06/08/2026
Erin Esguerra to Response Driving School:
What I’ve Learned from My Response Driving Lessons
It took me a year of commuting, expensive taxi rides, waking up early to catch the bus, sprinting to catch the last bus of the day, checking timetables only to find out that I’ve missed the last bus or train by 5 minutes and much more, to finally start investing in good quality driving lessons. It took a whole year of timidly asking for help at times, which I hate doing. I like being independent but I woke up one day and decided I needed to learn how to drive otherwise I’d never have enough time to sleep or study or go anywhere I wanted to go at any time. The first barrier that ever stopped me in the first place was saving money to buy a car and also my driving lessons. I had a lot of barriers, especially getting hours up. Anyway, my previous roommate and volleyball team mate recommended me to Response Driving School. As soon as I called up and explained my unusual situation, (Tito) Efren was able to adjust to suit my University and Work timetable. I went through a lot of driving schools beforehand and they just didn’t understand where I was coming from. (Tito) Efren was able to schedule driving lessons so that I could finish my 100 hours on time despite all odds. I needed an instructor to not only teach me how to drive, but to help me be self-confident, aware and defensive. Obviously, it wasn’t easy at first. It took a lot of patience, especially towards the end.
There are many driving techniques I learned and did not even imagine existed. I remember my very first lesson, (Tito) Efren taught me all the functions of the car such as the hazard lights, wind screen washers, anti-glare mirror and so on. Every lesson, he would test me on each function so as to prep me for the actual driving test. He emphasised the importance of always shoulder checking the blind spots, “Mirror, Mirror, Indicate, Shoulder Check!” He even physically stood at the blind spot to show me that nothing can be seen if I didn’t shoulder check at 4 and 8 o’clock. Tito Efren scribbled on his small whiteboard and drew the various roads and intersections I would face so as to familiarise me before we started driving. I took pictures for study afterwards.
Alas, we were on the road for the first time. I was extremely nervous and I couldn’t hide it. Which brings me to my next point, (Tito) Efren always reminded me to, “drop my shoulders and relax”. My suburb has a lot of windy roads, so it was good that I was able to practice hugging the kerb and progression.
Around 7 months later, here I am now, sharing my testimony after I had just passed my test with flying colours. I flashback through all the step-by-step methods I was taught gradually throughout each lesson such as, “slowing down, positioning, checking early and not stopping if clear” during the give way intersections. I believe this is what the other driving schools I had been through were lacking. I was getting tired of their instructors not being able to make lessons understandable and not fitting me in a suitable time! I am so happy; my test felt easy and I felt confident.
(Tito) Efren, a simple “thank you” and this testimonial does not do you justice. Your methodical processes were so helpful and the fact that you were able to quickly sort out my weaknesses all with a good attitude, were no doubt truly great. I had a great laugh whilst learning, and this I express my gratitude for your extremely knowledgeable and professional lessons. Everyone, please do yourself a favour and book Response Driving School! Why miss out on an opportunity to be the best driver you can be?
