Reviewed 28 September 2026
Very good and I recommend.
Reviewed 16 September 2026
Barry made my sons driving lessons a wonderful experience for him. We had used a different driving school before Barry and it was stressful for my son. Barry was very patient and informative and the communication was excellent. My son passed his P's first go. I highly recommend Barry from XDT Driving instructors.
Reviewed 31 July 2026
The best instructor ever seen.
Reviewed 29 July 2026
Highly recommend Barry.
He is a fantastic instructor.
Very calm and easy to talk to if you have any questions.
Reviewed 24 April 2026
Absolutely the best !! Baz has taught all 3 of our kids. He has made this journey easy to navigate.
Reviewed 27 March 2026
Barry has taught all my 3 kids and has been AMAZING !!!
He builds their confidence and skills and helps me feel safe in knowing I’ve given them the best chance once they out on the roads on their own !
Reviewed 18 February 2026
I cannot recommend Barry from XDT Driving Instructors highly enough. He is absolutely amazing at what he does. From the very first lesson, Barry was compassionate, patient, and incredibly understanding. He genuinely cares about his students — not just about helping them pass their test, but about making sure they feel confident and safe behind the wheel.
His calm and encouraging approach made such a difference, especially during moments of nerves or self-doubt. Barry takes the time to explain everything clearly and never makes you feel rushed or judged. You can tell he is deeply invested in his students’ success and wellbeing.
If you’re looking for a driving instructor who is professional, kind, and truly supportive, Barry is the one. I’m so grateful for his guidance and would recommend him to anyone without hesitation!
Reviewed 16 February 2026
I couldn’t have been more happy with the outcome of using Barry for my daughters driving lessons .. he was great with building her driving confidence and experience .. and I will not hesitate to use him for all future drivers in my family
Reviewed 1 January 2026
I couldn’t have asked for a better driving instructor. Extremely patient, knowledgeable, and supportive, which made learning to drive far less stressful. Every lesson was well-structured and confidence-building. I would highly recommend XDT to anyone learning to drive.
Reviewed 5 November 2025
Mark was an amazing instructor for my teenage daughter who just passed first go yesterday!! Thank you Mark. You are an incredible instructor and all round great human!!!
Reviewed 6 August 2025
I have used Mark for both my son and now my daughter. They both felt so comfortable with him and the things he taught them really helped.
I choose to do the lesson before the test on both kids and I would highly recommend it. Mark knows just what to say to calm the nerves to get them through there test.
Thank you so much Mark
Reviewed 24 June 2025
Absolutely hands down all round great bloke and the best instructor, such a great soul , highly recommend, made my daughter feel at ease the whole way through and very informative
Reviewed 9 May 2025
Great help
Reviewed 29 April 2025
Mark was amazing. My son and I recently had the pleasure of dealing with Mark and I must say, the experience was outstanding. From the moment we first spoke, I was greeted warmly by the knowledgeable and friendliness of Mark. Mark took the time to listen to my concerns and provided expert advice on the necessary steps to help my son get his licence. What impressed me the most was the transparency and honesty exhibited throughout the process. Mark kept me informed every step of the way, explaining to me my son’s strengths and what he needs more practice on.
I highly recommend Mark to anyone in need of a reliable and trustworthy driving instructor that will get your child to become a Safe responsible driver.
Marks exceptional service, expertise, and dedication to customer satisfaction are getting harder to find these days. I can confidently say that Marks goes above and beyond for all.
My son passed his test first go.
Thank you Mark.
Reviewed 10 April 2025
Barry was amazing!
i really appreciate how patient and relaxed he is, he made each and every drive so much less stressful.
I love how he took the time to help me work on things i believed i was struggling with.
thank you again barry!
Reviewed 28 March 2025
Baz has taught 2/3 of my kids and can’t recommend him enough . He is so calm. Child 3 coming. Thank you Baz
Reviewed 12 February 2025
Amazing service, thank you!
Reviewed 20 November 2024
Barry was amazing. He covered everything Jet needed to pass his test and gave him the confidence to get the job done..
5 stars to XDT...
Reviewed 20 November 2024
Barry was amazing. He covered everything Jet needed to pass his test and gave him the confidence to get the job done..5 stars to XDT...
Reviewed 4 November 2024
Barry from day one made Bella feel very comfortable and transformed a very nervous driver into a competent and confident one. Thank you for the lessons, simulation and highly recommended Barry. Very professional service.
Reviewed 30 October 2024
Great to deal with and my son felt ease and got his licence first go
Reviewed 14 October 2024
Great services, excellent to work with.
Reviewed 12 October 2024
Barry has the perfect, patient disposition for a driving instructor. He did a wonderful job guiding my granddaughter to passing her driving test first try with a high score. I recommend him to anyone learning to drive! ?? ?? ?? ?? ??
Reviewed 10 September 2024
Definitely recommend Mark for lessons!
Patient, calm and easy going!
My daughter tried a couple of instructors through various companies and found mark to be the best! Highly recommend.
Reviewed 20 August 2024
Very very good
Reviewed 8 August 2024
amazing instructor, lovely person and i passed first go with a whopping 99% and he had so much confidence in me when i didn’t for myself 10/10 recommend
Reviewed 8 August 2024
I’m deeply grateful to Mark for his invaluable support in helping me get my Ps and pass my driving test. His expert guidance and patience were crucial to my success, making me feel confident and prepared. I highly recommend Mark to anyone seeking a skilled and dedicated driving instructor.
Reviewed 27 July 2024
Mark was very professional. The teaching approach was very systematic and easy to understand. Mark made me feeling so comfortable and confident when driving with him. Highly recommended!
Reviewed 10 July 2024
The best in the business, congratulations on making the Hunter Business Award finals
Reviewed 10 July 2024
Very patient and good driving instructor.
Reviewed 5 July 2024
Kind, polite and a very good instructor.
Reviewed 30 June 2024
Excellent driving instructors. Special shoutout to Mark who is very calm, patient, and supportive. I enjoyed every moment driving with him. Highly recommend this place.
Reviewed 30 June 2024
Excellent driving instructors. Special shoutout to Mark who is very calm, patient, and supportive. I enjoyed every moment driving with him. Highly recommend this place.
Reviewed 18 June 2024
My gratitude is immense!
Barry was the perfect fit to guide my son to passing his driving test!
With his supportive and patient nature, my son passed with flying colours!
Thank you Barry ??????????
Reviewed 1 June 2024
It's not often I feel compelled to leave a review (for anything) but in this case it just has to be done. I had modest expectations of what could be gained for my daughter in just one 90-minute session to prepare for the driving test. But I'm so glad we did it. Barry was absolutely outstanding, both on the phone before the session and then during and after the session. He took the time to find out exactly what we wanted to get out of the session, then he gave us that and more. He listens well, explains clearly, and my daughter found the techniques he described easy to implement (tips for angle reverse parking etc). He also seems to know a lot about what they look for in the test. He didn't ask (or even prompt) for a review either.
Reviewed 16 May 2024
Mark is amazing driving instructor my son Bradley passed first go
Mark went above and beyond
Very highly recommend 11/10 ?? ?? ??
Reviewed 8 May 2024
Fantastic instructor. Very patient. Soft spoken so no nerves. Best ever
Reviewed 6 May 2024
Barry has aided our two older sons to attain their licences. He is a knowledgeable instructor who put our boys at ease and develops a positive rapport which creates a successful environment for quality learning. He always goes the extra mile to ensure processes run smoothly. We will be calling on him again when our youngest son goes for his licence and highly recommend him.
Reviewed 20 April 2024
Amazing teacher, thanks so much for all your help.
Reviewed 4 April 2024
Barry and his XDT driver training business are superb! Pricing, logistics, communications, ease of booking, expertise and engagement with the learner driver are all exemplary!! This is a parent’s point of view. Congratulations and thanks Barry!!
Reviewed 4 April 2024
Barry is 100% the best driving instructor in the Hunter/Newcastle/Lake Mac, super calm and great at instructing- perfect for all new drivers!
Reviewed 19 March 2024
A huge thank you Barry! I couldn't done it without you. An extremely amazing instructor that is very professional,understanding and with great passion in what He is doing. Thank you for helping me not just to pass the test but to become a safer driver and overcome my nervousness on the road. Definitely, will recommend you specially to those that are scared to be behind the wheels same me.
Reviewed 15 March 2024
Barry was an unreal instructor, he was calm and patient making sure I understood what he was teaching. His experience as a past examiner helped ensure I was prepared for test conditions.
Reviewed 6 February 2024
Hi Barry, I hold an overseas full licence (China) but needs to do a driving test in NSW. Need a couple of lessons before the test. I'll be using my own car (automatic, Lexus IS250, 2012 model). I'll pay cash for your lessons.
Cheers,
Qian
Reviewed 7 January 2024
Barry was a great instructor. He was calm and gave lots of tips and encouragement.
Reviewed 27 December 2023
Barry's lessons have been very helpful. I successfully passed my driving license test, transitioning from an international to a full NSW driving license on the first attempt. He is patient and knowledgeable. In addition to test preparation, you will also gain valuable general life driving skills from Barry. Highly recommended.
Reviewed 6 December 2023
Highly recommend. In 4 lessons Barry taught our daughter all the things she needed to polish up her driving skills and be ready for the test.
I would definitely recommend the lesson/test package, this really help reduce nerves on test day and Barry even replaced a blinker bulb which stop working at the last minute.
A pass on first attempt at 98%, thanks Barry.
Reviewed 30 November 2023
Barry was incredibly knowledgeable, calm and patient. He took the time to ensure I understood what he was teaching. I couldn't of had a better instructor to help me get my p's.
Reviewed 30 November 2023
Highly recommend Barry and XDT. So professional and amazing to work with. He is incredibly patient and calm and takes the time to get to know his clients and what works well for them to learn.
Reviewed 29 November 2023
Great practical advice for my learner.
Reviewed 28 November 2023
Barry is the best driving instructor around ! He helped calm my nerves before my test and helped pass my test.
Definitely recommend !!
Reviewed 24 November 2023
Very professional service. Ben enjoyed every lesson and came back feeling more confident each time. He had no worries about passing his test. Would strongly recommend Barry and Mark for their excellent service.
Reviewed 22 November 2023
Thank you so much for helping me get my P’s. You’re a great instructor and your guidance helped make me a safer driver. Thank you again :)
Reviewed 13 November 2023
Barry is THE best in the business! So patient and kind and made my daughter feel so very comfortable with all her lessons. He also taught my son, they both passed 1st go!
Reviewed 1 November 2023
Couldn't have asked for a better instructor
Informative and helpful thankyou for helping me get my Ps
Reviewed 19 October 2023
Barry was a fantastic instructor, lots of great feedback and positive comments. Communication was excellent and he was always flexible and accommodating, especially when Services NSW had to change the testing date and time, Barry still made it work. Could not have asked for a better instructor! Hoping he is still instructing when my next son starts learning!
Reviewed 22 September 2023
I don't think I gonna pass the driving test. From the first time . Thank you Barry ????
Reviewed 20 September 2023
Professional !!
if you are looking for learning to drive
XDT it the best ????
Reviewed 15 September 2023
Making the decision to go with XDT Driving Instructor was the best decision.
Barry the driving instructor was absolutely fantastic at his job couldn't recommend him more.
Made me feel extremely comfortable learning to drive, gave clear instructions on things I wasn't sure about and overall is a bubbly, fun and funny person to be around. 10/10
Reviewed 23 August 2023
Barry has been a positive role model, guide & instructor throughout my son's learning to drive experience. Thank you Barry, for being an awesome instructor with my son gaining his manual license on his first attempt.
Reviewed 21 August 2023
Amazing, would recommend to anyone learning to drive!!
Reviewed 16 August 2023
The best driving instructor very grateful to learn with Mark
Reviewed 9 August 2023
Fantastic, I couldn't have asked for a better instructor. Barry has a great teaching method while also keeping the driver calm yet still alert while driving. He also taught me some really effective ways to handle any stress before the driving test. I highly recommend XDT for learner drivers of any skill level.
Reviewed 4 August 2023
Professional responsible patient and reliable
Barry is the best driving instructor I’ve ever seen.
He always gives precise instructions and encourage you
Definitely recommend to everyone
Reviewed 10 March 2023
Highly recommend Mark, my son who has mild special needs got his license first go thanks to the support and guidance from Mark. If I could give 100 stars I would. Awesome driving instructor. We can't thank you enough Mark.
Reviewed 8 March 2023
Barry has been fantastic! XDT is a Fabulous local business, great service, can highly recommend for teaching young drivers & setting them up for safe driving!
Thank you 5 stars!
Reviewed 15 February 2023
Mark is the most amazing instructor, couldn't be more grateful to have had him teach me how to drive <3
Reviewed 10 February 2023
Barry is an excellent instructor. I had several lessons with Barry and he made it possible for me to get my licence on the first try with his guidance!
Would highly recommend
Reviewed 27 January 2023
Excellent driver trainer. Very experienced. I passed my test thanks Barry. He is extremely patient and understanding. You’re the best Barry. Thank you so so much.
Reviewed 21 January 2023
Barry was so knowledgeable and patient with my son. I would highly recommend him.
Reviewed 2 November 2022
Barry is an amazing instructor. My two boys have now go their license with Barry’s help
Reviewed 27 October 2022
Excellent instructor, will definitely be using him for my boys when they get their licence. Looking forward to dealing with him again.
Reviewed 25 August 2022
If you’re looking for an amazing driving instructor then look no further. Mark is dedicated, kind and extremely patient.
He will be able to help even the most nervous learner gain the skills and confidence they need to become a safe and competent driver. I cant recommend him highly enough!
Thanks again Mark!!
Reviewed 10 August 2022
Mark is the Best Instructor ....he is so encouraging...helpful...patient...intelligent and friendly....THANK YOU MARK
Reviewed 9 August 2022
Absolutely awesome instructor, related so well and cares a lot about his students. Highly highly recommend Mark he was brilliant. Thanks so much!
Reviewed 26 July 2022
Absolutely the best instructor any of my kids have had. Highly recommend Mark.
Reviewed 18 July 2022
I can't begin to put in to words how amazing Mark was with our daughter. His patience and his calm, caring nature are unbelievable but above all his encouragement!! Mark took the time to update us after every lesson and sent our daughter supportive positive messages after lessons. We will be forever thankful for the guidance he has given and wish there were more people in this world like him. We will see you in 4 years for our next child :)
Reviewed 30 May 2022
A HUGE thank you to Mark for how he worked with Alex to hone his driving skills and prepared him to sit for his P test - which he passed first go!
Mark's passion and enthusiasm towards his job really shows, and we know first hand how much of an impact that had with Alex. It gave him a boost of confidence which really helped him.
We would have no problems whatsoever recommending Mark and XDT with helping your kid with their driving. No matter what level of ability and confidence they have, we are sure Mark will do the best he can possibly to help them.
Thank you so much!
Stuart and Jo Johnson.
Reviewed 11 May 2022
Barry from XDT Driving Instructors was an absolute blessing when it came to learning to drive. I was quite nervous and worried about certain things like parking and roundabouts, but with Barry's calming and patient instruction, I was able to pass my driving test first time! I truly can't thank or recommend Barry and the XDT team enough. They are awesome!
Reviewed 6 May 2022
Mark was a great instructor, very detailed and covered all the points well which was needed.
He helped my son keep his cool when under pressure and my son felt quite at ease with him.
Thanks again Mark :-)
Reviewed 28 April 2022
Absolutely amazing work from Mark!
Couldn’t recommend him anymore. A great instructor giving you all the tips that you need to know to pass your test and taking me on the test routes helped me enormously. I cannot thank Mark enough for all the effort he put into helping me get my P’s! Excellent work from Mark and the XDT Driving team.
Reviewed 13 April 2022
Barry is very patient and attentive. Highly recommend.
Reviewed 29 March 2022
Great work from my instructor Barry, really helped me improve and be able to get my P's first try.
Reviewed 29 March 2022
Great work from my instructor Barry, really helped me improve and be able to get my P's first try.
Reviewed 10 February 2022
Absolutely Awesome. Barry's patience and knowledge is second to none. Highly recommended!!!
Reviewed 2 February 2022
What a wonderful and personalised service. Thanks Barry, you can tell you love your job and most of all to create great drivers.
It’s truly is great dealing with a professional service and people like you.
Reviewed 25 December 2021
Would 110% recommend Barry. Amazing instructor very kind and calming. Awesome prep talk before my actual test too. ??
Reviewed 16 December 2021
We can’t thank Mark enough for his expertise and support throughout this exciting process.
We are so thankful we were recommended to Mark.
Highly recommend Mark!!
Reviewed 5 December 2021
Thank you Barry for your calm guidance and driving lessons and thank you to Mark for the pep talk and last minute driving prep for Jack. You guys are awesome ??
Reviewed 10 November 2021
Mark was the perfect choice in helping my daughter prepare for her diving test …he made her feel super relaxed and built up her confidence with lots positive comments and relevant feedback both during and after her lessons …he clearly enjoys helping young people grow and develop the skills to become safe drivers and in short, Mark’s passion for what he does will see many kids benefit from using XDT for their driver training needs …I will be singing his praises for all to hear.
Regards,
Len
Reviewed 28 October 2021
I highly recommend Mark at XDT - wonderful patient manner and a super nice guy! extremely helpful and genuinely kind - HIGHLY recommend.
Reviewed 21 October 2021
We have used Barry now for both our daughters driving lessons and test which they have both passed first time. Barry is great, and the girls always felt comfortable with him. We will not hesitate to contact him again in a few years for our son.
Reviewed 22 April 2021
Honestly Barry is the best! I highly recommend XDT. I have had the privilege of dealing with Lisa and Barry for a few years. They offer an amazing service that is professional, stress free and so incredibly helpful. Thank you again, 10 out of 10.
Belinda
Reviewed 9 April 2021
Excellent teaching skills by Mark Castelli , very Professional and easy to go, teaches professional tips and tricks but in a best and easy way... taught me all tips in just " 1 HOUR SESSION " on the same day of my unrestricted Licence Test, where I scored 109/109 Yepieeeeee :)
I highly recommend driving with XDT, especially MARK CASTELLI
Reviewed 6 April 2021
I would highly recommend Barry and XDT Driving Instructors. Barry has given lessons to both of my sons. The booking system that he uses is great along with the communications prior to each booking. The feedback to both my sons and to me helped with the whole process and they were able to concentrate on areas of their driving that needed improvement. My sons felt confident and relaxed with his instruction. Barry was calm in his instruction and guided them both to getting their P plates on their first attempts.
Reviewed 3 April 2021
I recently took lessons with Mark Castelli to finally learn how to drive a manual after 40 years of driving an auto. I have had several people (husband, son, daughter, son-in-law & a friend) all try to teach me over the years but nothing seemed to stick. Mark's beautiful nature, calmness and encouragement had me shifting gears like a pro withing 1 hour without bunny hopping. And I can now do a hill start the correct way for the first time in my driving history. Mark was absolutely amazing. My grandson will be old enough to get his learner's permit soon, and I most definitely will be booking Mark in to teach him. Mark, thank you ever so much, you have made me a very happy lady indeed. Michaela
Reviewed 21 February 2021
This is our second child Barry has instructed. He is extremely professional, approachable and reliable. He puts his students best interest first. Barry was willing to take on a challenge of assisting our son transition from automatic to manual in less than 2 months. Would definitely recommend his driving school to anyone.
Reviewed 28 January 2021
XDT driving Instructors are amazing!!!! I gained so much confidence in my driving after just 1 lesson with Barry, he is very calm, explained things well, I gained so much knowledge and tips on safe driving each lesson I took. He made my lessons enjoyable and stress free. Thanks Barry and XDT Driving????????
Reviewed 28 January 2021
Very professional and easy to talk to making for relaxed driving. Knows his stuff and imparts it well to ensure you are a safe driver and can pass the test easily. No complaints to speak of what so ever.
Reviewed 7 January 2021
Thank you Mark for making this process so easy from start to finish .
Highly recommend Mark