Refresher
Driving Lessons

We have 18 experienced instructors specialised in teaching Refresher lessons!

female driving instructor in Hamworthy

Sue Curran

Manual • Refresher •

Looking for a friendly, patient, and professional female driving instructor in Hamworthy? Sue provides calm, supportive, and enjoyable driving lessons designed to help learners become safe, confident, and independent drivers.

Sue brings a wealth of experience from an extensive customer service background, combined with more recent work supporting young people aged 16–19 within a local college environment. Her ability to communicate clearly, listen carefully, and adapt to individual needs makes her particularly effective at helping learners feel comfortable and confident behind the wheel.

A Patient and Supportive Approach

Known for her calm and caring nature, Sue understands that every learner is different. Some pupils learn quickly and enjoy being challenged, while others may feel nervous or lack confidence when starting their driving journey. Sue’s patient and supportive approach ensures that every lesson is tailored to the individual learner’s needs, helping them progress at a pace that works for them while continually building their skills and confidence.
As a female driving instructor in Hamworthy, Sue covers Hamworthy, Upton, Lytchett Minster, Lytchett Matravers, and the wider West Poole area. Whether you are a complete beginner, a nervous learner, or someone returning to driving after a break, Sue will work with you to develop the knowledge, understanding, and practical skills needed to become a safe driver for life.

Sue believes that successful driving lessons should be centred around the learner. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach, she adapts lessons to suit each student’s individual learning style, capabilities, and goals. Every lesson is carefully structured to provide the right balance of support and challenge, helping learners make steady progress while enjoying the learning process.
Learning to drive with Sue is calm, fun, safe, and rewarding. Her focus extends beyond simply helping pupils pass their driving test. Instead, she is committed to helping learners develop lifelong driving skills that will keep them safe and confident on today’s roads long after they have earned their licence.
If you’re looking for driving lessons in Hamworthy, Upton, Lytchett, or the West Poole area with a patient and dedicated female driving instructor, Sue would be delighted to help you achieve your driving goals and gain the freedom that comes with safe, confident driving.

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Driving instructor in Broadstone

Al Hamp

Manual • Refresher •

After moving to Dorset, Al chose YES! Driving School for his Driving Instructor Training and hasn’t looked back since. Al is a friendly and dedicated instructor with a calm, understanding manner and has a patient approach that helps put pupils at ease. He is keen to achieve and maintain the best standards as a driving instructor in Broadstone and the surrounding areas.

What makes the job so interesting for Al is that no two pupils are the same, and neither are their needs. His genuine curiosity for what his pupils are thinking and feeling helps him to tailor his lessons. He then adapts his teaching style to suit each pupil, finding the best way for them to learn. Al sees learning to drive as a partnership between pupil and instructor. He encourages them to be involved in decision-making as much as possible. As a driving instructor at Broadstone, he aims to create an atmosphere that allows pupils to achieve solid learning but, at the same time, allows them to not worry about any judgement when they make mistakes.

Safe & Respectful Driving

Importantly, Al prides himself on being a safe and respectful driver. Passing these qualities on to his pupils lies at the heart of everything that he teaches. He firmly believes these are qualities that are essential to making a well-rounded, competent and responsible driver for life.

Life before and beyond

Originally from the Midlands, Al lived and worked for several years in London as a Graphic Designer. He enjoyed designing for companies ranging from international brands to local businesses. From this, he gained valuable experience in how to work with and adapt to a wide range of people. He moved to Dorset in the mid-2010’s to find somewhere to put down long-term roots. Having worked in the design industry for several years, he decided he wanted a career that was more fulfilling and people-orientated. Having always been passionate about all things motoring, becoming a driving instructor was a perfect fit.

In his free time you can find him foraging deep in the forest or out on a long country walk – or if it’s raining he’s quite happy with one of his cats on his lap with a good film.

Alastair’s instructional techniques are really sharp. However, he combines this with a blend of humour, compassion and a natural curiosity about his pupils. Al has a constant thirst for further development progress and intends to achieve this by spending more time with our Director of Training, Pete Wilkinson.

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Driving Instructor in Castlepoint

Matty Matthews

Manual • Refresher • UK Driving •

Matty is a professional and approachable driving instructor in Castlepoint, helping learners build confidence and develop safe driving skills in a calm and supportive environment. Born and raised in Bournemouth, Matty has returned to the area he proudly calls home after spending time living and working in different parts of the world. Now based in Muscliff, he offers driving lessons across Castlepoint and the surrounding areas.

Before becoming a driving instructor, Matty spent four years serving in the Parachute Regiment before moving into the security industry, where he worked across London, the Middle East, and China. These experiences helped shape his calm attitude under pressure, strong communication skills, and ability to build confidence in others — qualities that make a real difference when learning to drive.

Patient, Supportive and Adaptable

In 2021, Matty followed his passion for driving and began his career as an independent driving instructor in Castlepoint. He is known for his patient, supportive, and adaptable teaching style, tailoring every lesson to suit the individual needs, experience level, and learning pace of each pupil. Whether you are a complete beginner, nervous driver, or preparing for your driving test, Matty focuses on creating relaxed and enjoyable driving lessons that help learners feel comfortable behind the wheel.

As a local driving instructor in Castlepoint, Matty has excellent knowledge of the local roads, traffic systems, and common test routes, helping pupils gain valuable real-world driving experience while preparing for their test with confidence.

Outside of work, Matty enjoys paddleboarding, going to the gym, and spending time walking his dog, Luna.

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Driving Instructor in Ringwood

Tony Hajiantoni

Manual • Refresher • UK Driving •

If you are looking for a friendly, patient, and professional Driving Instructor in Ringwood, Tony is committed to helping you become a safe, confident, and capable driver. Whether you are getting behind the wheel for the very first time, returning to driving after a break, or simply looking to build your confidence, Tony provides supportive driving lessons tailored to your individual needs.

Before becoming a driving instructor, Tony spent many years successfully running Italian restaurants. This extensive experience working closely with people from all walks of life has helped him develop exceptional communication skills, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. These qualities now play a key role in his approach to driver training, helping learners feel comfortable and relaxed throughout every lesson.

Builds Confidence Naturally

As an experienced Driving Instructor in Ringwood, Tony understands that no two learners are the same. That’s why every driving lesson is personalised to suit your current ability, learning style, and goals. He believes that learning to drive should be a positive experience, free from unnecessary stress or pressure. By creating a calm and supportive learning environment, Tony helps pupils build confidence naturally while developing the skills needed to drive safely and independently.

Tony is particularly popular with nervous learners and those who may lack confidence behind the wheel. His approachable personality, friendly manner, and good sense of humour help put pupils at ease from the very first lesson. He takes the time to explain things clearly, ensuring that learners fully understand not only how to perform driving tasks, but why they are important for safe driving.

Choosing the right Driving Instructor in Ringwood can make a significant difference to your learning experience. Tony’s patient coaching style focuses on helping you make steady progress at a pace that feels comfortable for you. With clear guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback, he helps learners develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to pass their driving test and enjoy a lifetime of safe driving.

If you’re searching for a reliable and supportive Driving Instructor in Ringwood, Tony is ready to help you achieve your driving goals. Book your first lesson today and take the first step towards becoming a confident, independent driver.

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female driving instructor in Bournemouth

Daniela Piovan-Burger

Manual • Refresher • UK Driving •

Daniela began her career as a driving instructor with a national school. She quickly recognised the importance of ongoing training and mentorship. Committed to delivering the highest standards of instruction, she pursued further development through YES! Driving School and qualified in March 2025. Shortly after, she joined the team as a part-time instructor, proudly serving the Bournemouth area.

A Career with Structure, Purpose, and Connection

With a professional background in hospitality, Daniela has always excelled in people-focused roles. Her passion for staff training and development made the transition to driving instruction a natural progression. After years of working split shifts and late nights, she realised that this was unsustainable with a young family.  She sought a more balanced and meaningful career. Teaching learner drivers has offered her the perfect combination of structure, purpose, and personal connection.

Daniela is widely recognised for her warm, patient, and encouraging teaching style. She takes pride in supporting her students as they grow in skill and confidence, and finds deep satisfaction in witnessing their progress. For her, each test pass is more than just a milestone—it’s a transformative achievement she is proud to be part of.

Local Knowledge and Global Experience

Born and raised in Bournemouth, Daniela now lives in Southbourne with her husband and two children. In her early twenties, she worked as a scuba diving instructor, spending several years living, travelling, and teaching in destinations such as Thailand, Bali, Turks & Caicos, Mexico, and the British Virgin Islands. These international experiences have shaped her calm, adaptable, and people-first approach to instruction.

Daniela brings not only professionalism and skill to her role, but also a genuine passion for helping others become safe, confident drivers for life.

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automatic instructor in christchurch

Mark Smith

Automatic • Refresher • UK Driving •

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”.

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Driving instructor in Ferndown

Jayson Lloyd

Manual • Refresher • UK Driving •

One step at a time

Jayson’s decision to become a Driving Instructor in Ferndown was easy after spending the best part of 20 years as a paramedic and paramedic officer. As a result of witnessing the first-hand consequences of what can happen on the roads, Jayson has a passion for road safety.  He also has a real passion for seeing other people progress in life.

Everything in your time not mine – Driving Instructor in Ferndown

Jayson has a natural persona of calmness in the car, stating that laughter and enjoyment are a must. He prides himself in getting the best out of people by creating an atmosphere conducive to easy and relaxed learning. Jayson believes that it is the pupil who should control the pace of the learning and he can encourage the learner to make progress without pushing them beyond their comfort zone. All learners will see that learning is taking place and will leave the car with a relaxed sense of achievement.

Composure Stay SafeMake Good Decisions is Jayson’s recipe for success.

Away from the car, being Welsh, he loves rugby; He is an ardent supporter of Bath Rugby which is one of his favourite places to visit. Walking the dog and caravanning with Tracy, his partner, is how Jayson likes to relax throughout the year. Jayson believes in a family-first approach above everything else in life.

He lives in Ferndown with Tracy and his stepsons and also has 2 grown children of his own Kerrie and Liam.  These are his world outside of being a Driving Instructor in Ferndown.

Jayson will cover Bournemouth, Ferndown, Wimborne and most of the surrounding areas.  Being newly qualified, Jayson brings the most up-to-date instructional and coaching skills to the car. He is very excited to be with YES! Driving School.

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Driving Instructor in Wimborne

Paul Vater

Automatic • Refresher • UK Driving •

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.

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automatic driving instructor in Bearwood

Al Bradford

Automatic • Refresher • UK Driving •

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.

 

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Automatic instructor in Bournemouth

Rob Edwards

Automatic • Refresher • UK Driving •

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. 🙂

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Female Automatic Driving Instructor

Susan Jones

Automatic • Mobility • Refresher • UK Driving •

Before moving to Dorset Susan lived and taught in South-West London. She now lives in Boscombe with her three children, her partner and a Dalmatian. Susan operates as a female automatic driving instructor.  She covers the areas of Christchurch, Bournemouth and Poole – a wide area, because she can’t say “no”, when asked nicely.

Drivers with diverse needs

Susan has also successfully completed the Mobility Course with QEF.  This has given her an in depth knowledge of adaptations which can be made to a car. She also gained many techniques to be used to enable people with a variety of disabilities to be successful at driving.

Sue’s motoring career started when she marshalled at various motorbike events from club races to GPs. When occasionally asked if she’d ever get scared when teaching, Sue likes to reply that “nothing is as scary as a riderless motorbike hurtling towards you with only a straw bale (or another marshal) for protection!”. In other words, Sue is still looking for the student who’d give her a challenge ;).

Apart from that, Sue loves teaching in Dorset as the roads are so varied compared to South London roads. Please ask for Sue if you want a female automatic driving instructor with lessons that are fun and in a relaxed atmosphere.

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driving instructor in Bearwood

Alan Gascoyne

Manual • Refresher • UK Driving •

Alan joined YES! Driving School in November 2010, following a period of several years as an independent driving instructor.  He had worked with two other driving schools in recent years. Alan moved from Banbury in 2005 and now lives in Bearwood with his wife and son.  He now enjoys his passion as a driving instructor in Bearwood and surrounding areas.

Adult training has been a large part of Alans working life. He worked for many years for British Telecom as an installations engineer. Training and assisting adult trainee technicians accounted for much of Alan’s time with BT. Before leaving BT, Alan passed a selection board for the post of Training Officer at the BT training school at Bletchley Park, but the school was closed down before he could take up his post.

Moving into financial services as an insurance agent for a large British insurance company, Alan quickly moved up the rankings to Financial Consultant /Sales Manager. Training new trainee Financial Advisors to competent advisor status was a substantial part of Alan’s role.

A calming nature

Following a final career move into driver training, it is clear that Alan has become a popular and successful instructor.  He enjoys a consistently high pass rate and many testimonials left on our web site. Alan also receives a constant flow of recommendations. Alan has a style of teaching which is relaxed and calm, and he specialises in very nervous pupils. He has a great sense of humour, which will help your learning experience to be as stress free as possible.

You will love your driving lessons with Alan.

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Driving Instructor Wimborne

Ruedi Preiss

Automatic • Instructor Training • Refresher • UK Driving •

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.

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Driving Instructor Blandford

Pete Wilkinson

Advanced • Instructor Training • Manual • Refresher • UK Driving •

Pete joined YES! Driving School when he moved to Dorset and chose YES! Driving School from many others.  YES! Driving School made it easy for Pete to become a driving instructor in Blandford.  In fairly quick time, Pete was invited to become Co-Owner of YES! Driving School with Ruedi

As part of his 22 years in the Army, Pete was an Instructor of various subjects for 21 years of this service. In this time, Pete realised that he had the ability to understand what makes an individual tick. Additionally, he learned how to get the best from each one. He now puts this ability together with the latest coaching techniques.  This makes your learning experience an easy, stress free and fun time.

Pete believes that the Pupil should have a major say in their learning experience and any decisions made about the pace and direction of training should be a team effort. As a Trainer at heart, Pete is passionate about training. He takes great pleasure from seeing people progress in life and relishes in the excitement of Test Day. He has a great ability in putting his pupils at ease and giving a great sense of self-belief. This helps on Test Day and also in preparation for solo driving once the Pupil becomes a Full Licence Holder.

A strong knowledge of all test areas in Bournemouth, Poole, Dorchester and Salisbury ensures easy learning.

Always looking for self-improvement, Pete took the Advanced Driving Test assessed by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and achieved a Gold Award, the highest standard awarded. He has since retested several times with the same result and also went on to successfully complete the RoSPA Tutors Assessment.  Pete aims to provide more than the basic levels as a Driving Instructor in Blandford and surrounding areas.

Instructor Training

Pete, as Director of Training, also provides a structured programme of Instructor Training.  If you’re interested in becoming a Driving Instructor, click here.

standards check success

More recently, Pete completed his Standards Check with the DVSA and was Graded ‘A’, scoring the maximum score possible with 51/51. Top Result!

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Driving Instructor in Poole

Ashaf Doula

Manual • Refresher • UK Driving •

Ashaf recently joined YES! Driving School as a fully qualified driving instructor, having completed his training under the expert guidance of our Training Director, Pete. Pete was particularly impressed by Ashaf’s thirst for knowledge, commitment to excellence, and meticulous attention to detail—qualities that are now the foundation of his teaching style as a driving instructor in Poole.

The pupil is in control

Described by his students as calm, friendly, and great fun to learn with, Ashaf brings a light-hearted and engaging approach to every lesson. His natural sense of humour and relaxed personality create a learning environment that’s both enjoyable and confidence-boosting. Even when he’s the only one laughing at his jokes, his students appreciate the positive atmosphere he creates.

Ashaf believes that learners should feel in control of their own journey. He tailors lessons to each individual, adjusting the pace according to their comfort and readiness. With a keen eye for recognising when to encourage progression and when to ease off, he helps his pupils build skills at a pace that suits them—making learning to drive feel less stressful and more empowering.

Before becoming a driving instructor, Ashaf worked as a school teacher, where he was highly praised for his empathetic nature and calm teaching style. His passion for learning led him to complete a Master’s degree, but his love for teaching never left him. Becoming a driving instructor gave him the opportunity to combine that passion with a fresh, rewarding career path.

Ashaf first visited Bournemouth in 2008 and immediately fell in love with the area. By the end of the year, he made the move permanent. He now lives locally with his wife and two children, and proudly calls Bournemouth home.

Ashaf covers a wide area, including Bournemouth, Kinson, Southbourne, Poole, Canford Cliffs, Hamworthy, Broadstone, and Creekmoor. Whether you’re a nervous beginner or returning to driving after a break, Ashaf’s calm, student-focused approach will help you succeed.

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1/2 Day Refresher in auto or manual – Usually completed in a full morning or afternoon over a minimum of 3 hours + breaks.

After a long period off the road many drivers feel insecure or lacking in confidence and feel that they need a few lessons to get back on track.  You’ll be surprised how quickly your driving skills come back to you even after a long break.  However, it is important to cover a wide variety of roads, traffic conditions and, ideally, a few manoeuvres.  To allow you to refresh at a steady pace, our half day refresher course is ideal.  You can start in the safe environment of a dual controlled car before changing to your own car if you have one and want to.