Susan Bates ADI

18/09/2026

What a fabulous Friday!!
Two visits to the Test Centre.
Two great new drivers on the roads.
Two blank sheets!
Yes, both passed with 0 driver faults!

First off the blocks this morning was Jess. Her nerves were left at home and a very calm and collected Jess drove into Melton. That calm aura was outwardly maintained all the way round although there were times she felt it might slip, she handled the curveballs and impressed the examiner with her driving.
This afternoon was Dainius’ turn to impress. His previously cool attitude to the test went on a lunchbreak 20 mins before I arrived but the nerves soon subsided as he settled into his driving. Again, the examiner commended his driving in some very difficult situations.
Neither could believe they got 0 faults!
I am so pleased and proud of both of you. I can honestly say we have had some of the best lessons; you both have such great personalities and it’s been a real pleasure sharing the car with you and guiding you to this independence day!
Have fun car shopping, and don’t forget to wave when you spot me!
I’m sorry you’ve had to share a post, but I didn’t want either of you getting lost in the fb algorithms!

12/09/2026

https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/news/article/8082/warwickshire-county-council-launches-free-webinar-to-support-parents-of-new-drivers

Passing the driving test is just the beginning of the journey for Warwickshire’s newly qualified drivers. To help keep the county’s newest mo

07/08/2026

This is a very poignant message to all young people - drivers or passengers. Cars are lethal weapons in the wrong hands.
Showing off, excessive speeds and a disregard for the roads and conditions are a recipe for disaster.
If you are a passenger, don’t be afraid to ‘spoil the mood’ and speak up to call out poor attitudes or bad driving. Your life could literally depend on it. There is always an alternative to getting in the car.
No one ever thinks it will happen to them or the people they know. The statistics speak for themselves, and every statistic reflects real lives and families ruined.
As this young driver said at the roadside, it’s often not the driver who comes off worst.

04/08/2026

Another successful trip to Melton TC this morning, and a brilliant drive from Cory.
Enjoy your new independence once you get a car sorted (or just fight for the keys to the white one!)
Getting into Nottingham will be so much easier and quicker now!
We had some great lessons and interesting discussions. Believe in yourself and you’ll go far in anything you try.
Keep safe on those roads and don’t forget to wave when you spot me!

30/07/2026

Kory’s journey started with me over 3 years ago, but life got in the way of lessons. I promised to find a space when he was ready to come back and today that journey finished at Melton TC, with a fantastic drive and a well deserved pass certificate!
One test, one driver fault, and one very relieved Kory!!
This is going to make such a difference to you Kory - Sleaford will be so much more accessible with your own car! Keep safe on those roads between here, there and everywhere else!!
Remember to expect the unexpected and wave when you spot me!! It will be very strange not picking you up anymore, I will miss our lessons!!

29/06/2026

At the test centre today with someone who went camera shy on me, so no happy pass photo. Well, I have one, but it’s not fair to post it!
After an amazing drive and feedback from the examiner, Ellie is now ready for an exciting Summer with her new found freedom and independence. Stay safe on those roads and don’t forget to wave when you spot me!

12/06/2026

A Fabulous Friday for Connie!!
Many stop/starts got us to this point - and not just at junctions!!
Connie’s lessons have been interspersed with large gaps but she has remained determined to achieve her goal and finally got to the finish line today.
I am so pleased to have been a part of your journey. It’s lovely seeing you now thriving in a job you enjoy and living the independent dream! Buy yourself a car, start saving for that camper van and enjoy your best life!!
Don’t forget to wave when you spot me!!

01/06/2026

Another student lost to the solo driving adventure after delivering an excellent drive this morning!
Congratulations George!! Very well deserved. This is going to make getting to uni so much easier once your car is sorted. Be careful out there and wave when you spot me.

25/03/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AroUqNvkp/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Hello Melton,

Just a slight reminder..

🚫📱 STOP USING YOUR PHONE WHILE DRIVING 🚗

Officers are increasingly seeing drivers on their phones at the wheel — and it’s putting lives at risk. This isn’t just a bad habit; it’s dangerous, illegal, and completely avoidable.
When you look at your phone, even for a second, you’re not watching the road. You’re not seeing pedestrians. You’re not reacting to hazards. You’re gambling with your own safety and everyone else’s.

We’re stepping up enforcement, and if you’re caught using your phone behind the wheel, you will be dealt with. But we’d much rather see a change in behaviour than issue fines. We want the community to know that we are taking this seriously. The FATAL 4 operation will be running again soon, focusing on the four main causes of serious and fatal collisions. If you see any incidents with drivers on the phone, report it straight to us.

👉 Help us keep Melton safe.
Put your phone away. Focus on the road. Set the example our community deserves.

PC Lucy🚓

19/03/2026

You asked for a poem
And the words won’t come
But rest in the knowledge
You’re “ducking awesome”

…. that little duck is getting in on your glory!! We had some great lessons and some even greater conversations. I’m so proud of the way you controlled your nerves and drove so well today. This is just the start of many successes coming your way this year I’m sure.
Good luck with your career plans, and don’t forget to wave when you spot me!!