William Merritt Centre York

For anyone facing the daunting experience of a driving assessment please be reassured! My 88 year old dad attended today following a stroke 2 months ago - he was incredibly nervous but immediately put at ease by Helen and Deborah who were extremely professional, very personable and made dad feel very much like they were out to help rather than judge him. Thankfully he 'passed' and we can't thank you both enough :)

I was nervous about applying for my driving assessment, so I rang the centre and spoke to someone who gave me an outline of what to expect. She was helpful and so I got on and filled in the online forms which were fairly straightforward. At my assessment I met Helen and Deborah who are both very professional and amiable. Helen took my medical details concerning my driving disability and asked what my expectations were. Deborah checked that my driving licence was valid. Helen suggested suitable adaptations that would enable me to drive again. So, after the form filling, Deborah then drove us to quiet back roads so that I could then drive with the adaptations. I was nervous, very nervous but Deborah was patient and encouraging, she talked me through the controls and I was able to drive in my own time. Afterwards back at the centre, I was told that I would need lessons to familiarise myself with the adaptations. I am now two lessons in, which I am enjoying. Deborah has put me at ease, helped to build my confidence and improve my handling of the car with the adaptations, and brush up on my driving skills. It had been two years since I had last driven.I'm happy that I've taken these steps to getting back my independence, and i would encourage anyone in a similar situation to do the same, you will be in safe hands.

A very unhappy experience. 2 reviews. 1st with unsuitable car: Seat could not be raised high enough, so visibility poor. One of the assessors had very abrasive manner. Her impatience was evident in her voice. 2nd review had different and very suitable car, but same 2 assessors. By the end (just over an hour, I think) I felt very stressed and humiliated. My husband felt they spoke to me as if I were not quite the full shilling" - which I am

Aged 81 after my foot slipped off the brake I lost confidence in my ability to drive hence the request to check I was able to drive. I was extremely nervous about the assessment it was as if I was taking my driving test for the very first time. I was met by two friendly young ladies an occupational therapist who talked about my health issues and a driving instructor who checked my license and ability to read a number plate I was worried about driving a car that I was unused to but was given time to familiarise myself. They were very good at keeping me calm and I felt more comfortable as the assessment went on. I was given a few suggestions to help and fortunately I am still classed as safe to drive

Thank you so much for yesterday it is much appreciated you both put me very much at ease for starting my journey into driving thank you for keeping my anxiety at bay. I was more than happy with the outcome of today again thank you so much

Not good. I am having some difficulty driving and was referred by my GP for an Assessment. What I got was a Test. Which I was deemed to have failed. There was no Assesment or attemmpt to provide equipment which would facilitate my driving.

The Ladies at the York Centre are very friendly, pleasant and make you feel at ease, highly recommended York.