About me
From Engineer to Driving Coach: My Journey
What transforms an electronic engineer into a specialist driving instructor? For me, it began with a simple joy of teaching - helping people master new skills at my local library and teaching guitar. This passion for helping others learn eventually led me to discover my true calling.
A Different Approach to Driving Instruction
After a decade of teaching manual driving, I noticed something crucial: driving anxiety was far more widespread than anyone was addressing. This realization, combined with the emerging potential of electric vehicles, led me to make a pivotal change in 2015 - becoming one of the first instructors in the UK to offer lessons in a fully electric automatic car. As of April 2025 I have switched to a hybrid vehicle due to a change in lifestyle.
My own experience of learning to drive, including struggles with early instructors before finally passing on my third attempt, shaped my teaching philosophy. Even small oversights - like my first instructor not mentioning I could adjust the driver's seat - taught me the importance of clear, comprehensive instruction.
Making a difference
Professional Development
Teaching isn't just about vehicle control - it's about understanding people. That's why I've invested in emotional coaching and advanced conversational hypnotherapy training. I'm currently pursuing a diploma in cognitive behavioural hypnotherapy, adding to my toolkit for helping anxious learners.
My Teaching Philosophy
I see myself as more than just a driving instructor - I'm a driving coach. My approach combines:
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Patient, supportive instruction
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Environmental consciousness through electric vehicle use
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Focus on building genuine confidence
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Emphasis on long-term safety over quick fixes
Looking Forward
While I'm proud of developing techniques that have helped countless students - including a parallel parking method with a 100% test success rate - I'm most excited about the future. I'm developing online courses and one-to-one therapy solutions for driving anxiety, aiming to help more people overcome their fears.
My goal isn't just to help you pass your test - it's to help you become a confident, safe, and environmentally conscious driver. Whether you're struggling with anxiety or simply prefer the simplicity of automatic driving, I'm here to guide you through your journey.
Steve Paddy
