Hi, my name is John, I’m a driving instructor based in Bracknell, for the think driving school.

Having worked in the IT industry since computers were in their infancy, I decided recently, that it was time to try something completely different.

For the last 6 years, I have been working with the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) as a qualified observer, preparing experienced drivers for the Advanced Driving Test. To see even experienced drivers improve and gain formal recognition when they pass their test is a great feeling. They also benefit from improved confidence in their own abilities and as a safe and responsible driver, this can lead to reduced insurance costs. Consequently, taking up driving instruction full-time was the logical next step.

My own driving experience started ‘way back when’ with electric milk floats, then onto motorbikes. However, when we started a family, the motorbike was traded in for a Reliant Regal van (of Delboy Trotter fame). For some reason they are still referred to as a Reliant Robins in articles, although the Robin was the ‘saloon’ version of the Reliant stable.  Amazingly, once you’d passed your motorbike test, you could drive a 3-wheeler on a motorbike license, so we used this until I passed my full car test.

Since then I‘ve had a variety of vehicles, both manual and automatic, some better than others and some best forgotten. I’ve also been lucky enough to have experienced driving abroad in the USA, Australia and New Zealand.  

Think driving school aims to equip new drivers for a lifetime of safe and responsible driving (not just to pass the test). They also encourage all their new drivers to take the Pass-Plus option after passing their test. This is a vital next step for new drivers, whilst they gain experience on the road.

Having met Doug and Ian the owners of the driving school and some of their instructors, it was an easy step to decide that they would be the school of choice for me to work with. I aim to make driving a relaxed and enjoyable event, although my ‘dry’ sense of humour may take a bit of getting used to! Driving should be a pleasure not a chore, so I try to make learning fun, whilst helping you to absorb the essential skills to stay safe on the road.

I have had a life-long interest in weather forecasting, from my early years working at the Meteorological Office in Bracknell, so don’t be surprised if interpreting the signs features prominently in our drives together.

Areas covered:  Bracknell, Winkfield, Warfield, Binfield, Wokingham, Woose Hill, Eastheath, Limmerhill, Ascot, North Ascot, Brookside, Sunningdale, Sunn inghill, Crowthorne, Finchampstead, Sandhurst, Yateley, Blackwater, Bagshot, Lightwater, Windlesham.