After a number of years contemplating about becoming a Driving Instructor, I finally took the bull by the horns and started to look around at my options. There are so many different options, prices and driving schools out there, some good and some not so good, it can be quite daunting!
My choice in the end was to train with an independent trainer Graham Hooper, who was recommended to me as ‘one of the best’. Training with Graham was indeed, one of the best decisions I have made.
One of the positive sides to learning with an independent instructor is that there are no ulterior motives to the training. During or after you have qualified, you have the option to decide if this is the route you still want to go down, without being tied into any lengthy contractual agreements.
I really liked the way the training worked! It’s not a tick box teaching method but real learning takes place. I learnt real skills in my driving and training abilities and not just parrot fashion methods.
Graham is easy to get along with, clean, reliable, well presented, knowledgeable and professional about all aspects of the training. He takes the training seriously and has a compassion for the safety of all road users, in his seriousness, he still managed to make the learning enjoyable.
During the training Graham was quick to establish my ability to learn and how I learnt best. He encouraged me in every aspect of my learning ability, enabling me to understand key ways to help others in their individual learning abilities. He has always been supportive and never put me down for things that I didn’t know, got wrong or not understood, but helped me to understand the whys and wherefores. His ‘driver training’ knowledge never ceased to amaze me, but was never lewd over me, making me feel inferior or inadequate. His manner was always professional but real, treating me as an individual not comparing me with others abilities or inabilities.
Graham was always willing to go the extra mile to help me with the training, when I needed it, giving me sound advice which was suitable to my training needs. Even now I am a qualified ADI, he remains supportive.
I would recommend Graham Hooper as an amazing driver trainer, with the ability to adapt his training to each individual’s needs. He gives his best and therefore you achieve the best. It certainly worked for me! It was amazing to pass the exam with a greater knowledge and understanding not just a pass certificate!