NEWS FLASH - We Are Expanding
From November 2024 we will have instructors based in Exmouth, Cullompton and Cranbrook who will cover the surrounding areas.
Winner 2024 'The Business Concept, Automotive Awards
Best Driving School & Instructor Training Business - Devon
WINNER 2 years running 2022 & 2023
Best Driving Lessons & Driving Instructor Training Provider
https://www.sme-news.co.uk/sme-news-reveals-the-2022-winners-of-the-southern-enterprise-awards/
We offer Manual and Automatic Driving lessons for new drivers along with refresher lessons for full licence holders in and around Exeter. We can assist you with your Theory test with in car tuition or in the classroom. Take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
At KAR we don't just help you to pass the driving test we teach you how to drive safely for life. Don't take our word for it have a look at what our students have to say on our reviews page.
If you're interested in becoming a driving instructor we offer Driving Instructor Training, click here to find out more. At the end of your training there is an option to join KAR with our very reasonable Franchise package.
If you're interested in more information about any of our services please complete the contact us form or call on 07980 019474.
Driving Lessons and Driver Instructor Training
Meet The Team
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Hi, my name is Katie Russell and I am the founder of KAR Driving Instructor. I qualified as a driving instructor in 2016 after driving for 28 years. I passed my training exam 1st time and received an A Grade for my training skills, being the highest. After working for one of the larger driving schools for a year I decided to start my own school. The business has grown from strength to strength through recommendations and there are seven of us who teach, myself, Matt Winslade, Zoe Bicheno, Kevin McDiarmid, Adrian Mitchell, Helen Back and Emma Gover.
I love teaching people to drive as it is life changing for many. I have met so many great people and had a lot of fun along the way. As a company we believe in client focused coaching with an emphasis on value for money. We have many training aids in place to help you get to your end goal. |
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Hi I am Matt Winslade, I have lived in Exeter for around 10 years and working previously as a property manager. I qualified as an instructor in 2016 and joined KAR in 2018. I joined KAR as Katie and myself had both been trained by the same company, and had similar styles of training, I loved the brand and way the company continues to grow with hand picked instructors. I consider myself to be professional but friendly with a calm nature. I would welcome the opportunity to teach you to drive. I teach Automatic.
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Hi, I’m Zoe, I live in Exeter with my husband, 3 boys and my dog. I have a passion for driving and love the freedom that it gives me, I believe that it is a life skill that can make a massive difference to people’s futures. So after 25 years of a successful management career, I have decided to change direction and use my coaching and communicating skills to help people achieve their goals in becoming successful confident drivers. I completed my instructor training with Katie from KAR, and realised her core values were very close to mine. I loved the calm influence and the fun that we had, so it was a really easy decision to join her and the rest of the team. I am really excited to meet you and support you on your driving journey. |
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Hi, I'm Emma Gover and I live in Cullompton, with my husband, daughter, cat and 2 house rabbits. I'm going to be covering Cullompton and surrounding areas along with Exeter as well.
I am a trainee and just building up to my final assessment to finish my training. I spoke to Katie at the very beginning of my driving instructor journey, and she was so supportive that I knew I would love to work as part of her team when I was ready. I worked in retail for over 20 years and then ran and maintained a laser cutting machine in a factory for 5 years. I decided I needed a change and thought becoming a driving instructor would be perfect because giving students the life skill of driving is so rewarding and enjoyable along with all the different people i will get to meet. I have also always enjoyed driving and would love to pass that enjoyment on to others. |
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'Hi, my name is Mitch, I trained to be an instructor with Katie in 2024 and I am now fully qualified.
My driving experience is vast , over a 45 year period I have been behind the wheel of a large variety of vehicles ranging from cars to Articulated Lorries, Fire Engines to Enormous Mobile Cranes. Apart from my Driving qualifications I also have a Level 3 Award in Training and Education. I chose to join Katie because I share her Ethos of not just training people to pass their test but to train people to drive safely and responsibly as a life skill not just for now but for the future'. |
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Hi my name is Helen Back, I live in Rockbeare and cover from Ottery St Mary and Westhill, Cranbrook, Whimple and Exeter. I trained with KAR and now am being sponsored whilst awaiting my final exam. I have over 20 years experience supporting students in an educational setting along with having taught my daughter to drive and helped friends build confidence behind the wheel. I look forward to teaching you. I teach in a manual car.
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Questions & Answers
How much do you charge for a driving lesson?
We charge £45 - £48.00 per hour, or £440 - £470 when you buy 10 hours of lessons. Lessons are a minimum of 1.5 hours but usually 2 hours per week. We do not do intensive courses however, we may be able to offer you more than one lesson a week.
What areas do you cover?
Exeter, Pinhoe, West Clyst, Broadclyst, Heavitree, Alphington, St Thomas, Exwick, Cranbrook, Whimple, Rockbeare, Ottery St Mary, Exminster, Exmouth, Woodbury, Sidmouth, Sidford, Clyst St Mary, Lympstone, Cullompton and all the surrounding villages.
Do I need to take the Theory Test before I start driving lessons?
No, you can start it once you have had some experience behind the wheel however, if you have time then it is great to start before. We recommend the Driving Theory test 4 in 1 kit + hazard perception app @ £4.99. We will cover a lot of the theory whilst you are learning however if you are struggling with the theory, we offer hour long theory sessions. When you're ready to take the test go to https://www.gov.uk/book-theory-test to book it.
How long will it take for me to pass my driving test?
At KAR our goal is to ensure you are a safe driver for life so our service is tailor made for you as we all learn at different paces. A DVSA survey concluded it takes an average of 44 hours with an instructor and 22 hours with family or friends however, I have had students pass 1st time with only 35 hours paid lessons with no other practice or someone with a motorbike licence pass after only 2 lessons. We are all different and this is only a guide.
When should I book in with you?
The sooner you contact us the sooner we will be able to fit you in, so call us on 07980 019474. We have students starting most weeks so our diaries are very active.
TOP TIP: If you are about to turn 17, to avoid disappointment, we recommend that you apply for your provisional licence a couple of months before and don't forget to give us a call/text too!
We charge £45 - £48.00 per hour, or £440 - £470 when you buy 10 hours of lessons. Lessons are a minimum of 1.5 hours but usually 2 hours per week. We do not do intensive courses however, we may be able to offer you more than one lesson a week.
What areas do you cover?
Exeter, Pinhoe, West Clyst, Broadclyst, Heavitree, Alphington, St Thomas, Exwick, Cranbrook, Whimple, Rockbeare, Ottery St Mary, Exminster, Exmouth, Woodbury, Sidmouth, Sidford, Clyst St Mary, Lympstone, Cullompton and all the surrounding villages.
Do I need to take the Theory Test before I start driving lessons?
No, you can start it once you have had some experience behind the wheel however, if you have time then it is great to start before. We recommend the Driving Theory test 4 in 1 kit + hazard perception app @ £4.99. We will cover a lot of the theory whilst you are learning however if you are struggling with the theory, we offer hour long theory sessions. When you're ready to take the test go to https://www.gov.uk/book-theory-test to book it.
How long will it take for me to pass my driving test?
At KAR our goal is to ensure you are a safe driver for life so our service is tailor made for you as we all learn at different paces. A DVSA survey concluded it takes an average of 44 hours with an instructor and 22 hours with family or friends however, I have had students pass 1st time with only 35 hours paid lessons with no other practice or someone with a motorbike licence pass after only 2 lessons. We are all different and this is only a guide.
When should I book in with you?
The sooner you contact us the sooner we will be able to fit you in, so call us on 07980 019474. We have students starting most weeks so our diaries are very active.
TOP TIP: If you are about to turn 17, to avoid disappointment, we recommend that you apply for your provisional licence a couple of months before and don't forget to give us a call/text too!
