Noun
“In coaching, the coach is fundamentally helping the individual to improve their own performance, in other words, helping them to learn. Good coaches always believe the person has the answer to their problems but understands that they may need help to find the answer”
Established in 2003, Valley School of Motoring has a reputation for facilitating learning and delivering professional driving tuition.
Our aim is not only to provide you with the skills needed to pass your driving test but also to teach you how to handle a car safely. It is our number one priority to equip you with the skills and experience needed for a lifetime of safe driving.
Based in Ystradgynlais, we are well known throughout Brecon, Swansea, Neath and the surrounding valleys for the high quality driving tuition we provide.
Since 2018 Valley School of Motoring has grown from being a single instructor (Hugh Davies) to having multiple male & female Instructors teaching under the Valley banner.
All Valley School of Motoring Instructors have attended a FAA Level 3 Award in principles of Safeguarding and Protecting children, young people or vulnerable adults (RQC) provided by NUCO Training.
Hugh is an experienced and enthusiastic Grade A, Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) as well as a Fleet Driver Trainer. He has been a qualified ADI since 2003, which is when he founded Valley School of Motoring.
Hugh delivers driver training from complete beginner stage right up to advance and professional driver level. In addition, he achieved a Gold standard ROSPA’s Advanced Driving Test and is a National Observer for the Institute of Advance Motorists for South Wales.
Hugh strongly believes in continuing his professional development and has completed multiple training courses to enhance his qualifications and improve his teaching and coaching skills. He also regularly attends local and national Instructor and advanced driver meetings.
His most recent academic achievement is the BTEC Level 4 Professional Award in Coaching for Driver Development. This incorporates coaching techniques which enhances client centred learning practices.
In addition to learner driver’s instruction Hugh also offers Fleet and Instructor training - you can find out more on the Instructor services page here.
Hugh has also completed the Driving Test Nerves Specialist course provide L of a Way 2 Pass.
The areas Hugh covers are: For bespoke training Hugh covers South & Mid Wales. For learner driver tuition the areas covered are Ystradgynlais, Swansea, Neath and the surrounding areas.
Kate has extensive experience working with young adults through return to work and school schemes, where she amassed great social and communication skills. She, like Hugh, also believes the key to all learning and progression is client centred.
Kate was trained by her husband Hugh, using the Tri-Coaching Instructor Training (TCIT) course and qualified in September 2018. She was later awarded a Grade A in her initial Standard’s Check test in August 2019.
She also appreciates the importance of Continued Professional Development (CPD) as does Hugh. They both strive to learn to be better drivers and Instructors on a daily basis.
Kate has also completed the Driving Test Nerves Specialist course provided by L of a Way 2 Pass.
The areas Kate covers are: Ystradgynlais, Swansea, Neath and the surrounding areas.
Byron is proud of 35 year long career in the motor industry. After leaving school and completing his apprenticeship he enjoyed the early years of his career in the merchant navy as a marine engineer.
He then went on to obtain a class 1 HGV licence, which he has held for over 25 years and has covered millions of miles travelling throughout the UK and Ireland. Alongside his professional driving career he has spent much of the last 20 years successfully coaching his own children in different types of motor sports.
Byron is coming to the role of a driving instructor with a renewed sense of enthusiasm for life on the road and is looking forward to his new career as a driving instructor. Helping pupils achieve their dream of becoming independent through client centred learning and teaching lifelong safe driving skills.
The areas Byron covers are: Ammanford, Amman Valley, Swansea, Morriston, Skewen, Birchgrove, Neath and the surrounding areas.
After a 30-year career in the manufacturing Industry, Andy decided to embark on a career change and pursue his passion for driving.
He was supported and mentored by Hugh as he prepared for his Part 3 section of the qualification and has been a qualified ADI since February 2022.
However, he is not willing to rest on his laurels and is keen to pursue his continued professional development within the industry.
Andy believes that driving is for everyone and is keen to continue supporting his pupils through client centred learning and teaching methods, ensuring that he gets the very best out of every student.
Andrew has also completed the Driving Test Nerves Specialist course provided by L of a Way 2 Pass.
The areas Andrew covers are: Ystrad Mynach, Blackwood, Nelson, Lower Machan, Tonteg, Church Village, Caerphilly, Pontypridd,Whitchurch, Roath, North Cardiff and surrounding areas.
Richard joins the team as the only current Instructor teaching in an all electric automatic car. Coming full circle, his interest in everything on four wheels began early in life when his dad first introduced him to radio controlled model racing.
Motorised hobbies continued to be prevalent in Richard’s life including off road motorcycling but when he learned to drive, his focus turned to full size vehicles, especially rallying. Richard’s working life began as an apprentice in the manufacturing industry with British Leyland and then Land Rover, his career continued as a mechanic and then as an MOT Inspector.
The majority of Richard’s career has been spent in the aircraft industry, overhauling aircraft engines of numerous types. Spanning 28 years, this period helped Richard realise he enjoyed teaching/coaching apprentices, as they began their career which evoked a great sense of motivation and achievement.
This passion for teaching and coaching continues with wanting to encourage new drivers to create a safe, courteous and knowledgeable driving mindset. This is underpinned by all the knowledge and experience he’s gained in previous facets of his working life.
The areas Richard covers are: Aberdare, Hirwaun, Merthyr Tydfil and the surrounding areas.
Ben joins the team after over 20 years of experience in the banking and retail industries.
Where he interacted and was of service to all facets of society and developed his understanding and skill set surrounding a client centred approach to communicating. He is excited to transfer these skills to driving instructing and enabling people to become competent, confident and courteous drivers.
Ben was trained by Hugh who has 20 years of instructing experience with special focus on developing the client centred approach to driver training.
The areas Ben covers are: Bridgend, Llantrisant, Cowbridge, Llantwit Major, Barry and the surrounding areas.
Diana joins the team after transitioning from an elderly care career where she has thoroughly enjoyed the relationship aspect of her roles. This is reinforced by the great rewards she has taken in running a youth club where she encouraged and empowered young individuals to continue with their studies and work.
Throughout her life Diana has continually sought regular training and updating of skills have always been an important part of the job for her.
She is now looking forward to taking the next step on her driving journey as she work towards her Part 3 and is keen to start supporting her own pupils to acquire the skills and knowledge that they need to achieve for safe driving for life.
The areas Diana covers are: Aberystwyth and the surrounding areas.
