In-Tuition Driving School

10/06/2026

Today I received a text message that absolutely made my day. 🥰

A lady I've been working with to help overcome her motorway anxiety messaged me to say that she had driven on the M5 by herself... and she'd stayed calm.

Not only that, she said she'd been singing as she drove! 🎶🎶😎

A week earlier, we'd spent some time together on the motorway talking about ways to keep her nervous system settled rather than letting anxiety take over. One of our strategies was to sing a completely random made up song as we joined the motorway. We both ended up laughing, which made it impossible to stay stuck in fear. 😊

What was even more interesting was that she managed to stay on the motorway for around 25 minutes - much longer than she had expected. The thing she'd been dreading wasn't nearly as overwhelming as she'd imagined.

As someone who has experienced motorway anxiety myself, moments like this are particularly special. I know how frightening it can feel. I know the physical feeling as panic sets in, the racing thoughts and the urge to avoid it altogether.

But I also know that confidence isn't something you're born with. It's something you build. 💪🏼

If you're someone who avoids certain roads, motorways, roundabouts or driving situations because they make you feel anxious, please don't assume it will always be this way.

It's never too late.

You are not "bad at driving".

You are not beyond help.

And you don't have to wait until you feel confident before you start.

Sometimes confidence arrives afterwards, when you've done the thing you thought you couldn't.

One small step at a time. ❤️🚙

[Image generated by AI. I would add that she was not reversing down the motorway - as the picture shows the cars behind going in the opposite direction! 😅🤭]

05/06/2026

03/06/2026

Today I used a technique called the Alter Ego Method to help a learner overcome a mindset barrier around their driving. 🧠

One of the most common challenges I see isn't a lack of driving ability—it's fear. For many people, situations such as roundabouts can trigger anxiety, making it much harder to make decisions, judge opportunities, and move forwards with confidence.

The Alter Ego technique works by shifting focus away from the fear and onto a different version of ourselves. We start by identifying the qualities that make a good driver—calm, observant, decisive, patient, confident, and adaptable. Then we create or think of a person who naturally embodies those qualities.

Next comes the interesting part: we imagine we're playing that character in a film. How would they sit? Where would they be going? How would they feel approaching a roundabout? How would they handle the situation?

As we drive, we keep those attributes firmly in mind and step into that role.
For some people, it's almost like waving a magic wand. The part of the brain that is desperately trying to keep us safe—but is actually becoming unhelpful—seems to quieten down. Instead of being overwhelmed by emotions and "what ifs", we can focus on the situation in front of us and deal with it calmly and effectively.
It's a simple technique, but for the right person it can make a remarkable difference.

If you'd like to hear more about mindset, confidence, and overcoming driving fears, have a listen to the Confident Drivers Podcast

Here’s the link to the episode where we talk about the Alter Ego. 😊

Podcast Episode · The Driving Confidence Podcast · February 15, 2024 · 27m

30/05/2026

A really productive morning today with Chandana during an intensive lesson session. 🚗💨

When both instructor and learner have busy schedules, it can sometimes be challenging to maintain complete consistency with lessons. That's why, every now and then, I use a weekend to dedicate a few extra hours and help keep the momentum going.

Today we covered so much, worked through a variety of skills, and made excellent progress. It's always rewarding to see confidence and ability grow when there's time to really focus and build on previous learning.

Of course, we also made time for a well-earned coffee break at Café Corretto ☕—my treat! Sometimes stepping away for 30 minutes helps recharge the batteries before getting back to work.

Well done, Chandana. A fantastic effort today and another step closer to your goal. 👏

29/05/2026

Terry Cook is raising funds for Brake, the road safety charity
If you can spare anything at all, please go and donate. 🙏

16/05/2026

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16/04/2026

Just 10mph can give someone a chance to get home. 💙

The difference between 20mph and 30mph isn’t just 10 on the dashboard.

It’s:
🚸 more time to spot a child near the kerb
🧠 more time for your brain to decide
🛑 more time for the car to stop
❤️ more chance that a collision is survivable

At 20mph, around 97.5% of pedestrians survive.
At 30mph, that drops to 80%.
By 40mph, survival rates fall dramatically.

This is why 20mph zones matter.

They’re not there to slow you down.
They’re there to give everyone else a better chance.

A small lift of the accelerator can make a life-changing difference.

Please share this with a driver who needs the reminder.
Slow down. Save lives.