Coastal Driver Training is an independent student centric driving school based in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear. With over 30 years of both teaching and driving experience I've been successfully coaching and supporting a diverse range of pupils in successfully passing their driving tests since becoming a driving instructor in September 2024.
Prior to gaining ADI status, I've enjoyed working across the education sector in senior roles in Further and Higher education for many years. Every learner is unique and in addition to having extensive driving experience I have considerable experience in teaching, coaching and mentoring, holding both a Master's degree in professional development skills and a PGCE teaching qualification.
Learning to drive is much more than simply passing your driving test. Empowering pupils to pass their test and to continue to embrace a lifelong learning approach to driving skills takes patience, empathy, focus and enthusiasm from both pupil and instructor. Irrespective of your level or experience or confidence as a pupil, learning to drive is one of the most challenging, rewarding and fun life skills you dedicate your time to. A good instructor may explain manoeuvres and car control. The right instructor builds judgement and driving skills which will last you a lifetime. I look forward to helping you successfully pass your driving test.
Paul
Over the last 2 years Coastal Driver Training has operated using a RED driving school franchise vehicle (VW Polo TSI). From September 2026 we will continue using a brand new VW Polo but fully branded as Coastal Driver Training. By continuing to use the same vehicle and model we can ensure consistency of driving experience for all of our existing and future pupils.
Monday
08:00 - 20:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 20:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 20:00
Thursday
08:00 - 20:00
Friday
08:00 - 18:00
Saturday
08:00 - 18:30
Sunday
10:00 - 18:00
Blyth test centre is convenient for pupils living in Whitley Bay, North Shields, Cramlington or the surrounding Blyth area.
Over the last year Coastal Driver Training have assisted a range of pupils to pass their driving test with ZERO driving errors.
Gosforth test centre is convenient for pupils living in central Newcastle, Heaton, Jesmond and surrounding areas. Coastal Driver Training regularly supports students studying at both Newcastle and Northumbria Universities.
Coastal Driver Training supports developing your driving skills to the highest of standards ensuring you pass in record time.
The majority of pupils complete at least 20 (2 hour) lessons on their journey to successfully passing their driving test.
Coastal Driver Training provides lessons to fit in with your busy schedule helping you pass your test as quickly as possible.
Passing your driving test for many pupils is a major achievement. It is important when taking lessons to remember that you are developing driving skills as a life long skill.
When pupils focus on developing their driving skills it is often possible to pass your test with no driving errors.
Coastal Driver Training focuses on supporting pupils to successfully pass their driving test using a manual car. This helps in reducing your insurance and vehicle costs long term.
Coastal Driver Training utilises GoRoadie to ensure that pupils stay informed about their training progress.
Coastal Driver Training is officially registered with the National Business Register.
All site content is © 2026 Coastal Driver Training.
