Meet Our Exceptional Instructors

The Elite Driving Team!

Comprising both male and female instructors, we offer flexibility and tailored driving lessons, ensuring each student receives the attention they deserve.

Clark (Manual Instructor)

My name is Clark Blakemore, and I am the proud owner of Elite Drive, a business built on discipline, experience, and a lifelong passion for driving. Before founding Elite Drive, I served 12 years in the British Army, a career that took me across the globe and shaped me both professionally and personally.

During my military service, I gained extensive experience and qualifications across a wide range of vehicles—from tanks and fuel tankers to high-spec military-grade drones. This hands-on expertise taught me not only precision and safety but also adaptability under pressure—skills that I now bring to my civilian career and business.

My goal with Elite Drive is to offer a high standard of driving instruction and transport services, underpinned by the values I carried with me throughout my military career: reliability, commitment, and excellence.

Outside of work, I’m a passionate supporter of Sunderland Football Club, a team that reflects my roots and resilience. Whether on the road or in the stands, I bring the same dedication and spirit to everything I do.

Lyndsay (Automatic instructor)

With seven years of experience as a passionate automatic driving instructor, I have dedicated my career to helping individuals master the art of driving with confidence and skill. My approach combines patience and enthusiasm, ensuring that each learner feels comfortable behind the wheel.

I believe that driving is not just about maneuvering a vehicle, but also about instilling a sense of responsibility and awareness on the road.

Throughout my years of instruction, I have tailored my techniques to meet the unique needs of each student, guiding them from their first lesson to achieving independence as a driver.

Creating a supportive and engaging learning environment is my priority, as I strive to make each session enjoyable and educational. My goal is to empower my students not only to pass their driving tests but to become safe and confident drivers for life.

Gareth (Manual Instructor)

Being a driving instructor is more than just a job to me – it's something I genuinely love. Every day, I get to help people gain confidence, independence, and a life skill that opens doors for them. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a nervous beginner become a safe, capable driver. I take real pride in my teaching, always aiming to make lessons supportive, enjoyable, and tailored to each individual. Watching someone pass their test after working hard together is a feeling that never gets old.

Outside of work, I enjoy making the most of life – whether it’s going on holiday and exploring new places, or cheering on Sunderland AFC through the highs and lows (and there have been plenty of both!). My downtime helps me recharge, so I can bring fresh energy and focus back into my lessons.

Overall, I’m passionate about what I do, and I’m proud to play a part in helping people take an important step forward in life.

Steven (Automatic instructor)

I am a fully qualified driving instructor based in Sunderland, with a strong foundation in both practical driving and teaching. My career path reflects a consistent commitment to road safety, education, and personal development — all of which inform the approach I bring to my work with learners of all backgrounds.

Before qualifying as a driving instructor, I spent five years as a professional bus and coach driver. This experience provided me with valuable insight into handling larger vehicles, navigating complex traffic environments, and maintaining a calm and responsible attitude under pressure. These skills have transferred naturally into my current role, where I support new drivers in developing confidence and competence behind the wheel.

My passion for teaching has long been a part of my professional journey. I hold a degree from the University of Sunderland, followed by a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education). During my time as a teacher, I worked across a variety of educational settings — including colleges and prisons — where I developed a flexible and empathetic teaching style suited to diverse learning needs. This background has proved invaluable in my current role, where patience, clarity, and adaptability are key to helping learners succeed.

Outside of work, I enjoy a balanced lifestyle, spending time with my family on days out, as well as pursuing personal interests such as music, reading, and gardening. These activities keep me grounded and energised, qualities I bring into every lesson I deliver.

I am passionate about helping individuals become safe, confident drivers and believe that my unique blend of driving and teaching experience sets me apart. Whether working with nervous beginners or more advanced learners, my goal is always to create a supportive, respectful learning environment.

Vicky (Manual Instructor)

With a unique blend of precision, calm under pressure, and a passion for teaching, I bring a wealth of real-world experience to my role as a driving instructor at Elite Drive. Alongside my work helping learners gain the skills and confidence to drive safely, I also serve as a dedicated paramedic – a role that has given me invaluable insight into the importance of road safety, quick decision-making, and situational awareness.

As a blue light trained professional, I understand the demands of emergency driving, and I use this advanced knowledge to enhance the training I provide. My students benefit from a deeper understanding of how to stay composed and in control, no matter the road conditions.

Away from work, I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially riding my horse – an activity that mirrors the focus, balance, and discipline I bring to all areas of my life. Whether I’m in uniform or in the saddle, I’m driven by a commitment to helping others, staying calm under pressure, and always moving forward.