ABOUT US

A driving school built on more than passes

Christie and Kevin started Training Wheelz in 2014. Christie had just qualified as a driving instructor. Kevin had been teaching since 2007, first as a Science teacher in London and Devon, then as a driving instructor.

In a way, their story is the best example of what Training Wheelz can do. Kevin was already training instructors. Christie was one of his trainees. Now they run the school together.

Both of them have invested in additional training specific to training driving instructors, going further than most providers ever do. That commitment shows in the quality of the people they have helped to qualify.

They started Training Wheelz because they believe that learning to drive, or training to teach, should be about more than ticking boxes. It should build confidence, reduce anxiety, and give people something real.

What you can expect

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ORDIT registered owners: Christie and Kevin are DVSA assessed to train instructors.

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Kevin holds a BTEC Level 4 in Coaching for Driver Development and a Gold-level RoSPA award.

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All instructors are encouraged to take part in regular CPD.

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Manual and automatic lessons in most areas.

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Male and female instructors available across most areas.

Rob Stone

Seaton, Axminster, Lyme Regis, Honiton.

Automatic

Hi, I’m Rob, a trainee driving instructor with a real passion for helping people become safer, confident drivers for life… not just people who can scrape through a test.

I teach automatic lessons and believe learning to drive should feel supportive, relaxed, and actually enjoyable. I’m big on client-centred coaching, which basically means lessons are built around you, your goals, and the way you learn best, not just me talking at you for two hours.

I’ve completed advanced driver training including a Gold pass with RoSPA, and I’m always investing in CPD and modern coaching techniques to keep improving what I offer my pupils. I’m a strong believer that good driving is about awareness, judgement, attitude, and confidence, not memorising routes.

Outside of driving instruction, I also run a busy restaurant, so I know a thing or two about patience, people skills, staying calm under pressure… and the importance of coffee.

My lessons are friendly, calm, and realistic, with plenty of laughs along the way. No shouting, no old-school ego, and definitely no “because I said so” teaching. Just honest support, real-world driving, and helping you become the safest, most confident version of yourself behind the wheel.

And yes… I may occasionally bribe pupils with drive-thru coffee stops if they nail a lesson.

Susie Stone

Seaton, Axminster, Lyme Regis, Honiton.

Manual

Hi, I’m Susie, a friendly and supportive trainee driving instructor, proud mum of two, and someone who loves travelling and exploring new places.

I decided to become a driving instructor after helping my daughter learn to drive and seeing the confidence and independence it gave her. That experience inspired me to help others achieve the same feeling.

I love helping people grow in confidence behind the wheel and making lessons feel relaxed, comfortable, and enjoyable. Everyone learns differently, so I always try to work at your pace and make driving feel less stressful and more achievable.

Barry Austin

Cranbrook, Exeter, Feniton & Honiton

Manual

Helping people learn, improve and achieve their goals has been at the heart of my career for many years. As both a fully qualified driving instructor and PGA golf professional, I’ve spent years coaching people of all ages and abilities, developing confidence, skills and self-belief every step of the way.

I know that learning to drive can feel exciting, daunting, and everything in between. That’s why I focus on creating a calm, friendly and supportive environment where you can learn at your own pace and build confidence with every lesson.

My goal isn’t just to help you pass your driving test, it’s to help you become a safe, confident driver for life. Learning to drive opens up so many opportunities, from work and education to travel and independence, and I take great pride in helping my students reach that milestone.

I’m known for my patient approach, clear coaching style and ability to put learners at ease, even when nerves kick in. Nothing beats seeing a student grow in confidence and achieve that well-earned pass.

When I’m not in the driver’s seat, you’ll usually find me on the golf course, walking the dog, cheering on West Ham, or supporting my son play football.

I look forward to meeting you and helping you gain the skills, confidence and freedom that come with becoming a safe and successful driver.

Jason Garnett

Cranbrook, Exeter, Exmouth

Manual

Hi, I’m Jason and I am a driving instructor with Training Wheelz. After working in an office for 20 years I became a driving instructor after teaching my own sons to drive. I really enjoy teaching people to drive, seeing how they progress and the joy when someone passes their driving test. I cover Exeter, Cranbrook and Ottery St Mary but will consider other areas too. So if you want to learn to drive get and come and learn to drive with Training Wheelz.

Bev Perks

Bridgwater and Taunton

Manual

Hello, my name is Bev I had worked in Admin for many years but I decided I wanted to learn and challenge myself . I began my training with Kevin at Training Wheelz and I am so glad I did.

I qualified as an ADI in 2017 and am enjoying being part of the Training Wheelz team

When I am not working I enjoy keeping fit , going to the cinema and spending time with my family.

Christie Palfrey

Cranbrook and Exeter

Manual

My name is Christie and I am one of the two partners at Training Wheelz. I have been an instructor now for 10 years and still love watching a pupil develop from often minimal experience to someone who is confident and able on the road.

I have a love of music, film, dogs and fitness so these things will often be discussed in lessons - especially if a golden retriever walks by (my retriever Ralph may on the odd occasion feature in the boot but he’s good as gold)

A bit of background on me I have a degree in Music Management and an obsession with music so all my pupils are used to music in the background as a staple in lessons. After that I worked as a data analyst for 9 years before jumping into self employment as an instructor. I considered teaching for a while but the thought of standing up in front of 30 children terrified me! After research and a love of driving everything pointed to being a driving instructor.

So here I am today, partnered with Kevin and a grade A, ORDIT trained instructor. I not only help learner drivers gain their full license, but I also train others who are looking to qualify as an instructor or need some extra help getting through their routine tests once qualified

Any one who learns with myself or any of our team can expect a friendly, calm manner where we encourage exploration of ideas and knowledge, led by the pupil but guided by our vast knowledge. We work on a coaching basis, helping the pupil to develop the skills to drive but also the skills to be a safe and confident driver in the ‘real world’ after they have passed their test

Kevin Sellwood

Honiton, Feniton & Ottery St. Mary.

Manual

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 have been an ORDIT registered instructor trainer (Official Register of Driving Instructor Training) for several years. I am a firm believer in promoting continued professional development among our team of instructors so I make sure I take a lead role in this myself. None of us knows everything!

Learning to drive involves much more than being able to control car. Beliefs, thoughts, emotions all have an impact on how we drive and, as a team, we look beyond the test, promoting the idea of safe, independent, thinking drivers rather than just wanting to pass the nets.

I train people who want to become driving instructors and a lot of my time is taken up Wirth helping trainee instructors who have received sub-standard training elsewhere.

Vicki Henwood

Honiton, Feniton, Ottery St. Mary

Manual

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.

Mehran Dehnavi

Cranbrook and Exeter

Manual

Hello my name is Mehran. After more than 10 years in retail and hospitality management, I decided to follow my passion for teaching and helping others by becoming a driving instructor. I genuinely enjoy helping learners build the skills, confidence, and awareness they need to drive safely and independently.

Being a driving instructor allows me to combine my love of teaching with the flexibility to spend valuable time with my family. I take pride in creating a calm, supportive learning environment where students can progress at their own pace and feel confident behind the wheel.

In my spare time, I enjoy going to the gym and following Greco-Roman wrestling, a sport I competed in for many years. The discipline, patience, and commitment I gained through wrestling continue to influence both my personal life and my approach to teaching.

ABOUT US

What you can expect

Rob Stone

Susie Stone

Barry Austin

Jason Garnett

Bev Perks

Christie Palfrey

Kevin Sellwood

Vicki Henwood

Mehran Dehnavi

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