West Midlands

Overview

Matthew is a West Midlands-based advanced driving coach whose career spans military service, frontline policing, and over a decade of professional driver training. A former West Midlands Police officer who served with the Operations Firearms Unit, Matthew achieved his police-grade advanced driving qualification through the force's rigorous six-week advanced driving course in 2011 (attaining a top-level Grade 1 pass).

Matthew brings to Driving Masters a rare combination: the calm, precision-oriented mind-set of a police advanced driver and the instructional depth of someone who has coached hundreds of drivers across every setting, from nervous learners to blue-light emergency responders and fleet drivers.

Core Expertise

• Advanced road-craft and hazard perception coaching, grounded in police System of Car Control methodology
• Fleet driver training and risk assessment
• Emergency response driving instruction
• ADI Part 2 and Part 3 examination preparation
• Safe trailer towing and home delivery specialist training
• Electric vehicle driver training
• Private hire driver assessment

Professional Background

West Midlands Police (2002 – 2014)

Matthew joined West Midlands Police as a Constable, undertaking mobile patrol, and crime investigation. His work was recognised with both a Chief Constable's Award and several OCU Commander's Awards. He later joined the Operations Firearms Unit as an armed response operative, where he completed his police advanced driving course and worked on high-profile firearms investigations.

Approved Driving Instructor (2015 – Present)

Matthew qualified as an ADI at first attempt across all three examinations. His instruction work has seen approximately 300 learner pupils through to test, and his current focus includes coaching trainee instructors through the ADI Part 2 and Part 3 qualifying examinations.

Qualifications & Accreditations

• Police Grade 1 Advanced Driver — West Midlands Police (2011, top-level pass)
• Five-Star Diploma in Advanced Driving — AA DriveTech
• ADI Badge Holder (current)
• Fleet Badge Holder (current)
• Category B Assessor
• TQM Assessor — AA DriveTech
• PEACE Model Interview — Level 2
• Police Pursuit Trained
• Safe Towing Trained
• Electric Vehicle Driver Training Qualified
• Private Hire Test Assessor

Coaching Philosophy

Matthew's approach is built on the same qualities that defined his police career: patience, precision, and an unshakeable calm under pressure.

He draws on the System of Car Control (the framework underpinning UK police advanced driving) to help clients build a systematic, repeatable approach to every journey, whether that means refining their observation and planning on a commute or managing a fully-laden van in difficult conditions.

With a track record of coaching drivers from every background — learners, fleet operators, emergency responders, and ADI candidates — Matthew adapts his delivery style to suit the individual in front of him. He believes that genuine progress comes from understanding the why behind every technique, not just following instructions. Every session is structured to give clients tools they will use for life.