I’ve been a RoSPA driver tutor for the last six years, started three years after I passed my first advanced driving test. Whilst sitting beside an associate as well as doing the business of putting across what advanced driving is all about, there is the chance to chat about why other people enjoy driving, or sometimes what has taken away their enjoyment or confidence. Often all that is needed is a reassuring voice and some clear advice.

I have always loved driving a car, and started honing my skills in 2007 after my husband, Keith, passed his advanced tests for both motorcycling and driving. I joined the local advanced driving group in 2007, and have been a tutor since 2013. To reduce the likelihood of road collisions is to save lives; and with this training, drivers truly improve the safety of our roads by aiming to be ‘part of the solution’.

I passed my first advanced test on a motorcycle in December 2006 then my advanced car test the following year. From then on I noticed that all journeys undertaken, whether on two wheels or four, became much more enjoyable, stress-free and relaxed. Seeing that this training had great potential for reducing accidents, I wanted to do more - so I trained as both a motorcycle and car tutor helping many associates to pass their respective advanced tests; this gives me a wonderful sense of satisfaction

l have always enjoyed being mobile and on the road. Before I’d even taken my first advanced driving test I was asked if I’d consider becoming a tutor and was also persuaded to take on the role of Secretary for the group -which I have been since April 2015. I started tutoring in December 2015 on a Silver grade but wanted my associates to be confident that I could train them up to Gold standard so I retook my test in March 2016, attained Gold, and again in 2019.

Over the years I’ve had much enjoyment from driving a wide variety of cars including holding an HGV Class 1 licence. My enthusiasm and interest in driving also included many years of competitive motorsport. I’ve been involved with helping drivers become safer and more skilled drivers as a qualified RoSPA Advanced Car Tutor, a holder of their advanced driving Diploma and have an NVQ in advanced driving tuition.My reward is the satisfaction of seeing Associates improve their driving and the ‘icing

In 2016 I joined RoSPA Cornwall, qualified as a motorcycle tutor, and helped set up the Riders’ Section. In 2020 I completed my car training. Despite not being a car tutor, I took on the role of Driver Training Officer at the 2021 AGM. I have subsequently qualified as a car tutor. I get a tremendous buzz from seeing an Associate’s driving skills improve in the knowledge that they will be safer on the road: there is an even bigger buzz when they pass.