Steve Hawkins
Hi, I’m Steve, the owner of Surrey Driving Force.
I started training to become a driving instructor back in 2005 and founded Surrey Driving Force in 2007.
I teach everyone from beginners right through to advanced drivers in my manual black BMW 120d M Sport.
I am very passionate about what I do and will do everything possible to ensure a pupil is fully prepared to pass their driving test first time. I appreciate that driving lessons and especially driving tests are a considerable expense and therefore aim to offer the very best value for money.
My primary concern though is to develop safe and confident drivers. It’s a well known fact that a highly disproportionate number of newly qualified drivers are involved in accidents. Therefore my teaching methods are not only geared to my pupils passing their test first time, but to also be equipped with the skills required to drive their car safely during the years ahead.
I receive almost all of my work from recommendations and have taught many members of the same families as well as their friends.
I specialise in teaching nervous learners, we all have to start somewhere!
I work evenings and weekends and will always do my best to accommodate students and work around their availability.
Ian Hooper
Hi, my name is Ian and I am delighted to be working with Surrey Driving Force.
I am a Grade A instructor with over 13 years experience in providing driving tuition. I provide manual lessons in a Citreon C1 and am also registered to provide the Pass Plus course upon completion of your test.
I cover many of the long areas including Ashford, Egham, Haliford, Shepperton, Staines, Sunbury, Stanwell, Lower Feltham & Lower Bedfont. If you would like to book a lesson with me, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Mike Kelleway
Hi, my name is Mike and I have recently linked up with Surrey Driving Force to join their outstanding team of driving instructors.
After being made redundant just under two years ago, I decided that a change in career to something that was rewarding and enjoyable was long overdue. As I love meeting people from all walks of life, I felt that becoming a driving instructor could be a natural step to follow and I haven’t looked backed since.
My driving lessons are available in a manual Ford Fiesta and cover the Guildford and Woking areas.
My outside interests include most sports but especially Rugby where I still take an active interest (even at the age of 57) both on and off the field. I enjoy long walks with the family and our dog and generally socialising with friends. I have been married for 30 years and we have one son who is aged 17.
Kourosh Yazdi
My name is Kourosh Yazdi and I am a driving instructor at Surrey Driving Force. I started my career as an instructor in 2007 and obtained extensive experience covering the test routes in Slough and High Wycombe.
During this time I had students from all surrounding areas including Amersham, Chesham, Maidenhead, Bourne End, Windsor and even as far as Ascot. This wide area of coverage gave me the opportunity to attend various test centres including Farnborough, Ashford, Aylesbury, Uxbridge and Chertsey as well as Slough and High Wycombe.
I love the flexibility and freedom of being a driving instructor and thoroughly enjoy being able to teach new drivers the skills they need to pass their driving test.
Debbie
Hi there, my name is Debbie and i’m a Grade 6 driving instructor with the Surrey Driving Force Team.
I thoroughly enjoy meeting new people with a variety of different personalities and backgrounds and take great pride in helping all of my learner drivers progress through their lessons until they become fully qualified drivers.
I understand just how nervous people can be about learning to drive, and I make it one of my main aims to ensure that each of my lessons are as enjoyable as possible.
Experience has taught me that to get the best from my learners, it is best to avoid the ‘one size fits all’ style of training and therefore I am always happy to adapt my tuition to suit your particular learning requirements.
We hope to hear from your soon 🙂
Neill Povey
Hi, my name is Neill. I am a retired police officer with a wealth of driving experience, having completed several driving courses in various types of vehicle during my police career. I have been driving cars, vans and motorbikes for many years.
I am passionate about using my knowledge and experience to teach people how to pass their driving test and to develop their abilities, knowledge and mental attitude to become safe and responsible drivers on today’s busy roads. I am particularly keen to teach new drivers as I believe good practice and habits start the very first time they sit behind the wheel. I also believe it’s never too late to develop new or existing skills and am equally happy to give tuition to experienced drivers who wish to improve their skills.
In the car I try to create a relaxed and informative environment in which to learn. I have been told many times that I have unlimited patience and calmness with my students. I believe learning to drive should be enjoyable and I adopt a pace and approach style that my students are comfortable with. At an early stage I encourage my students to make their own assessments and decisions on how to deal safely with road hazards, leading to a faster rate of development and skills acquisition.
I look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your goal of passing your driving test and having many years of safe and enjoyable driving ahead.
Chris Lapersonne
Chris Lapersonne is the most recent addition to the Surrey Driving Force team and brings with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record for successfully teaching his students to drive.
First qualified in April 2006, Chris provides his lessons in a manual Citroen DS3.
From his base in Richmond, he covers the Tolworth, Morden, Isleworth and Ashford centres and is waiting to teach you all of the essential skills needed to become a great driver.
John
Hi, i’m John. Having completed 32yrs service I retired from the Metropolitan police in 2007. Whilst in the police I was an advanced class 1 driver and obtained a City & Guilds qualification as a driving standards examiner. Shortly after retiring, I qualified as a grade 5 instructor with the DSA.
I now specialise in automatic car instruction. Your safety is my priority both before & after you pass your test.
I think driving is fun and learning to drive should be fun as well as safe. I’ll do my very best to help you enjoy the training and to focus on your individual training needs.
I cover Egham, Thorpe, Chobham, Virginia Water, Sunningdale, Chertsey, Addlestone, Windlesham, Ascot, Lightwater, Camberley, Farnborough and all surrounding areas, so if you are based in or around these areas and would like to learn how to drive, please give us a call!
Lee
Hi, my name is Lee and I have extensive experience as a driving instructor and am absolutely delighted to join the Surrey Driving Force team.
I offer automatic driving lessons and my lessons are provided in a Vauxhall Corsa.
Covering all of the areas surrounded the Chertsey and Ashford test centres and look forward to hearing from you and helping you prepare for your driving test.
I do all that I can to make sure that lessons with me are both fun and relaxed so if you are thinking of learning how to drive, why not get in touch?
Jane Jeffreys
Hi, my name is Jane and I have been a driving instructor for the past 5 years.
Whether you will be taking your very first lesson or have a little more experience behind the wheel, I offer all of my students the opportunity to undertake great quality manual driving lessons in my Mini Cooper.
From my base in Weybridge, I cover the Tolworth, Guildford and Chertsey test centres and offer lessons to anyone based in and around these areas.
I love meeting new people and it is my goal to ensure that rather than just preparing people for their driving test, by the time we have finished you will have developed a driving skill set which will stay with you for life.
Neil Martin
I became a driving instructor in 2012. I’d been a chauffeur for 18 years, during which time I had driven many people in many different situations. As such, I felt that my wealth of knowledge after years of driving would be beneficial to future pupils I help them to prepare for, and ultimately to pass their test.
I like to make driving fun/enjoyable as I feel people learn better in a relaxed environment. On some occasions things may need to be explained multiple times but being patient and finding what works for each individual means this can easily be achieved. I love to watch pupils become more independent as a driver as they find ways to work out solutions for themselves.
I have always enjoyed driving and from the day I passed my test, to buying my first car, right through to this day. These reasons amongst others are why I jumped at the chance to help people do something I love so much.
I look forward to accompanying you on your journey!
Tracy
Hi my name is Tracy, I have been an ADI for 10 years. I have 20 years experience in the training and teaching sector.
I get real job satisfaction, when I help someone achieve their goals. I thoroughly enjoy teaching learners to drive, it’s great to meet new people and everyday is different, my teaching manner is always very friendly, calm and patient. I want to help you gain confidence, develop your skills and knowledge. My work ethics, is to teach you to drive safely and feel secure, its important to enjoy driving and have fun on your lessons.
I understand how nervous people can be when learning to drive, I value the individual learner and your needs and will adapt my teaching methods to suit your requirements. I have taught all levels of experience, from beginners to qualified drivers who would like some refresher lessons.
I have an excellent pass rate, the majority of my learners receive 2 – 4 minors. I am based in Sunbury on Thames and cover the surrounding areas.
I look forward to meeting you, get in contact and let’s get you driving!
Naresh
Hi, i’m Naresh. I am a grade 5 driving instructor and have been helping learner drivers to prepare for their driving test since 2004.
I specialise in all aspects of driving tuition (including Pass Plus training) and offer my learner drivers the chance to learn how to drive in either an automatic or manual transmission car, whichever is their preference.
I enjoy all aspects of driving and love to meet and get to know all of my students. I will remain very patient under all circumstances and am happy to train drivers with all levels of experience, from absolute beginners to qualified drivers who would like some refresher lessons.
From my base in Twickenham, I cover areas around the Ashford and Isleworth test centres, so if you are based in or around these locations, please get in touch.
Brian Wateridge
Hi, I’m Brian. I have been a driving instructor since 1999 after working in the insurance industry for some years.
I teach in a manual Vauxhall Corsa and cover Woking, Knaphill, Worplesdon, Ripley, Send, Clandon and most of Guildford.
Since becoming a driving instructor, I have taught a number of pupils (both young and old), from complete novices to drivers who want refresher lessons. I have helped many foreign licence holders in obtaining their UK licences and am also Pass Plus registered.
Nothing gives me greater pleasure than seeing the look on my pupils’ faces when they are told by the exmainer that they have passed their test.
I am a retired sportsman but now enjoy watching from the comfort of my sofa.
Andrew Punter
Hi there, i’m Andrew. After a career in hi-tech industry coaching, delivering and managing training, I made the move to become a fully qualified DSA Approved Driving Instructor in 2008.
After spending several years with BSM as an instructor and a mock test examiner, I decided to move towards becoming an independent instructor.
I am based in Pyrford and offer tests at the Guildford, Chertsey and Farnborough centres. Lessons with me will take place in a manual Vauxhall Corsa with dual controls and I have a great record for getting people ready for their test!
I also offer a range of alternative lessons including the Pass Plus, refresher training and foreign license conversions. I look forward to meeting you.
Debbie Aston
My name is Debbie and I became a driving instructor in 2007. I really enjoy the whole experience of meeting new clients, helping them to prepare for their test and of course, passing!
I am very much a people person and have excellent levels of patience. I believe driving lessons should always be fun whilst still being professional and will always takes the steps needed to ensure that our tuition moves forward at a pace with which my clients are comfortable.
I’m really looking forward to meeting all you new drivers and together we’ll take the steps needed to help you become a confident, independent driver in no time. See you soon.
Steven Haigh
Hi, my name is Steven Haigh and I am a fully qualified grade 5 driving instructor with almost a decade’s worth of teaching experience.
I have been in the advanced driving industry for over 30 years working as a H.G.V driver and have put this great experience to use to become an A.D.I (Approved Driving Instructor).
From my base in Staines upon Thames, I cover all of the surrounding areas and have a real 
passion for teaching my pupils safe driving for life. If you live nearby, why not get in touch and let me help you along the way.
In my spare time I race my Rookie Rod stock car at Wimbledon Spedeworth or at Aldershot Raceway so as you can tell, if I am not teaching driving I am racing but under controlled conditions.
Rob Andrews
Hi I’m Rob and I have been working as a fully qualified DSA approved driving instructor since 2002. I am also a Pass Plus instructor and a member of the Driving Instructors Association.
My teaching manner is always very friendly, calm and patient. I specialise in relaxing and re-assuring my new or nervous drivers, and my number one aim is to always make my pupils feel instantly at ease, and dare I say it to actually enjoy their driving lessons!
I have a good sense of humour (if I say so myself!), which sometimes gets introduced into the lessons to help make them fun and interesting. I enjoy my job, and I enjoy meeting my pupils. I communicate well and I find it easy to teach clearly.
My aim is to help you grow in confidence and knowledge. My lessons are always structured and tailored to the pupils’ individual needs, so you can continually drive safely and courteously and thus pass the practical driving test, as well as the real challenge of having the skills to drive safely and confidently after passing the test!
I’ve been happily married for over 30 years and have two sons and one grandson with a second grandchild due in February. My home is in the Laleham area which is ideally placed for the Ashford and Chertsey test centres.
I look forward to meeting you and helping you to become a highly competent and safe driver.
Kish
Qualified as driving Instructor in 1987 with British school of motoring and later worked with AA driving school before joining the team at SDF in 2012.
I’m a grade 6 driving instructor and I teach in a KIA Ceed 1.4 car and cover GU21, GU22, and KT15 postcodes. I also specialise in private hire car training and in my spare time enjoy going to the gym and eating out.
Jan Freeborn
Hi I’m Jan Freeborn and I’ve been in the driver training industry since 2000 coming from a Corporate Training background.
I specialise in Driving Instructor Training, Fleet Driver Training and Driver Education though I still have some Learners to keep me grounded! I have many driving qualifications including RoSPA Gold for Advanced Drivers. I am passionate about passing on safe driving skills and helping others develop with the same aim whatever their reason for driving or coaching others in learning to drive.
Geoff Shears
Hi, My name is Geoff Shears. I started working as a Driving Instructor in November 2009 after taking early retirement from British Airways.
When I retired I was looking to do something that would keep my interest and give me a great sense of satisfaction. I struck it lucky first time with the driving instruction. I enjoy my work immensely and do indeed find it extremely rewarding, as each pupil develops their driving skills and passes the driving test.
Alison
Hi, i’m Alison. I like long walks in the park, eating out…..no seriously. I have found teaching people the valuable skill of driving has become a bit of a passion of mine.
I have taught many people to pass their test and go on to be happy drivers and it is my constant aim is to provide a safe, secure and relaxed atmosphere for every pupil to thrive and achieve the goal of becoming a safe and confident driver. Nervous drivers, my speciality!
Robert Schifano
I grew up in Sutton in Surrey and was educated at Greenshaw High School, I graduated in 1988 and then attended NESCOT college to learn bricklaying on a day release from my job.
I spent 6 years in the construction industry until the recession in the early 90s hit the construction industry hard.
I decided to have a change of career, which now I think the recession was probably a blessing in disguise. I trained to become an instructor and was fully qualified in October 1995. I worked in the Sutton area until 2001 when I decided to move to Byfleet, I have been working in the area since then and enjoy my job very much. I like meeting people being outdoors and my own boss.
I get great satisfaction from seeing my learners pass their test, especially first time. I am a very patient instructor and like to put my learners at ease. I make the lessons enjoyable and like to chat to my pupils.
I currently live in Woodham with my wife and 2 boys. I’ve been married since 1997 and my best moment was seeing my sons being born. I like to balance my life around work and my family life.
Helen MacDonald
I qualified as a driving instructor in 1995 and am now a grade 5 instructor.
I normally teach in a manual car (Peugeot 308) but also have a great deal of experience teaching in automatic if you require this.
I live in Woking and cover all of the surrounding areas, also having experience covering the Guildford, Chertsey, Ashford and Tolworth test centres.
I am extremely flexible with lesson times, I work both evenings and weekends and can accommodate lessons at a time to suit you.
Roger Baker
I retired from the Metropolitan police in 2009 after spending 30 years working all over London. The last 6 years I spent with the royalty protection department responsible for the security of various members of the royal family.
In 2009 I started working in the driving industry and worked for many high profile clients and providing transport service at major sporting events.
I qualified as a driving instructor in 2012 and started working with Steve at Surrey Driving Force.
I am qualified as a Police class one advanced driver and obtain a certificate of education at Greenwich university which really helps with teaching people to drive.
“Teaching people to drive has been a real challenge which I thoroughly enjoy, I try to use all my experience to ensure my clients are not only ready for their test but are able to put into practice some of the advance skills I have learnt over the years, ensuring they are safe on the roads and really enjoy and take pride in their driving.”
At the moment I use a Hyundi I30 as a training car. I find it very easy to drive and the all round vision is good. My clients seem to like it one of them even tried to buy it off me.
Rog
Chris Jarman
Hi, I’m Chris Jarman, a grade 6 driving instructor with 11 years experience. I’m very sporty and enjoy football, cycling and motor sports in my spare time. I’m also a father to two daughters (Kaitlyn and Paige) and happily married to Vicky.
Based in Byfleet, I cover the Guildford, Chertsey and Farnborough test centres.
I’m Pass plus registered and me and my Peugeot 207 are available 7 days a week including evenings.
Phil Wilder
I’ve been a driving instructor since 2004. Before that, I was a missionary in South China for 3 years. I have also worked as a software developer and as a primary school teacher. I specialise in teaching automatic and have the privilege of having taught across the age range (17 to 60 year olds), the career spectrum (full-time mums* to a particle physicist) and the world (Russia, China, Vietnam).
I also have a high first-time pass rate (83% in the last 18 months – all but one of those that have failed have subsequently passed!).
Please note: I don’t bite and only growl occasionally!
As well as working for Surrey Driving Force I also work independently at www.omegadrive.co.uk
*note that I have a car seat for when you cannot get a baby-sitter!
Andy Butler
I’ve been a driving instructor for 17 years. I decided I never wanted an office job and before becoming an instructor I’ve had various driving jobs as I love being out and about!
It’s a great job and I enjoy meeting lots of different people and seeing them pass their driving test!
Pete Brooks
Pete (Brooks) over 7 years experience as an instructor. Very patient & relaxed. I really enjoy the job & getting to know pupils as individuals through the learning period.
Personal interests include armchair sport, socialising & music. Dislikes include lazy drivers who can’t be bothered to use signals and over priced beer & meals ! Oh, & peas ! What a pointless vegetable !
Suzanne
In my previous life I worked for the Board of Directors of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club but now I’m happily settled in Cobham as a driving instructor.
In my dual-controlled Citroën DS3 I give lessons around the areas of Esher, Oxshott, Leatherhead, Bookham, Fetcham, Horsley, Walton, Weybridge and of course Cobham.
I am happy to teach either complete beginners, partly trained, refresher lessons and experienced drivers who require a few lessons to pass a UK driving test. Arsenal and Chelsea supporters also welcome!
Vince
My name is Vince and I’m now based in Egham, but lived most of my life north of London.
After leaving school I worked as a car mechanic for a number of years, then in the defence industry and also had a short spell in retail. My career then was office based but that didn’t suit me, found this very boring, needed to have a re-think.
My niece and nephew asked my one day to give them a driving lesson, as their parents were not brave enough. I enjoyed the experience so much it then lead me to a whole new career as a driving instructor.
Started teaching in north London, in some very challenging areas and this was a very steep learning curve. We then moved to Egham as it’s so close to Heathrow, this was very handy as my partner works for an airline and is always flying somewhere or other.
Love this job best thing I’ve ever done all thanks to my niece and nephew and they never let me forget it.
Leon
Hi my name is Leon. I’m currently driving a Seat Leon Sport.
Teaching people to drive is something I thoroughly enjoy and am very passionate about. My primary objective is to help learners pass they’re test first time and to be safe drivers for life!
I have been teaching for over 5 years and also specialize in Fleet driver training, Pass Plus, taxi driver training and instructor training. I am also fully RoSPA qualified having qualified to the Gold standard.
Ray Viner
My name is Ray Viner, I am a Grade 6 Approved Driving Instructor.
I qualified in 1982 and for the first 18 years I taught learners. In 2000 I qualified as a Black Cab (Hackney Carriage) Driver and since that time I have given advanced driving instruction to trainee Black Cab Drivers, providing them with safe driving skills for life, and also with the skill set required to pass the Enhanced Hackney Carriage Test. This also includes instruction on transporting disabled passengers in wheelchairs.
David Smith
Hi my name is David. I qualified as driving instructor in 2008 after spending 26 years in the printing industry. Part of my role back then was inducting and training new employees so training people to drive really suits me.
Since then, I have taught my son, daughter and step-daughter to drive so really can appreciate how different siblings can be, let alone the diversity of others.
Since qualifying, my own learning has never stopped in my quest to improve myself and have passed the DSA’s fleet driver trainer exams and also became a member of the Institute of Advanced Drivers by passing their advanced driving test. I also hold the A1/QCF Assessors title and am currently working on a BTEC level 4 professional award in driver coaching for development.
I make every effort to make your learning an enjoyable experience, you could say I have a passion for your success!
Pete
Hi, I’m Pete. In my last job amongst other things I used to train people to work in a pharmaceutical dispensary and assess others in their jobs. So it was only natural when I took voluntary redundancy that I move to driving instruction and fleet driver training.
I love driving and I try to pass that feeling on to all of my pupils. I think people learn better when they are enjoying themselves so my lessons are challenging but hopefully fun too.
My motivation is watching the sheer pleasure on my pupils faces when the examiner says ‘I’m pleased to say you’ve passed’.
Getting a driving licence can be life changing and it gives me great satisfaction in helping people achieve that.
Sue
Hi my name is Sue and I am an Automatic driving instructor.
I like to make my lessons enjoyable but informative and no matter what standard you are at I will help you get through your test.
Steven Haigh