Dorset

Overview

Neil is one of the most experienced and academically accomplished driving professionals in the UK, with a career spanning policing, advanced driver training, fleet risk management, instructor development and examiner-level assessment. His background blends frontline operational driving, formal instructional excellence and a deep understanding of how people learn, change behaviour and develop safe lifelong driving habits.

Professional Background & Experience

Neil began his professional driving career with Dorset Police where he undertook a wide range of police duties and qualified as a Class 1 Police Car Driver, operating to the demanding standards required of advanced response and pursuit driving.

Following his police service, Neil transitioned into the driver training and instructor development sector, where he has now spent over 12 years as a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). His technical driving and instructional ability is reflected in achieving a perfect 51/51 score on his most recent DVSA Standards Test, placing him firmly within the top tier of instructors nationwide.

Advanced Qualifications & Instructor Credentials

Neil holds an exceptional range of nationally recognised and specialist qualifications, including:

• DVSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)
• DVSA Fleet Registered Trainer (FRT)
• BTEC Level 3 in Advanced Driving Instruction
• Diploma in Fleet Driver Training
• ORDIT Trained Instructor Trainer
• ROSPA Gold Certificate Holder
• IAM Master Tutor
• IAM Regional Examiner
• IAM Fleet Driver Trainer

In addition to his instructional roles, Neil is a ROSPA (RoADAR) Regional Examiner and a Certified Approved and Advanced Tutor for ROSPA, reflecting examiner-level competence and trust within the UK’s leading advanced driving organisations.

He is also a Circuit Instructor at Thruxton Race Circuit, delivering advanced tuition under IAM frameworks, further highlighting his versatility across both road and performance-based environments.

Leadership, Examiner & Professional Recognition Roles

Neil’s standing within the advanced driving community is further demonstrated by his leadership and governance roles, including:

• Retired Chairman of Dorset ROSPA (RoADAR)
• ROSPA Regional Examiner
• IAM Regional Examiner & Master Tutor

These roles place Neil not only as a trainer of drivers, but as a mentor and assessor of other instructors, ensuring standards are upheld across the profession.

Educational & Behavioural Expertise

What truly sets Neil apart is his formal education in learning psychology and behavioural change, enabling him to tailor instruction precisely to each individual:

• Diploma in Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP)
• Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

This academic foundation allows Neil to work exceptionally well with:

• Nervous or anxious drivers
• Drivers returning to driving after long breaks
• Instructor trainees preparing for high-pressure examinations
• Fleet drivers requiring sustainable behaviour change rather than short-term compliance

Author, Course Designer & Industry Contributor

Neil is also a prolific author and educational designer within the driving industry. He has written and developed several widely used professional resources, including:

• DVSA Approved Fleet Driver Training Diploma (Author)
• Driving Instructor Manual
• The Learning to Drive Manual
• Part 3 / Standards Test Manual

Teaching Philosophy

Neil’s instructional approach is calm, analytical and deeply client-focused. He believes that advanced driving is not about speed or ego, but about:

• Anticipation and planning
• Risk awareness and hazard perception
• Smooth, systematic vehicle control
• Consistent decision-making under pressure

His lessons are structured yet flexible, adapting to the needs, experience level and learning style of each driver or instructor trainee.