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Friendly professional manual and automatic driving tuition in Eastbourne, Hailsham and the surrounding area
Drives a Kia Rio
Allan was trained as an instructor whilst serving with HM armed forces where he taught recruits for several years. After leaving the army Allan qualified as a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) and went on to establish Begin Driving and has been successfully training drivers in the Eastbourne and surrounding areas since 2004. With a broad background of driving experience from motorcycles to articulated lorries, Allan brings his expertise to you – whether you’re a beginner, already have some driving experience or just require some refresher or motorway lessons.
More recently Allan set up the Begin Driving Instructor Training Programme to train potential instructors and build a stronger team. Many of the graduates from the training programme are now ADI’s working with Begin Driving.
“Learning to drive should be an enjoyable experience, keep calm, ask questions and use routines to help gain confidence and build self belief.”
Drives a Kia Rio
Josh is a graduate of the Begin Driving Instructor Training Programme and joined the Begin Driving team in August 2019. Josh previously worked as a police officer serving in the Eastbourne and surrounding area. He passed the police basic driving test during his service allowing him to drive police cars. Choosing to take a different career path Josh decided to become a driving instructor and continue to give something back to the community he was brought up in. He is passionate about road safety and helping new drivers to become responsible, safe and considerate road users.
Josh is our youngest driving instructor and we wish him all the success in his career with Begin Driving.
“Give it your all, and you'll be surprised how much you can achieve. When you look around, you see many people that can drive, so there is no reason that can't also be you.”
Drives a Vauxhall Corsa (automatic)
Pete is a graduate of the Begin Driving Instructor Training Programme and joined the Begin Driving Team in March 2022. He brings with him over 10 years of advanced driving experience, following the Roadcraft system, working for the Emergency Services. Prior to that he worked as the operations manager at David Lloyds bowling and Laserquest centre where he introduced new brand standards for the customer experience. He enjoys spending time with his partner, young Son and their house full of pets as well as watching Football in his spare time. Pete’s calm and patient nature and experience of many varieties of situations will help him greatly in teaching new drivers and adapting lessons to meet student’s individual needs.
Pete is another great addition to the team and we wish him all the success for his future with Begin Driving.
“Be realistic with your learning goals, focus on adding new skills on every lesson and you’ll soon gain the ability to ensure you're a safe and competent driver for life! Enjoy your lessons and have fun on the journey to more freedom!”
Drives a Seat Arona
Nicolle joined our team in June 2025 after completing the Begin Driving Instructor Training Programme, bringing with her a wealth of life experience and a strong passion for teaching. With over 15 years of driving experience, Nicolle believes driving is more than just a skill – it’s a gateway to freedom, independence, and new opportunities. Now, she’s excited to help learners gain the same confidence behind the wheel.
Before becoming a driving instructor, Nicolle built a strong foundation in customer service, working across several roles including a sales assistant, wedding venue stylist, delivery driver for Sainsbury’s, and a personal assistant for a deaf carpenter. These experiences have sharpened her communication skills, empathy, and patience – qualities she now brings into every lesson.
Outside of instructing, Nicolle enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to comedy shows, long walks, and sightseeing. Her friendly nature and supportive approach make her a great fit for new and nervous drivers alike.
Nicolle is another great addition to the team and we wish her all the best for her future with Begin Driving.
"With hard work and determination, anything can be accomplished! Learning to drive will be the best decision you make and will open up so many opportunities – Freedom awaits!"
Drives a Ford Eco Sport
Dave joined the Begin Driving team in January 2026 after successfully completing the Begin Driving Instructor Training Programme. With over 24 years of experience in the emergency services and more than 20 years of advanced driving using the Roadcraft system, he brings a calm, confident, and down-to-earth approach to every lesson.
Comfortable in high-pressure situations, Dave has a natural talent for helping students feel relaxed and confident behind the wheel. He takes the time to get to know each learner and tailors lessons to suit individual needs, making the journey to becoming a skilled driver both positive and enjoyable.
Outside of teaching, Dave enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing snooker, and watching football.
Dave strengthens our team, and we’re excited to support him as he grows his career with Begin Driving.
"Smooth driving isn’t about rushing – it’s about planning ahead, staying calm, and always expecting the unexpected."
Drives an Audi A3
Steven is a graduate of the Begin Driving Instructor Training Programme and joined the Team in May 2024. Steven served as a soldier in the British Army for 7 years, were he spent time in Kenya and Somalia, training foreign service personnel and providing force protection to troops and high-profile visitors. During his military career, Steven was trained to drive a variety of vehicles, from quad bikes to armoured vehicles, in hostile environments!
Following in his fathers, Allan’s, footsteps he decided to retrain and become a driving instructor, Steven has now settled in Hailsham and he prides himself on delivering quality, client-centered training in a friendly yet professional manner. Steven is another great addition to the team and we wish him all the success for his future with Begin Driving.
"Drive like a pro: smooth inputs, sharp focus, and always expect the unexpected."
Drives a Seat Arona
Nick joined the Begin Driving team in February 2026 after completing the Begin Driving Instructor Training Programme. With nearly 15 years’ experience in healthcare in the UK and abroad, sales, and motorsport safety equipment, he brings a calm, mature, and safety-focused approach to every lesson.
Nick creates a relaxed and supportive learning environment, helping students feel confident behind the wheel. He takes the time to get to know each learner and tailors lessons to their individual needs, making the journey to learning to drive both positive and enjoyable.
Outside of teaching, Nick enjoys walking his two Old English Sheepdogs, cooking, and spending quality time with family and friends. We are thrilled to welcome Nick to the team and look forward to the positive impact he will have on our learners.
“Take it one step at a time and don’t be afraid to ask questions – confidence grows with every lesson!”
Drives a Skoda CitiGo
Tracey is a graduate of the Begin Driving Instructor Training Programme and joined the Team in February 2025. Tracey has a huge amount of experience in customer services working in Hotels and cafes. She also worked in schools as a bikeability and pedestrian trainer.
She is a qualified counsellor and has worked with people experiencing a wide range of problems, helping them bring about effective change and enhance their wellbeing – Tracey will use these skills to enhance her students learning experience.
In her spare time she enjoys long walks with her Labrador and bike rides on the South downs, navigating on classic car touring and competitive rallying and spending time with family and friends exploring the UK and Europe.
Tracey is another great addition to the team and we wish her all the best for her future with Begin Driving.
"Trust the process, enjoy the journey of learning a new skill and the freedom it gives you."
Drives a Toyota Yaris
Richard joined the Begin Driving team in June 2025 after completing the Begin Driving Instructor Training Programme.
With a professional background in health and safety, Richard has managed a range of driver risk profiling, behavioural safety and occupational road risk initiatives. Now, he is excited to use his experience to help shape safer drivers from the very start of their journey.
Outside of instructing, Richard enjoys DIY mechanics, engineering and a round of golf. We are thrilled to welcome Richard to the team and wish him every success in his new role.
“Preparation is key. Leaving late, being unsure of your route, or running low on fuel can lead to poor decisions on the road. Good journey planning helps avoid unnecessary risks and sets you up for a safer drive.”
Drives a Toyota Yaris
Martin joined the Begin Driving team in September 2025. His previous driving experience was as a chauffeur in London, where he spent 25 years looking after one family and driving a wide range of luxury vehicles. When the company restructured in 2020, Martin decided to pursue a new direction and became an Approved Driving Instructor in 2022. He is also a proud member of the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists), further demonstrating his commitment to safe and skilled driving.
Outside of instructing, Martin enjoys keeping active through sports, squash and football and has taken part in a number of running events, including both half and full marathons. His dedication, patience, and friendly approach make him a fantastic addition to the Begin Driving team, and we wish him every success in his new career.
“Driving is a skill for life. If you work hard, anyone can pass – it could be your road to freedom!”
Steven was an excellent teacher, and extremely professional, and just all round exceptional person. Helped me keep my co... Read more
I would like to thank Alan my driving instructor who got me through my test. It wasn't the easiest journey but he was ab... Read more
Well advised as a leading contender for the future of change in automotive technology combined with learning to drive.... Read more
I had a great experience with Begin Driving School, especially with my instructor, Martin. I never thought I would learn... Read more
I had Peter as my driving instructor.
He is an amazing driving instructor and I am so grateful and so appreciate of eve... Read more
Nicole was amazingly patient and kind. She went through everything with me from moving around in the car park on day 1 t... Read more
I’m so grateful for Steven who helped me pass my test after struggling with the the first driving instructor i started w... Read more
Josh was an amazing driving instructor and I would highly recommend Begin Driving. Josh was always patient and really he... Read more
I had the pleasure of learning to drive with Steven. The whole process was very enjoyable and I looked forward to my les... Read more
My 17 year old twins were taught by Nick who was an amazing instructor. They loved driving with him as he was patient an... Read more
I’m very grateful that I got Nick as my instructor, as he’s such a genuine, happy person and an amazing teacher. I hones... Read more
Thank you so much to you all, Jane was very accommodating with organising the lessons.
Richard, thank you so much for ma... Read more
Amazing passed within a month of learning with nick he taught me everything I need to know about driving and making sure... Read more
David was a huge help, always giving me plenty of options for lesson times and was super flexible. Booked my test with a... Read more
You can ask for an instructor of your choice but instructor availability will normally dictate who you get, or you are welcome to stay on the waiting list until your chosen instructor becomes available.
We don’t normally encourage changing instructors but we will look at the reasons for a request to change and give you advice.
Yes we do have automatic instructors – you can check on the instructor profile to see what each instructor offers
Cars vary, you can check on the instructor profile to see what car they each drive.
Big changes are coming to driving test bookings in 2026. If you’re planning a test it’s important to know how these updates could affect you….
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The rules for booking practical car driving tests are changing to make things fairer and more secure. 👉 From 31 March 2026, you’ll…
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We’re delighted to welcome Dave to the Begin Driving team as we continue to grow and bring even more high-quality driving instruction to the Eastbourne…
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