Testimonials - Barry Elsom
Chris H
Barry Elsom at BestWest taught my daughter to drive and she passed first time. She found him very calm, gave clear instructions and encouraged safe sensible driving. His philosophy is to teach people how to drive safely and not just pass the test. I would definitely use Barry again to teach my other daughter.
Monday, 7 August 2023
Jack A
Barry was very nice and helped me pass my test first attempt in only a couple lessons with him
Friday, 8 August 2025
Imogen M
Barry’s a legend! He’s so patient and kind and a great laugh too! Thanks for everything baz x
Thursday, 31 July 2025
Thomas P
Puts the “best” in “best west driving school”.
Wednesday, 23 July 2025
Elisabet M
I’ve been a very nervous learner, but Barry has made a huge difference in my driving journey. From the first lesson, he was calm, reassuring, and incredibly patient. He took the time to understand my fears and never made me feel uncomfortable or pressured.
Barry explained everything clearly and always created a safe and supportive environment where I could learn at my own pace. His encouragement really helped me gain confidence behind the wheel, and I started to feel more in control and relaxed with each lesson.
I’m really grateful for his guidance—he made something that felt overwhelming actually manageable. If you’re an anxious or first-time learner, I highly recommend Barry. He’s a fantastic instructor.
Thank you!
Tuesday, 8 July 2025
Keighley M
Barry is an exceptional driving instructor, he is patient and extremely knowledgeable.
I took my PDA today feeling fully prepared and passed first time. It's a great feeling, thank you Barry!
Thursday, 3 July 2025
Selena K
Barry is very kind and welcoming, he made me feel instantly comfortable on my first lesson by cracking a joke and easing into driving and always instilling confidence in me, he’s a very good instructor who will always make sure and prioritise that you can drive safely on the roads and he teaches you everything you need to know to be a safe driver, i’ve enjoyed my short time with Barry and i’m grateful for his great teachings :)
Tuesday, 1 July 2025
Anthony J
Barry is truly the BEST in the WEST.
Great instructor.
Friday, 13 June 2025
Ella U
Barry is so patient, calm and keeps me relaxed behind the wheel.
I have learnt so much and if your a person that is nervous or shy Barry will be the person for you he is so kind and understanding, that I soon became the sassy chatter box (so I'm told).
Thank you Barry I look forward to doing my test with you
Tuesday, 10 June 2025
Isaac C
Really helpful in how I drive. Never a dull moment and was really supporting
Tuesday, 20 May 2025
Ethan S
Thank you Barry, you were an amazing driving instructor to have, Appreciate all your hard work helping me to pass on my first go! thanks
Tuesday, 22 April 2025
Thomas P
The best
Saturday, 19 April 2025
Bilha O
Such a lovely, hilarious and encouraging instructor. Would 100% recommend to friends and family.
Thursday, 3 April 2025
Nathaniel K
I just want to say thank you so much Barry! You gave me the space and confidence I needed. I'll always be grateful ????
Monday, 31 March 2025
Tarrshni G
Barry is an amazing teacher and I don't think I can thank him enough for getting me through this journey. He is so patient and supportive and pushes me to be a better driver. He takes trouble to not just teach the needs of the test but has exposed me to many situations on the road to learn to overcome and be a safe driver. His knowledge and experience is the best. I'm mostly grateful for his kind words that got me through. Thank you Barry. Thank you Best West Driving School !
Thursday, 20 March 2025
Wednesday, 5 February 2025
Josie B
Best instructor ever...kind calm patient and really teaches kids to drive! (& he is 2 from 2 for our family re passing test on first go!!).
Wednesday, 5 February 2025
Alana C
Barry is an amazing teacher, he is patient and understanding of different learning styles. I have tried for 4 years to get my license but I have driving anxiety and many of my instructors did not understand this. Barry helped me so much with my confidence and safety behind the wheel. Thanks to him I have my Ps today :)
Friday, 10 January 2025
Emily P
Barry is a great instructor as he is very patient.
I feel he has lots of good advice and experience.
Thank you so much Barry.
Monday, 23 December 2024
Wednesday, 18 December 2024
Liloue F
Barry is an awesome instructor. He built my confidence and I got my licence on the first go.
Wednesday, 18 December 2024
Alexis M
My daughter had several lessons with Barry and she appreciated his steady, pragmatic approach. As a parent, I felt confident knowing he would iron out any bad habits she had inadvertently already picked up from me, and he always took the time to explain things to both of us. He gave her both the confidence and reality-check she needed. She passed on her second attempt. Thank you Barry.
Friday, 6 December 2024
Eloise W
Without Barry I would not have passed my driving test! I would 100% recommend Barry to anyone who struggles overthinking the little things! like myself.
Barry thank you so so much! I appreciate it :)
Tuesday, 3 December 2024
Thursday, 21 November 2024
Georgia S
Hi Best West !
I just wanted to reach out and say a massive thank you to Barry Elsom.
Driving has always been something I've put on the back burner - too scared to give it a go, but starting lessons this year with Barry completely changed that. Not only did he make driving fun and comfortable, but had faith in my driving when I didn't. He was a constant source of encouragment that I needed to get over my fears, always pushing me to keep trying while making me laugh.
Barry is an incredible person and I feel so lucky I got to spend time with him during my lessons.
I would recommend him to anyone !!
I'm over the moon that I passed my test, but will miss his cheeky grin and our time together.
Thank you for making me into a safe driver, Barry.
Thank you for believing in me!
I'll try not to wait for Father Christmas or fancy the back of too many cars when I'm on the road :)
Lots of love,
Georgia Sanders
Thursday, 21 November 2024
Wednesday, 13 November 2024
Mariia V
I have had the best driving teacher Barry, he is really professional, he taught me a lot important things, it makes my driving more safety , thank you so much for your job. I highly recommend Barry Elsom
Wednesday, 13 November 2024
Claire S
Barry is an excellent driving instructor! I would 10000% recommend him to anyone. He not only taught me everything I needed to know for the test but things that are so important to know for driving after the test. He made me so comfortable and never doubted me. I passed the test on my first try because of his amazing teaching!!
Monday, 7 October 2024
Wednesday, 18 September 2024
Ellyse H
Barry is the best. I had many lessons with him and I never had a problem. From the very first lesson, he had already taught me so much. Each lesson, i was learning heaps of new techniques to ensure I was a safe driver. After I had completed all of my lessons he gave me the assurance that I was 100% ready to hit the roads. And…an added bonus- I passed my test first try! So please, get Barry! You will not regret it.
Wednesday, 18 September 2024
Friday, 13 September 2024
Sydney E
Barry is just the best! Barry was my sister's instructor a couple of years ago and she passed first time. So when it came to having lessons, I went straight to Barry. Barry is knowledgeable and experienced as well as being funny and motivating. Barry boosted my confidence and with his help, I passed first time too. Thanks so much Barry!!
Friday, 13 September 2024
Wednesday, 21 August 2024
Austin C
Really great instructor - made me feel confident when I was driving . Gave me helpful tips aswell .
Awesome to drive with .
Wednesday, 21 August 2024
Andrew W
Great guy funny good teacher helped me pass my test today got my confidence up to pass great teacher thank u very much Barry
Friday, 9 August 2024
Samantha B
I had the absolute please of having Barry as my driving instructor . I was an incredibly anxious person who hadn’t driven before and in 4 months with Barry I just passed my driving test today . His knowledge of the road is amazing and he is a very thoughtful instructor . I can now get my kids around safely with all the things Barry has taught me . Thank you Barry , I will forever be grateful for your help .
Wednesday, 7 August 2024
Jenna K
Great instructor, helped me pass my driving test.
Tuesday, 30 July 2024
Zahraa C
Barry is one of the best instructors , he is calm, positive and gives good techniques for learners, he is patient and enthusiastic
We highly recommend Barry ??
Wednesday, 24 July 2024
Sarah E
Barry was a great instructor, he gave constructive feedback and prepared me well for the test. I felt confident with Barry’s help and instructions, he is a great instructor who guided me through my learning journey and prepared me to be able to drive safely and confidently on the roads.
Monday, 22 July 2024
Yijun L
Barry is a great instructor, very patient and experienced. I would recommend him to everyone either beginner or someone just want to prepare for the test.
Thursday, 18 July 2024
Sam M
Barry you have been an amazing instructor. Your calm and ongoing encouragement have made for a great outcome. Thanks.
Monday, 8 July 2024
Eimer B
Barry was a fabulous instructor who prepared me well to pass my test on the first attempt.
Tuesday, 2 July 2024
Kitana M
Very friendly instructor, incredibly supportive and very helpful.
Thursday, 13 June 2024
EIRIK H
Thank you for your help and patience, you are great mentor, give precise instructions to become responsible and safe driver.
Thursday, 13 June 2024
Thomas B
He really knows his stuff, is very kind and considerate and always encourages improvement.
Tuesday, 11 June 2024
Georgina M
I wish I could give Barry 10 starts instead of 5! Truely the best driving instructor I could have ever asked for - Barry not only cares to help you on the road to be the best and safest driver you can be; he is also extremely patient, empathetic, encouraging and understanding. I really cannot thank him enough for all the support he has given me. Stoked to have met you Barry, you legend!
Tuesday, 4 June 2024
Sarah H
Barry is amazing! He made me feel so confident right from the get go, not only did he help me learn how to drive but he also made the effort to get to know me, this really helped build trust between us and made my driving lessons something I really looked forward to (: thankyou Barry!
Tuesday, 28 May 2024
Samuel W
Barry is a great instructor who gave me confidence in my driving skills and helped me remain calm while driving.
Tuesday, 7 May 2024
Kye M
From my first lesson with Barry it became obvious that he is an excellent instructor. He has helped me gain confidence and learn to be a safe driver on the road. He has lot's of knowledge and experience to give. He is a very kind and patient person, and he concentrates on your needs to pass the driving test. He has helped me pass my driving test 1st go. I would definitely recommend you choose Barry as your driving instructor.
Sunday, 14 April 2024
Karen K
Excellent driving instructor. My two daughters both highly rate Barry as a driving instructor.he was especially good at building confidence as a young driver
Thursday, 28 March 2024
Marie C
Passed my 1st test! I had a couple of lessons with Barry that gave me confidence to drive and how to drive safely. Lessons learned not just for the test but helped me become a better driver. Thanks Barry! Very lovely and encouraging. Teaches very well and patiently
Tuesday, 26 March 2024
Jessica C
I had a great experience with Barry. I was a very nervous driver, he was patient with me and help me overcome my fear of driving. I highly recommend Barry as an instructor.
Saturday, 16 March 2024
Tuesday, 27 February 2024
Brian G
Excellent instructor...gives clear and easy to follow instructions
Tuesday, 27 February 2024
Thursday, 22 February 2024
Kaleb W
Barry is an excellent driving instructor! Highly recommend!
Thursday, 22 February 2024
Ella B
Such a great teacher he always put me at ease. Highly recommend.
Monday, 8 January 2024
Catherine C
Barry did such a great job teaching both my daughters to drive. Both found him to be calm, reassuring and approachable. I like that his focus is on teaching his students to be safe, aware and responsible road users. Barry shares his vast knowledge of road-rules and the testing process, so that they were both well prepared for the practical driving assessment. Thanks Barry - the left lane is our lane.
Thursday, 4 January 2024
Wednesday, 6 December 2023
Abbie C
Barry was an amazing instructor for me, he offered support, guidance and advice, giving me all the information I needed which allowed me to pass the first time I took the test. He teaches with kindness and patience. Thank you Barry, I would not have been able to pass without you!!
- Abbie
Wednesday, 6 December 2023
Connor S
Awesome teacher
Tuesday, 17 October 2023
Thursday, 14 September 2023
Raisa G
I successfully passed my driving test on the first attempt, all thanks to Barry! He is not just an instructor; he is a mentor who goes above and beyond to instill safe and responsible driving habits. I highly recommend Barry to anyone seeking an instructor who not only helps you pass your test but also ensures you become a confident and safety-conscious driver.
Thursday, 14 September 2023
Wednesday, 6 September 2023
Lucia M
Barry was a fantastic driving instructor for my 17-year-old daughter. Kind, understanding and full of knowledge, he guided her carefully and respectfully to driving success! Thanks so very much Barry, and always with a smile :)
Liz and Lucia
Wednesday, 6 September 2023
Wednesday, 16 August 2023
Ashton L
Great bloke and amazing instructor
Wednesday, 16 August 2023
Estela H
Barry’s an excellent instructor and he gave me the confidence I needed to pass.
Thursday, 10 August 2023
Isabella H
Barry taught me to drive and I passed first time. Barry was very calm, gave clear instructions and encouraged me to drive safely and sensibly. His philosophy is to teach you how to drive safely and not just pass the test. I would definitely recommend Barry and my family will use him again to also teach my sister to drive. Thanks Barry.
Monday, 7 August 2023
Anna-Marie P
Thank you Barry for all your patience, guidance and the support that you gave Mischa when she was learning to drive. Your experience, professionalism and calmness was very valueable to her becoming a safe a competent driver. You are a fabulous driving instructor and we are so greatful for all the time you invested in making sure Mischa would be a safe driver and teaching her the skills to pass her driving test and to be competent, safe driver in the years to come. We are all very greatful.
Friday, 4 August 2023
Anna-Marie P
A big thank you Barry for all your support and patience you gave Mischa. Your
Thursday, 3 August 2023
Moi K
A super big praise for Barry, having done several lessons with many different instructors it is safe to say that Barry is one of the greatest instructors I have ever come across. With only a couple of lessons over a couple of weeks with him I learnt more than I ever did in a year plus with a different instructor, he made me feel super comfortable and gave me the confidence I needed to Ace my test today with his supportive praises and amazing teaching. I honestly couldn’t have done it without him. A big thank you to Barry he is really the best !!!
Friday, 28 July 2023
Ruby P
Barry is always cool, calm and collected and even though I feel out of my comfort zone He makes me feel confident on the road . Thanks Barry !
Wednesday, 26 July 2023
Ashley I
I highly recommend Barry as an instructor. I struggled alot with confidence in learning to drive and had tried a couple of other instructors prior. Barry always came to our lessons with a positive, can do attitude to make the experience as fun and painless as possible. Barry found new ways to explain different things to make sure I understood properly and was safe driving. I passed my test after 6 months and could not be happier!
Monday, 17 July 2023
Simon N
Thank you Barry for helping me getting my license.
It was a fun and great experience to drive with you.
You were very knowladgeable and skilled of what you doing was very helpful for pointing out all the points I need to correct myself with.
You were strict in teaching me but it worked for me really well as I needed to break my habits and your passion to make me a safe and great driver was very lovely.
It was also great you made a plan of how to teach me in limited time frame and was great that you were flexible and adaptable for me.
I really liked the part you took me around the testig area as that really prepared me for my test.
Thank you very much
Simon
Thursday, 15 June 2023
Lauren M
Barry has been, by far, one of the best instructors I could have asked for; on time, lovely to be around, and a patient, great teacher. When I first met Barry, I had a long way to go before I was anywhere near confident enough to pass my test. He has taught me, not only how to pass my test, but also skills that I will use for the rest of my life while driving. My confidence and ability has increased greatly, and he has taught me how to be a road-safe, quick thinking, calm driver. Not only that, but his personality is wonderful and driving next to him in the car is always a joy. I cannot recommend him enough! If you need a driving instructor, he's your guy.
Wednesday, 17 May 2023
Jacob B
Barry helped me to overcome my fears of driving in the city, made me feel more comfortable and gave me
the confidence to drive . He is easy to get along with and communicated with me when needed .
I highly recommend Barry as an instructor.
Friday, 28 April 2023
Helen H
Many thanks to Barry, he is a driving instructor with great support and knowledgeable advice and excellent service. Best regards to Barry and Best West Driving School. Helen
Thursday, 30 March 2023
Omowumi K
Excellent instructor
Thursday, 23 March 2023
Harry Z
5 stars for the 5 star man. Barry is a fantastic teacher that I would recommend to anyone, no matter what your level of driving experience is. Barry is patient, charming and always up for a good chat and some banter whilst most importantly, teaching you how to become a better and more importantly, safer driver.
Thanks Barry!
Thursday, 23 March 2023
Tuesday, 28 February 2023
Kyle J
Excellent and supportive instructor.
Tuesday, 28 February 2023
Fei F
Barry possesses the all the qualities of an amazing driving instructor - he is extremely patient, honest and accommodating for your level of skill. (He's also always up for a laugh.) Barry built up my confidence in driving and helped me pass my driving assessment first try at the City West Licensing Centre! I 100% would recommend his service to learner drivers.
Monday, 6 February 2023
Shannen M
Without Barry I would never have passed my driving test he was the only one that believed in me when the other driving instructors didn’t thanks for everything Barry
Tuesday, 17 January 2023
Wednesday, 2 November 2022
Evee D
Barry has been amazing! He was always patient and calm while teaching me how to become a better and safer driver! I wouldn’t have passed my driving test without him!
Wednesday, 2 November 2022
Thursday, 27 October 2022
Lachlan G
Barry is warm, friendly and very professional. Our kids have benefited greatly from his driving expertise!
He wants good drivers on the road and therefore is the best instructor ??
Thursday, 27 October 2022
Rachael D
I can't thank Barry enough for giving me more confidence in my driving than I have ever had. I practice my parking between two cars every couple of days.
Thank you Barry
Friday, 2 September 2022
Andre L
Barry is the best Automatic Instructor ever! He is so kind, patient, full of knowledge and teaches you how to drive safely. Thank you Barry ??
Tuesday, 26 July 2022
Madeleine M
Barry was an absolutely fantastic driving instructor. He is incredibly patient and extremely knowledgeable in his field. My confidence in driving accelerated since having lessons with him. I would encourage anyone, especially those who are anxious to drive to get in touch with Barry. He is the best!
Monday, 4 July 2022
Abby B
Barry was very quick to pick up on my bad habits and work on correcting them, I started out a fairly confident driver on the roads to begin with but Barry got me to a point where I feel confident in all situations I find myself in on the roads. He is kind and great to have a chat with which always made it an enjoyable experience. His feedback has really stuck with me and was always given constructively so I learned but did not feel bad about making mistakes, would highly recommend:)
Thursday, 2 June 2022
Amelia H
Barry - was fantastic. Very calm and patient. I can't recommend him highly enough. Thanks Barry.
Amelia :-)
Wednesday, 18 May 2022
Indiana E
Barry was extemely helpful, calm and supportive. He was very informative with the requirements for my upcoming driving assessment, which I passed first time!!!!
Saturday, 14 May 2022
Christopher M
Barry Elsom is a fantastic driving instructor with years under his belt, his expertise rubs off onto you making sure your child is fully prepared for the test in no time. Elsoms charming demeanour makes every lesson not only informative but one that I always looked forward to.
Tuesday, 3 May 2022
Dewi P
Very professional and friendly.
Friday, 15 April 2022
Chloe M
Barry was absolutely amazing!! I got very anxious driving and sitting my driving test and Barry was so helpful in making me feel confident in my driving ability. I would 100% recommended him to anyone looking to book driving lessons
Tuesday, 1 March 2022
Tuesday, 22 February 2022
Kathryn S
Barry is a great driving instructor. Calm, positive and supportive. Knows his stuff! Definitely recommend Barry!
Tuesday, 22 February 2022
Omowumi K
Excellent tutor. Patient, Painstaking, and instructs carefully.
Friday, 18 February 2022
Matthew B
Huge thank you to Barry for giving me the confidence to believe in myself to pass after several failed attempts solo. Thank you Barry!
Tuesday, 8 February 2022
Thursday, 20 January 2022
Mia F
Barry is terrific, very patient and extremely thorough. Excellent driving instructor.
Thursday, 20 January 2022
Harrison G
Barry is patient, kind, professional and cares about his students. Best instructor for driving. Thank you Barry
Friday, 31 December 2021
Jacob B
Before I came to Barry I had spent 2 years with other instructors failing test after test..
After only 2 lessons with Barry I sat my test and passed finally!
He is an absolute gentleman and an exceptional teacher, Barry made it a priority to assist me in getting my licence and gave me the know how and confidence to smash it out of the park!
Cannot recommend him enough!
Sunday, 19 December 2021
Tuesday, 30 November 2021
Lucy P
I had the best possible experience with Best West Driving School. My driving instructor Barry allowed me to gain great confidence on the roads within the first few lessons. He helped me to successfully pass by driving test and also helped me to become a safe driver. He was very kind, friendly and remained very calm even when I was freaking out. Thank you for everything Barry!!
Tuesday, 30 November 2021
Saturday, 23 October 2021
Ky F
Barry was a great instructor. He explained how to do things clearly, was patient and made me feel at ease and not nervous. Thanks Barry.
Saturday, 23 October 2021
Sarita B
Thank you so much Barry, you are the best.
You know how to motivate the new drivers, you got the excellent communication skills.
Thank you for helping to pass my PDA.
Friday, 8 October 2021
Thursday, 9 September 2021
Ma S
Barry has been really helpful to me in passing my driving test in just 1 take! He has been my instructor from the beginning and offered quality teaching and is really approachable and encourages you all the time. I was not wrong in choosing Best West Driving School and especially Barry. Highly recommended! Thank you so much!
Thursday, 9 September 2021
Wednesday, 8 September 2021
Ivan B
Every driver is committed. They want you to cross the finish line, safely.
Wednesday, 8 September 2021
Dahlia E
I wish to thank Barry Elsom, for helping me to gain my confidence on the road and drive. I really appreciate how Barry is so patient and highly experienced and supportive that he helped me to understand road rules and to overcome my fears of driving. Thank you so much Barry !!
Dahlia
Monday, 16 August 2021
Gemma H
Thanks Barry, Luca is feeling really positive about her driving thanks to you!
Friday, 2 July 2021
Chriselle C
I managed to get my licence after all these years, thanks to Barry. I was one of those who thought I didn’t need formal lessons, and could easily convert my foreign licence. But after a couple of tries, getting the lessons and choosing Barry is the best decision in my licence journey.
He’s a great, well rounded instructor who goes beyond the basics and ensure you are ready for your assessment. He explains things carefully and he’s got some useful tricks that helps you become a better and safer driver.
He’s very nice, accommodating and professional. I enjoyed my driving lessons with him.
Thursday, 1 July 2021
Mary C
Barry was a fantastic instructor, thorough and encouraging. Totally recommend lessons with Barry.
Saturday, 19 June 2021
Liesbeth M
Hi Barry, thanks for your driving lessons. My daughter has really enjoyed your lessons and grown in confidence.
Thursday, 10 June 2021
Bethany H
Barry was amazing and helped me to pass my driving test on the first try! So happy and thankful for all he's done. would 100% recommend him to anyone, whether you're just starting out or have some practice, he's very patient and ensures you are at ease whilst driving with him.
Sunday, 6 June 2021
Donna B
Barry is an amazing instructor & has made me feel at ease during every lesson. I will continue to use Barry until I pass my driving test.
Wednesday, 26 May 2021
Luca H
Barry is really kind and friendly, and my daughter is really enjoying her lessons with him. She feels confident with him and is learning a great deal!
Thursday, 20 May 2021