My Journey as an ADI in 2025: Experience, Dedication, and Gratitude

With 36 years of solid, accident‑free driving experience, my journey as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) in 2025 has been about more than qualifications. It has been about bringing a lifetime of safe driving, professional coaching, and customer‑focused service into every lesson I deliver.

🚦 A Career Built on Experience

Long before I became an ADI, I spent years training, coaching, and mentoring in professional settings. Those experiences taught me how to communicate clearly, adapt to different personalities, and bring out the best in people. Now, as a driving instructor, I draw on that background to guide learners of all ages — from nervous teenagers to adults returning to driving — with patience, empathy, and professionalism.

My accident‑free record over nearly four decades is not just a statistic; it’s proof of the safe habits and responsible mindset I pass on to every student.

🛠️ Coaching Learners of All Ages

Every learner is unique. Some arrive with no experience at all, others have driven abroad or need to refine their skills. My role is to meet each student where they are, whether that means breaking down the basics for a beginner or fine‑tuning advanced techniques for someone with prior experience.

Parents often tell me they value the way I balance professionalism with warmth. Learners appreciate that I listen, explain patiently, and never make them feel judged. Customer service is at the heart of what I do — ensuring every student feels supported, respected, and confident.

💬 Reviews That Made 2025 Special

The most gratifying part of this year has been the incredible feedback from students and parents, reinforcing the impact of my teaching style:

•             “Attended a driving experience for children +10 so they could have a go driving in a safe and fun environment and my 2 boys (aged 10 & 16) absolutely loved it. They had fun, it was well organised, I absolutely recommend.” — Susana Pereira

•             “My 15‑year‑old son was very nervous beforehand and had no experience driving a manual vehicle at all. Pat was amazing and put him at ease straight away, offering reassurance and building positivity and confidence. As a spectator, I didn’t feel worried at all — I knew he was safe with Pat. I 100% recommend Pat and will be employing her as my son’s instructor when the time comes.” — ACM

•             “Patricia was patient with me, and professional. She ensured the lessons were focused on specific points, and she allowed me to ask questions, answering them with as much detail as possible. I recommend to anyone willing to learn manual driving.” — Jude Martins

•             “I truly believe I had the best driving instructor in the world! Pat’s empathy and passion for teaching shine through in everything she does. Thanks to her, I passed my test first time.” — Zoe Zhu

•             “Pat is an amazing instructor and really pushed me to do my best. I passed all of my tests first time with no faults. I cannot recommend her highly enough.” — Neil Oakes

•             “Our son started as a teenager who thought he knew it all, but Pat turned him into a considerate and safe driver. He passed first time! We’ll be booking her again for our daughter soon. Thank you, Patricia — you are a star!” — Judy Poole

These reviews highlight not just technical teaching, but the reassurance, encouragement, and professionalism that define my work.

🌟 Why Parents and Learners Trust Me

•             Decades of Safe Driving: 36 years accident‑free means proven habits and real‑world wisdom.

•             Professional Coaching Background: Years of training and mentoring experience ensure I know how to motivate and guide.

•             Customer Service Mindset: Every learner is treated with respect, patience, and care.

•             Adaptability: Whether teaching a 10‑year‑old in a safe driving experience or preparing an adult for their test, I tailor my approach to each individual.

🎉 Ending 2025 and Looking Ahead to 2026

As 2025 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey this year and the year before have been. From welcoming nervous beginners to celebrating first‑time passes, from guiding young learners in safe driving experiences to coaching adults who wanted to refine their skills, every lesson has been a reminder of why I love what I do.

The reviews and kind words from parents and students have been the highlight of my year. They remind me that my decades of driving, combined with my professional coaching background and customer‑focused approach, are making a real difference in people’s lives.

Transitioning into 2026, my commitment remains the same:

•             To continue shaping safe, confident drivers of all ages.

•             To provide patient, professional, and empathetic coaching tailored to each learner.

•             To keep building trust with parents who want the very best for their children.

•             To celebrate every milestone, from the first lesson to the moment the test certificate is handed over.

The new year brings fresh opportunities, new learners, and more journeys to share. I look forward to meeting new faces, supporting returning families, and helping every student achieve their driving goals.

Here’s to a safe, successful, and fulfilling 2026 — on the road and beyond. 🚗✨

By Pat Lamb