Me

Hi! My name is Nick Vernon-Smith. I’m a fully qualified Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). I am also a member of the Driving Instructors Association (DIA) which is the UK’s leading source of advice, information and representation on driver training education and safety matters. I have been an ADI since 2007 and have helped many people of all ages and abilities to successfully gain a full driving licence.

The UK is at the forefront of driver education and I take my own career professional development (CPD) very seriously. The DVSA encourages all instructors to voluntarily commit to a certain amount of CPD every year. With the near recent and very likely future changes in how a new driver can gain a full driving licence, I think it is an absolute necessity that an instructor keeps up to date with the latest coaching techniques and other developments within our industry. Below is a list of qualifications I have attained and some of the courses I have attended as part of my CPD. In addition to the courses and qualifications, I read many books and publications relating to our industry and regularly attend webinars hosted by the DIA and other bodies involved in the continuing development of the industry.

Qualifications:

  • Diploma in Driver Education
  • Level 3 Award in Education & Training
  • Driver Certificate of Professional Competence
  • Certificate of Professional Competence in National Passenger Transport

Courses attended:

  • Safeguarding Children and young people
  • Emergency First Aid at Work
  • Covid-19 Infection Control and Safe Training Protocols
  • Drink and Drugs Awareness Course
  • Risk Management Course
  • Teaching and Learning Strategies

Prior to becoming an ADI, I worked in my family run prep school in Surrey for 7 years and before that I worked in the transport and media industries in London for 16 years.

My Cars

My manual car is a Citroen DS3. It is an excellent car to learn to drive in. It is comfortable, has a good range of accessories and it is neither too big nor too small. Its features include:

  • Great all round visibility
  • Comfortable and supportive sports seating
  • Two way adjustable steering column
  • Clear, easy to read dashboard displays
  • Air conditioning
  • Dual controls
  • All round safety bags
  • Stop/start technology
  • Integrated Satnav
  • Plenty of head and leg room


My automatic car is a Vauxhall Astra. Again, this is an excellent car to learn to drive in and offers all the same features as the DS3 except stop/start technology.

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