Sophie Murphy Driving Instructor ADI

13/06/2026

🚗 Things I Don't Care About As A Driving Instructor

A lot of learners seem to worry about things, so I thought I'd clear a few things up...

Things I don't care about:

❌ Asking me the same question 17 times.

If you don't understand something, ask again. And again. And again if you need to. I'd much rather explain it 17 times than have you nod along while secretly thinking, "I have absolutely no idea what Soph's talking about."

❌ Stalling.

You're learning to drive, not auditioning for Formula 1. Cars stall. It happens.

❌ Having a bad lesson.

Not every lesson is going to feel amazing. Sometimes your brain just decides it's taking the day off. That's normal.

❌ Needing a little vent.

Had a bad day at work? Stressful week? Annoying sibling? Exam pressure?

Sometimes the drive is part lesson, part therapy session. That's okay.

❌ Not wanting to chat.

Some learners talk non-stop. Some barely say a word.

As long as you're learning, I'm happy.

❌ Scraping a wheel.

Do I love the sound? Absolutely not. 😬

Will I survive? Yes.

❌ Having a wobble.

Confidence isn't something that arrives and stays forever. Everyone has moments where they doubt themselves.

❌ Failing a mock test.

That's literally why we do them.

Better to discover weaknesses now than on test day.

❌ Failing a driving test.

I care that you're upset.

I care if you're disappointed.

I care if your confidence takes a knock.

But failing a test doesn't make you a bad driver or a failure as a person.

For most people, it's just another step on the journey.

The things I DO care about:

✅ You learning.
✅ You improving.
✅ You asking questions.
✅ You staying safe.
✅ You believing in yourself, even on the days when driving feels difficult.

Nobody comes to their first lesson already knowing how to drive.

That's why you're here.

So give yourself a bit of credit. You're learning a skill that will last a lifetime. 🚗💙

13/06/2026

Booking your driving test? Make sure you’re doing it the right way. ✅

Since 12 May, it has been against the law for anyone but the learner driver to book a driving test. Using unofficial apps, bots or automated tools also breaks the terms and conditions of our booking service.

We've already cancelled 450 tests where tests have been booked outside the new rules – and we're continuing to monitor activity closely. 💪

If misuse of the booking system is identified, we can cancel your booking and suspend your ability to manage your test online.

Our priority is to make the system fair for every learner and to stop you being exploited by third parties. The only way to book and manage a test is through GOV.UK. 💻

👉 Find out more about the risks of using unofficial driving test booking services: https://ow.ly/86GB50Zb0Jh

12/06/2026

🚗💥 Thinking of buying a driving test slot from an app or social media 'expert'? Think again...

DVSA has officially stepped up its fight against driving test scammers and rule-breakers.

Since May, they've already:

🚫 Cancelled 450 driving tests
⛔ Suspended over 4,000 online booking accounts
📱 Removed 17 unofficial booking apps from Apple and Google stores

The message couldn't be clearer: if your test is booked through unofficial channels, there's a risk it could disappear faster than a learner spotting a hill start! 😬

Our advice?

✔️ Book directly through GOV.UK
✔️ Keep your booking details private
✔️ Be wary of anyone promising "guaranteed" or "priority" test dates

What might seem like a shortcut today could leave you with:
❌ No test
❌ No refund
❌ No online booking access
❌ Your personal information in the hands of scammers

The good news? DVSA is actively freeing up test slots and making the system fairer for genuine learners.

Play it safe. Play it smart. Book it yourself. 🚗✅

GOV.UK - The best place to find government services and information.

11/06/2026

🚗💭 "I took my theory test a year ago..."

If I had £1 for every time I heard that during a driving lesson, I'd be on my way to retirement😂

One of the most common things I hear when I ask a learner a theory question is:

"Oh, I can't remember... I passed my theory ages ago."

But here's the thing...

The theory test isn't just a hurdle you jump over on your way to the practical test. It's not some random collection of questions designed to make your life difficult.

It's the foundation of safe driving.

Knowing why speed limits change, understanding road signs, recognising hazards, and knowing who has priority isn't just about passing a test. It's about making good decisions every time you get behind the wheel.

Think of it this way:

Would you want your pilot saying,
✈️ "I learned that a year ago, I can't really remember it..."

Or your surgeon saying,
🏥 "I passed that test ages ago, don't ask me questions!"

Probably not!

The drivers who become the safest and most confident on the road are the ones who keep building on their theory knowledge throughout their lessons.

So if you've passed your theory test, don't file it away in the "completed and forgotten" drawer. Keep revising. Keep asking questions. Keep learning.

Because passing your theory test doesn't mean you've finished learning it...

It means you've started using it. 🚗✅

11/06/2026

🌧️ Well, the weather finally made its mind up... and apparently it chose RAIN. 😅

All week we've had sunshine, showers, sunshine again, then more showers. It’s been like watching the weather spin a roulette wheel every few hours.

But today? No confusion. No mixed signals. Just good old-fashioned, non-stop rain from start to finish. ☔

If you're heading out, give yourself a little extra time on the roads, keep your distance, and remember that puddles can be deeper than they look.

On the bright side, at least we don't have to keep guessing whether we'll need sunglasses or an umbrella every five minutes! 😂

Stay safe, stay dry, and here's hoping the sunshine remembers where we live! ☀️🚗

10/06/2026

Squinting through sunglasses one moment, wondering if you should've packed a canoe the next.

⚠️The weather can change in an instant — and your driving needs to change with it.

🌦️Sudden rain? The Highway Code says you should double your stopping distance and slow down.

☀️Bright sun can be just as dangerous, creating reflections and glare on road surfaces — make sure your sunglasses and sun visor are within reach before you set off.

🚗🚙And if you're sitting in heavy traffic, keep a safe gap to the car in front. It's easy to creep forward without thinking, but that space could be what prevents a bump.

👍A few small adjustments can make a big difference. Stay safe on the roads this summer!

10/06/2026

🤔 Driving Test Thoughts...

Driving examiner: "At the next roundabout, take the second exit."

My brain:
🧠 "What's a roundabout?"
🧠 "How many exits are there?"
🧠 "Why are there so many cars?"
🧠 "I should have become a pirate."

09/06/2026

Today is the day for the next lot of changes to be introduced. You can now only move your test to any of the 3 nearest test centres to where the test is booked.

09/06/2026

Remember: every expert driver was once the person who stalled at a green light and forgot where the indicators were.

If your driving journey feels a bit bumpy, that's completely normal. Progress isn't about being perfect, it's about getting a little better every lesson.

This week, keep your eyes on the road ahead and your confidence in the driver's seat. 💪

What's the funniest mistake you made when learning to drive?

08/06/2026

⚠️Not worth the risk⚠️

Attention learner drivers 🚗

New rules are in place from the DVSA.

Since 12 May 2026 only learner drivers have been allowed to book, change, swap or cancel a driving test.

PLUS, If you're using unofficial apps or social media services to find or book a test, your booking could be cancelled. ⚠️

You must only book your own driving test through www.gov.uk