Drive With Kathryn

11/06/2026

Delighted to share an outstanding pass today, with just one driving fault, for Finn.

21.5 hours in the car with me, but huge thanks to dad, Richie, for spending many hours out on the road with Finn to develop his confidence and skills.

My 11th pass in 2026, out of 12 tests taken.
My 66th pass as an instructor in 4 years on the job.
My 35th ex-pupil, from my teaching days, to pass.

Call in those bragging rights with your sister! ( for picking up less driving faults! - she only got 4!)

Remember you're now counted as the 'named driver' for mum & dad when they want to go out...pay back taxi service. 😊

You've been an absolute pleasure to be with in the car Finn. I will genuinely miss our time in the car on a Monday.
Enjoy your freedom, keep learning & developing as a driver, and above all else, stay safe! 🚗

09/06/2026

Friday 5th June - I spent the day in Thetford with this bunch of driving instructors. A CPD course led by Brad Ward, a previous examiner if Part 2 & 3 Instructor qualification.

He covered many aspects of what makes a great instructor.

Parents and learners may not know, but we can be called for Standards Checks at any point. ( a bit like Ofsted, but one to one in a car!)

Brad's course was a great reminder of what I should be doing to maintain my standards when supporting learners to drive.

02/06/2026

Huge congratulations to Sonny for a brilliant Pass, with just 2 driving faults. You've worked really hard, with just over 34 hours in the car with me.

Special thanks to the lovely Timothy Elley, who kindly took Sonny out of a couple of sessions whilst I was on holiday! Your generosity & kindness is very much appreciated by both Sonny and me.

Thanks also to mum & dad for supporting Sonny through his learning experience - including driving with him regularly.

10th Pass of 2026

20/05/2026

Really useful information for any learners booking a practical driving test ir wishing to change it.

06/05/2026

Really helpful advice, which i regularly share with my learners. Good reading for experienced drivers too.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BKksL6CwX/

🚗 Wrong Turn on Your Test? Did I Just FAIL🫤❌

​We’ve all been there—the Sat Nav says "Right, 3rd Exit," but your nerves steer you straight ahead to the 2nd. 👀🙃 Your heart sinks... "Did I just fail?"

​The short answer: NO!

The examiner is testing your safety, not your sense of direction. A wrong turn is just a WEE detour, not a defeat. Here is how to turn a "wrong way" into a PASS:

​✅ Commit to the Mistake: If you’re in a "Left Only" lane, go left! It’s much safer to go the wrong way legally than to swerve across lanes to "fix" it.
✅ Signal Your Intentions: Always signal for where you are actually going, not where you were told to go.
✅ Follow the New Route: Stay calm; the examiner or Sat Nav will simply recalculate.
✅ Prioritize Safety: As long as you follow road markings and road signs, you won't get a serious fault.

​Silver lining: You might have just accidentally avoided that nightmare junction you hate! 👀

​What WILL Cause a Fail? (The Real Mistakes) 🙁

​It’s never the turn that fails you; it’s the reaction. You could get a serious fault for:

​❌ Panic-Swerving: Dangerous lane changes to try and force the "correct" direction.
❌ Sudden Braking: Slamming the brakes without checking mirrors. Your car’s "body language" says ahead, but you suddenly brake to turn left—that HGV behind you won't have time to react! 🚛🛑
❌ Illegal Maneuvers: Prohibited U-turns or stopping in the middle of a busy junction.
❌ Incorrect Signaling and Positioning: Signaling right while physically turning left. It confuses other drivers and creates a major risk.
❌ Ignoring Instructions: There’s a big difference between a mistake and repeatedly ignoring the examiner. Listen closely!

​Pro Tip: Keep it safe, keep it legal, and commit to that wrong direction!

You've got this! 🏆

​

05/05/2026

12th May...an important date for all learners. Information on the link below will guide you through swapping a test with another learner.
I will no longer be able to do that for you, although will offer to help you by finding another learner to swap with, if needed and its is agreed with both learners.
In my opinion it's going to be harder to swap and move tests for a while, until we get used to the new system.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/swapping-your-driving-test-with-another-learner-driver?fbclid=IwdGRjcARnSsJjbGNrBGdKemV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHtPyHa3BPLP3udvUhpMouMONepj7Sitg-bLDkY7RSO9uID9k4rH6ZLJa2AZB_aem_Rg_Uruifw_NiBs3-VWH2uw

You may be able to swap your car driving test with another learner driver by phone if you both already have a test booked and want each other's test slot.

28/04/2026

Fabulous 1st time pass today for Tom. Huge congratulations on a great drive,with just 3 faults. Only 31 hours in the car with me. Thanks to mum & dad for supporting your driving by taking you out on the roads.

9th pass out of 10 tests taken so far in 2026.

21/04/2026

Delighted to share a lovely pass for James this afternoon. Only 3 driving faults. I hope this helps you make plans for your choices of career.

8th pass in 2026.

24/03/2026

Wishing to remain anonymous, but you know who you are.

Lovely compliments for my learner, from the examiner, who passed 1st time today, with just 2 driving faults.

Congratulations on a brilliant pass. 🚗

24/03/2026

Lovely compliments for my learner, from the examiner, who passed 1st time today, with just 2 driving faults.

Congratulations on a brilliant pass. 🚗