Recommendations

driving test pass

“I can strongly recommend Charlton Driving School. The lessons were not only fun but also very informative. Neil teaches you how to be a confident and considerate driver, not just how to pass your test. I am a keen cyclist and he would relate my past experience to everyday driving. Even my partner (who has had his licence for years) would learn lots of new and interesting facts from my post lesson rambles. I can drive confidently despite the best efforts of my two screaming children in the back.”
-Dr Eva Beranova. 2011

“I thoroughly enjoyed my driving lessons with Neil. The relaxed, flexible structure of the lessons allowed me to focus on the areas which needed more practice, without feeling I was falling behind. As a particularly nervous learner, Neil's calm manner and quiet confidence helped me to relax and gain the confidence I lacked very quickly. The whole learning experience for me was very positive - topped off with a pass first time! Thank you Neil.”
- Siobhan Hobin. 2010

“Neil was a great instructor who gave me the confidence I needed, to pass my driving test first time. He was always patient, calm and helpful.”
- Sophie O'Dowd. 2011

““Passing my test first time with just 2 minors wouldn’t have been possible without Neil as my teacher. By being clear, patient and always pushing for improvement but never stretching me past what I could cope with, Neil got me to the stage of driving well enough to pass my test easily, so I highly recommend him to anyone and everyone, thanks Neil!” - Simon Everett. 2011

Driving Instructor CV

Charlton driving school has one employee. Me! Neil Cartwright.

I have been an Approved Driving Instructor (A.D.I.) in South East London since 2004.

Before becoming a driving instructor I had a variety of driving related jobs. I worked as a courier, a truck driver, and fork-lift operator, amongst other things. In addition, I have a degree in writing and publishing/philosophy.

My driving has been scrutinised by the two leading advanced driving organisations in the country, the Institute of Advanced Motorists, and RoSPA. I was awarded the RoSPA silver grade on March 2nd 2009. In 2010 I have completed my DAS motorcycle training and now hold a full motorbike licence.

I am also a committee member and web designer for the South East London and Kent Driving Instructors' Group, which promotes road safety in the local area.

In 2011 my teaching skills were check tested by the DSA, and I was awarded a grade 5, which is a high grade. Grade 6 is the highest grade achievable, and grade 1 the lowest. Approved Driving Instructors are required to be check tested every 2-3 years after they qualify.

“Progress, not perfection“

During your training I will make cheerful, positive and constructive suggestions, and I will attempt to make the driving as enjoyable, challenging and rewarding as possible.

When you have reached a reasonable level of car control, you may be asked what you want to achieve in the lesson. For example, if you have had a bad day at work, you may not want to drive around Lewisham at rush hour (understandably), and may prefer to perfect your parallel parking on a quiet road. Alternatively, you may feel full of energy, and relish the challenge of battling through hectic 6pm traffic.

My philosophy toward training is: “Progress, not perfection”. My aim is always to make measurable improvements, and eventually to make myself redundant as you, the driver, become more confident and independent.

As you approach your driving test you will probably be able to identify by yourself parts of your driving which may need extra practice and improvement. With some effective coaching and with some determined, concentrated practice you will progress towards your potential and become a confident London driver.

I provide driving lessons in, and around Lewisham and Hither Green (se13), covering Blackheath and Kidbrooke (se3), Catford (se6), Charlton (se7), Eltham and Mottingham (se9), Greenwich (se10) and Lee Green (se12).

How to Become a Driving Instructor

In order to become a Fully Qualified Driving Instructor you need to pass three difficult tests.

Part One. Theory Test.

You need to demonstrate a complete knowledge of the Highway Code, and answer 100 multiple choice questions with a success rate of over 90%. You also need to pass the Hazard Perception Test.

Part Two. Practicle Driving Test.

You need to pass an Advanced Driving Test, demonstrating everything that may be required of a learner driver on test, but to a much higher standard.

Part Three. Test of Teaching Ability.

You need to demonstrate your teaching ability to a Senior Examiner. The Examiner role-plays as a new driver, at a particular phase of learning. They will ask to be taught a particular exercise, for example, right turns. They will make deliberate mistakes, and it is the job of the Potential Driving Instructor to notice the mistake, and then take remedial action to correct it. This test is extremely difficult.

Choose an A.D.I. not a P.D.I.

Many driving instructors have not passed the third test, and are trading as P.D.I.s, or Trainee Driving Instructors. This does not necessarily mean they are poor instructors, but it does mean that they are inexperienced, and potentially flawed.

It is a much safer choice to employ a Fully Qualified Instructor, as you can be certain that their teaching skills have been properly examined and approved. If you choose to learn with a large local or national driving school there is a chance that your allocated instructor will be a trainee. Look for the Green Badge!