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Marco Polo School of Motoring

 

Driving Lessons and Instructor Training in Wallasey, Birkenhead and the Wirral

 

Call me (Mark Astill DSA ADI) :

 

0742 765 4343

 

mark@marco-polo-som.com

 

 

  

Dreaming?

 

You'll need someone to teach you to drive first!

 


Testimonies. What people say about me:
 

 
Hi Mark, my testimony;
 
Learning to drive was something I avoided for quite a few years,
but when I finally decided to learn and got Mark as an instructor
I knew he was the right person to teach me from my first lesson. He was punctual,
understanding, patient, honest and has a great sense of humour.
I was nervous on the road but Mark’s teaching soon helped me overcome that.
 
I went away from every lesson feeling I had learned something new while also feeling I had improved.
His feedback was spot-on and his explanations easy to understand.
The techniques taught to me really helped in passing my test and will help me on the roads for years to come.
 
I would recommend Mark to anybody
 
Thanks Mark, Andy
 
Andy Bonner Birkenhead
 

 
Hi Mark!!


Here is my testimony as promised

I would recommend Mark to anyone wanting to learn to drive!
He is patient, understanding and very good at his job.
Mark has a genuine interest in teaching people to drive
and to drive safely and confidently. I couldn't have passed without him!

Thanks again Mark!
 
Katy Cumings    Birkenhead
 

 
Hi Mark, once again thank you so much for getting me through my test!
 
I started driving lessons when I was 17 but unfortunately didn't have Mark as my instructor!
My previous instructor put me off driving as he knocked my confidence and made me
very nervous to even get behind the wheel of a car.
After 5 years I never thought I was going to drive and felt sick at the
thought of it, but I knew it would make my life so much easier if I could.
 
After my first lesson with Mark I felt differently about driving,
he was calm and gave lots of encouragement. He always pushed me slightly out of my
comfort zone each lesson, but never to the point I felt scared, which increased
my confidence and driving skills.
 
Still in shock that I have passed my test.. best day ever!
I will recommend Mark to anyone who is looking for an instructor!

Thank you Charli :)
 
Charlotte Williams Pensby

 

 
Excellent driving instructor. Highly recommend for beginner drivers. Got me though my test.
 
Louis Atherton Bromborough
 

 
Hi Mark my testimony as promised.

I was very anxious about learning to drive and put it off for years thinking
I would never learn to drive. I got in touch with Mark and he motivated me
to keep going with my lessons and he got me ready for my driving test
which I passed first time with only 5 faults.


Mark is very patient, calm and reliable he has a sense of humour and encouraged me.
The driving lessons were thorough and challanging but it prepared me for my test and he also told me
when I was ready for my test which meant that I felt confident in my ability.
 
I would recommend Mark to anyone considering lessons.

Thanks for all your time and effort.


Elaine Pyke Wallasey

 

 
Hi Mark, Below is my testimony as promised, once again I cant thank you enough 
for getting me through the test. Cannot recommend highly enough, I was with a 
previous instructor and rushed through to my test which I duly failed, after taking 
a break for some months Mark was recommended to me and I switched and glad 
I did as today I passed my test. Mark is very polite, calm, understanding, prompt 
and gives you full allotted time and most importantly of PATIENT, if you make a 
mistake which all of us do, Mark will just talk you through it, where you went wrong 
and how you can correct it calmly, making it so much easier the next time. 
 
Mark makes sure that you are fully prepared and of a pass level standard before you can 
take the test, where some instructors will just let you book and try to get you through 
Mark will give you detailed feedback on the areas you need to work on before you 
can pass the test. I found all the training a pleasure and looked forward to having my 
lessons; they were not a chore like it can be with others. I managed to pass the 
test thanks to Marks training so if you’re at this page already I recommend you 
ring the number and get started, don’t look elsewhere. Rob
 
 (Rob passed with just 1 driving fault)
 
 Robert Cumings    Birkenhead
  

 
Mark's a great instructor, he is really calm and relaxed.
He was always confident in my abilities and didn't let me give up when things were difficult.
I would recommend him to anyone.
 
Brittany Forsythe Birkenhead
 
(Brittany passed her test with just 3 driving faults) 

 
I had two previous instructors & three failed driving tests before meeting Mark. I had been up and down on my confidence
all through my driving over the months & had massive gaps before starting my driving after failing. Mark helped me build up
my confidence. The 4th test nerves hit me and I failed. Mark phoned me days after the test to make sure I keep up with my driving.
I wasn't so sure if I could pass the 5th time. About a week and a half before my test I was contemplating whether
or not to cancel my test, but I thought I'll keep that date if I don't pass, I don't pass and Mark new I could do it.
I kept making silly mistakes in the lessons before my test, so he suggested (a few times) that I could say out loud
what I keep missing (first gear mostly). It felt silly at first. but it helped me remember and I didn't forget once this test!
My nerves had hit me again, my leg was shaking at the first roundabout. But, I calmed down a lot as we went on. I
thought positive and took Mark's advice and finally passed! I gave Mark a high five when I had found out I had finally passed!!

Mark is a friendly instructor and listens to what you have to say whether it be about driving or not, picks up on what
your not 100% on and helps you through it, and always has a laugh and you don't have to worry
if any swear words slip out if you stall, he understands if you are super nervous & if you have a couple of health problems. 
 
 
I would recommend Mark to anyone, and will be doing so!

Thanks Mark for being a great instructor!
All I can say now is Phew!
 
Rebecca Jones Birkenhead
 

 
Hi Mark, please see my testimony below!
 
After failing 3 tests about 4 years ago, I decided to stop learning to drive 
after my 3rd fail and thought  "Driving probably isn't for me." 
My confidence became stained and I really felt that I didn't 
have the patience or confidence to drive after failing so much. 
When I contacted Mark and explained that I was nervous 
because I hadn't been behind the wheel in nearly 4 years, 
he was keen to help, and I'm so glad he gave me his time.
 
Mark instantly identified the areas of my driving that I 
needed to work on, in which he challenged me and encouraged me to progress in
those weak areas. He gave excellent advice and instructions on just about
everything I was struggling with, and through-out every lesson, he was patient
with me - even when I found myself becoming frustrated at certain things! Mark
is punctual, professional, friendly, and is definitely a top quality driving
instructor. His instructions are immaculate and precise, but also very easy to
digest. My confidence has improved immensely behind the wheel after learning
with Mark. He believed that I could progress and pass my test, and that alone
made me comfortable to learn to drive with him from the start. I highly
recommend anyone to learn to drive with Mark. If he can help a nervous,
sensitive guy like me pass their driving test, then I'm confident to say he has
the skills, the kindness, and the patience to help anyone!


Thanks again

Mark, you really have been a great help!


Ross Atkins    Wallasey


 
Hi Mark, would like to say a huge thanks again for your help in getting me through to test level.
When I joined you after my problems, you took me under your wing and taught me to drive like am expert.
Note to new pupils!! If your looking for a patient, friendly,
instructor that will help you pass your test, look no further Mark is your man!
 
Sandra Sutton Chester


 
Hey Mark, testimony like I said. Sorry it took so long to write, the move was a bit hectic.


Although I didn't stay with Mark through to the end due to me moving I did have a fair few lessons with him.
My first ever lesson with him I had no previous driving experiences and was really nervous
but he remained calm and helped me through it, he even cracked one or two jokes :).
As time progressed my confidence also grew along with Mark's faith in me.
He knew what I was able to do and challenged me to do the things I couldn't do,
because of this I improved rapidly. He also gave me great advice for when
I moved and was due to find a new instructor. Mark is highly recomended. Thank you :)
 
Sam Riley Wallasey
 

 
I passed my driving test on the 19th of September 2011 and it was one of the best feelings ever!
Mark was a really great instructor, funny, patient and always turned up at the times requested for lessons.
I thoroughly enjoyed taking my driving lessons with Mark and would recommend anyone else to do the same.
Whenever I felt like I couldn't do something or I struggled with something (like reverse round a corner!)
Mark made sure that I felt comfortable by the end of the teaching and eventually we got there and
I managed to do it right on my test day.

Thank you so much for all the help Mark!
 
Katherine Smith     Birkenhead
 
 
 
 I was only with Mark for a short time after learning from my mum for a while. He was a brilliant 
instructor, as I passed first time! Always prompt, well organised and made time for me when 
needed. I thought Mark was a calm and helpful teacher with lots of patience and a sense of 
humour, I highly recommend Mark to anyone. Thanks again Mark 
 
Jack Clarke    New Brighton
 

 
Hi Mark
 
Bay parked at Morrisons today!!! Wasn't perfect but was in the lines!!!
 
Testimony below:
 
It took me a long time to decide I wanted to drive and being a very nervous driver,
I dont think I could have passed my test with any other instructor.
Mark was professional but we could still have a laugh,
he made me feel relaxed but still pushed me enough to keep learning.
Mark was always on time for every lesson and I got the full time slot.
Mark is VERY VERY patient (he needed to be with me!!).
Most of all Mark was always encouraging and trying to build my confidence.
Now I have passed, I'm definatly going to do the Pass Plus with Mark.
 
Thanks again Mark. It was a pleasure to be taught by you. Zoe.
 
 
Zoe Cook Little Sutton
 
 


 I was a first time driver with no experience when I began driving lessons with Mark. He made me feel
relaxed and calm behind the wheel from my first lesson. I dreaded the thought of learning to drive and 
put it off for years but Mark made the experience enjoyable and rewarding. He was always on time for 
lessons and never cancelled lessons we had booked. Mark also booked lessons to accomodate around 
my work schedule. I highly recommend him as a driving instructor and guarantee you will not be disappointed. 
I passed my driving test last month and now feel like a confident driver, ready to take to the road on my own 
and that's all thanks to Mark.
 
Catherine O'Niel    Brunswick, Liverpool
 

  
Mark taught me after I had been with a different instructor and I was so pleased 
in making the change. Mark's approach to teaching his learners is "very to the 
point" and thats what I needed to get me passed which I did first time! I am so 
made up with my lessons with Mark and would highly recommend him to anyone 
that wants to pass quickly and safely. Thank You Mark! Abbey x
 
 Abbey Johnstone    Bebington
 

 
 From my very first driving lesson with Mark I felt fairly comfortable behind the 
wheel. He is very patient with you. If you make any mistakes and assures you that 
it's perfectly normal to make them. He will push you to the level he feels you 
are capable of, but he will not rush you into anything you're not ready for. He 
has a good sense of humour which makes it easy to talk to him and makes you feel 
at ease in the car. I recently passed my test thanks to Mark and am considering 
taking the pass plus course with him some day in the future, thanks again Mark!
 
 Jon Lea     Leasowe
 
 
 I found Mark to be very professional, patient and a reliable driving instructor.His 
instructions were clear and easy to understand, which made the whole experience 
of learning to drive less stressful than I thought it would be. Mark was able to push 
me to the best of my ability and now I have my licence and passed first time!
 
 Rachel Clark    Bebington
 

 
 
I and my family are over the moon with the help and preparation I received from 
you. I was surprised to realise how many habitual faults I had in my driving. 
You did a great job in eradicating them for me. Kudos to you and thank you.
 
Kind regards 
 
(Jon passed with just 2 driving faults)
 
Jon Griffiths    Pensby
 

 
 
I found Mark very patient and understanding, and on occasions when I felt like giving 
it all up he was encouraging, positive and supportive. Passing my test has really
changed my life for the better. Thanks so much! And thanks for putting up with me! 
I have happily recommended Mark to a friend.
 
Rhiann Taylor    New Brighton
 

 
 
I first began learning to drive a few years ago with a different instructor. Everytime 
I was behind the wheel I was nervous and not confident about driving. I passed my 
theory test but then I witnessed a car accident involving a pedestrian. That put me 
off driving for ages and I didnt have any more lessons. Last year I realised I needed 
to be able to drive. I was incredibly nervous but I found Mark very reassuring. He 
was encouraging and constructive at the same time. I soon gained confidence in 
driving and looked forward to my lessons with Mark. Mark was very calm (even when 
I first got behind the wheel!) and very clear in his instructions. When it came to take 
my test Mark pushed the boat out to ensure I felt confident and prepared. I passed 
at my first attempt. A few months later I came back to Mark so Icould take the Pass 
Plus Course!
 
Jonny Petman    New Brighton
 

 
After being let down by a cheaper instructor, I got in touch with Mark. From my first 
lesson with him, all the way through to completing my Pass Plus he never let me down 
and was always on time. Mark is very reassuring, which is great for us nervous types! He is calm 
and very patient. If I made a mistake (there were many!), he didn't make me feel stupid or embarrassed. 
Mark is also a very thorough instructor and he won't let you rest in your comfort zone, he pushes you just 
enough to make fast progress. I have never been taught by another instructor, so I can't compare him to 
others, but what I do know is that I have been in cars with other drivers who have been taught by cheaper, 
more widely known driving schools and their driving skills have just not been up to par! One example, 
I was recently a passenger of a driver who didn't know how to reverse bay park because their 
driving instructor said, "You don't need to know that, because you won't get tested on that" at a particular 
driving test centre! Need I say more?! Learning to drive has literally changed my life and it's all thanks to Mark! 
 P.S. He has a wicked sense of humour! :D
 
Louise Carvell    Beechwood
 
Louise also sent me this text:
 
I'm so glad I had that Pass Plus lesson in the snow Mark! It's just taken me 
4 hours to drive home from Bromborough and I didn't skid once.
 

 
From my first lesson with Mark I could tell that he was very professional and
knowledgeable, this enabled me to gain confidence quickly. I felt very safe in the
car with Mark as his instructions were both clear and delivered in a calm manner.
Mark was always punctual. I would recommend Mark to anyone looking to pass
with confidence. Once again thank you. 

Samuel Philp Little Sutton
 

 
Thanks for today! Thank you for sticking with me this long and believing in me that I 
could pass my test when I didn't think I could. Thank you for having the patience for 
learning me to drive. I really appreciate that, Thank you xx love Sophie
 
Sophie Charmers    Birkenhead
 

 
I first started to learn to drive 10 years ago. I began in a manual car however during 
that time I had 3 driving instructors, none of them could seem to teach me to drive. 
This I found very disheartening. I thought I am doomed never to learn to drive a car. 
However I then decided to learn in an automatic, this took me 2 years to pass. I have 
been a driver now for 10 years, I decided its about time I learnt in a manual car as I 
have many reason for this. One is that I am restricted to only driving autos only and 
they are good to drive but, in the bad weather they are not. I started with a instructor 
from an other driving school he could not seem to teach me. I thought that's it am 
never going to learn there must be something wrong with me after 10 years I still can't 
drive a manual car. I then decided to give it one more last chance. So I started 
learning to drive with Mark. This was the best thing I have ever done. Within the first l
esson I was driving I could not believe it, yes I made lots and lots of mistakes but 
Mark was so helpful he made me feel relaxed and at ease. He has a natural way 
about him. He is not false, he is just himself. He is not out to make money from you, 
he wants to help you pass and will accommodate your needs, he is not patronising, 
he is very professional at all times. He is always punctual and reliable. He will teach 
you at your own pace as he will not rush you . Within 5 months I am now up to test 
standard and am due to take my test, (passed 13 May 2010). If after reading this that 
anyone thinks that this has not been written by a pupil then Mark has my permission 
to put you in touch with me direct. I can't thank you enough Mark for every thing as you 
are the only one that has taught me to drive a manual car. You don't realise how much 
this means to me.  Thank you so much.
 
(Carolyn passed with just 3 driving faults)
 
Carolyn Hughes    Fairfield, Liverpool
 
 

 
I was really excited to start my driving lessons and booked them straight away after
my 17th. I was slightly nervous, but Mark was very friendly and took me through step
by step.Mark was always able to fit me around my college schedule. I would definitely 
recommend Mark as he is never late to a lesson, has a funny sense of humour and is
always willing to push you into succeeding. Cheers Mark.
 
Alex Dring Moreton
 

 
 Its a shame I was only able to spend 10 hours with Mark as I think he is the best
instructor I have ever come across. From the very first lesson we had I could see 
him paying attention to my character and my style of learning... He applied what 
he saw and took it in to account in all of my lessons. The main thing I am grateful 
for is the confidence he has helped me gain. Mark is always on time usually early 
and very respectful during the lesson. Thank you Mark I hope I manage to find 
another instructor as good as you!
 
Anna Salman    West Kirby
 
I was only able to teach Anna for 10 hours because she is now living somewhere 
else. Anna passed her driving test first time about 6 weeks later.
 

 
Even in my first lesson with Mark, he made me feel relaxed and calm (as calm as
you can be when first driving...) and I always felt safe when under his tuition and supervision. As well as being an extremely professional and reliable driving instructor, he is also a great person to get on with and talk to, making the overall
learning process more enjoyable and less stressful. Thanks to Mark I have the
knowledge and ability to drive safely and with confidence, and the preparation 
I received for the test (and all the driving I was planning on doing afterwards) was
second to none. I'd recommend him to anyone who is looking to learn to drive
confidently and pass first time."
 
Christopher Cushion Fairfield, Liverpool
 

 

Mark is a very patient and professional driving instructor. From my first lesson,

even though I was very nervous he made me feel relaxed. Mark was very reliable and

always on time to our lessons. I would recommend Mark to anyone. My whole experience of

learning to drive was made a lot less stressful because of how he taught me.

Thanks to Mark I now have my license and passed first time. Thank You!!!
 
Sophia Riding   
Wallasey

 


 
I am 43 years of age and have just passed my driving test. No, I havent been learning for 26 years! I have only started a few months ago and have just passed, first attempt, thanks to Mark my
driving instructor.Learning to drive with him was a really enjoyable experience. He was patient and extremely
helpful in teaching me all the manouevers needed to pass my test and inalso in giving me the confidence to drive 
on the roads safely.So if you want to learn to drive in a safe and relaxed enviroment and also with someone who will 
teach you but also make you feel comfortable at the same time then Mark is the man. You will enjoy most learning to
drive and passingyour test with and I would recommend him to anyone. (Even if he does support Liverpool)
 
Mark Loraine    Oxton        (a scouser who supports Man U!)   :(
 

 

Thank you so much for helping me pass my driving test. If only I had you as my driving instructor first time around!!! You made me feel very confident in the car and I really appreciate your help. Thank you again.

 

Melanie Heckle    Raby Mere 

 


 
From my very first lesson with Mark I felt quite comfortable behind the 
wheel. If you make any mistakes he will always tell you what you did wrong 
and how to correct it next time and assures you that it's normal to make them. 
He won't let you do your test until he is confident that you are ready.
He will not rush you into anything you're not ready for. He has a great 
sense of humour which makes it easy to talk to him and makes you feel more 
comfortable in the car. I have just passed my test thanks to Mark. 
 
Thanks Again Mark :)
 
Sean Rosenthal    New Ferry


 

 

I highly recommnd Mark to everyone. He is a knowlegeable, patient, encouraging instructor who knows how to get the best out of you and your driving. Mark is always on time for lessons and easy to get on with. A big thank you for all your help and time Mark. Thank You

 

Helen Pugh    Birkenhead

 

 


 

 

 

 

Call: 0742 76543 43

 

mark@marco-polo-som.com

 

 

I am patient

 

I show up on time 

 

I stay calm

 

I don't get angry

 

I have a sense of humour

 

I don't cancel lessons at the last minute

 

I don't take or make phone calls while I am instructing

 

I am good with nervous drivers

 

I will teach you at your pace, intensive or relaxed

 

You will get the full time slot that you paid for

 

  The instruction will be of the highest quality

 

 

 

I am passionate about driver training and I love my job 

  

 

 I will teach you safe driving for life

 

 

and if you drive safely, you will pass your test.

 

 


 

Sorry, I don't teach in (or own for that matter) the beautiful car above.

 

I teach in a new, air-conditioned, dual-controlled Corsa.

 


 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Call me anytime
 
If you reach my voicemail, leave a message and I will call you back.
 
I don't take calls while instructing
 
so you know I won't take calls when I am teaching you.

 

 

Instructor training available

 
 
 
Marco Polo School of Motoring
 
  
Call: 0742 76543 43
 
or write me a message: