I'm Marcello. I've been teaching people to drive in Canterbury for over 10 years. Before that, I spent 6 years as a taxi driver. Relaxed, no pressure, and straight to the point. That's how I teach.
About Marcello
I'm Marcello Rizzo. Originally from Italy, I've been living in the UK for years and Canterbury is home. I started out as a taxi driver. Six years on the road gave me more experience with traffic, junctions, and road awareness than most driving courses ever could.
When I became a driving instructor, all of that came with me. I've been teaching for over 10 years now. I don't shout, I don't rush, and I don't make you feel stupid for making mistakes. You learn by feeling comfortable, not by being pressured.
Most of my students pass first time. I speak English, Italian, and Spanish, so if English isn't your first language, I can probably make things easier for you.
New to driving?
No pressure. Your first lesson is about getting comfortable. I'll ask what you're worried about, what you want to achieve, and then we take it from there.
We'll start somewhere quiet, getting used to the car, the controls, the feel of it. Most people are surprised by how much they pick up in the first hour. By the end, you'll have moved off, stopped safely, and started to feel like a driver.
You don't need any experience. Just turn up.
Book your first lesson →I'll ask about your experience, any nerves, what you're hoping to get out of lessons.
Seat, mirrors, controls. Getting familiar before anything moves.
Moving off, stopping, steering. The basics somewhere calm and safe.
What you did well, what to work on, and a plan for the next lesson.
What I offer
Whether you're a complete beginner or need to sharpen up before your test, there's something that fits.
2-hour sessions. The sweet spot for making real progress without burning out. Perfect for beginners and intermediate learners.
Got a test date coming up? Intensive courses let you build skills quickly with structured, back-to-back sessions.
Once you've passed, get comfortable on motorways and dual carriageways. Build real confidence on faster roads.
Preparation for the theory test alongside your practical lessons. Hazard perception tips and test guidance included.
Got your licence but haven't driven in years? A refresher session gets your confidence back quickly without starting from scratch.
I speak English, Italian, and Spanish fluently. If English isn't your first language, I can teach in a language you're comfortable with.
Pricing
No hidden fees. Pay as you go or save with a block booking.
Local knowledge
I know the Canterbury test routes inside out. Your lessons are built around the roads you'll actually be tested on.
All test routes starting from the DVSA Canterbury centre.
Busy roads, one-way systems, pedestrian crossings. The routes examiners use most.
Dual carriageways, roundabouts, and speed changes. Common on test day.
Residential roads, mini roundabouts, tight junctions. Frequently tested areas.
Country lanes, narrow roads, and meeting traffic. Good for building confidence.
Student areas, busy junctions, parking manoeuvres. Key test route territory.
Why Marcello
6 years as a taxi driver plus 10 as an instructor. I've seen every road situation there is and I know how to prepare you for all of them.
No shouting, no rushing. I go at your pace and make sure you actually understand what you're doing, not just memorise the moves.
My students have a high first-time pass rate. I focus on building real confidence, not just test tricks.
English, Italian, Spanish. If you're more comfortable learning in another language, I've got you.
I know every test route, every tricky junction, every examiner preference in Canterbury. That local knowledge makes a difference.
Simple pricing, no hidden fees, no pressure to book more lessons than you need. I'll tell you straight when you're ready.
Reviews on Google
"Learning to drive with Marcello has been such a blessing. He is very patient, kind and understanding, and helped me to get to grips with all of the manoeuvres. He gave me the confidence and all of the skills needed to pass."
"I had failed twice before in London with previous instructors but passed my third test in Herne Bay with Marcello's help. He always remains calm and as a result, I stayed calm whilst driving too."
"Before learning to drive, I was extremely anxious but Marcello's consistent patience and kindness made me feel at ease straight away. Thanks to Marcello, I managed to pass first time!"
"Before I had Marcello as my driving instructor, I had previous instructors with which I couldn't imagine myself driving safely on the roads. However, thanks to him I have passed first time!"
"Best driving instructor I've ever had. Helped me get through my anxiety whilst driving and I passed! Very patient and kind and I would recommend him to everyone."
"Marcello was the absolute best teaching me how to drive, honestly the friendliest instructor you will probably ever meet. If you manage to have Marcello as a driving instructor, you are in for a treat!!"
"Marcello is an excellent instructor, and I doubt I could have passed so well (with just one minor) without him! I was worried my instructor may make me feel silly for not getting simple things, but Marcello was nothing like that."
"Marcello has been an absolutely fantastic driving instructor, never anything short of overwhelmingly patient and understanding. I would strongly recommend him to anyone looking to learn to drive."
Get in touch
Book your first lesson or ask any questions. I reply to every message personally.
Canterbury, Kent