Me

Hi! My name is Nick Vernon-Smith. I’m a fully qualified Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). I am also a member of the Driving Instructors Association (DIA) which is the UK’s leading source of advice, information and representation on driver training education and safety matters. I have been an ADI since 2007 and have helped many people of all ages and abilities to successfully gain a full driving licence.

The UK is at the forefront of driver education and I take my own career professional development (CPD) very seriously. The DVSA encourages all instructors to voluntarily commit to a certain amount of CPD every year. With the near recent and very likely future changes in how a new driver can gain a full driving licence, I think it is an absolute necessity that an instructor keeps up to date with the latest coaching techniques and other developments within our industry. Below is a list of qualifications I have attained and some of the courses I have attended as part of my CPD. In addition to the courses and qualifications, I read many books and publications relating to our industry and regularly attend webinars hosted by the DIA and other bodies involved in the continuing development of the industry.

Qualifications:

  • Diploma in Driver Education
  • Level 3 Award in Education & Training
  • Driver Certificate of Professional Competence
  • Certificate of Professional Competence in National Passenger Transport

Courses attended:

  • Safeguarding Children and young people
  • Emergency First Aid at Work
  • Covid-19 Infection Control and Safe Training Protocols
  • Drink and Drugs Awareness Course
  • Risk Management Course
  • Teaching and Learning Strategies

Prior to becoming an ADI, I worked in my family run prep school in Surrey for 7 years and before that I worked in the transport and media industries in London for 16 years.

My Cars

Both my manual and automatic cars are 2025 Suzuki Swifts. The Swift is an excellent car to learn to drive in. It has all the latest technological innovations. It is comfortable, has a good range of accessories and is neither too big nor too small. Features include:

  • Great all round visibility
  • Comfortable and supportive seating
  • Plenty of head and leg room
  • Two way adjustable steering column
  • Clear, easy to read dashboard displays
  • Air conditioning
  • Dual controls
  • All round safety bags
  • Stop/start technology
  • Integrated Satnav
  • Lane Assist technology
  • Traffic sign recognition technology