a full stop, so no one would be scared when you drive.
Alex taught me everything from the basics of driving to how I should be reacting to certain situations. After having my lessons with him, he would always give me a breakdown on what to improve on by the next lesson or in general. The feedback I get almost always become something I strive to perfect. He also reminded me that following the rules was more important than criticizing how other people drive. Let the crazy drivers drive crazy. They have a license and we students don't. So we have to follow the rules and avoid the crazies.
Overall I would highly recommend taking lessons with him. From a former student to a future student, come prepared to learn to become a safe driver. He is a very chill guy to converse with and his feedback is also very helpful. Do not take his yelling too seriously as he is mostly trying to get you to reflect on the mistakes. Rather just focus all your energy on improving your driving skills. Don't be in a hurry to do anything and take your time is what he told me. read more