RoadSmart starts its journey
RoadSmart Driver Coaching & Development was established in 2016, beginning a journey focused on helping people become confident and capable drivers.
Who Are We?
Behind RoadSmart is a passion for developing safer, thinking drivers.
Driving lessons should be about more than passing a test. They're about developing the knowledge, skills and confidence to stay safe on the road for life.
I'm Les Hopkinson, Founder of RoadSmart Driver Coaching & Development. My approach is built around helping people become independent, thoughtful and responsible drivers — not simply teaching them how to get through a driving test.
Les Hopkinson
Founder & Approved Driving Instructor
RoadSmart Driver Coaching & Development
DEVELOPING THINKING DRIVERS
Our journey
How RoadSmart came to be
RoadSmart Driver Coaching & Development has been built around a simple belief: learning to drive should be about developing the skills and mindset needed to become a safe driver for life.
Where it all began
Developing thinking drivers
2016
The beginning of the RoadSmart journey. A business built around helping people learn to drive and develop their confidence on the road.
A new direction during lockdown
During lockdown, RoadSmart went through a rebrand. This was an opportunity to strengthen the identity of the business and its focus on driver coaching and development.
Developing thinking drivers
RoadSmart continues to focus on more than preparing people for their driving test. The aim is to help learners develop the awareness, judgement and decision-making skills that will support them throughout their driving lives.
Our purpose is simple: to help every learner become the safest driver they can be.
Experience and recognition
Committed to high standards
Professional development and maintaining high standards are important parts of what I do. These milestones recognise the commitment I bring to driver coaching and development.
2022
★
DVSA Highest Grade Awarded
Recognition of the standard of instruction and professional competence demonstrated through the DVSA grading process.
2023
✦
North East Driving Instructor of the Year
A special achievement recognising my work as a driving instructor and my commitment to helping learners become safer drivers.
For me, recognition is not just about awards. It's about continually improving, developing my coaching skills and helping every learner be the safest driver they can be.
What we believe
Learning to drive is about so much more than passing a test.
Passing your driving test is an important milestone, but it is only the beginning of your driving journey. What matters most is what happens afterwards — the decisions you make, the risks you recognise and the responsibility you take every time you drive.
The RoadSmart philosophy
We don't just teach people to drive. We help them become thinking drivers.
"
Developing independent thinking
We want learners to understand why they make decisions, not simply follow instructions. By developing their ability to assess situations, anticipate hazards and make informed choices, we help prepare them for independent driving.
Building lifelong safer habits
Safe driving is about more than vehicle control. It involves awareness, responsibility, good judgement and an understanding of how our thoughts and actions affect others on the road.
Our approach to driver development
Five core skills. One safer driver.
01
Car Control
02
Awareness
03
Anticipation
04
Planning
05
Judgement
The RoadSmart difference
It's not just about the driving lesson.
Every learner is different. People learn at different speeds, have different experiences and face different challenges. That's why RoadSmart takes a personalised approach to driver coaching and development.
Client-centred coaching
Lessons are shaped around the individual. We work together to identify learning needs, set meaningful goals and develop the skills that matter most to you.
Structured development
Your learning follows a clear direction. We build skills progressively, helping you understand what you are working on and how it contributes to your development.
Learning through reflection
Understanding your own decisions is an important part of becoming a safer driver. Reflection and feedback help you recognise progress and identify areas to improve.
Building independence
The aim is to develop drivers who can assess situations, anticipate risks and make informed decisions without relying on someone else to tell them what to do.
Our commitment to you
We want you to leave each lesson knowing more about yourself as a driver, understanding what you've achieved and knowing what comes next.
Let's get to know each other
Your journey starts with a conversation.
Whether you're thinking about learning to drive, returning to driving or looking to develop your confidence, I'd be happy to hear from you.
RoadSmart Driver Coaching & Development · Developing Thinking Drivers