About

About image
My name is Samantha Nicholson and if you would like to learn to drive with an approved DVSA driving instructor, who is friendly, client-centred and with a wealth of teaching experience, I am the instructor for you.

I have been a teacher for twenty three years in local schools and now work full-time as a driving instructor in Weston-super-Mare. I have supported learners in their quest for safe driving and to pass their driving test. I have experience in working with people of all ages and abilities who want to learn to drive. I can ably support learners with additional needs such as: dyspraxia, dyslexia, ADHD, autism and anxiety.

When teaching a client to drive, I always develop an excellent rapport through my friendly and supportive approach. This is essential to building a trusting partnership where clients feel comfortable to express their thoughts, feelings and ideas whilst developing the knowledge and skills they need to become safe drivers for life.

If you would like to discuss your own, or your child’s driving needs, please contact me so that we can plan the best way forward to a successful outcome.


Services

Manual Driving Lessons

Manual driving lessons offered for: * Anyone aged 17 years and over *Anyone who is particularly nervous and would like to develop their confidence when driving * Those with additional needs, including (but not limited to): Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, ASD and anxiety.

Motorway Lessons

For learners or full licence holders who would like to feel more confident about motorway driving. A series of three lessons (one hour each) focusing on the key skills you need to keep safe and be confident on the motorway.

Refresher Course

For full licence holders who perhaps have not driven for a while and would like to increase their confidence. A refresher course in the knowledge and skills needed for safe and confident driving.

PassPlus Scheme

The DVSA PassPlus Scheme is for people who have passed their driving test but would like to enhance their driving skills. The programme includes developing a range of driving skills, for example, driving on different types of roads from motorways to rural roads and in different weather conditions.

Lesson Prices

Lesson Prices image
  • 1 hour lesson : £40

  • 1 hour 30 minutes lesson: £60

  • 2 hour lesson: £80

  • A block of 10 hours: £380


  • A block of 10 LESSONS (15 hours): £570

  • 6 hours Pass Plus Scheme: £240

  • 1 hour motorway lessons:  £40

    Lessons can be paid for by bank transfer, 24 hours before the lesson. Gift vouchers can also be purchased.





Contact

Testimonials

     

 I came to Sam when I had failed my driving test twice. I needed to develop my confidence again and she helped me do this with 5 hours of lessons. She is always so calm and kind with a great sense of humour too. I can’t thank her enough for helping me improve my driving and to believe I could finally pass my test. Thank you! 

Jack
     

 Sam took on driving tuition for my daughter after a difficult few months of interrupted lessons. My daughter's confidence had taken a knock but Sam as a patient and caring instructor, putting my daughter at ease and her intuitive approach was just what my daughter needed to get her test ready. I will always recommend Sam as an understanding and effective instructor. (Our other daughter has already requested her for 12 months time!) 

Angela
  

TERMS & CONDITIONS

 


Lessons and Tests:
  • You must inform me if there is any reason why you cannot drive safely or legally. This includes the loss of your valid driving licence, and also includes but is not limited to, being under the influence of drink or drugs, including prescribed medication that may affect your ability to drive.
  • Please ensure that you are medically fit to drive. If you have any medical condition and you are not sure if your ability to drive is affected, please speak with your doctor and the DVLA to report any notifiable medical condition.
  • You must be able to read a number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres.
  • I reserve the right to refuse to take you to your driving test if you haven't told me when your driving test is and therefore are unavailable, if you haven't moved your driving test date when advised or if they believe you are not up to test standard and therefore unsafe to be driving their tuition car by yourself on test. I will discuss this within plenty of time and the options available to you.
  • Some learners prefer to do lessons in their own car. This is ok, however you must ensure your car is roadworthy, taxed, has a valid MOT, and is insured for you to drive. Please check your insurance allows an instructor to supervise you in your car. Some insurances will not allow instructors to supervise, or they may have a minimum age limit for the supervising driver. This is your responsibility to check, as if you were to be stopped by the police without an appropriate supervising driver, you may find your insurance invalid and/or you receiving points on your driving licence for driving without the correct supervision. I will do my best to prevent any accidents or damage to your car, however ultimately you are responsible for your car. If you are planning on doing your driving test in your own car, please check your insurance covers this - some don't.

 Cancellations & Punctuality
  • If you cancel your lesson with less than 24 hours’ notice, you will be liable for the cost of your lesson.  
  • If you do not arrive for your lesson or contact me within 15 minutes of the time of the start of the lesson, your lesson will be cancelled and charged as above.
  • If you are late for your lesson, your lesson time will be reduced as I cannot be late for my next lesson. You will still be charged the full price of the lesson, as this is considered 'cancelling' part of your lesson with less than 24 hours’ notice.
  • If I am late to your lesson due to unforeseen circumstances, you will still receive the full lesson time.
  • If I have to cancel your lesson, I will rearrange your lesson for the next available, mutually convenient, date and time.
  • If you cancel two or more lessons on consecutive weeks, it is possible that your driving slot will be given to another person on my waiting list.
  • If I feel your behaviour or attitude whilst driving is threatening, dangerous, or compromises safety, I reserve the right to cancel the lesson in progress and any future lessons.
 

Payment & Refunds
  • Your hourly lesson rate & 10 hour block booking rate is as agreed at the time of booking.
  • I accept payments in the form of cash, bank transfer or gift voucher.
  • Payments must be made before the lesson starts. 
  • Block booking payments must be paid for in advance of the first lesson.
  • I cannot issue a refund for any lessons already taken. If you are dissatisfied for any reason, please let me know.
  • If you have paid for a block booking and wish to discontinue lessons for any reason, I can refund the remaining hours at the hourly price that you paid for them.

    Accidents & The Law
  • I will make every effort to avoid damage and accidents, and we do anticipate that accidents may happen as you are learning to drive, however if I believe you were driving in a dangerous manner or ignoring instructions and actual damage is caused to the tuition car, you may be expected to contribute towards the repairs cost (i.e. tyres).
  • I will make every effort to avoid you breaking the law or committing any traffic offences – you are under close supervision during every lesson and I may use verbal or physical control such as giving verbal instruction, taking the steering wheel or using the dual control pedals where necessary to avoid dangerous situations or accidents. However, responsibility for any laws broken whilst driving lie with the individual driving – this includes: speeding, traffic offences, or regulations.  Fines or penalties are legally the sole responsibility of the driver. It is an offence for an instructor to fail to give the driver’s details to the police when asked to provide information as to who was driving at the time of an offence. It is important that you are aware of your legal responsibilities as a driver. If you have any queries, please ask.
  • I have Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance.
Data Protection
  • In line with the GDPR, by taking driving lessons with me,  you automatically consent and agree to me holding your personal information, such as:
- Name, address, contact information, and date of birth
- Driving licence number
- Records of driving progress
- Medical conditions that affect your ability to drive
- Driving test information
- Pictures taken during driving lessons or upon passing your test (with your permission)
- Receipts of payments
  • I hold your information in line with the Data Protection Act 1998 and GDPR rules.
  • I hold your information for the purpose of being able to provide good quality driving lessons to you.
  • I hold your information securely, which is either locked away or secured on my phone, tablet, or computer which are all password protected.
  • I do not pass your information on to anyone without your prior permission and agreement.
  • You have the right to see any information I hold about you.
  • You have the right to ask me to destroy any information I hold about you.
  • Once you pass your driving test, or if you wish to discontinue lessons with me for any reason, any progress booklets will be given back to you where possible, or kept for 5 years before being destroyed.

    Thank you for taking the time to read this information. If you have any questions about the content of this document, please ask.