Reviewed 10 September 2026
Charlie provided my daughter with expert tuition and made her feel at ease and confident to pass her test at West Perth.
Reviewed 27 May 2026
Charlie is a very experienced instructor. He encouraged me all the time and really helped calm my nerves. I am so happy that I finally passed today! I highly recommend Charlie for all learners.
Big Thanks ?? Charlie
Reviewed 14 May 2026
Charlie is a very good instructor. He helped me build the confidence to help me with passing my test. Owe it all to Charlie.
Reviewed 13 May 2026
I passed on my first try in West Perth because of Charlie. Great guy, definitely recommend!!
Reviewed 4 May 2026
Charlie was the best instructor! Very flexible when it came to sorting out bookings and test dates at short notice. Very patient with my son and supportive when he didn't pass at first. Really went over and above to help us get through a stressful time and my son is just stoked he can now drive on his Ps! Thanks so much Charlie!!!
Reviewed 4 April 2026
I had a great experience learning to drive with Charlie, couldn’t have asked for a better instructor. He was patient but clear in what I needed to improve. Thanks to Charlie’s guidance I passed my test! Highly recommend to anyone looking for a calm and knowledgeable driving instructor.
Reviewed 31 March 2026
Charlie’s a fantastic driving instructor. I had a good time learning and practising with him. He really helped me build confidence after a few frustrating tries at driving on my own with other instructors. He’s super patient and kind, always making me feel good about myself. I’d definitely recommend him.
Reviewed 26 February 2026
I’m very grateful to my driving instructor, Grant, for his professionalism and constant encouragement throughout my lessons. He not only taught me how to drive safely and confidently but also shared a positive mindset that helped me stay calm during the test. He was always punctual, patient, and supportive. I’m happy to say I passed my exam thanks to his guidance. Highly recommended!
Reviewed 31 December 2025
Charlie is a great teacher. He engaged well with my son, he's friendly, kind and patient. His knowledge of the road rules is exceptional. I highly recommend Charlie.
Reviewed 6 November 2025
No complaints, a cool guy
Reviewed 10 October 2025
Charlie is a legend! Very knowledgeable and a patient and supportive instructor. Highly recommended!
Reviewed 12 September 2025
Amazing supervisor very accomodating and nothing was a problem. Charlie was fantastic teaching our son Bohdi to drive and very calming and positive
Reviewed 1 September 2025
Charlie is the best instructor ever!! He is extremely calm, very friendly and just the best person to have to learn how to drive. He helped my past and made sure that he taught me all the things that I need to know when driving. He gave me all the experience to pass my test at Kelmscott! Thank you so much again Charlie!
Reviewed 13 August 2025
Charlie is a great instructor! Thank you Charlie!
Reviewed 1 August 2025
Charlie was a wonderful teacher, so patient, attentive and keen to accommodate lesson times and licencing to fit in with me. I would highly recommend him to anyone (particularly nervous learners) as a great instructor. Thank you Charlie.
Reviewed 14 July 2025
Charlie is an excellent driving instructor who really helped me relax and build confidence behind the wheel. I also appreciated how punctual and professional he was for every lesson, making the whole experience smooth and stress-free. With Charlie’s exemplary support and clear guidance, I was able to overcome my nerves and pass my test. Highly recommended!
Reviewed 13 June 2025
I came across Charlie's profile under Best West when I was looking for an instructor. With his impressive profile, I decided to do a few lessons under him.
True to the feedbacks, Charlie is indeed experienced, knowledgeable and patient. In addition, he was sincerely helpful and understanding. Charlie substantiated his answers to my many questions on why certain maneuvers are preferred over others.
In May 2025, I passed PDA. I am an experience driver from overseas and now I am a proud owner of the WA driver's permit.
Thanks Charlie! And Thanks to Best West Driving school!
Best regards,
YK
Reviewed 3 June 2025
I’m incredibly grateful to have had Charlie as my driving instructor. From the very beginning, his experience and supportive teaching style helped me feel at ease behind the wheel. Charlie created a calm and encouraging environment that allowed me to build both my confidence and driving skills over time. His clear explanations, patience, and ability to adapt to my learning style made a huge difference. Thanks to Charlie’s guidance, I was able to pass my driving test and feel fully prepared to drive on my own. I would highly recommend Charlie to anyone learning to drive.
Reviewed 29 May 2025
I honestly can’t thank Charlie enough! He was very patient, supportive, and really knew how to explain things in a way that made sense to me. He not only taught me everything I needed to pass my test but also helped me build my confidence as a driver.
On top of that, Charlie went the extra mile by booking my test for me and making sure I was fully prepared. Thanks to Charlie’s help, I passed and got my license!
I’m so grateful for his guidance and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a great driving instructor.
Reviewed 16 April 2025
I have really struggled in the past to get a driving instructor that actually listened until I met Charlie as my instructor he gave me the knowledge and confidence to pass my test first go thank you so much Charlie
Reviewed 16 April 2025
Charlie formed a quick and easy relationship with my son. He was positive and encouraging, friendly and supportive. Although Charlie instructs automatic driving, and my son ended up passing his manual test ultimately through another instructor, we accredit Charlie equally with his success and confidence in passing the test on his first attempt. Charlie was punctual and reliable and I look forward to working with him again if he’s still available in a few years when my daughter is ready to start learning.
Reviewed 7 March 2025
very very good teacher
Reviewed 25 February 2025
Charlie was an exceptional instructor. His guidance was instrumental in teaching me to drive safely and proficiently. His sense of humor and calming presence made every driving session enjoyable and stress-free. I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking driving lessons.
Reviewed 24 February 2025
Great teacher, patient and understanding.
Would highly recommend
Reviewed 19 February 2025
Highly recommended Charlie totterdell from best west driving school! Charlie was really helpful and practical in giving tips, instructions and advice on the best practices to pass my test at my specific department!
Thanks charlie!
Reviewed 11 February 2025
Thank you so much for helping me get my licence !
You gave me confidence and encouraged me to do the best I can I would have never thought I’d pass so thank you ! ???? 10/10
Reviewed 7 February 2025
Great teacher/instructor and great person
Reviewed 14 October 2024
I gained so much confidence after just one lesson with Charlie. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience. He is always sharing techniques and tips. I successfully passed my PDA because I had the best instructor in Perth!
Reviewed 8 October 2024
All 3 of my kids have used Charlie. There is just something about him that gives them confidence. My youngest suffers from anxiety and after just a couple of lessons with Charlie, she is by far the calmest driver out of all my kids. 100% recommend Charlie to anyone but especially to those who may suffer from nerves or anxiety.
Reviewed 14 September 2024
I have had a few instructors in the past. Charlie is definitely the best, I wouldn’t have passed without him. I was very lucky, thank you Charlie.
Reviewed 9 September 2024
Charlie helped my parking and driving skills improve hugely with his lessons. He has great patience and experience, and was the reason I could pass my practical assessment. 10/10 would recommend.
Reviewed 5 September 2024
Charlie helped me to pass the PDA test! He’s very patient, knowledgeable and gave me the confidence in driving that i didnt get from my previous instructors.
Reviewed 13 August 2024
After suffering a stroke three years ago, I was unable to drive and had to pass a Practical Driving Test to resume driving. After not driving for three years, I was extremely nervous at the notion of tackling the roads again, so I decided to engage with Best West Driving School for some lessons. They booked me in with Charlie Totterdell which was my good fortune! Charlie is the best instructor ever for a nervous 78 year old going for their licence! He is super patient, he built my confidence and his knowledge of the road law is extensive. I learned so much from him and he was unwavering in his support. I passed my driving test with flying colours and am happily driving everywhere again, and feel I have my independence back.
I can highly recommend Charlie to anyone of any age and have recommended him to friends who have teenagers coming up for their lessons. He is a very talented, patient teacher.
Reviewed 27 June 2024
I did afew lessons and my test with Charlie Totterdell.
Charlie Totterdell is very good instructor and the nicest person. He is very clear with his approach towards students, great communication skills and getting on very easy.
He made the hardest task so easy and helped me pass my driving test.
Thanks
Reviewed 26 April 2024
Consistently direct, calm, and informative. Has a technique or tips for ANY question you might ask. Charlie’s instruction is the best I’ve had, by a mile.
Reviewed 16 April 2024
Charlie is an excellent instructor who is experienced, knowledgeable, reliable, communicative, supportive & patient. My daughter and I highly recommend him.
Reviewed 8 April 2024
Thank you so much. Best instructor in Perth. Gives you all the information other instructors won't tell you about.
Reviewed 3 April 2024
I had the pleasure of learning to drive with Charlie, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the experience. His professionalism is outstanding, and he truly cares about his students' progress and safety. Throughout the classes, Charlie provided clear instructions, valuable feedback, and always made me feel comfortable behind the wheel. Thanks to his guidance, I was able to pass my driving test with confidence. I highly recommend Charlie to anyone looking for a patient and dedicated driving instructor.
Reviewed 16 February 2024
Abby is my third and final child that Charlie had taught. He is amazing with them and gave them so much confidence even just after one lesson! Cannot recommend more highly!
Reviewed 30 January 2024
When it comes to smashing your driving test, Charlie's the man. He helped me pass my PDA at West Perth, which I certainly couldn't have done solo. Unfortunately for learners, the PDA is less of a driving assessment and more of a game. For us, this means we can't just be good drivers; we also need to know how to navigate the annoying, pedantic rule set of the driving test. Fortunately, Charlie has not only mastered the art of the PDA, but also the art of teaching it to others, so, needless to say, an hour with him is an hour very well spent!
Reviewed 17 January 2024
Five Stars !
I had a double booking with Charlie in preparation for my PDA ( D:Lic renewal - medical grounds).
He was a very good Instructor who provided me with very precise guidance/detail of the “practical issues of the DoT handbook”.
Recommended.
Reviewed 5 January 2024
Charlie was a massive help in helping me to pass my PDA. He was thorough with his directions and made things simple to follow. With his lessons I felt confident before and during my test, and was able to pass with flying colours. Thank you Charlie.
Reviewed 2 January 2024
Was very calm and patient with me and helped me build up my confidence in driving!
Reviewed 16 November 2023
Hi Charlie, I have just booked 22/10 for 2 hours. This for my twins Katie and Oscar. Previously had a few lessons with Lou. They are hoping to sit their test before school starts again in Feb so need some polishing and parking skills. They have nearly completed their app log for hours.
Thanks
Reviewed 9 November 2023
Charlie is fantastic, he is so calm and knowledgeable about driving and helped me pass my test in the City West just when I was beginning to feel like I never would. He has a huge heart and was so accomodating, meeting me early in the morning on the day of my test. The only problem is now that I've passed I'll miss our chats. Can't recommend Charlie enough, thanks again!
Reviewed 30 October 2023
I booked for my PDA and still felt nervous about it, so I decided to book for bestwest for a few training and I'm really glad I did. I passed it the first time in Kelmscott. Charlie is an incredible instructor, adjusted to my skill level and understanding and his attitude is really great. Everything Charlie showed me before my PDA, I encountered it on my actual PDA and it really felt like a breeze passing it. Thanks again Charlie, I'll book you again for my wife and family before their PDA as well. Thank you so much Charlie!
Reviewed 24 October 2023
Really lovely bloke, went out of his way to accommodate a very weird situation and I couldn't be more appreciative
Reviewed 4 October 2023
Charlie's a very patient instructor- without his ability to figure out how I could learn stuff I don't think I would have been able to obtain my licence and, as a result, would recommend him to anyone in the future.
Reviewed 3 October 2023
Highly recommended.
Reviewed 5 September 2023
I passed my PDA yesterday after only about 12 hours with Charlie. He is a great instructor! He was able to pick up on weakness that I wasn’t aware of and fine-tune them, make me a competent driver and gave good advice for driving as well as how to be calm for the test. He was not only a great instructor but also boosted my morale and confidence. I don’t think I could have asked for a better instructor. Thank you Charlie!
Reviewed 4 September 2023
Charlie is awesome, gentle, patient and a fantastic instructor. I feel confident once I have completed my hours that I will get my licence without any issues.
Reviewed 30 August 2023
I am immensely grateful to Charlie for being an exceptional driving instructor who has truly stood out in my learning journey. His dedication to his students is remarkable, as he consistently goes above and beyond to ensure our growth and success. I hold a deep sense of appreciation for his efforts and guidance. Without a doubt, anyone would consider themselves fortunate to have Charlie as their driving instructor!
Reviewed 16 August 2023
I had instructor Colin (who was great) at first but then after Colin couldn’t take me to do my first driving test after a scheduling conflict Charlie came to my rescue. Charlie is fantastic!!!! So patient and helpful and friendly and gives great tips. If I could give ten stars for Charlie I definitely would! I highly recommend Charlie or indeed Colin as instructors. Thanks a million Charlie!!!!
Reviewed 30 April 2023
I would like to express my gratitude to Charlie for his extreme patients and friendly and professional manner. After many previous failed driving tests Charlie went the extra mile above and beyond any other driving instructor I have had before, especially as English is my second language, which made it a little more difficult for me. Charlie's persistence helped me build the confidence and knowledge I needed to pass my test.
Thankyou, Landuo.
Reviewed 11 April 2023
I am a woman 33 and in the beginning I only wanted to work with female instructors but after a few months I reached out to Charlie. Charlie is a game changer!! He is exceptionally thorough in helping you understand the rules and drive in a relaxed manner, he is professional and warm hearted. I could genuinely say you won't regret it. And he will have you driving with confidence fast!! His background in driving is very qualified and unique. Thanks Charlie!! :)
Reviewed 15 March 2023
Two kids trained by Charlie, very methodical and relatable to my kids. Got them passed even in the notorious Mirrabooka licensing centre. Highly recommend. Joe
Reviewed 10 March 2023
great guy, loved learning what i needed and to the point would recommend to anyone needing to learn a lot or just the bits to Finnish of driving
Reviewed 2 March 2023
Thanks Charlie. Hayden couldn’t have done it without you ??????
Reviewed 7 February 2023
I would like to heartily thank BestWest for introducing me to Charlie. I was looking for a teacher who could help me with my driving anxieties and train me accordingly. I use to get jitters just thinking about driving. When I met Charlie, I just wanted to pass the test but as I spent more time with Charlie, I realised that driving was a lifelong skill that one needs to get trained in. His patience, giving highest priority to safety and letting you learn from your mistakes was valuable takeaway for me. I will always remember his words, if don't rectify your mistakes right away, you will land up making bigger mistakes and that will again lead to bigger mistakes, that's how life is (and I agree). After passing my PDA from City West, I have become a more confident driver and enjoy driving. Many Thanks to you Charlie.
Reviewed 24 January 2023
I had changed 3 instructors from 3 different schools and failed in PDA from one of highest pass rate place. After being super frustrated, I called up BestWest office last December and asked for an instructor who can train me to pass the PDA from City West and many thanks to BestWest for recommending Charlie. Charlie is a mentor who patiently understands the student psyche and helps them overcome their driving anxiety. His wisdom and experience that he brings to his job is priceless, something which I will not forget.
Today I passed my PDA, thanks to BestWest and cheers to Charlie.
Reviewed 20 January 2023
Elijah had a lesson with Charlie before his driving test two weeks ago. It was the first time meeting Charlie however he was approachable and friendly which put Elijah at ease and he gave honest feedback.
Reviewed 7 November 2022
Charlie was a great instructor and helped so much. I highly recommend.
Reviewed 30 September 2022
I would never have passed without Charlie's help. He gave me the skills, wisdom and confidence to drive safely even when I was hopeless at driving when I met him. I would strongly recommend Charlie as a teacher and friend to anyone who wants to drive with confidence. thank you Charlie!
Reviewed 29 August 2022
He was an excellent teacher, very cool calm and collected. Pleasure learning with him, I would 100% recommend to a friend.
Reviewed 9 June 2022
Charlie is a truly remarkable teacher. He instils confidence in his pupils, delivers fantastic results and gives excellent feedback to parents. I highly recommend Charlie as a driving instructor to any parent who wants their child to be as well prepared for the road as possible.
Reviewed 23 February 2022
Charlie is the best!
My son had failed his driving test 5 times before we found Charlie. He was very helpful and coached him to deal with his anxiety on test day. After lessons he contacted me to let me know what areas we needed to work on, very helpful and full of great practical tips. As for test prep he knew the positives and negatives of all the test centers and recommended a test center that was best for my son.
Thank you Charlie, we are very grateful for your help and advice.
Reviewed 20 December 2021
Charlie is very friendly and helpful. He is clearly experienced and knows a lot. Definitely would recommend him to anyone.
Reviewed 5 December 2021
Great training, Charlie was a great teacher Thankful for all his help.
Reviewed 23 June 2021
Charlie is fantastic. I would recommend him to anyone. My son and daughter both thought he was great. Always early and Gives great feedback.
Reviewed 22 April 2021
Thank you so much Charlie T- great driving instructor and very nice. Thanks for helping me pass.
Reviewed 7 April 2021
Great driving lessons with Charlie. He always gave clear instructions, was always on time for my lessons, and hope to take a couple of lessons with Charlie before my driving test in June. Thank you, Anton
Reviewed 23 February 2021
Charlie is a Great instructor. Clear Patient Communication.
Reviewed 14 February 2021
Our instructor, Charlie Totterdell, is an excellent instructor. Anton learnt how to drive from zero experience quickly and with confidence. All instructions are clear and easy to understand, and we are looking forward to completing 4 other driving lessons with Charlie. Thanks.
Reviewed 2 January 2021
Charlie’s a good bloke. Explains it well
Reviewed 7 October 2020
Best West is a great driving school. Charlie was incredibly helpful and supportive, and patient instructor. Adam was also great, I have already recommended Best West to friends with student drivers. Also a big thank you to the office staff who were extremely helpful.
Reviewed 5 October 2020
I had a great experience with Charlie as my instructor. He was friendly, thorough, and taught me everything I needed to know for test day.
Reviewed 5 October 2020
Charlie was an incredible driving instructor, super patient and made me feel much more confident in my driving ability. I would HIGHLY recommend him! He taught me everything I needed to know to a high ability and helped me pass my driving test!
Reviewed 14 August 2020
Big thank you to CHARLIE for helping me pass my PDA.
Charlie has been very patient, very kind and very professional with me. I owe him not only my P Plate, but most importantly the skills I learned from him to be a safe driver on the road.
- Christine
Reviewed 11 August 2020
I want to say THANK YOU TO MR CHARLIE for helping me to passed my PDA EXAM !!! Thank you so much !
Regards ,
Marjorie
Reviewed 27 July 2020
Thank you so much to Charlie !!! He helps me to get my license and thought me to drive safe !!! Thank you so much GODBLESS !!!
Reviewed 23 July 2020
Big thank you to Charlie for helping me pass my PDA! absolute legend!