Our Driving Instructors

TOP TIP: It pays to know the basics before your first lesson. The chances are that someone close to you owns a car, so get them to show you the key parts before your first lesson. Knowing your way around a vehicle beforehand might make it easier when your instructor comes to explain to you how to drive a car.

TOP TIP:Having a driving examiner next to you can understandably make you nervous. It is easier to pretend you’re just taking someone out for a drive. You’d want to give your passenger as smooth a ride as possible, just like you do with the examiner.

TOP TIP: Nerves and anxiety have been the cause of many failed driving tests and plenty of stressful lessons too. There are lots of relaxation techniques you can use, during lessons and in-between lessons, to reduce your anxiety levels and help you perform better behind the wheel: get enough sleep, stay hydrated, practise deep breathing exercises.

TOP TIP:You are unable to take your practical driving test until you have passed the driving theory test. Getting a head start and taking the test early on will help with your practical driving skills and general road confidence.

TOP TIP:No minimum number of lessons are required to pass your test and there is no fixed time frame for learning to drive. Most people spread their driving lessons out over several months, but you can also take an intensive driving course if your budget allows.

TOP TIP: The learning doesn’t end once you’ve passed so it’s important to keep in touch with your instructor even after you’ve passed your driving test. Having lessons for post¬-test skills like motorway driving, night-time driving and driving in snow can all be crucial for a lifetime of safe driving.

TOP TIPS: Think about how you learn best. As every learner is different, it’s important that you know which learning style and teaching technique works best for you. Are you a practical learner or do you learn best through reading and listening?

TOP TIP: It is important not to dwell on mistakes you make during your driving test. You can’t change them, and there’s no guarantee that your mistake has resulted in a fail. You should concentrate on what you’re seeing ahead of you at that very moment instead of looking back at what’s already happened.

TOP TIPS: Learning to drive can be broken up into small pieces. You will never be able to pick it all up at once, but learning new skills every lesson will allow you to build up safe driving skills which you’ll use for the rest of your driving life.

TOP TIP: When you pass your test, the learning continues. You’ll face new situations all the time, such as motorways, city centre driving and tight parking. Therefore, it’s important you do not dismiss all you have learnt and that you approach each new situation with the same careful thinking and execution taught by your instructor.

TOP TIP: Studies have shown that people learn more effectively when they’re happy. Staying positive about your driving experiences can really help. Make changes to your thinking patterns so you’re focusing on the positives rather than the negatives.

TOP TIP: Don’t beat yourself up if you fail once or even multiple times. Take any feedback on board so you won’t make the same mistake next time. Also book your next test right away. Leaving it too long between tests may result in you forgetting certain things and end up costing you more money on further lessons and tests.

TOP TIP: Every learner driver is focused on, or stressing about, their test. It pays to remember that your driving lessons are about far more than passing first time. They’re about giving you the vital skills you need to drive safely for the rest of your life. Bear this in mind rather than just focusing on your test. Ask yourself if you’d feel safe driving with a small child in the back of your learner car – that’s when you know you’re really ready.

TOP TIP: Learning to drive takes time. No one’s going to be able to pick it all up at once. Break your learning up into smaller, bite-size chunks. Instead of trying to do it all, focus on learning new skills in every lesson, and you’ll soon build up your learning in a safe and solid way that’ll serve you for the rest of your driving life.

TOP TIPS: Buying a used car to practise in between lessons can help you learn and pass your driving test quicker. But it’s important to note that, until you pass your driving test, you must be accompanied by someone over 21 who has had a full driving licence for at least three years.

TOP TIPS: What to wear? Driving lessons can be stressful, so think about what to wear to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible. Stick to clothes that aren’t restrictive, allow for easy movement, and that aren’t too hot or heavy.

TOP TIP: Your shoes might not be the first thing you think of when you start learning to drive, but wearing the wrong footwear while driving can not only make it harder, but it can also be dangerous. Learners should wear something with a flat but thin sole, because you want to be able to be able to feel the car respond to what you’re doing.

TOP TIP: You’re likely to hear lots of new terms while you’re learning to drive, and it is important that you get to know what they all mean. The MSPSL routine, for example, is the Mirror, Signal, Position, Speed, Look, routine which all drivers should go through every time they’re on the road. Learn your routines and make sure you’re using them every time you drive.

TOP TIP: It is important not to dwell on mistakes you make during your driving test. You can’t change them, and there’s no guarantee that your mistake has resulted in a fail. You should concentrate on what you’re seeing ahead of you at that very moment instead of looking back at what’s already happened.

TOP TIP:Almost everyone gets nervous about driving, especially when you are starting out. Understand that this is completely normal, and your confidence will only increase with time.

TOP TIP: Frequently practising your manoeuvres will help you feel more comfortable when doing them on your test. Getting to know how a vehicle moves and feeling comfortable with the controls will assist you with any nerves or issues you may experience during your test.

TOP TIP: It might sound obvious, but don’t take your driving test until you’re ready. Lots of people fail the driving test just because they haven’t taken enough lessons to pass.