Neil Wightman - My journey so far ....

For me it all started after leaving the fire service as a retained leading firefighter and qualifying as an ADI around five and a half years ago - it was, I felt, the natural road to go down (pardon the pun) . I spent my first year with a big franchised company, before deciding to go independent and run my own driving school - I have not once looked back with regret on that decision.

I have always had a desire to keep improving myself and after completing various other qualifications, I came across Tri-Coaching Partnership. Originally I was enquiring about the BTEC Level 3 Award in Coaching for Driver Development but after speaking with someone I decided to go for the BTEC Level 4.


I started the course and learnt about communicating effectively, structuring coaching conversations, using feedback for development, and setting goals. I tried out all these techniques in my lessons and I saw some good results and feedback.


After completing the course and achieving the grade, doors opened in different directions. I have become an aCCeLerate trainer for the BTEC Level 3 course in Coaching for Driver Development. Also the BTEC qualification allows me to deliver BTEC Level 2 courses in Driving Science and I am a Drivermetrics Coach.


My lessons are no longer ‘instructor-led’ but have become fun, constructive and, as all my pupils say, thoroughly enjoyable. This has changed the way I teach and the way my pupils learn. I have given up telling them what gear they need, what speed they should be travelling at, or where to stop and, instead, ask them how will you approach this junction, what do you need from me, and by using scaling before and after there is a noticeable effect on their learning.


I have embraced the change and it shows in results, I have a waiting list for lessons two months ahead, and at the end of last year I achieved Grade A on my Standards Check .


I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who wants to improve and develop themselves.