Meet Nick, your Ballina and Lismore Driving Instructor

Nick NRMA Driving Instructor
Nick NRMA Driving Instructor
Nick is a committed and dedicated driving instructor who built up his experience with NRMA in the Riverina and Central West regions of NSW. He is very pleased to have the opportunity to now assist us in expanding our reach to the Northern Rivers region of NSW encompassing Ballina, Lismore, Byron Bay and surrounding regions. 

Nick has spent most of his working life in Aviation and holds a Commercial Pilots’ Licence and Flight Instructors’ Rating as well as Air Traffic Control Licence. In all capacities, he has taught many students the basics and intricacies of aviation where safety is a fundamental requirement. He has a passion for teaching and sees driving instruction as a normal segue from his previous occupations.

We got in touch with Nick to ask some questions about learning to drive and to find out his hot tips for learners and supervisors. 

What tip would you like to give the supervising drivers of Ballina and Lismore?

Ans: Don’t under estimate the anxiousness that your child may be feeling underneath the outwardly confident persona. Understanding the Psychology of driving and managing stress in both your learner and self is key to a successful lesson.

What was the most rewarding moment for you when you taught your own children to drive?

Ans: I felt a high level of achievement at the completion of their ‘learning to drive experience’ when I considered that they had all developed into patient, safe and courteous drivers.

As a parent, what was the one most challenging experience you remember when teaching your children to drive? 

Ans: I think recovering from the shock and emotions generated from being placed in sudden and unexpected situations. I wish I knew then what I know!

What do you consider is the single most important emotion that all road users should practice?

Ans: Patience.

What was the most valuable lesson you learnt when learning to drive yourself?

Ans: Anyone can be taught to drive... but not everyone is taught to drive well. 

Nick’s relaxed, friendly and easy-going manner allows him to develop a great rapport with all his students which then assists him in teaching not only teach the novice or experienced student how to develop safer driving skills but allows him to understand the psychology and pressures associated with learning to drive and he tailors his instruction style accordingly.

Going for your licence?

Book lessons with the NRMA driver training team