Sevenoaks driving instructor wins Education & Training Service Excellence Award 2026

I'm delighted to share a little bit of good news: I've been awarded the Education & Training Service Excellence Award at the Prestige Awards 2026.

Awards aren't really why I teach people to drive. Seeing someone who was once nervous or unsure of themselves develop into a confident, independent driver — and, of course, seeing that enormous smile when they pass their driving test — is considerably more rewarding.

But I have to admit, it's rather nice to be recognised too!

What did the judges look at?

What makes this award particularly meaningful is how it was decided.

The Prestige Awards judging panel reviewed the progress of my driving school over the past year, looking at my website, social media and, importantly, the reviews and testimonials left by pupils and parents.

They were also able to see something I'm particularly proud of: a steady stream of learners successfully passing their driving tests and going on to become safe, independent drivers.

So although my name appears on the award, it feels as though quite a lot of other people deserve some credit for it too.

More than simply passing a driving test

I provide both manual and automatic driving lessons in Sevenoaks, and my philosophy is much the same whichever car you choose.

The objective isn't simply to teach someone enough to get through a driving test.

Initially, I'll provide plenty of instruction and support. As a pupil becomes more capable, however, I gradually step back and move towards coaching and assessment. Ultimately, I want the person sitting beside me to be making safe driving decisions for themselves.

After all, that's exactly what they'll need to do once they've passed.

That approach is producing some fantastic results. In 2026, 87% of my learners' driving tests ended in a pass, against a Sevenoaks average of about 59%.

But the statistics only tell part of the story.

Every bit of confidence gained, every test passed and every pupil who eventually drives away as a safe, independent driver is a success in its own right.

Thank you

So, genuinely, thank you.

Thank you to everyone who has trusted me to teach them or their children, everyone who has recommended me to friends and family, and everyone who has taken the time to leave a review or testimonial.

And a particular thank you to whoever put my name forward for the award in the first place!

Apparently, the next stage is an awards dinner, where I'm told there will be complimentary drinks.

Rest assured, the driving instructor will be getting a taxi home.

87% of my learners' driving tests passed in 2026 ([X] of [Y] tests, counting every attempt). Sevenoaks test centre average about 59%, DVSA data.