Newcastle Driving School

Teaching Style: Fun, engaging and highly individualised. Rodney focuses on teaching “reason rather than rules”, breaking down driving tasks into simple, practical “recipes” (such as parking techniques) to make learning easy to understand and apply. Strong emphasis on addressing student anxieties and adapting to different learning styles.

Best For

• Learners who want a fun, relaxed learning environment
• Building confidence through simple, practical instruction
• Understanding the “why” behind driving rules
• Students with driving anxiety or nerves
• Anyone anxious about anything
• Developing strong parking and core driving skills

Languages spoken: English

Dream Car: His own 1998 classic JDM Mini Cooper S. Her name is Betty

Favourite Australian Destination: Wherever, whenever his partner is

Fun Fact: His time off nearly always involves wheels of some sort

Teaching Style: Relaxed, engaging and conversational. Focuses on making lessons enjoyable and varied, using real-life examples and storytelling to reinforce learning. Encourages confidence through supportive feedback and helps learners recognise their own progress in a practical, low-pressure environment.

Best For

• Learners who prefer a relaxed, enjoyable learning environment
• Building confidence through positive reinforcement
• Automatic small car lessons
• Students who learn well through stories and real-life examples
• Those wanting a supportive, personable instructor experience

Languages spoken: Just English-and very much colloquial during in-car discussions

Dream Car: One that is given to me free, and comes with all service and running costs covered by someone else

Favourite Australian Destination: Queensland's Gold Coast. Is there anywhere better?

Fun Fact: I have a few phrases I tend to use during lessons which students either laugh or groan. For those still at school and being an ex-teacher myself, generally my final words to them are: "Be nice to your teachers".

Teaching Style: Highly patient, understanding and adaptable. Jackie tailors each lesson to the learner’s confidence and strengths, communicating key concepts in a simple, clear and easy-to-follow way. Focuses strongly on safe, rule-based driving and consistent skill development.

Best For

• Complete beginners and nervous learners
• Teenagers preparing for Ps
• Adults learning and older drivers
• Anyone wanting to build real confidence, safe habits, and get test ready.

Languages spoken: English and Spanish

Dream Car: A classic 1960s Mustang convertible for weekend coastal cruises along the Pacific Highway.

Favourite Australian Destination: The Ocean Road for those winding roads and breathtaking views

Fun Fact: Kid me wanted to be a race car driver. Now I cheer when students indicate before turning. My racing dreams hit the brakes… but at least no one’s spinning out in my car!