Simon Harrison – Automatic Driving Instructor in Loughborough

Director of 4Front Driving School | Approved Driving Instructor | Qualified Teacher

Hi, I'm Simon Harrison, Director of 4Front Driving School and a qualified Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) based in Loughborough.

I specialise in automatic driving lessons, helping learners develop the knowledge, skills, confidence and judgement they need to become safe and independent drivers.

My approach is influenced by my background as a qualified teacher, my experience as an ADI since 2016, my Level 2 Counselling Skills and my continuing work developing educational resources for both learner drivers and professional driving instructors.

I don't believe that every learner should be taught in exactly the same way.

People learn differently, and good instruction should recognise that.

For me, learning to drive isn't simply about getting through a driving test.

It's about learning to drive.

A Qualified Teacher and Approved Driving Instructor

Before becoming a driving instructor, I trained and worked as a teacher.

That experience continues to influence the way I teach today.

Teaching isn't simply about giving someone instructions and expecting them to follow them. It's about helping someone understand, practise, reflect and gradually become more independent.

As an Approved Driving Instructor, I combine professional driving instruction with a teaching and coaching approach that encourages learners to understand what they are doing, why they are doing it and how their decisions affect safety.

My Qualifications & Experience

• Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) – since 2016

• PGCE – Teacher Qualification

• BA Hons Degree

• Level 2 Counselling Skills

• Director of 4Front Driving School

These different areas of experience have helped shape the way I work with learners.

Understanding the Person Behind the Learner

Learning to drive isn't just about what happens on the road.

Every learner brings their own experiences, personality, confidence, worries, expectations and way of learning into the car.

My Level 2 Counselling Skills have helped me develop my listening and communication skills and a greater understanding of the factors that can influence how someone responds to challenges.

I'm not a therapist, and counselling isn't something I provide as part of a driving lesson.

However, counselling skills can be extremely valuable when working with people.

Sometimes a learner doesn't need more instructions.

They need someone to listen.

Sometimes a learner who appears to be struggling with a particular driving task may actually be dealing with confidence, frustration, information overload or simply a fear of getting something wrong.

Taking the time to understand the person can help me understand the learner.

That is an important part of my approach to driving instruction.

Why I Believe Learning to Drive Is About More Than Passing

Passing your driving test is an important milestone.

But once you've passed, your instructor won't be sitting beside you telling you when to check your mirrors, what speed to choose or which gap to take.

You'll have to make those decisions yourself.

That's why my lessons focus on developing the thinking behind your driving as well as the practical skills.

I want learners to gradually move from:

"Tell me what to do."

to:

"I know what I need to do, and I understand why."

That transition is an important part of becoming an independent driver.

The 4Front Approach

At 4Front Driving School, we believe learners should be actively involved in their own development.

Rather than simply telling you everything you need to know, I'll often ask questions that encourage you to think about what's happening around you.

For example:

What can you see?

What might happen next?

What options do you have?

Which option would be safest?

What could you do differently next time?

The purpose isn't to catch you out.

It's to help you develop the ability to think for yourself — something you'll need every time you drive after passing your test.

This approach is closely connected to the principles of client-centred learning and coaching that I also explore in my work with driving instructors.

Automatic Driving Lessons in Loughborough

I provide automatic driving lessons in Loughborough and surrounding areas.

Learning in an automatic can allow you to concentrate more of your attention on the road environment because you don't have to manage a clutch or manually change gears.

However, automatic driving is about much more than operating the car.

You still need to develop:

• Effective observation

• Planning

• Hazard awareness

• Appropriate speed

• Safe positioning

• Anticipation

• Decision-making

• Risk management

• Independent driving

These are the skills that help you become a safe driver.

[Find out more about Automatic Driving Lessons →]

Learning at Your Own Pace

There is no single correct way to learn to drive.

Some learners quickly become comfortable behind the wheel.

Others need more time, repetition or explanation before they feel confident.

My role is to identify where you are now and help you progress from there.

That might mean breaking a skill into smaller steps, approaching a situation differently or simply giving you the opportunity to practise until it becomes more natural.

The aim is to challenge you without overwhelming you.

Supporting Different Learners

I recognise that learners don't all learn in the same way.

Communication, confidence, concentration, processing information and previous experiences can all influence how someone learns.

That's why I take an adaptable approach to teaching.

Where appropriate, I can adjust explanations, questioning, lesson structure and the pace of learning to help the individual learner get the most from their lessons.

For me:

The learner comes before the lesson plan.

Supporting Neurodiverse and SEND Learners

Over the years, I've developed a particular interest in supporting learners who may find traditional approaches to learning difficult.

I've created resources specifically around autism, ADHD, SEND and driving, with the aim of helping learners, families and instructors better understand some of the challenges that can arise during the journey towards driving.

Neurodiversity doesn't mean someone can't learn to drive.

It may mean that the way information is presented, practised or processed needs to be considered differently.

My approach is not about putting learners into boxes.

It's about understanding the individual learner and identifying what helps them learn most effectively.

I've also developed professional resources to help ADIs and PDIs improve their understanding of autism and SEND within driver training.

Building Confidence Through Experience

Confidence isn't something an instructor can simply give you.

It develops as your ability develops.

That's why I encourage learners to experience situations, make decisions, reflect on what happened and gradually take more responsibility for their driving.

Making a mistake doesn't automatically mean you've failed.

A mistake can become a valuable learning opportunity when you understand what happened and what you could do differently next time.

The aim is to build real confidence based on competence, rather than simply telling you that you're ready.

What Is a Lesson With Simon Like?

Every lesson is different because every learner is different.

You can expect:

• A calm and supportive learning environment

• Automatic driving instruction tailored to your needs

• Clear explanations

• Questions that encourage you to think

• Constructive feedback

• Opportunities to reflect on your driving

• Progressive development of independence

• Preparation for driving beyond the test

I want you to feel comfortable asking questions and talking about anything you're finding difficult.

There is no benefit in pretending you understand something when you don't.

More Than Just Driving Instruction

My work with learners doesn't stop when the lesson ends.

I've developed a growing library of learning resources, books and digital products designed to help learners continue learning between lessons and to support driving instructors in their own professional development.

I believe good educational resources should make complicated subjects easier to understand.

Resources for Learner Drivers

I've created resources to help learners with areas such as:

• Learning to drive

• Automatic driving

• Theory test preparation

• Driving test preparation

• Driving test anxiety

• Neurodiversity and driving

• Autism and learning to drive

• SEND learners

• Understanding driving examiners

• Developing independent driving skills

For example, I've written resources including Autism – The Road to Driving and Theory Test Success for Autistic and SEND Learners, designed to provide additional support for learners who may find conventional resources difficult to use.

I also created resources such as the Cockpit Drill guide to allow learners to revisit important information between lessons rather than relying entirely on what they remember from the car.

Resources for ADIs and PDIs

My work also extends into professional development for driving instructors.

As an ADI, I've developed resources for Potential Driving Instructors (PDIs) and Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) covering areas including:

• Client-centred learning

• Coaching

• Lesson planning

• Reflective practice

• The National Standard for Driver and Rider Training

• ADI Part 3 preparation

• Standards Check development

• Autism and SEND

• Teaching diagrams and visual resources

• Developing effective questions

• Learner independence

One example is the ADI Lesson Companion Diagram eBook, designed to help instructors use visual explanations during lessons and support PDIs preparing for Part 3 or Standards Checks.

I've also developed an ADI Part 3 Curriculum & Lesson Plan Manual designed around structured, client-centred lesson development.

Developing Professional Training for Driving Instructors

I've also developed CPD and training resources for instructors.

One area I've particularly focused on is helping instructors understand autism and SEND and how teaching can be adapted without lowering the standard expected of the learner.

My approach is based around a simple principle:

Understand the learner.
Adapt the teaching.
Maintain the standard.
Build independence.

This work forms part of my wider interest in developing better, more accessible and more effective driver training.

Writing About Driving, Learning and Professional Development

I've also taken my experience as a teacher and ADI into writing and publishing.

My resources cover different aspects of driving and learning, including:

Autism – The Road to Driving
A supportive guide for autistic and SEND learners.

Theory Test Success for Autistic and SEND Learners
A resource designed to make theory test preparation more accessible.

Behind The Mind of a Driving Examiner
Exploring the thinking and decision-making involved in the practical driving test.

Understanding The National Standard for Driver and Rider Training
A practical resource designed to help ADIs and PDIs understand and apply the National Standards.

These resources reflect something that is central to my approach:

If something can be explained more clearly, it should be.

Learning Doesn't Stop When the Lesson Ends

I don't believe everything has to be taught and remembered during the hour in the car.

Learning takes place before, during and after a lesson.

That's why I encourage learners to think about their driving between lessons.

What did you learn?

What went well?

What didn't go so well?

What would you do differently?

What questions do you still have?

Reflection can turn individual driving experiences into lasting learning.

And that is one of the reasons I've developed resources that learners can use away from the car.

My Work With Driving Instructors

My interest in education also extends beyond learner drivers.

I believe professional development shouldn't stop when someone passes their ADI tests.

Driving instructors, just like learners, should continue to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding.

My resources for ADIs and PDIs are designed to help instructors explore areas such as coaching, client-centred learning, the National Standards, lesson planning and adapting instruction to individual learners.

My aim is not to tell instructors there is only one way to teach.

It's to encourage instructors to think about why they teach the way they do and whether their approach genuinely helps their learners develop.

Why Choose Simon?

Choosing a driving instructor is about more than finding someone who can teach you how to control a car.

You may choose to learn with me because you're looking for:

A Qualified ADI

Professional automatic driving instruction from an Approved Driving Instructor with experience since 2016.

A Qualified Teacher

A teaching background that influences the way I explain, structure and adapt learning.

Counselling Skills

Level 2 Counselling Skills that have strengthened my listening, communication and understanding of people.

A Coaching Approach

Lessons that encourage you to think, question, reflect and gradually take responsibility for your own driving.

Experience With Different Learners

An adaptable approach that recognises that people learn and process information differently.

An Automatic Driving Specialist

Focused on helping learners become confident and capable automatic drivers.

A Resource Creator

I've developed educational resources for learners, including resources around neurodiversity, theory tests, driving anxiety and independent driving.

An ADI and PDI Resource Developer

I've created professional resources for ADIs and PDIs covering coaching, client-centred learning, lesson planning, the National Standards, autism and SEND.

An Author and Educator

I've written and developed books, guides and digital resources covering driving, learning, neurodiversity, theory tests, driving examiners and professional driving instruction.

A Learner-Centred Approach

I don't believe in teaching everyone in exactly the same way.

The learner comes before the lesson plan.

Explore Simon's Resources

If you're interested in the resources I've developed, you can explore the 4Front Driving School Online Shop, including learner and instructor resources.

Learner resources can help you continue learning between lessons.

ADI and PDI resources are designed to support professional development, lesson planning and client-centred instruction.

[Visit the 4Front Online Shop →]

Read the 4Front Driving School Blog

I regularly write articles covering driving, learning, road safety, automatic driving, neurodiversity and professional development.

The blog is designed to provide useful information rather than simply sell driving lessons.

Recent topics include ADHD and learning to drive, driving test decision-making, speed management and resources for driving instructors.

[Visit the 4Front Blog →]

Driving Lessons in Loughborough

I provide automatic driving lessons in Loughborough and surrounding areas.

Lessons can cover a variety of road and traffic environments, allowing you to develop your skills progressively.

As your ability develops, we'll work towards you becoming increasingly comfortable dealing with unfamiliar situations.

Because after you pass your test, the roads won't always be familiar.

Ready to Start Learning?

If you're looking for automatic driving lessons in Loughborough and want an instructor who will help you understand your driving rather than simply tell you what to do, I'd be happy to help.

Book Automatic Driving Lessons

Contact 4Front Driving School

Or visit Meet the 4Front Team to find out more about our instructors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Simon a qualified driving instructor?

Yes. Simon is a qualified Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) and Director of 4Front Driving School.

How long has Simon been an ADI?

Simon has been an Approved Driving Instructor since 2016.

Does Simon teach automatic driving?

Yes. Simon provides automatic driving lessons in Loughborough and surrounding areas.

Does Simon teach manual driving?

No. Simon specialises in automatic driving lessons.

Does Simon teach nervous learners?

Simon takes an individualised approach to learning and recognises that some learners need additional time and support to develop confidence.

Does Simon have experience supporting neurodiverse learners?

Yes. Simon has developed resources and professional training material relating to autism, ADHD, SEND and driving.

Does Simon have counselling qualifications?

Simon holds a Level 2 Counselling Skills qualification. These skills support his approach to listening and communication with learners, but he does not provide counselling as part of driving lessons.

Does Simon have a teaching qualification?

Yes. Simon holds a PGCE teaching qualification and has a background in education.

Does Simon create resources for learners?

Yes. Simon has developed books, guides and digital resources covering areas including automatic driving, theory test preparation, driving anxiety, neurodiversity and independent driving.

Does Simon create resources for driving instructors?

Yes. Simon develops resources for ADIs and PDIs covering areas such as client-centred learning, coaching, lesson planning, the National Standards, autism and SEND.

Where does Simon provide driving lessons?

Simon is based in Loughborough and provides automatic driving lessons in Loughborough and appropriate surrounding areas.

Is learning with Simon just about passing the test?

No. While practical test preparation is an important part of learning, Simon's wider aim is to help learners develop the knowledge, judgement and independence needed for driving after the test.