We are a growing company based around Exeter in Devon and owned by business partners Christie Palfrey and Kevin Sellwood. Kevin has been an ADI since 2007 and Christie qualified in 2014. We are ambitious to grow the driving school and we currently have several people training with us to become instructors as well as one franchisee, Lisa, already working with us.

What can we offer?

There is a range of training options that we offer. Both Christie and Kevin are instructor trainers, Kevin is ORDIT qualified and Christie also will be soon. Training is available for all three parts of the qualifying process or just individual parts. We have an attractive training package reflecting the new Part 3 test coming in October 2017 and we are flexible in how you pay for your training with a range of options available.

We are looking to grow the driving school so we can offer positions in the company to those we feel would fit in with our philosophy of how we train learners.

‘Rescue’ training is available for those who feel they have not been given an adequate standard from their training provider, a comment we sadly hear too often. A local trainee instructor (PDI) very recently came to us for help as she had been let down by her training provider and we managed to get her through her Part 3 test so that she could begin her new career.

We also provide training for current ADIs for the Standards Check. Recently we have successfully helped an ADI of 23 years standing who had failed two standards checks so was on his ‘last chance’ as well as a newly qualified instructor who had received little or no support from the national company she was with at the time.

Why choose us?

We believe firmly in a ‘client-centred’ approach to all aspects of training – with those who are training to become instructors and with our learners. We keep ourselves up to date with all developments within driver training and we use up to date methods to enhance all training. Should you join us after qualifying we would provide you with regular on-going support, an online diary, free use of our accountant for your tax return and access to our book keeper should you wish to have someone else look after your finances.

If any of this is of interest to you, or if you have any further questions, we would love to hear from you. Please contact either Christie or Kevin at Exeter Driver Training

“As a newly qualified ADI, my first Standards Check was looming. I made sure I prepared myself for it but it obviously wasn’t enough as unfortunately I failed my first attempt. That’s when I sought support from a local instructors group that I am part of. Kevin Sellwood of Exeter Driver Training made contact with me and was so friendly to chat to. I felt really at ease with him, talking about something that I found pretty embarrassing. Kevin took that embarrassment away and helped me to realise that I will achieve a pass. He was really committed to helping me and so we arranged to meet up. We scheduled various different things in preparation for my Standards Check – chatting through what would work well for me in terms of my learning and development. From observing his lessons, to Kevin observing mine and role playing a Standards Check, I felt so much more prepared for my second attempt and I went on to achieve the pass Kevin knew I would on 12/7/17!!!! Nothing was a problem for Kevin. He is an asset to our group of ADI’s in Exeter and the surrounding areas. If I was to need/want any further help and support in the future, I can honestly say that without a doubt, Kevin and Exeter Driver Training would be there. A fantastic, locally run company striving to achieve the best, always.”

Ella Burnett

“From the very first meeting with Kevin he appeared to be a calm and very competent trainer, with a good sense of humour that he used when appropriate. It was over 30 years since I passed my driving test, I had a few bad habits that needed changing. Kevin’s patience and obvious knowledge quickly sorted those out for me and I passed the Part 2 test at the first attempt. We then moved on to Part 3, developing my skills as an instructor and, despite a couple of hiccups on the way, nothing to do with Kevin but more nerves on my part, I passed the Part 3. Without Kevin’s patience, knowledge, teaching skills and belief in me that would not have been possible and I would highly recommend him to any prospective trainee.”

Martin Oatridge

“I would just like to thank you for your help with my training. I was in despair with the way my national company has basically deserted me after two failed attempts at Part 3. I was recommended to Kevin by Claire Wilmot and I am so glad I was. Kevin’s approach to training was extremely helpful, remaining calm and focused allowed for very effective learning which in turn helped me to go on to pass my final attempt at Part 3 to become a qualified Driving Instructor. Thank you for all your support and help it led to a very successful result PASS!! PASS!! PASS!!!!!”

Julie Gough

“I am a driving instructor with 23 year’s experience and I was embarrassed to find myself failing two Standards Checks with the prospect of being taken off the register if I failed another. I was recommended to Kevin to get some training to help me. I booked a morning session and I have to say I found it quite challenging to adapt my teaching style to the requirements of the new assessment. I booked another session a week later, the day before my standards check. I had tried hard to incorporate all the things Kevin suggested during the week after the first session but did find it quite difficult! However, after the second session I felt much more comfortable and I actually went to the standards check feeling fairly confident. Fortunately I passed this with a good score so I would like to thank Kevin for all his help. I now have 4 years until the next standards check but I intend seeing Kevin again next year to top up my skills. Thank you so much!”

Mark Lailey

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