Based on looking at the website, 17plus.co.uk appears to be a legitimate driving tuition service operating in Norwich, Norfolk, and surrounding areas. It focuses on offering a range of driving lessons, from beginner courses to automatic and trailer training. The site provides essential information and appears to operate within ethical guidelines, particularly given its focus on a vital life skill.
Overall Review Summary:
- Website Legitimacy: Appears legitimate and professional.
- Ethical Considerations: Fully permissible; driving education is a beneficial skill.
- Services Offered: Driving lessons (manual, automatic, intensive, refresher), trailer training, theory test support, and instructor training.
- Instructor Qualifications: States DVSA approved instructors, many with advanced qualifications.
- Geographic Focus: Primarily Norwich, Norfolk, and surrounding towns/villages.
- Pricing Transparency: Clear pricing for beginner offers and automatic lessons, with pay-as-you-go options.
- Customer Testimonials: Features several positive reviews from past learners.
- Missing Information: No clear indication of complaint resolution procedures, detailed terms and conditions readily accessible on the homepage, or a clear privacy policy link from the homepage.
17plus.co.uk presents itself as a well-established driving school with “over 37 years in the driver training industry.” This long-standing presence in the Norwich and Norfolk area lends significant credibility. The site highlights the professionalism and patience of its DVSA-approved instructors, a crucial factor for anyone seeking driving instruction. While the services are beneficial and ethically sound, a few elements that are common on highly trusted websites, such as a prominent link to a comprehensive privacy policy or a clear process for handling complaints, aren’t immediately visible from the main page. Nevertheless, as a service focused on essential skills, it aligns well with ethical principles.
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- Key Features: Vast library of online courses covering a multitude of skills, from coding to photography, business, and personal development. Offers both free and paid courses.
- Average Price: Varies widely, from free to £100+ per course, with frequent sales.
- Pros: Huge selection, self-paced learning, often taught by industry experts, certificate of completion for many courses.
- Cons: Quality can vary between instructors, not all courses are accredited, no direct instructor feedback in many cases.
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- Key Features: Partners with universities and companies to offer online courses, specialisations, and degrees. Focuses on professional development, data science, technology, and arts.
- Average Price: Many courses are free to audit; paid courses, specialisations, and degrees range from £30-£2000+.
- Pros: High-quality content from reputable institutions, peer-graded assignments, professional certificates.
- Cons: Can be expensive for full access, requires commitment for specialisations, not all courses are available for free audit.
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- Key Features: Offers online courses, microcredentials, and degrees from leading UK and international universities. Covers diverse subjects from health to history and business.
- Average Price: Many courses are free for a limited period; upgrades for unlimited access and certificates range from £30-£100+.
- Pros: Focus on UK universities, good for structured learning, social learning features, flexible study.
- Cons: Free access is time-limited, less variety than some larger platforms, some courses require significant time commitment.
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- Key Features: Non-profit educational organisation providing free online courses in maths, science, computing, arts, humanities, and economics.
- Average Price: Free.
- Pros: Completely free, high-quality foundational content, self-paced, good for foundational learning and exam preparation.
- Cons: Less focus on advanced professional skills, no certificates of completion, content primarily academic.
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- Key Features: Subscription-based platform offering video courses taught by industry experts in business, technology, and creative fields. Integrates with LinkedIn profiles.
- Average Price: £19.99 – £29.99 per month for a subscription.
- Pros: High-quality production, industry-relevant content, learning paths, certificates of completion appear on LinkedIn profile.
- Cons: Subscription model might be costly for occasional use, content can be less in-depth than university courses.
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- Key Features: Online learning community with thousands of classes in creative fields like illustration, design, photography, video, freelancing, and more. Project-based learning.
- Average Price: £10-£15 per month for a subscription.
- Pros: Great for creative skills, practical project-based learning, supportive community, often bite-sized lessons.
- Cons: Subscription required for full access, less focus on academic or professional certifications, quality can vary.
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- Key Features: Offers online classes taught by world-renowned experts and celebrities in their respective fields, from culinary arts to writing, acting, and sports.
- Average Price: £14.17 per month (billed annually for £170).
- Pros: High production value, unique insights from top professionals, inspiring content.
- Cons: Expensive, less interactive than other platforms, more for inspiration and broad understanding than practical skill mastery, not all topics may align with ethical guidelines for all.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.
IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
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17plus.co.uk Review & First Look
When you first land on 17plus.co.uk, the immediate impression is one of a professional, long-standing local business. The website is clean, easy to navigate, and clearly states its core offering: driving tuition in Norwich, Norfolk. The prominence of their contact numbers and a “BOOK TODAY!” call to action immediately signals accessibility and a desire to engage with potential learners. It’s evident that the site prioritises clear communication of its services and geographical reach.
Initial Impressions and User Experience
The layout is intuitive, with key navigation links like “About us,” “FAQ’s,” and “Contact” readily available. The design isn’t overly flashy but is functional, focusing on providing information efficiently. For a service-based business, this no-nonsense approach often instils trust, as it suggests a focus on the service itself rather than elaborate web design.
Geographic Focus and Service Area
17plus.co.uk explicitly states its service area: “Norwich, Norfolk” and its suburbs, including specific outlying towns and villages such as Cromer, North Walsham, Hethersett, and Wymondham. This clear geographic targeting is beneficial for users as it immediately clarifies whether the service is available in their location, preventing wasted time for both parties. This level of detail is a good sign for a local service provider.
Stated Experience and Credibility
The claim of “Over 37 years in the driver training industry” is prominently displayed. Such a long operational history is a significant credibility booster. It suggests a deep understanding of the driving education landscape, a stable business, and presumably a strong reputation within the local community. For potential learners, this longevity often translates to a sense of reliability and expertise.
17plus.co.uk Features
17plus.co.uk offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to cater to various stages of driver training, from complete beginners to those needing advanced skills. The emphasis is on quality instruction and flexible learning options, making it a robust offering for anyone in the Norfolk area looking to learn to drive or enhance their existing driving skills. Straightlineperformance.co.uk Review
Driving Lesson Options
The website details a variety of lesson types to suit different needs.
- Driving Lessons for Beginners: This is the core offering, with options for 60, 90, or 120-minute weekly lessons. The promise of increasing the chance of a “FIRST TIME PASS” is a strong incentive.
- Automatic Driving Lessons: Recognising the growing demand, they offer specific automatic car tuition, priced at £40.00 per hour on a pay-as-you-go basis.
- Intensive Driving Courses: Although not detailed on the homepage, the navigation menu indicates they offer intensive courses, which are popular for those looking to pass quickly.
- Refresher Driving Lessons: For those who hold a license but haven’t driven in a while, or need to brush up on specific skills, refresher lessons are available.
Trailer Training (B+E)
A significant feature is their B+E Trailer Training courses, starting from £295. This is a specialised area of driver training, indicating that 17plus.co.uk caters to a broader market beyond just new drivers. The question “Are you legal to tow?” highlights the importance of this training for those who need to tow caravans or larger trailers.
Instructor Qualifications and Fleet
The website highlights the quality of its instructors and vehicles:
- DVSA Approved Instructors: All instructors are “fully qualified DVSA approved,” which is a mandatory standard for driving instructors in the UK. This provides assurance regarding their professional competency.
- Advanced Qualifications: Many instructors are noted to hold “advanced driving or fleet training qualifications,” suggesting a higher level of expertise beyond the basic requirements.
- Male & Female Instructors: The option to choose between male and female instructors can be a comfort factor for some learners, allowing them to select an instructor they feel most at ease with.
- Modern Dual Controlled Cars: The fleet consists of “modern dual controlled cars,” which are standard for driving schools, ensuring safety and ease of learning for new drivers. The mention that “Each car is light and easy to drive” is a nice touch for those apprehensive about handling a vehicle.
Additional Support and Learning Features
Beyond the practical lessons, 17plus.co.uk offers valuable supplementary features:
- FREE Theory Test Support: This is a crucial component of learning to drive, and providing free support adds significant value to their offering. The theory test is often a hurdle for many learners, so dedicated assistance is highly beneficial.
- One-to-One Basis Lessons: All lessons are conducted on a “one-to-one basis,” ensuring undivided attention from the instructor and a personalised learning experience, which is generally more effective than group lessons.
- Structured Tuition Plan: Lessons follow a “structured tuition plan,” aiming to make “learning easy and enjoyable.” A clear plan helps learners understand their progress and what to expect, contributing to a more effective learning journey.
17plus.co.uk Pricing
Understanding the pricing structure is key for any potential learner. 17plus.co.uk provides clear information on some of its core offerings, allowing individuals to quickly gauge the potential cost of their driving education. Transparency in pricing is a hallmark of a trustworthy service, and 17plus.co.uk does a reasonable job of presenting this upfront. Citymailboxes.co.uk Review
Beginner’s Offer Details
For complete beginners with no driving experience, particularly for manual tuition, 17plus.co.uk advertises a “Beginner’s Offer.”
- Special Rate: The first 6 hours are priced at £36 each.
- Comparison: This is compared to their “normal rate of £39.00 per hour,” highlighting the saving.
- Payment Flexibility: Crucially, there’s “No need to pay in advance to get the discount – simply pay-as-you-go!” This pay-as-you-go model for the beginner offer is very consumer-friendly, reducing the initial financial commitment and risk for new learners.
Automatic Driving Lessons Pricing
The website also provides specific pricing for automatic driving lessons:
- Rate: £40.00 per hour.
- Payment: This is also offered on a “pay-as-you-go” basis, maintaining consistency in their flexible payment approach.
Trailer Training Course Costs
For specialised training, 17plus.co.uk lists a starting price:
- Courses from £295: This indicates that trailer training involves a different pricing structure, likely for a package of lessons rather than an hourly rate. The “from” suggests that more extensive training might incur higher costs.
General Pricing Structure and Transparency
While the specific hourly rates for general manual lessons after the beginner offer are implied (£39.00), and trailer training is a starting package price, the transparency for the introductory offer and automatic lessons is good. The pay-as-you-go option is particularly appealing, as it avoids locking learners into large upfront payments, which can be a concern for some. It would be beneficial for a complete price list of all services, including intensive courses and refresher lessons, to be readily available on the main pricing page, although it’s common for some services to require a direct enquiry for tailored quotes.
17plus.co.uk Pros & Cons
Every service has its strengths and areas where it could improve. For 17plus.co.uk, the benefits largely stem from its extensive experience and local focus, while potential drawbacks might lie in areas of website comprehensiveness that are not directly related to the quality of tuition. Pureenviefootwear.co.uk Review
Pros of 17plus.co.uk
- Extensive Experience: “Over 37 years in the driver training industry” is a significant advantage, implying deep knowledge and a well-established reputation. This longevity speaks volumes about their reliability and expertise.
- DVSA Approved & Advanced Instructors: The assurance that all instructors are fully qualified by the DVSA, with many holding advanced driving or fleet training qualifications, means learners are in highly capable hands. This commitment to instructor quality is paramount.
- Flexible Payment Options: The “pay-as-you-go” model, especially for the beginner’s offer and automatic lessons, is a huge plus. It reduces financial pressure and makes learning accessible without large upfront commitments.
- Comprehensive Service Range: From beginner manual and automatic lessons to specialised trailer training and instructor training, they cater to a wide spectrum of driving education needs. This makes them a one-stop-shop for many.
- One-to-One Tuition: Lessons are conducted on a one-to-one basis, ensuring personalised attention, which is often more effective for learning complex skills like driving.
- Free Theory Test Support: This added value is highly beneficial, as the theory test is a critical prerequisite to the practical test, and dedicated support can significantly aid learner success.
- Positive Testimonials: The presence of genuine-sounding testimonials from “Passed Learners” adds social proof and builds trust, showcasing successful outcomes from their teaching methods.
- Clear Geographic Focus: Clearly defining their service area (Norwich, Norfolk, and surrounding villages) is helpful for potential customers, making it easy to determine if they can be served.
Cons of 17plus.co.uk
- Limited Online Transparency for Comprehensive T&Cs: While basic pricing is clear, a fully accessible, detailed terms and conditions document, including cancellation policies for all services, isn’t immediately prominent from the homepage. Users might need to dig deeper or inquire directly.
- Lack of Direct Online Booking/Calendar: While there’s a “BOOK TODAY!” button, it leads to a contact form rather than an integrated online booking system with instructor availability. This could be less convenient for digitally-savvy users who prefer immediate scheduling.
- Absence of Online Complaint Resolution: There’s no immediately visible section on the homepage detailing how complaints are handled or a formal complaints policy. For a service business, a clear process for addressing issues builds greater confidence.
- Limited Payment Methods Indicated: While pay-as-you-go is good, the website doesn’t explicitly state all accepted payment methods (e.g., card payments online, bank transfer, cash).
- No Explicit Privacy Policy Link on Homepage: While a privacy policy is likely present, a direct, prominent link from the footer or main navigation on the homepage is a standard practice for transparent websites, ensuring users can easily understand data handling.
17plus.co.uk Alternatives
When considering alternatives to 17plus.co.uk for driving tuition, it’s essential to look at the broader landscape of driving schools and independent instructors in the UK, particularly those operating in and around Norfolk. The market is competitive, and options range from national chains to other local schools, each with its own advantages.
National Driving School Chains
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- Key Features: One of the largest driving schools in the UK, offering comprehensive driving lessons, intensive courses, and franchise opportunities for instructors. They have a wide network of instructors nationwide.
- Pros: Widespread availability, often feature modern vehicles, well-structured learning programmes, strong brand recognition and trust.
- Cons: Pricing can be higher than independent instructors, less personal touch compared to smaller local schools.
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- Key Features: Another major national player, RED offers a variety of lessons, including beginner, automatic, intensive, and refresher. They often promote their instructors’ qualifications and a structured learning approach.
- Pros: Large network, consistent lesson structure, often run special offers, reputable brand.
- Cons: May feel less personal, instructor availability can vary by location.
Local Driving Schools in Norfolk
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- Key Features: A prominent local school in Norwich often highlighted for its patient instructors and high pass rates. They offer various lesson types, including intensive courses.
- Pros: Local expertise, competitive pricing, good reputation within the community.
- Cons: May have smaller instructor pool than national chains, less brand recognition outside the immediate area.
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- Key Features: Focuses on comprehensive, tailored lessons in Norwich and surrounding areas, often emphasising a relaxed learning environment and high pass rates.
- Pros: Personalised approach, local knowledge, good reviews for patience.
- Cons: Instructor availability can be limited due to popularity, might not cover as wide a geographic area as larger schools.
Independent Driving Instructors
- Driving Instructor Search (Gov.uk)
- Key Features: The official government website allows you to search for approved driving instructors (ADIs) by postcode. This provides direct access to individual instructors who are DVSA-approved.
- Pros: Direct communication with the instructor, often more flexible scheduling, potentially more competitive rates, highly personalised lessons.
- Cons: Requires more research to vet individual instructors, no central oversight beyond DVSA approval, may not have the same structured support systems as larger schools.
When choosing an alternative, consider factors like proximity, instructor availability, pricing structure, and specific lesson requirements (e.g., automatic, intensive). Always check reviews and, if possible, have a brief chat with the instructor or school before committing.
How to Cancel 17plus.co.uk Subscription or Lessons
For services like driving lessons, “subscription” isn’t the typical term, but rather “booking” or “pre-paid block of lessons.” Cancelling with 17plus.co.uk would typically involve understanding their policy on pre-booked or pre-paid lessons. While the website doesn’t explicitly detail a cancellation policy on its homepage, standard industry practice provides a general guide.
General Cancellation Principles in Driving Tuition
- Notice Period: Most driving schools require a minimum notice period for cancellations, typically 24 or 48 hours. This allows them to reschedule the instructor’s time.
- Late Cancellations/No-Shows: If a lesson is cancelled with insufficient notice or a learner fails to show up, they are often charged for the lesson. This is to compensate the instructor for lost income.
- Pre-paid Blocks: If you’ve paid for a block of lessons, the refund policy for unused lessons varies. Some schools offer full refunds for unused lessons, while others might charge an administration fee or only refund lessons if a certain notice period is given for the entire block.
- Instructor Illness/Vehicle Breakdown: If the instructor needs to cancel, the lesson is usually rescheduled at no cost to the learner.
Recommended Steps for Cancellation with 17plus.co.uk
- Review Booking Confirmation: Check any emails, texts, or physical documents you received when booking your lessons. These often contain the specific terms and conditions regarding cancellations.
- Contact Directly: The most effective way to cancel or modify lessons with 17plus.co.uk would be to contact them directly. The website provides:
- Phone Numbers: 0800 074 1717 or 01603 488538. Calling is usually the quickest method for urgent cancellations.
- Email: [email protected]. For less urgent cancellations or to have a written record, email is suitable.
- Quick Enquiry Form: The form on their “Contact” page (which the “BOOK TODAY!” buttons link to) could also be used for general enquiries or cancellations.
- State Your Intent Clearly: When contacting them, clearly state your name, lesson date/time, instructor’s name (if known), and that you wish to cancel or reschedule.
- Confirm Understanding of Policy: Ask about their specific cancellation policy, especially if it relates to pre-paid lessons or if you are cancelling within their minimum notice period.
- Request Confirmation: Ask for a confirmation of the cancellation, particularly if done via email, for your records.
Given the professional nature of 17plus.co.uk, it’s reasonable to expect a fair, albeit potentially unadvertised, cancellation policy in line with industry standards. Proactive communication is always the best approach.
How to Cancel 17plus.co.uk Free Trial
The website for 17plus.co.uk, as reviewed, does not appear to offer a “free trial” in the traditional sense, such as a software trial or a trial period for a subscription service. Their “Beginner’s Offer” is a discounted rate for the first 6 hours of manual tuition, rather than a free trial. It’s structured as a promotional introductory rate where you “simply pay-as-you-go!” meaning you pay for the lessons as you take them, but at a reduced price.
Understanding the “Beginner’s Offer”
- Not a Free Trial: The Beginner’s Offer is a reduced hourly rate (£36 per hour for the first 6 hours) compared to the normal rate (£39 per hour). You still pay for these lessons.
- No Upfront Payment Required: The key benefit is that “No need to pay in advance to get the discount.” This implies that you are only paying for the lessons you actually take, not committing to a larger block upfront to receive the discount.
- Cancellation implications: Since it’s a pay-as-you-go model for the discounted hours, cancelling would simply mean not booking any further lessons. There wouldn’t be a “free trial” to cancel in the sense of avoiding a charge after a trial period, because you are already paying for the lessons you receive.
Action if You Wish to Discontinue After the Beginner’s Offer
If you’ve taken some or all of the beginner offer lessons and decide not to continue with 17plus.co.uk, you simply stop booking further lessons. Praibeauty.co.uk Review
- Inform Your Instructor: Politely inform your instructor that you will not be continuing lessons.
- No Further Action Needed: Since you are paying as you go, there are no ongoing payments or “subscription” to cancel. You would not owe them for any lessons you have not yet taken.
- Any Pre-payments: If, for some reason, you had pre-paid for lessons beyond the initial 6 hours (which the website does not indicate is required for the offer), then you would refer to the general cancellation advice given in the previous section, contacting them directly to discuss refunds for unused pre-paid hours. However, based on the stated terms “pay-as-you-go,” this scenario is unlikely for the beginner offer itself.
In essence, if you start with 17plus.co.uk’s Beginner’s Offer and decide it’s not for you, discontinuing is straightforward as there’s no trial to convert into a paid subscription or a hidden recurring charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does 17plus.co.uk offer?
17plus.co.uk primarily offers various driving lessons, including manual, automatic, intensive, and refresher courses, along with specialised B+E trailer training and instructor training. They also provide free theory test support.
Where is 17plus.co.uk based?
They are based in Norwich, Norfolk, and serve its suburbs, along with several outlying towns and villages in Norfolk, such as Cromer, North Walsham, Hethersett, and Wymondham.
Are the instructors at 17plus.co.uk qualified?
Yes, all 17plus.co.uk driving instructors are fully qualified DVSA approved, and many hold advanced driving or fleet training qualifications, indicating a high level of expertise.
Does 17plus.co.uk offer automatic driving lessons?
Yes, they offer automatic driving lessons at a rate of £40.00 per hour on a pay-as-you-go basis. Fentontimber.co.uk Review
Is there a beginner’s offer at 17plus.co.uk?
Yes, new manual tuition learners with no prior experience can get their first 6 hours at £36 each, compared to the normal rate of £39.00 per hour, with no need to pay in advance.
How long has 17plus.co.uk been in business?
17plus.co.uk states they have “over 37 years in the driver training industry,” indicating a long and established presence.
Can I choose a male or female instructor?
Yes, the website specifies that learners can learn with either a male or a female instructor.
What kind of cars does 17plus.co.uk use for lessons?
They use a fleet of modern dual controlled cars, which are described as light and easy to drive, ensuring safety and comfort for learners.
Does 17plus.co.uk offer intensive driving courses?
Yes, while not detailed on the homepage, their navigation menu indicates that they offer Intensive Driving Courses. Hoopspin.co.uk Review
Do they provide support for the theory test?
Yes, all their courses include FREE Theory Test support, which is a significant added value for learners.
Are lessons at 17plus.co.uk on a one-to-one basis?
Yes, each lesson is conducted on a one-to-one basis, ensuring the instructor’s full attention and personalised tuition.
What is the cost of trailer training at 17plus.co.uk?
Trailer Training (B+E) courses start from £295.
How can I book lessons with 17plus.co.uk?
You can book by calling them on 0800 074 1717 or 01603 488538, or by filling out the quick enquiry form on their website.
What is the normal hourly rate for manual driving lessons after the beginner’s offer?
While not explicitly stated for all situations, the beginner’s offer indicates a normal rate of £39.00 per hour. Alarmguard.co.uk Review
Does 17plus.co.uk offer pay-as-you-go options?
Yes, their beginner’s offer and automatic driving lessons are specifically mentioned as being pay-as-you-go, meaning no large upfront payment is required for these specific services.
How do I contact 17plus.co.uk for enquiries?
You can contact them via phone at 0800 074 1717 or 01603 488538, or by email at [email protected]. They also have an online enquiry form.
Does 17plus.co.uk provide refresher driving lessons?
Yes, their website navigation indicates that they offer Refresher Driving Lessons for those looking to brush up on their skills.
What driving tests does 17plus.co.uk help prepare for?
They help prepare for the Theory Test, Hazard Perception, Show Me, Tell Me questions, and the Practical Driving Test.
Is 17plus.co.uk suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, they specifically cater to “complete beginners with no driving experience” with a dedicated offer and structured tuition plans. Commandoclimbers.co.uk Review
Does 17plus.co.uk have customer testimonials?
Yes, the website features testimonials from “Passed Learners” who share their positive experiences with the instructors and service.
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