The UK’s Home for Automatic & EV Learner Drivers

Welcome to The Driving Mentor Blog

Honest, practical articles for automatic and EV learner drivers across the UK — written by Wayne Smith, a working DVSA approved instructor.

You’ll find guidance on everything from theory test preparation and building confidence behind the wheel, to test day advice, road safety, and life beyond the test. Everything here comes from real experience on real roads — not textbook theory.

Browse by category, or start with whatever feels most relevant to where you are right now.

  • Driving lesson nerves affect almost every learner driver. Some feel them before every single lesson. Many assume it means something is wrong with them — that they’re not cut out for this, that everyone else finds it easier, that the nerves will never go away. I want to tell you something different. Driving lesson nerves…

  • Theory test pass rates tell a sobering story. Only 47.7% of learner drivers pass their car theory test first time. However, for PDIs attempting the ADI Part 1, the pass rate drops to just 37%. These aren’t easy tests. Moreover, the right theory test resources UK can dramatically improve your chances of first-time success. I’ve…

  • As a driving mentor with nearly a decade of experience, I have to say – it’s about time. The UK government’s new Road Safety Strategy is not just welcome, it’s long overdue. After more than ten years without a comprehensive plan, we finally have a roadmap that could genuinely make our roads safer for everyone.…

  • Blog 1 of 10: Your Complete Guide to Learning to Drive an Automatic Car This comprehensive guide has been developed by WS Driving School, drawing on years of experience helping learners across the UK achieve their driving goals. Automatic driving lessons are the most popular choice for UK learner drivers in 2026. Whether you’re a…

  • At The Driving Mentor, road safety education isn’t just important to us. Instead, it’s the foundation of everything we teach. Every lesson, every conversation, every moment behind the wheel follows one unwavering principle in road safety education. We focus on keeping you and others safe on the road. Therefore, when I received an invitation from…