Our journey: Driving forward since 2020
Discover the story behind First Drive North East, from our beginnings during challenging times to the trusted name we are today. Learn about our passion for teaching and our commitment to helping students achieve their driving goals.
The beginning: Navigating challenges from 2020
First Drive North East began its journey in 2020, a year marked by unprecedented local and national Covid-19 restrictions. Despite these challenges, our founder was driven by a passion to help new drivers in County Durham gain their independence and confidence on the road.
From concept to ‘Nathaniel at Bill Plant Driving School’
During 2020, amidst lockdowns and becoming a new parent, Nathaniel took a significant step by starting his Driving Instructor Training with Bill Plant. This marked the birth of ‘Nathaniel at Bill Plant Driving School’, laying the foundation for what would become First Drive North East.
The evolution to First Drive North East
By 2022, Nathaniel’s driving school was well-established, prompting him to seek independence and rebrand as ‘First Drive with Nathaniel’. This move saw him focus more locally and deliver services under his own name and not under a corporate structure.
Further success and growth followed, and in 2025, the business proudly became ‘First Drive North East’, known today for its exceptional driving lessons across Durham, Bowburn, Coxhoe, Kelloe, Quarrington Hill, Cassop, Wheatley Hill, Wingate, the Trimdon's, Fishburn, Sedgefield, West Cornforth, Ferryhill and the surrounding areas.