MEET THE TEAM
Here you can 'meet the team' of driving instructors currently working with Training Wheelz and see what areas they work in. Christie and Kevin are the co-owners and all instructors who work with us have been trained by one of us. This way. we can be sure they are all working to the high standards we expect!
Christie Palfrey
Areas Covered – Exeter, Cranbrook, Whimple
My name is Christie and I love my job. After 9 years of working in an office for someone else, I decided it was time for a change. I had always wanted to be a teacher but the thought of standing up in front of 30 children terrified me! Members of my family suggested I could be a driving instructor as I could use my enjoyment of teaching but on a one to one basis. I researched the job and took the chance. I completed my qualifications one by one and after 8 months I qualified as a driving instructor. I bought my own car and went into partnership with Kevin. The freedom I enjoy now from working for myself and to my schedule is so much more enjoyable. The risks taken by leaving employment and taking on the studying, whilst hard at the time, are proving to be very beneficial and I would not look back. I love seeing the student’s car and road awareness improve to develop safe and controlled drivers and it’s very rewarding when one passes their driving test at the end of it.
I am an ORDIT registered Grade A instructor trainer.
Kevin Sellwood
Areas Covered – Honiton, Feniton & Ottery St. Mary.
Hi, I am Kevin, one of the partners (with Christie) at Training Wheelz. I have been an ADI since 2007. Previously I had been a secondary school teacher in a number of schools in West London and Devon. I thoroughly enjoy my work, especially having the freedom to work the days and hours I want to – I no longer have to be constrained to taking holidays during the school holidays ! I have consistently looked to further my experience and qualifications as an instructor. I have been an ORDIT (Official Register of Driving Instructor Training) for several years. Christie and I went in to partnership in September 2014 and we have seen the business grow and we are looking to expand further in the coming years.
Bev Perks
Areas Covered – Bridgwater and Taunton
Hi I’m Bev, I worked in an office environment as a receptionist for many years which I enjoyed very much. However, I got to the point where I thought it was time to learn something new and have a new challenge. so I spoke to Christie (my daughter) a lot about becoming a driving instructor and I decided to take the plunge. I hadn’t studied since school so I felt apprehensive. I studied and had training with Kevin, my trainer, who must have lots of patience! He showed me how to coach and how to teach driving safely. I enjoyed the training sessions and I soon realised that I could do it.
It is such a rewarding job one which I am glad I have decided to do.
I enjoy meeting people. I am patient and calm which is important to a pupil to help them develop into a confident driver and to enjoy years of safe driving.
Carrie Barker
Areas Covered – Exeter and Cullompton
My career to date has been very people focused, with the last 7 years being in learning and development, supporting apprenticeships. I enjoy helping and supporting people and have a love for driving. With a daughter approaching driving age, I realised that I would like to help her learn how to drive safely on the roads. Along with wanting to move away from the office environment, this sparked my interest to become a driving instructor. After doing my homework, I started studying earlier this year with some great support from Training Wheelz. Working full-time, managing a home and a family, the training has been flexible to allow me to gain the experience I need to be out teaching. To date I have had great satisfaction from teaching driving skills and I can’t wait to start seeing my pupils pass their driving tests in the future.
I am so delighted now to have passed and become a fully quallified Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)!
Vicki Henwood
Areas Covered – Honiton, Feniton, Ottery St. Mary
Hello! My name is Vicki.
Before starting my journey to become a driving instructor, I worked as a quality controller for a small local company for nearly 17 years. I was able to work from home which enabled me to bring up my three lovely children.
I am a member of the Honiton Running club and completed my first half marathon in 2022. I also play Netball for the local team where we compete in the local league.
A change in career was exactly what I needed. I love being out and about and meeting new people. My favourite part about the job is seeing my students progress and grow in confidence.
Claire Cross
Areas Covered – Cranbrook, Ottery St. Mary, Whimple
Jason Garnett
Areas Covered – Exeter, Exmouth, Cranbrook
Barry Austin
Areas Covered – Exeter, Cranbrook, Honiton
I have been a Professional golfer for over 30 years and worked at a few local Golf Clubs the last of which was Downes Crediton Golf Club. Amongst other things part of my roll was delivering coaching for golf whether that be individual adult female/male coaching, junior group coaching or National initiatives run at golf clubs such ‘Get into Golf’ or ‘Girls Golf Rocks’.
Kim Barnett
Areas Covered – Ottery St Mary, Honiton, Sidmouth
Mehran Dehnavi AUTOMATIC LESSONS
Areas Covered – Exeter, Cranbrook, Honiton
Jacqui Davis
Areas Covered – Crediton, Exeter
Kate de Bass
Areas Covered – Exeter