My name is Pennie Alexander, I am currently the only instructor available with DARE2DRIVE®. I passed my driving test on the first attempt on 14th June 1985, and obtained my ADI badge on 24th October 2014. I have driven many thousands of miles up and down the country. With my father being in the motor trade, I had the opportunity to drive many different cars, from small to large, plus a variety of vans over the years.
I have taken part in competitive motorsport, including motor cross and hotrods. Something I did enjoy was taking part in a few test laps around Brands Hatch, for the Fiesta Challenge Championship where I produced some good lap times. Unfortunately, and sadly I didn’t have the financial backing to be able to afford to continue. Due to my love of cars, I studied for a BTEC National Diploma in Engineering, completing this with Merits and Distinctions.
Since becoming a driving instructor and starting up my own company, I have continued to improve my own skills. So I can be, the best I can be, at my job. I have completed a Diploma in Driver Education, a BTEC Level 3 Award in Training and Education, a Level 3 Certificate in Substance Misuse, First Aid at Work, and a Certificate in Behavioural Change.
I have passed my Elite Driving Test with Diamond Advanced Driving and taken further training to obtain my Fleet Badge. Meaning I am fully qualified to deliver training to drivers of company vehicles. I have also taken extra training to be able to deliver training, to those wishing to become driving instructors. I have completed a BTEC Level 4 Professional Award in Coaching for Driver Education, Drivers with Disabilities course, Human Factors and Road Risk Management levels one and two, and Anxious Drivers courses. Ensuring the tuition I give is the most up-to-date and best it can be.
I worked for 4 years as a professional delivery driver before becoming a driving instructor. The vehicle I drove was an Iveco Daily box van. I also have experience driving a Volvo 1.5-tonne mini digger and a Terrex 3-tonne swivel dump truck.
Before my driving work, I coached Gymnastics for a total of 15 years, only stopping due to injuries. At this time, I worked in infant and high schools; both during and outside lesson times. I was one of the lead coaches and the club welfare officer at Easton Gymnastics Club near Norwich, and I also had my own club, WayLanders Gymnastics Club in Watton. Coaching people of varying ages, from 3 to 52. Seeing any of the gymnasts accomplish their goals, gave me a great feeling of satisfaction. Knowing that I had helped them achieve something special. One of the little ones I used to teach, has now progressed to the British Junior Squad, of which I am extremely proud.
Whilst working at both clubs, I also studied for a BTEC Higher National Diploma in Leisure Management (Sport and Recreation) at Norwich City College, completing this with Distinctions. I loved coaching gymnastics and miss it terribly; passing on my knowledge and helping people both young and old achieve new skills. So because of this and with my love of driving, I decided to train, as an Approved Driving Instructor.
Another reason I decided to become an instructor, was my eldest daughter. Two weeks after she passed her driving test, she was involved in an incident and wrote off her car.
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Fortunately, she was not injured, but she was extremely shocked by the event. Her car ended up on the opposite side of the road, from the direction she was traveling. It was at the end of the dual carriageway on the A47, near East Dereham, Norfolk. Things could have been much, much worse!
As a driving instructor, I want my customers to develop their own style of driving. Be able to understand and be aware of the dangers they will face, and be as safe as possible, on the busy roads of today. It is my intention to also help those under my tuition, feel happy and confident in their abilities as a driver.
I like to think I am a very approachable and conscientious person, methodical and I try to be punctual (though not always possible). I feel it is my duty, to pass my skills and knowledge on to those who are in need of driver education. Something I hope to do, in an impassioned and enthusiastic way. I am relaxed, patient, and calm, with a flexible approach to the way I teach. Meaning, the environment in the car is comfortable and ideal for learning, there definitely will be no shouting or raised voices!
I believe building a good rapport with my students is essential. This is to create the best atmosphere, to encourage and motivate each individual to do their best and achieve their goals. I will challenge thoughts and feelings to ensure beliefs and behaviours will keep you safe on the roads for life.
As well as training people to drive, I occasionally deliver drink-driving rehabilitation courses across Cambridgeshire and Norfolk.
I have returned to East Anglian Driveability, after being made redundant through Covid-19, where I work 3 days per week. Here the work involves working with an Occupational Therapist to ensure those with illnesses and disabilities that may affect driving, are safe to remain on the road. Further to this, I deliver sessions for Drive Doctors who work with NFU Mutual Insurance, delivering driver assessments to those who have road traffic collisions or wish to reduce their insurance costs. I have also done some work with Ocado as a driver trainer for their delivery drivers.
I make it my own personal goal to help everyone to the best of my ability. No matter how anxious or scared of driving they may be, to achieve their own goal of independence. Some people find it easy to take to the roads, while others find it extremely difficult. I am of the opinion, that if you really want to drive, you can do it. It just takes patience and perseverance on your part and encouragement on mine for you to get there.
I’ve had many learners state that I am so patient and ask how I can put up with them. This is what I love about being a driving instructor. Being there to help each individual, allowing them all, the time they need to develop their skills. Giving them a little nudge from time to time when they need it to keep that motivation going.