Company pass rate for last 10 tests is 60%

Melvyn Ward, propietor

Tim Hunnetbun (aged 43)

Mark Potter (aged 46)

"I have been qualified now for seven years and I want the Awards Driving School to be recognised for the high standards of our teaching. I still like to instruct learner drivers because of the great satisfaction you feel when you see your student progressing and gaining in confidence.

Many first time learners are concerned about clutch control and the other traffic on the road, which they fear will make them crash. I find that good training methods and encouragement will dispel these worries.

All pupils are different so our driving tuition is planned around their needs."

Melvyn's profile

Enjoys all sport in particular golf and football.

DSA Approved Driving Instructor. (Grade 5)

Diamond Approved taxi trainer

Pass Plus qualified instructor
(Pass Plus)

Member of the Driving Instructors Association (DIA)

“As a driving instructor the best moment for me is when my pupil celebrates a driving test pass. The delight is written on their faces and that makes my job so worthwhile.

When I am teaching, I remain very patient. If the atmosphere in the car is nice and calm, my student is going to find it easier to understand my instructions and the information that I am explaining to them.

I know that some of my students think they have to drive differently when they are taking their driving test than when they are practising on a final lesson with me. I explain that they only have to drive the same to achieve a pass. The sole difference between my standards, and the test examiner’s, is that I will tell them if they have made a mistake.”

Tim’s profile

DSA Approved Driving Instructor. (Grade 5)

“My skill as a driving instructor is to assess my pupil, get to know them a little and teach in a way that’s going to get the best results for them. You feel proud when you see your learner making progress and becoming more confident.

Building up confidence is very important because my pupils only take their test when I know they are ready. However, sometimes the pressure of being in a test situation pushes them into making silly mistakes. That’s why confidence is such an important factor when learning and preparing for the driving test.”


Mark’s profile
Born in Leicester
DSA Approved Driving Instructor
Loves the outdoor life including walking the dogs and gardening.

Steve Potter (aged 50)

Joanne Clough (aged 37)

Mark Scullion (aged 61)

“I get a great deal of professional satisfaction from seeing a new student make steady progress, particularly if they have initially struggled with some aspects of driving. When they first start learning to drive, I think it is very beneficial to take them to a nice quiet area so they can practise without being distracted by heavy traffic.

Many students fear the approach of big vehicles and roundabouts but it is my responsibility to teach them how to manage these challenges.”


Steve’s Profile
Loves all aspects of driving including off-road trials
Enjoys horse-riding.

“Before I became a driving instructor I was a qualified nurse, which shows that I enjoy working with people. I just love driving and the teaching aspect to my job. When I was travelling in the car with my Mum at the wheel, I was always telling her how she could drive better. Being a driving instructor has come quite naturally to me.

My approach is to encourage my students to progress a little further each time with their driving competency. It’s really about taking little steps rather than setting too high a goal and then losing confidence if they don’t quite manage to achieve it.

Being a driving instructor means I get a chance to meet learner drivers from different countries and backgrounds, which is always interesting.”


Joanne’s profile
DSA Approved Driving Instructor. (Grade 4)
Has been a Leicester resident for 25 years.
Enjoys walking her dogs and going to the cinema.

“I used to work in the construction industry, but ten years ago I decided to leave and become a driving instructor. I just love driving and everything to do with cars. I often find with my young pupils that they think learning to be a qualified driver is going to be easier than it is. I think this is partly because they have watched Mum and Dad driving and think if my parents can drive, so can I. When they discover that some of the manoeuvres etc need skill and practise, they start to worry. That’s when our professionalism and skill comes in to help them improve.

Building a pupil’s confidence in their progress is a key element to help them improve. After each lesson, I always highlight the best points of the hour and then I explain what aspects of their driving we need to further work on. It’s so important they start to feel good about themselves.”


Mark’s profile
DSA Approved Driving Instructor
(Grade 4)
Approved advanced driving Instructor
A proud moment was driving a formula one car around Mallory Park race track.

Phil Garrett (aged 56)

“I’ve been a driving instructor now for ten years and I feel it’s important in my role to show patience, understanding and it’s crucial to keep your sense of humour. Many learners, when they begin to take lessons, are anxious about other drivers on the road. I use my skill and expertise to help them become more confident. And it’s a great pleasure for me when I see them pass their test.

It always helps that a new pupil feels ready to start learning rather than deciding they have to drive now because their friends are taking lessons. It’s important to be ready and focussed.”


Phil’s profile
Born in Leicester and lives in Leicester
DSA Approved Driving Instructor. (Grade 5)