CP Driving
Meet the instructors.
Two fully qualified DVSA Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs), both DIA registered, teaching manual lessons across Poole. Whoever you're paired with teaches you every lesson, at the same prices.
5.0★
92 Google reviews
Your instructor
Clinton Pearce
5.0★
Google rating
ADI
Fully qualified
- Instructor
- Clinton Pearce
- Credentials
- Fully qualified ADI (DVSA Approved) · DIA Member
- Transmission
- Manual only, no automatic
- Service area
- Poole and surrounding areas
- Hours
- 7 days a week, 7am–10pm
Clinton Pearce is a DVSA Approved driving instructor who teaches in Poole. Fully qualified and DIA-registered, he knows every test route, roundabout and tricky junction the Poole examiner uses, so your lessons run on the roads that actually decide test day, not generic practice streets.
What learners remember is how calm he keeps things. No shouting, no sighing, no being made to feel stupid for stalling. Lessons are structured and tailored to your learning style, moving at a pace that builds real skill and confidence, which is why nervous learners, and drivers with autism, ADHD or other additional support needs, do so well with him.
The aim is to make you a safe, confident driver for life, not just to pass a test. The first lesson is backed by a full refund if Clinton isn't the right fit, so there's no risk in finding out.
What car I drive
2025 Hyundai i20
Clinton teaches in a black 2025 Hyundai i20, manual, with the CP Driving board on the roof.
Feedback from the pros
“Both our cars are Hyundais, the i20 and the i30, and that's on purpose. You get great visibility, so it's easier to see what's around you at junctions, on roundabouts and when you're parking. The steering is easy, so you can keep your attention on the road. They're not too big, so side streets, tight turns and busy car parks around Poole feel manageable. And the clutch and gearbox are easy to learn on, so finding the biting point and changing gear comes quicker. The car should help you learn, not get in the way.”
5.0★
92 Google reviews
Your instructor
Ian Simmonds
5.0★
Google rating
ADI
Fully qualified
- Instructor
- Ian Simmonds
- Credentials
- Fully qualified ADI (DVSA Approved) · DIA Registered
- Transmission
- Manual
- Prices
- £42/hr, same as Clinton
- Service area
- Poole and surrounding areas
Ian Simmonds is a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor, fully qualified and DIA registered. In his own words:
Learning to drive is more than just passing your driving test
I'm in the business of helping people develop the skills, confidence and judgement to become safe drivers for life and have fun doing it.
I teach in Poole, Creekmoor, Broadstone, Canford Heath and Corfe Mullen and one of the things I love is that Poole offers learner drivers such a wide variety of road types.
You've got busy town roads like Broadstone, narrow residential streets around Creekmoor, Corfe Mullen, Oakdale, plus numerous challenging junctions and roundabouts, like Fleetsbridge, or Darby's Corner.
With easily accessible dual carriageway and fast rural roads, Poole provides me with the perfect mix to build your experience and confidence as a driver. Remember, you won't always be driving in Poole. I want you to be able to drive somewhere you've never been before and think, "I've got this."
Read more from Ian
A calm and personal approach
My pupils assume that I probably came out of the womb, steering wheel in hand driving a car! But, I was just like you once: suddenly sat behind a steering wheel about to embark on learning to drive.
I know it can feel daunting. For some people learning to drive is exciting. And for others, it can be a source of anxiety.
That's why I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach.
I'll take the time to understand how you learn and then adapt my lessons around you. I'll explain things clearly, give you time to develop your skills and most importantly, let you make mistakes without making you feel bad about them.
Mistakes are part of learning to drive. During my lessons you'll have a safe environment in which to make them, understand why they may have happened and learn from them.
As your confidence grows, I'll gradually step back, giving you more independence. The aim is for you to become the driver making the safe decisions, rather than a passenger who happens to be sat behind the steering wheel.
My aim for you
Of course, passing your driving test matters. I'll give you the preparation you need to give yourself the best possible chance.
Most importantly though, you will learn to be a safe driver for life, not just to pass the driving test.
Your success is my success, so when you drive away on your own for the first time, I want you to feel proud, confident and ready for the freedom that comes with having a driving licence.
There's nothing more rewarding for me!
Why I still believe in learning in a manual car
I believe that learning to drive a manual car is still one of the best ways to develop your driving skills.
Yes, there is more to learn. You have to understand the clutch, gears, acceleration and how they all work together and it can feel like there are too many things to think about.
But once it starts to come together, something really rewarding happens: you begin to feel that you are actually driving the car.
Learning in a manual also gives you more flexibility once you've passed your test. You're not restricted to automatic cars, which can give you a much wider choice when buying or borrowing a car in the future.
More importantly, I think the process of learning manual control helps develop a good understanding of the car and encourages you to think about what the car is doing, rather than simply reacting to it.
In his spare time Ian also teaches people to fly. As a British Gliding Association Basic Instructor (BI), he holds an aerobatics endorsement, and has the privilege of introducing people to the magic of flight.
What car I drive
Hyundai i30
Ian teaches in a Hyundai i30 like this one, manual, with the CP Driving board on the roof.
Feedback from the pros
“Both our cars are Hyundais, the i20 and the i30, and that's on purpose. You get great visibility, so it's easier to see what's around you at junctions, on roundabouts and when you're parking. The steering is easy, so you can keep your attention on the road. They're not too big, so side streets, tight turns and busy car parks around Poole feel manageable. And the clutch and gearbox are easy to learn on, so finding the biting point and changing gear comes quicker. The car should help you learn, not get in the way.”
The curriculum
Everything we teach.
From a first lesson behind the wheel to motorway confidence after your test: a complete curriculum delivered at your pace.
- 01 Manual Driving Lessons +
Learn to drive in a dual-control manual car. Clutch control, smooth gear changes and full vehicle awareness from your very first lesson.
- 02 Beginner Driving Lessons +
Total first-timer? We start with the basics: seat position, controls, moving off and stopping, on quiet roads, building confidence before tackling busier traffic.
- 03 Inclusive Driving Instruction +
Adaptable lessons for learners with autism, ADHD, anxiety and other additional support needs. Calm pace, predictable structure, no judgement. Everyone learns differently.
- 04 Refresher Driving Lessons +
Already passed but lost your confidence? A short, tailored course to get you back behind the wheel safely, whether it has been months or decades.
- 05 Intensive Driving Courses +
Compress weeks of learning into days. Best suited to confident learners on a tight timeline, typically paired with a fast-tracked practical test.
- 06 Motorway Lessons +
Post-test motorway training. Lane discipline, joining and exiting safely, and dealing with higher speeds. Proper preparation before you go it alone.
- 07 Pass Plus Courses +
Six DVSA-recognised modules covering motorways, night driving, dual carriageways and adverse weather. Many insurers offer a discount on completion.
- 08 Mock Driving Tests +
A full DVSA-style test under realistic exam conditions. Identifies weak spots and lets you rehearse the real thing before test day.
- 09 Test Route Familiarisation +
Drive the actual routes used by Poole Test Centre examiners, so nothing on test day is a surprise. Every junction and roundabout already feels familiar.
- 10 Hazard Perception & Driving Theory Support +
Guidance on the theory test and hazard perception clips, with practical lessons that reinforce the rules you are revising at home.
Included with every student
The Total Drive app.
Progress reports, additional online training and a personal lesson diary, so you always know exactly where you are on the curriculum.
Our coaching style
Friendly, but disciplined.
Motivational teaching with real structure. Relaxed enough to enjoy the lesson, focused enough to genuinely improve.
5.0
Google rating
18
Areas covered
£42
Per hour
Teaching approach
How we teach.
Patient & Calm
No pressure, no stress. Learn at whatever pace feels right for you.
Personalised Lessons
Every lesson tailored to your skill level, goals, and learning style.
Local Expert
Knows every test route, tricky junction, and quiet practice road in Poole.
A real lesson: you at the wheel, your instructor calm in the passenger seat.
Let's get you on the road
Ready to learn to drive?
Book your first lesson today.
5.0★ from 92 Google reviews
From £42/hr · No hidden fees · 7 days a week, 7am–10pm
Driving lessons in Poole with Clinton Pearce and Ian Simmonds · manual lessons