Driving Instructors, Driving Tuition, Intensive Driving Lessons

West Sussex Instructor Profiles

DAVE LLOYD

Qualifications: Fully Qualified ADI (Grade 6)

ADI Since: 2009

Areas Covered: Horsham & Crawley

A Driving School that merely teaches ‘Test Routes’ to its pupils is no better than a University that encourages its students to write the answers on their arms going into an exam - you may pass the test but you will know nothing about the subject matter and go out into the world unprepared.

When this is with a subject as serious as Driving why would you take the risk?

I have always believed that whatever you do in life you should always strive to be the absolute best that you can be. This belief has helped me to achieve the highest grade in my Driving Instructor ‘Check Test’ rewarding me with the ‘Grade 6' status. It is something that I encourage with my pupils so that they constantly look for ways to reflect on their achievements.

By coaching my students to think outside the box they are able to deal with complex situations, meaning that post-test they are ready to deal with life on today’s roads.

Previously, as an Independent Driving Instructor, I had always believed that the Driving Test standard was simply not good enough but realised as an Independent my voice simply could not be heard.

Stay Safe Driving School really is a Driving School with a difference, after hearing of their ethos and meeting with their founder Steve Lintott, I knew that I had to become part of this team who’s views and passion mirrored my own.

I am now proud to represent Stay Safe as part of the highly skilled team who deliver outstanding tuition and who will not only make a difference but ultimately save lives.

AMANDA DAY

Qualifications: Fully Qualified ADI (Grade 5), O.R.D.I.T Registered Instructor Trainer, Pass Plus Registered, IAM Member

ADI Since: December 2002

Areas Covered: Horsham, Billingshurst, Crawley, Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath

My Dad founded, formed and ran Sussex Banger Racing Ltd based at Smallfield Raceway, therefore I was brought up around cars. Driving soon became a passion and I always wanted to be a teacher so becoming a Driving Instructor was the natural career choice for me.

From 2002 until 2008 I honed my skills and consistently achieved a pass rate of more than twice the national average. However, more and more pupils were coming to me from other Instructors and they seemed to have a very inconsistent knowledge and skill set. It became clear that not all Instructors were teaching "the right way" or tackling the attitudes of some of the young drivers and were being 'processed' through the system of just passing their tests.

In 2008 I qualified as an Instructor Trainer to do my part in addressing this problem. Even though I was with a very big, national, well known driving school, there was no selection criteria at all for people starting the Instructor Training process. Instructors would then buy into a franchise when qualified and some were very unsuited to the job - and unfortunately were coming into the industry for all the wrong reasons.

This is what lead me to Stay Safe Driving School. Not only do I want to ensure that learners are being taught the right way, but for the right reasons. Stay Safe choose and assess their Instructors carefully to ensure high quality and that we are suitably motivated to get the message across - this is not about passing a driving test, but being able to keep yourself and everyone else around you safe for the rest of your driving career.

DARREN GORMAN

Qualifications: Fully Qualified ADI (Grade 5), Pass Plus Registered, Drive iQ PRO Coach, EST Trainer

ADI Since: June 2006

Areas Covered: Southwater, Horsham & Crawley

I initially trained to become a driving instructor with a National Driving School, however quickly realised that I was being taught to pass the qualifying exams and not to teach people to drive. Since becoming fully qualified and joining Stay Safe Driving School my emphasis is to train people to drive and understand what they are doing. Stay Safe Driving School shares these same goals and beliefs...

I feel that I make a difference by listening to my pupils to see if they understand what is being taught and use the students hobbies or sports experiences to relate to driving skills. I am patient, understanding and have been living in Horsham for 43 years therefore gaining a vast knowledge of local and surrounding road disciplines and 'localised' practices. As a motorcyclist, I have an excellent sense of road awareness and pass this on to my pupils.

Several of my pupils have passed their practical driving test with zero driving faults - highlighting the exceptional standard (beyond test requirments) that we at Stay Safe Driving School aim towards.

ROBERT HOWELLS

Qualifications: Fully Qualified ADI, Pass Plus Registered, Drive iQ PRO Coach, EST Trainer

ADI Since: May 2009

Areas Covered: Steyning, Worthing, Storrington, Billingshurst, Horsham

I am a retired pilot and flying instructor, married with two teenage children. In 2011, I taught my daughter to drive so I am aware of the freedom and independence it brings, but also the great risks faced by new drivers unless they are well trained.

I joined Stay Safe in 2009 from a well known South Coast driving school because I was impressed by the professionalism and commitment to reducing new driver accident rates.

Like every member of our team, I am dedicated to passing on my knowledge and experience to ensure that you do more than simply pass the test and that you become a safe, competent driver.

DARREN PAINE

Qualifications: Fully Qualified ADI, Pass Plus Registered, Drive iQ PRO Coach, EST Trainer

ADI Since: April 2010

Areas Covered: Crawley, Horsham, Redhill, Reigate, Horley

I passed my car driving test in 1983 and unfortunately was involved in a serious collision within my first year as a newly qualified driver. This was a stark reminder of the dangers of driving and the consequences of our actions if we, as drivers, don't remain focussed & responsible at all times. My cousin was sadly killed in a road collision after being hit head-on by a drink-driver on Christmas Eve in 1998. These events made me realise driving is a serious matter and not to be treated lightly...

Prior to joining Stay Safe Driving School I obtained both my PSV and HGV Class 1 licences in previous jobs, including driving buses and coaches for over 10 years, but decided to change careers and train to be a driving instructor as I wanted to put my many years of driving experience to good use and felt that I had a good knowledge base that could benefit other motorists. I have also riden motorbikes and can fully understand the risks presented to both car drivers and motorbike riders.

I joined Stay Safe Driving School after investigating the company background a little further. Everything I discovered about the company appealed to me... The reason why the company was founded, their beliefs and experience gained from partnerships with a number of Fire Services and other Road Safety organisations, but also the fact that the founder, Steve Lintott, personally selects the instructors by assessment and not by 'franchise' benefits.

I'd like to think I make a difference by imparting my knowledge and experience so that new drivers can be safer on our busy roads. I believe it is vital that young & inexperienced drivers are better educated to deal with our modern roads and traffic situations. Not just trained to merely pass the DSA test with very little experience behind them.

What we should all remember is that driving a car is an extremely dangerous pastime that we all take for granted.

REG THOMPSON

Qualifications: Fully Qualified ADI, EST Trainer

ADI Since: August 2011

Areas Covered: Crawley & Horsham

Originally, I was being trained by a 'colourful' well known driving school. After relieving me of a substantial amount of hard earned money it soon became clear they were not interested in my career or more importantly my ability as an instructor... just my money. To say I knew the absolute minimum would be understating things...

This became more than obvious when I met Steve, Founder of Stay Safe Driving School. Anyone can teach someone to make a car go forward or back but that is not driving.

Stay Safe's policy is not about teaching you to pass your practical test but to teach the skills that will keep you, your passengers and other road users safe long into your driving lifetime. We are teaching you a life skill.

RUSSELL FORRESTER

Qualifications: Fully Qualified ADI (Grade 6), O.R.D.I.T Registered Instructor Trainer, Drive iQ PRO Coach, SMART Driving Register Trainer, Tri Coaching Registered Trainer, BTEC Level 4 in Coaching and Dip in Driving Instruction

ADI Since: 2005

Areas Covered: West Sussex

I qualified as a driving instructor in 2005 with BSM and then joined the AA Driving School. I was approached to become a Instructor Trainer for the AA, with great success at coaching trainee instructors through to fully qualified instructors. I progressed to become a regional coach helping all instructors in the area with their business if needed.

I have always believed that as instructors/coaches we must go further than just teach pupils to pass a test.

With this in mind, I decided to join Stay Safe as I see them taking the process to a further level and saving lives. With their ethos, passion and principles we can achieve this.