
DVSA Part 3, Standards Check, Part 2 Driving Tests with Graham Hooper, ORDIT trainer, Coach & Mentor
Hi!
I have been a coach, mentor and trainer probably all my life but in a working capacity since the age of 18 I am now 64. That is 46 years of life experience that you can tap into. The good stuff and the bad stuff. Two great adult kids and now a grandfather. Twice married once when I was young in my 20’s lasted 18 months and then 28 years and now divorced and in a new relationship of over 6 years.
Lots of roles when I was young, retail, cleaner, paper round, re-seller, bank clerk and then 18 years of working in probably one of the fastest moving retail trades there is. Running betting shops in North London. If it is going to happen, it happens in a the world of betting.
From gambling addictions, money laundering, drug dealing, drinking and drunks, armed robbery, muggings, arson, staffing problems, inter personal relationships including sexual ones between staff and customers, fraud, theft.etc etc.
The environment was exciting, lifetime friendships were formed and team building was essential. Client relationships build great business and create atmospheres in our shops they would be buzzing with excitement.
Then i had children and life changed, I became a driving instructor and my view of the world changed. I had been reckless as a young driver and was lucky to only have a few minor crashes. Some of my friends got seriously injured and one died. His name was Peter and his memory is part of my passion for road safety.
My interest though in coaching, mentoring and training had grown from when I was a District Manager of the William Hill Organisation managing a team, which included around 20 betting shops in North London. I was learning back then, how to get the best out of people and also failing along the way as I made mistakes.
Those mistakes led to me becoming a reflective practitioner, which has been the secret, to me becoming the person I am today. Caring, loving, resilient and educated. A weakness of mine has been that i don’t suffer fools gladly, which triggers a defence mechanism in myself, which I control but like a lot of us, it still lurks in the cupboard. Probably a result of a bullying father.
So what qualify’s me as a coach, mentor and trainer. All of the above plus an abundance of qualifications. A University coaching course at The University of East London. A vocational teaching qualification from The University of Canterbury and a multitude of various qualifications that has made me a Fellow of the International Authority of Professional Coaches and Mentors. One of the top trainers in the UK, for development of DVSA Approved Driving Instructors and an Occupational Road Risk Consultant, working with national and international companies.
As a small business man this is my final venture after building two multi six figure companies, it is time to let go of the shackles and share with you how you can avoid the mistakes I have made and more importantly the successes that I have achieved.
My C.V.
Graham Hooper GJH consultancy and Coaching for Driver Development. D.O.B. 08/06/1959
Working Experience
After leaving school Graham became a bank clerk for 18 months and then was a District Manager for the William Hill Organization for 18 years before embarking on a career of driver education.
Graham has an extensive history of driver training and driver education, dating back to 1995 when he qualified as a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor. He began his career teaching people to drive in North London.
This changed as he embarked on a CPD program to enhance his career. He became senior trainer at Hertfordshire, Barnet and Essex councils delivering National Driver Rehabilitation schemes based on behavioural change techniques to influence driver behaviour for those people who had committed traffic offences and where offered a training course instead of points and a fine. He delivered these courses for around 20 years, both on the road and in the classroom.
He relocated to Kent and started an occupational road risk company, primarily delivering Safe and Fuel-Efficient Driving to companies with fleet vehicles across the UK.
During this period, he developed an interest in coaching and launched a new company providing courses in coaching for driver development to DVSA ADI’s across the UK. He managed and delivered on road training courses and workshops for Driver Metrics during this period and still delivers workshops for them currently.
His Current Position is the Proprietor of GJH consultancy.
Specialist occupational road risk consultant, to companies across the UK using coaching for driver development to initiate behavioural change and compliance.
Graham is an ORDIT registered trainer delivering Driving Instructor Training for entry onto the DVSA register of Approved Driving Instructors.
He also delivers a series of training programs for continual professional development for DVSA registered approved driving instructors across the UK.
Graham is involved in several new projects with leading training organisations within the driver training industry. This includes developing a training academy for one of the largest suppliers of driver and fleet risk management services across the UK. Acting as a consultant for a company delivering Hackney Carriage and Private Hire taxi training to local county councils.
Education
Southgate Comprehensive School
Canterbury University
University of East London
CAREER DETAILS
Bank Clerk, various duties.
1976-1978 National Westminster Bank
District Manager
1978-1995 MECCA Bookmakers/WILLIAM HILL Organisation
Duties included all aspects associated with the smooth daily running of 20 retail betting outlets and all staffing matters such as recruiting, assessing and training.
1995-2005 Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)
BSM 6 months
Independent 1995-2002
AA 2002-2004 (relocated to Kent)
Managing Director of The Big Red Fleet Company 2006 – 2010
Owner 1st 4 Driving Education 2005 – 2010
Managing Director Tri-Coaching Partnership Limited
2010-2023
Proprietor of GJH consultancy present day.
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS
O.R.D.I.T. Registered: Official Register of Driving Instructor Trainers as recommended by the Driver Vehicle Standards Agency. (July 2005-present)
University of East London Coaching for Driver Development (2009)
BTEC Level 4 Professional Award in Coaching for Driver Development (2013)
Grade A and 6 ADI all categories since (June 1999)
DVSA Fleet Registered (June 2003-2020)
ROSPA Advanced Drivers Association DIPLOMA in Advanced Driving
Techniques: (November 2000-present)
Practical, Theoretical and Presentational Skills
DIA Diploma in Driving Instruction (June 2001)
MODULE 1: Legal Obligations and Regulations
MODULE 2: Management, Practices and Procedures
MODULE 3: Vehicle Maintenance and Mechanical Principles
MODULE 4: Driving Theory, Skills and Procedures
MODULE 5: Teaching, Practices and Procedures
BTEC Diploma in Advanced Driving Instruction 🙁 April 2002)
Advanced and Defensive Driving
Driver Instruction & Training
Driver Assessment
Vehicle Instructor- Health & Safety
Vehicle Instructor- Business Awareness
SAFED Van Trainer (July 2006)
SAFED Train the Trainer (November 2007)
SAFED Assessor Trainer (November 2007)
A2om BTEC Instructor (2008)
DIA Registered Classroom Teacher (November 1999)
CPD ADI Training with John Farlam(Feb 2006)
DIAMOND Advanced Instructor (October 2001)
CARDINGTON SPECIAL Driving Test for ADI’S (September 2001)
INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED MOTORISTS (February 1997–present)
ROSPA Gold (April 1997&2000 Diploma since 2001))
Senior Instructor and Classroom Presenter for the National Driver Improvement Scheme Since (1999-2014) Now NDAC
Classroom Trainer ESSEX C.C. Speed Awareness Programme (2005-2015)
HAZARD PERCEPTION test for ADI’s (January 2005)
EMERGENCY FIRST AID CERTIFICATE (January 2001)
CRIMINAL RECORDS BUREAU DISCLOSURE (April 2003)
DRIVER METRICS Trainer and presenter, working alongside Dr Lisa Dorn at Cranfield University. (2009 – 2021)
Other Qualifications
University of East London Evidenced Based Coaching (2010)
Advanced Certificate of Adult Education
Stage 1 (May 2004) Stage 2 (August 2004) Stage 3 (June 2005)
Fellow of the International Authority of Professional Coaches and Mentors since May (2021 – present)
PERSONAL PROFILE
I am a family person, which brings me immense pleasure in life and my family enjoys ann active social life. Dog walking, theatre trips, social gatherings, and holidays together.
I also have an active and healthy lifestyle visiting the gym, swimming, and walking on most days.
My other interests revolve around sport, especially playing golf and watching my son play football.

Thought-provoking and challenging in all the right ways. The Group Coaching Course has left me with a lot to reflect on, but I feel more confident about taking steps towards my goals. Thanks Graham and my fellow participants.
Lin Webb Kent
May 19, 2021
Thank you
Really enjoyed it. Great to connect with everyone and get some more information and support on this journey
Hi Graham
I am familiar with transactional analysis and the theories behind. I find your way of explaining and using this tool in driver education very interesting. I am trying to implement the ideas in lectures for our DI students, but have not fully succeded yet.
Kind regards,
Nord University
Traffic section
Rolf Robertsen
Assistant professor
I thoroughly enjoyed the last 2 days. You made the ‘role play’ so much more achievable than I expected. Much of it was not what I would call ‘role play’.
You broke down the teaching and practice for our PDIs into very manageable chunks that made sense and that I can see myself doing with my PDI then building them up to the full routines.
Altogether a well worthwhile 2 days.
Thanks again
Had a great constructive lesson recently with Graham.
Graham very quickly identified a learning development in my training and after just 1 hour I had new skills to help me give learning opportunities to pupils.
Fantastic day, many thanks Graham Hooper. Thoroughly recommend this workshop to any PDI/ADI.
– Marshall HollisMark from Forest hill south east London, my trainer was graham Hooper i look around a lot for the right trainer to help me learn how to train PDIs on train the trainer course, Graham was recommended to me from a friend in the driving instructor industry. His training was perfect all laid out and planed over the four days and also to suit my learning needs and i had lots of needs to break down any misunderstandings on my part because id hadn’t done any training since passing my part 3 eight years ago so i was in driving instructor mode for a while, i could not get my head around things .But with grahams training and 20 years experience and guidance I felt i had the confidence to go forward an train my own PDIs. If your looking for any training i can highly recommend grahams training enough
The training you get is 5 star I’ve just passed my Ordit inspection with no Unsatisfactory faults I no way thought this was Possible for myself. just like to thank you all for your help I’m also looking forward to training PDIs and ADIs
Mark Sefton
Mar 12, 2019
kind regards
Mark Sefton ADI
Hi Graham,
My apologies for not getting in touch sooner. Please by all means use the statement below.
“After several attempts at sitting ADI Part 3 and failing, I was given Graham’s name by a colleague who stated that if Graham cannot get you through Part 3 then nobody can. I spent three days with Graham, about three quarters the way through the 3rd day I had the light bulb moment. A few days later I took the test and with a great sigh of relief I was given the pass that I had been looking for. Thank you Graham for your fantastic help.
I contacted Graham after failing my first attempt at part 3. Graham provided me with all the support i needed and coached me with 1-2-1 meetings. Graham was an excellent listener and has immense experience and knowledge. He could easily help anyone get an A grade. I had a lot going on in my personal life during this time and Graham helped me to stay focused and develop my skills further. I can’t thank him enought for what he’s helped me achieve in such a short period of time. He’s always smiling and helps wherever possible. I couldn’t have done this without him and he’s an irreplaceable asset to the industry.
– Sameela Bibi ADI“ Today I attended one of Graham Hooper’s standards, check and part 3 training courses via zoom.
As always Graham delivers a fantastic and fun training session that is very informative and a worthwhile refresher too!
If you are a PDI or an ADI like myself needing to brush up on an upcoming standards check, I can’t recommend Graham Hooper’s one day course highly enough“
Kind regards
Kevin
Graham was absolutely amazing the whole time. Sessions were fun and enjoyable while ensuring that learning was taking place. Graham’s technique of delivering the course as a whole package works so well. We didn’t focus on the different ADI tests, he focused on helping me become a driving instructor. Which meant learning all aspects from the beginning. Would highly recommend to anyone looking into becoming an ADI.
– James Smith Folkestone“Would like to say thank you to Graham Hooper for his training with me. I’ve only done a couple but today I passed my standards check on my first attempt with the highest score I’ve achieved so far. Just shy of an A, but onwards and upwards and I’m looking forward to continued training and development 🫡💪🏻”
– Troy RussellGraham Hooper is an excellent trainer, I passed my ADI Part 3 first time due to his motivation and effective coaching. Thank you so much
Mr Mijanur Rahman Kent
Aug 10, 2022
Thank you to Graham for a great workshop on the 4th September.
What a lovely, comfortable atmosphere on the zoom session, I felt happy to express my feelings and thoughts, and was able to get some great advice, not just from Graham, but from everyone.
The content was educational and direct, it kept my focus at all times.
I am now more aware of how I might come across to my pupils and have new tools to develop my skills.
I would highly recommend this to PDIs and ADI’s, even if it’s just to update your skills.
Many thanks
Hello Graham,
Thank you for today, I thoroughly enjoyed it and found the course very informative. I look forward to meeting you again in the future.
I attended a course run by Graham which helped me prepare for my first standards check. Being an ADI himself with many years experience, he was able to allay any fears I had, by explaining exactly what the examiner was looking for, which in turn, allowed me to go into my standards check with more confidence than I would normally have had. I found the course not only informative, but relaxed and very informal.
Hi Graham I have found all your emails very interesting and helpful,
I have now taken my standards check and with your help I got 47 points.
So just to say thank you and I am still learning a lot about how to promote go learning.
Looking forward to what comes next ,once again thanks
Antony
I attended an online SC/Part 3 workshop yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed it. Graham’s delivery style is right up my street – direct and to the point (with no flannel).
Everyone was given time and space to speak without fear of looking or sounding foolish and breakout rooms allowed a chance to share thoughts and ideas with other ADIs & PDIs, which was a really positive experience, as was the workshop as a whole. 5*
Thank you for all your help Graham you are an excellent teacher. Just passed my check test and got a Grade A again.
Walter
Feb 26, 2020
I want to say that Graham Hooper has been a major factor in supporting me to achieve my goal. With his encouragement, candour and humour, he has been instrumental in successfully giving me great career. CPD is key in this industry
– David Gilbert ADIDefinitely found today beneficial, lots of good content, and the experience share from both yourself and others was great.
The course was pitched well, so that everyone could be included. The range of experience ran from 30 years to a few months but at no point did I feel I couldn’t or wasn’t included being the least experienced. Your personality definitely made for a more enjoyable course and i always felt engaged.
I felt everyone had time, chances and every opportunity to ask questions, share their views and at no point feel rushed.
Enjoyed the break outs, perhaps even feeling that one more could have been beneficial to keep everyone involved and thinking.
Shall definitely be looking at other courses to book onto, thanks once again.
Hi Graham
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the great ADI Part 3 training I had with you, it fitted to my needs perfectly and help me pass my ADI Part 3 test.
I would be recommending your services to any one that is going to take any ADI test.
Once again Thank you for all your help.
Regards
Pepi
>> Hi graham,
>>
>> Hope all is going well. Don’t faint – yes it’s me lol 😀
>>
>> I had an unbelievable conversation with a lady I knew from years ago, found out she had just become an ADI And I just had to pass this on.
>>
>> On approaching her SC her trainer informed her that she shouldn’t expect to pass first time. Also her first one or two years she would be **** instructor and would get through a lot of learners.
>> What a world away from training with yourself !!
>>
>> Jenny
Buckle up long post alert…. Having being a PDI for 6 months I was really struggling with everything, there was just something missing in my lessons and training! Can’t say how much I’ve spent on useless trainers and adis just in case my partner sees. I just didn’t “get it” and was on the verge of calling it a day thinking there was more to life than stressing about how rubbish my lessons felt to me, of course my pupils enjoyed them but I was coming away thinking I’m just surviving not actually learning. Then I came across route 51 and my initial thought was “here we go more wasted money but what’s a few extra hundred in the shrinking training account” well that few hundred pound was the missing link and a certain Mr Hooper! The course itself was invaluable but meeting Graham I learnt more in a few hours than I had this whole blasted journey, honestly could have cried. His way with words, teaching style was something I’d never experienced and it actually sat in my head for weeks. It made me actually like the career I’d chosen and he knew what would work for me rather than me giving him a role play lesson which doesn’t work for me. Anyway my thumb hurts but I passed my part 3 today and this wouldn’t have happened without Graham. I know it’s a massive achievement and I’m grateful but after time with Graham it’s made me realise actually the learning doesn’t stop there I need to aim higher and with further courses from Tri coaching that’s exactly what I’m going to do!
Graham Martin Sandwich, Kent
Jun 13, 2022
Hi Graham,
Just want to say thankyou for everything over the last 2 days. I’ve learnt alot and really excited to put it into practice.
I was lucky enough to book an additional one to one session with Graham, and had the benefit of his truly extensive knowledge. I gained so much from the webinar and can’t praise its approach enough. Needless to say I passed my Part 3.
– Nik MoemkenAfter a number of years contemplating about becoming a Driving Instructor, I finally took the bull by the horns and started to look around at my options. There are so many different options, prices and driving schools out there, some good and some not so good, it can be quite daunting!
My choice in the end was to train with an independent trainer Graham Hooper, who was recommended to me as ‘one of the best’. Training with Graham was indeed, one of the best decisions I have made.
One of the positive sides to learning with an independent instructor is that there are no ulterior motives to the training. During or after you have qualified, you have the option to decide if this is the route you still want to go down, without being tied into any lengthy contractual agreements.
I really liked the way the training worked! It’s not a tick box teaching method but real learning takes place. I learnt real skills in my driving and training abilities and not just parrot fashion methods.
Graham is easy to get along with, clean, reliable, well presented, knowledgeable and professional about all aspects of the training. He takes the training seriously and has a compassion for the safety of all road users, in his seriousness, he still managed to make the learning enjoyable.
During the training Graham was quick to establish my ability to learn and how I learnt best. He encouraged me in every aspect of my learning ability, enabling me to understand key ways to help others in their individual learning abilities. He has always been supportive and never put me down for things that I didn’t know, got wrong or not understood, but helped me to understand the whys and wherefores. His ‘driver training’ knowledge never ceased to amaze me, but was never lewd over me, making me feel inferior or inadequate. His manner was always professional but real, treating me as an individual not comparing me with others abilities or inabilities.
Graham was always willing to go the extra mile to help me with the training, when I needed it, giving me sound advice which was suitable to my training needs. Even now I am a qualified ADI, he remains supportive.
I would recommend Graham Hooper as an amazing driver trainer, with the ability to adapt his training to each individual’s needs. He gives his best and therefore you achieve the best. It certainly worked for me! It was amazing to pass the exam with a greater knowledge and understanding not just a pass certificate!
Hi, I completed the train the trainer course. What did I think of it? Well wow, so open and informative, easy to follow, (well sometimes 😂😂) well presented confidence building to help you become a train the trainer. Graham is a great coach, picked up more than just the course training. Thank you.
– Prab Chauhan