Automatic
Driving Lessons

Emil moved to the UK from Bulgaria in 2018 in search of new opportunities and experiences. A quietly confident individual, he brings the same calm assurance to his role as a driving instructor in Wallisdown and the surrounding areas. Emil fosters a supportive learning environment, empowering his pupils to build confidence and explore new challenges without fear of judgment. By encouraging learners to take ownership of their progress, he helps instil long-term driving habits that promote safety well beyond the driving test.

Upon arriving in the UK, Emil worked in a variety of roles. He quickly recognised the value of holding a driving licence. His experience as a courier driver was particularly formative. This offered him extensive time behind the wheel and the opportunity to hone his driving skills on a daily basis.

As his skills and confidence grew, Emil was inspired to “pay it forward” by helping others achieve the same independence a driving licence had given him. This led him to pursue a career as a driving instructor. During his training, Emil demonstrated a strong work ethic and an enthusiastic approach—qualities he brings to every lesson. His focus is on developing safe, responsible drivers for life by encouraging positive driving habits from the outset.

Emil qualified as a driving instructor in Wallisdown in June 2024, following further training with YES! Driving School.

Outside of the car, Emil enjoys walking on the beach, going to the gym and rollerblading.

Mark Smith joined YES! Driving School recently as our automatic driving instructor in Christchurch and the surrounding areas.  Mark is a reliable and professional individual known for his friendly and easy-going personality. He demonstrated these qualities during his final qualifying exam in January.  Having recently qualified, Mark uses the latest coaching skills in his lessons. This encourages his pupils to take responsibility for their own learning, identifying problems and finding solutions. In turn, this produces a much stronger, forward-thinking driver.

Mark grew up in one of the less affluent areas of the UK. That environment taught him resilience and determination early on. His life changed dramatically at a young age when he earned his driving license. Mark sees this as a moment that opened up a world of opportunities and set him on a path of independence and adventure. He still remembers the day’s emotions and, as an automatic driving instructor in Christchurch, he enjoys being part of every pupil’s ‘test day’.  However, Mark is insistent that he teaches safe driving for life and not simply how to pass a test.

Mark moved forward to build a successful career, spending much of his professional life running hairdressing salons in London, including prestigious locations like Harrods and Bob’s International (take a look at his hair :-)), and managing his own businesses.

After a life-changing surfing accident in Hawaii, where he broke his back, Mark decided it was time for a new direction. Transitioning from a career spent on his feet, he embraces a new role that allows him to combine his skills with a more balanced lifestyle. Mark has a passion for life and this shines through in every session.

Outside of work, Mark’s adventurous spirit shines through. He has a love for motorbikes, windsurfing, and travelling. Mark also kayaked parts of the Amazon single-handedly with no support—a testament to his fearless and determined nature.

Now living in Friars Cliff with his wife and two daughters, Mark enjoys embracing the coastal lifestyle while spending quality time with his family. Guided by his personal motto, “When you’re in his car, you’re a team. If you fail, you both fail,” Mark is dedicated to helping others achieve success. He’ll be with you every step of the way until you hear the words: “Congratulations, you’ve passed”.

Sense of freedom

A big part of becoming a Driving Instructor in Wimborne is the fact that Paul can remember the feeling of passing his driving test. He remembers the sense of freedom and independence that this provided him with. Since that time, he has always loved driving, whether for business or pleasure and he also recognises the career opportunities that achieving a test pass can offer students.

Having passed the Approved Driving Instructors Parts 1 and 2, this enabled him to undertake driver instructor training with Pete, YES! Driving School’s Director of Training. A key part of training is working with students under a trainee licence, whilst also continuing his own instructor training.  Having passed the ADI Part 3 (Test of Instructional Ability), he is now an Approved Driving Instructor in Wimborne and feels privileged to be working in this sector.

Helping a student to develop a core driving skill, from basic clutch work to judgement when crossing traffic or ultimately achieving a test pass is immensely rewarding. Paul takes pride in the fact that his driver training is client centred and tailored to individual student needs. He uses coaching skills which he had experience with in a former career in the health service. The role requires both an understanding of a student’s practical driving skills but, more importantly, how students are feeling emotionally and how this can impact on them and whether they are driving safely.

Life before

Originally from Poole, Paul worked as a certified accountant and an operational manager in commercial firms and the health sector in Dorset and Wiltshire. Through this career, meeting people and building successful working relationships were integral to these jobs. This included being a trustee in a charity organisation that provided training and development for health workers in the Southwest.

Al Bradford has been an ADI since 2015. After teaching manual with another school for a year, he felt that he needed new opportunities. A conversation with Pete in the test centre led to Al joining YES! in 2016. More recently, Al has switched to providing automatic driving instructor in Bearwood.

Al spent the previous 11 years in the Royal Marines as a landing craft operator.  At the same time he became an instructor which is where he discovered his talent for teaching. He also learned how to communicate well with others and stay calm under pressure. You can be assured of a relaxed atmosphere with Al. Combining his experience as an instructor in the military and his professional training as an ADI, Al can offer an enjoyable, fun experience.  He will develop your skills behind the wheel in preparation for your driving test and beyond.

Positive patient pace

Al believes in a positive and, more importantly, patient approach. He will encourage you to achieve success at your own pace. He will also ensure you have a say in the learning process so that your goals are met when you want them to be.

Al recently achieved an A grade in his standards check scoring 50/51 and can offer the pass plus course to anyone beyond their driving test.

Based in Bearwood, Al has a great first time pass rate and offers lessons in Bournemouth, Poole and the surrounding areas.

When not teaching Al loves to spend time with his wife Claire and two children Jake and Emily, and has a passion for football, cricket and fishing.

We are confident that in Al you will find a patient, enthusiastic and fun instructor.

Rob began his driving instruction career in 2009 and established himself as an excellent manual instructor. In 2011 he decided to turn his hand as an Automatic Instructor in Bournemouth and he has continued his success with YES! Driving School.

In his previous careers Rob spent 10 years working as a stonemason restoring and conserving historic buildings around the UK. Attention to detail was an integral part of his work. This is a skill that he has continued to develop with pupils. He worked his way up the career ladder to become a site manager within the same field where he stayed for a further 4 years.  Beyond this Rob worked in IT for 5 years as a systems analyst, monitoring worldwide computer systems for a large bank where once again attention to detail and fault analysis were key skills.

Tailored lessons

With an excellent pass rate you can be sure of first class training to a very high standard, coupled with the ability to put even the most nervous people at ease.  “I tailor my lessons to suit each individual pupil and their specific needs.  They could be a complete novice or a qualified driver looking for a refresher course. Or a newly qualified driver wanting to take some motorway training, I’m happy to help!”

Based in Throop, Rob is a fantastic automatic instructor in Bournemouth and all surrounding areas. He recently cruised through his Standards Check with a superb Grade ‘A’.

Rob has a passion for all things relating to cars and motoring. He may be what you would call a true petrolhead, and is always keen to help people become confident and most importantly safe drivers.

In his free time Rob enjoys a bit of DIY, playing guitar.  He also enjoys walks with Jeff the Boxer dog, and growing and eating super hot chilli peppers.  He is happy to share if that is to your taste. 🙂

Ruedi is the founder of YES! Driving School. Originally from Austria, he permanently moved to the UK in 2002. He now resides and provides a quality service as an automatic driving instructor in Wimborne, Dorset.

Ruedi is a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) approved Grade A Driving Instructor and registered with the Driving Instructors Association (DIA). He is also a qualified Edexcel Lvl3 Assessor as well as holding a Fleet Training Qualification and NVQ 3 in Driving Instruction.

During his service with the Austrian Army and further work with the UN Military Police in Cyprus and the Middle East, Ruedi has acquired a range of skills and vehicle licences for Motorbike, Car, Articulated Truck & Trailer and Coach, both, with manual and automatic transmissions.

Teaching is a passion

Ruedi loves working with people and passing on his knowledge. He also has experience in teaching windsurfing & dinghy sailing.

Being a patient and thorough tutor, he is happy to repeat his instructions until the manoeuvres are made to perfection. He puts his pupils at ease which is what makes his lessons enjoyable. Ruedi recommends the number of lessons one needs to pass the test and drive safely for life. He has been a driving instructor in Wimborne and the surrounding area for some time now. Ruedi has a comprehensive knowledge of the area and an in-depth knowledge of driving test routes around Bournemouth, Poole and Dorchester. Most of Ruedi’s pupils have passed their tests at the first or second attempt.