In-Tuition Driving School

03/06/2026

Today I used a technique called the Alter Ego Method to help a learner overcome a mindset barrier around their driving. 🧠

One of the most common challenges I see isn't a lack of driving ability—it's fear. For many people, situations such as roundabouts can trigger anxiety, making it much harder to make decisions, judge opportunities, and move forwards with confidence.

The Alter Ego technique works by shifting focus away from the fear and onto a different version of ourselves. We start by identifying the qualities that make a good driver—calm, observant, decisive, patient, confident, and adaptable. Then we create or think of a person who naturally embodies those qualities.

Next comes the interesting part: we imagine we're playing that character in a film. How would they sit? Where would they be going? How would they feel approaching a roundabout? How would they handle the situation?

As we drive, we keep those attributes firmly in mind and step into that role.
For some people, it's almost like waving a magic wand. The part of the brain that is desperately trying to keep us safe—but is actually becoming unhelpful—seems to quieten down. Instead of being overwhelmed by emotions and "what ifs", we can focus on the situation in front of us and deal with it calmly and effectively.
It's a simple technique, but for the right person it can make a remarkable difference.

If you'd like to hear more about mindset, confidence, and overcoming driving fears, have a listen to the Confident Drivers Podcast

Here’s the link to the episode where we talk about the Alter Ego. 😊

Podcast Episode · The Driving Confidence Podcast · February 15, 2024 · 27m

30/05/2026

A really productive morning today with Chandana during an intensive lesson session. 🚗💨

When both instructor and learner have busy schedules, it can sometimes be challenging to maintain complete consistency with lessons. That's why, every now and then, I use a weekend to dedicate a few extra hours and help keep the momentum going.

Today we covered so much, worked through a variety of skills, and made excellent progress. It's always rewarding to see confidence and ability grow when there's time to really focus and build on previous learning.

Of course, we also made time for a well-earned coffee break at Café Corretto ☕—my treat! Sometimes stepping away for 30 minutes helps recharge the batteries before getting back to work.

Well done, Chandana. A fantastic effort today and another step closer to your goal. 👏

29/05/2026

Terry Cook is raising funds for Brake, the road safety charity
If you can spare anything at all, please go and donate. 🙏

16/05/2026

Download our FREE guide and make an informed decision.

16/04/2026

Just 10mph can give someone a chance to get home. 💙

The difference between 20mph and 30mph isn’t just 10 on the dashboard.

It’s:
🚸 more time to spot a child near the kerb
🧠 more time for your brain to decide
🛑 more time for the car to stop
❤️ more chance that a collision is survivable

At 20mph, around 97.5% of pedestrians survive.
At 30mph, that drops to 80%.
By 40mph, survival rates fall dramatically.

This is why 20mph zones matter.

They’re not there to slow you down.
They’re there to give everyone else a better chance.

A small lift of the accelerator can make a life-changing difference.

Please share this with a driver who needs the reminder.
Slow down. Save lives.

10/04/2026

🚦 A quick but serious reminder from tonight’s experience…

As my light turned green this evening, I paused and glanced to the right before moving off. Good job I did.

A car came flying through the red light at speed.

I braked. The driver behind me didn’t react in time and went into the back of me.

Thankfully, the damage to my car is minor, the incident has been reported, and my dash cam has clearly captured the registration of the vehicle that ran the red light.

But here’s the reality…

If I hadn’t taken that split second to look, I would have been T-boned at speed. That’s not minor damage - that’s potentially life-changing.

This is happening more and more. People are taking risks at lights, and it’s getting dangerous.

👉 Green does NOT mean “go immediately”

👉 It means “check it’s safe, then go”

And while we’re at it…

Amber DOES NOT mean “prepare to speed up and squeeze through”

It means STOP. It’s in the Highway Code - look it up.

This wasn’t just a close call - it was a reminder of how quickly things can go wrong.

Take that extra second. Look. Think. Then move.

It might just save your life. 🛟

04/04/2026

I’m lucky that I have never felt on the receiving end of “money grabbing” misconceptions and I’ve never found conversations around Test readiness particularly difficult.

However, I appreciate these misconceptions do exist and these conversations can be very tricky. Emma Brückner Fonnaland offers a really great insight into her perspective as a driving instructor to help allay any myths and also WHY we do what we do -we want our learners to be safe well beyond the test!

27/03/2026

Is the amount of bad drivers getting worse??