How much do lessons cost?
Receipts are available upon request.
What can I expect during my driving lessons?
From the moment you get in the car, you'll feel the difference. Matthew creates a calm and supportive environment where there's no rush and no judgement, just genuine care for your progress. We'll start with the basics and build from there, always at your pace, always with your confidence in mind.
What lesson types do you offer?
Each lesson is tailored to exactly where you're at on your driving journey:
Learner Driver Session: Taking your first steps behind the wheel can feel scary and that's okay. Matthew is right here beside you, calm, patient and supportive every step of the way. We'll take it slow and gentle, from learning the controls to your very first time behind the wheel. No question is too small.
Progressive Driver Training Session: You've come so far and we are proud of you! Every session is tailored to your goals and your pace, building on what you already know and growing your confidence on busier roads, intersections, roundabouts and real-world driving situations.
Restricted Licence Test Preparation: Feeling nervous about your test? That's completely normal! Matthew will make sure you feel calm, ready and truly confident, with focused practice on the skills NZTA assessors are looking for so you walk into your test feeling prepared.
Full Licence Test Preparation: You are so close to something really special! Matthew is fully committed to making sure you walk in feeling confident and proud. We'll polish your driving to the higher standard required for your Full Licence Test, including hazard identification, low-risk driving and advanced decision-making.
Driver Confidence Refresher Session: Been a while since you've driven? No judgement here, only warmth and encouragement. We'll gently rebuild your confidence one step at a time, at a pace that feels right for you.
Every single lesson ends with a complimentary debrief so you leave knowing exactly where you're at, and afterwards you'll receive your personalised written coaching report covering what went well and what to gently work on before next time.xt time.
Are lessons recorded?
Yes! We audio-record almost every lesson so we can prepare your personalised written coaching report afterwards. Matthew will be instructing throughout the session, so his voice leads the recording, but your voice will naturally be picked up too whenever you ask questions or chat during the lesson. This means nothing important gets missed, and Matthew can focus completely on you during the lesson. You'll sign a simple consent form at your very first lesson. Super quick and easy.
Who can see my recording?
Your recording and personalised written report are only accessed by Matthew and our admin team (that's family-run, behind the scenes!) who prepares and sends out your written report. It's never shared with anyone else, stored securely, and deleted within 90 days. Your written coaching report is yours to keep. Under the NZ Privacy Act 2020, you can also ask for your recording to be deleted at any time. Just let us know.
Want a detailed written breakdown of your progress? For just $10 you can add a personalised written coaching report to any lesson. Matthew will put together a thorough, honest and encouraging report tailored specifically to you, because we believe in giving you real value, not just a tick box.
When will I receive my coaching report?
Your personalised written coaching report will be emailed to you after your lesson, usually within 24–48 hours. It's tailored specifically to you, What you did well, gentle areas to work on before your next lesson, and a readiness check against NZTA test standards.
Cancellation, No Show & Outstanding Fee Policy
We completely understand that life happens, and we will always do our best to work with you. Because each lesson time is set aside just for you, we need enough notice to offer it to another student.
Giving notice
Late cancellations and no shows
Illness and emergencies
Prepaid packages
Outstanding fees
Who is responsible for payment
If MDT needs to cancel
To arrange payment or reschedule, please text MDT Admin on 027 368 5010 and we will sort it out together. Thank you for your understanding and for respecting Matthew's time. It truly means the world to us.
What happens in a 4 or 5 Lesson Package?
Our prepaid lesson packages are a beautiful way to build real confidence behind the wheel, and they're especially loved by beginner and progressive drivers who want steady, consistent progress. Every package is loosely structured but gently adapted along the way, because no two learners are the same, and Matthew shapes each lesson around you.
Here's what a typical package journey might look like:
4 Lesson Package — $275 (save $25!)
5 Lesson Package — $340 (save $35!)
Every session ends with a well talked complimentary debrief.
Please remember, every package is tailored to you. If we need to spend a bit more time on something, or move faster through another part, that's absolutely okay. Matthew will always meet you right where you're at.
Absolutely! You’re more than welcome to use your own car, manual or automatic, if you feel more comfortable in it. Just make sure it’s registered, warranted and road-legal. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible!
Please bring your driver licence, by law we can’t begin without it. Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes for safety and comfort. Other than that, just bring yourself and a willingness to learn, Matthew will take care of the rest!
Do I need to tell you about any medical conditions?
Please do, yes. If you have any medical condition that could affect your driving (things like epilepsy, fainting, vision issues, or heart conditions), please let Matthew know before your first lesson so he can support you properly. Before each lesson, you'll be asked to confirm you're feeling well and fit to drive, it's just a quick tick, but it keeps everyone safe.
Yes! Driving lessons make the most thoughtful and practical gift. Contact us to arrange payment and scheduling for your lucky recipient. Please note: Lessons or vouchers from the previous owner before January 31st, 2024 are no longer valid.
Can I use MDT's car for my test?
Absolutely! Don't let not having a vehicle stand between you and your licence.
How to book: If you would like to use the MDT vehicle for your test, please email [email protected] or text MDT Admin on 027 368 5010 with the day and time of your test. Admin will check whether the vehicle is available and get back to you as soon as possible. Your vehicle booking is not confirmed until you hear back from us. Please note you will need to have had at least one lesson with Matthew within two weeks of your test.
What the fee covers:
Pickup or meeting at VTNZ: VTNZ requires you to check in at least 30 minutes before your test start time. You can choose to:
Please let MDT Admin know which option you would like when you book. The fee is the same for both options, as the vehicle and Matthew's time are set aside for your test either way.
Flat fees: These fees are not based on time spent in the vehicle. They are not reduced or refunded if your test finishes early, is stopped by the testing officer, or is not passed. If you are not ready at the agreed pickup time, or arrive late to the testing station, and miss your test as a result, the full fee still applies.
Prefer to use your own car? You are welcome to, at no charge, as long as it is registered, warranted and roadworthy.
Test Day Vehicle Hire for Organisation, ACC & Specialist Funded Clients
All fees are invoiced directly to the funding organisation.
How to book: Please email [email protected] or text MDT Admin on 027 368 5010 with the client's name, the day and time of their test, and your funding or purchase order reference. Admin will check whether the vehicle is available and get back to you as soon as possible. The booking is not confirmed until you hear back from us. The client will need to have had at least one lesson with Matthew within two weeks of their test.
What the fee covers:
Pickup or meeting at VTNZ: VTNZ requires clients to check in at least 30 minutes before their test start time. You can choose for the client to:
Please let MDT Admin know which option suits when you book. The fee is the same for both options.
Flat fees: These fees are not based on time spent in the vehicle. They are not reduced or refunded if the test finishes early, is stopped by the testing officer, or is not passed. If the client is not ready at the agreed pickup time, or arrives late to the testing station, and misses their test as a result, the full fee will still be invoiced.
Changes and cancellations: Please give at least 24 hours' notice by texting MDT Admin on 027 368 5010. Cancellations, reschedules or no shows within 24 hours will be invoiced at the full fee.
Do you offer refresher lessons?
Absolutely and there is absolutely no judgement here, only warmth and encouragement! Whether you’re returning to driving after a break or just need to rebuild your confidence, Matthew’s calm and supportive approach will help you feel safe and free on the road again, one gentle step at a time.
Yes, parents and caregivers are always welcome to observe! We just kindly ask that you let Matthew lead the session, as extra input can sometimes distract the learner. We know it comes from love and we appreciate it!
My child is under 18, do I need to sign anything?
Yes, just one thing. Because we record lessons for the coaching reports, a parent or guardian will need to co-sign the recording consent form at your child's first lesson. It takes about two minutes and covers all their future lessons. If you'd like your child's coaching reports sent to your email as well, just let Matthew know at the first lesson and he'll sort it.
We’re not currently offering Defensive Driving Courses but we hope to in the future! Keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for updates once we become an approved provider.
