Andy Gilder ADI Coffeys School of Motoring

07/07/2026

First time pass for Tom today at Bury St Edmunds! 🎉

Only 1 driving fault and, even better, he did it after just 4 lessons!

Calm, tidy drive and a cracking result.

Welcome to the first time pass club, Tom. Properly well deserved! 🚗👏

04/07/2026

Something to think about in the coming weeks!

26/06/2026

After a week of teaching in difficult temperatures and some dodgy driving by full licence holders its time to relax. Enjoy the weekend!

24/06/2026

23/06/2026

We have limited availability for Manual driving lessons in:

🚗Bury St Edmund's
🚗Harleston
🚗Diss
🚗Saffron Walden

Book in now to secure you space!!

15/06/2026

Just a heads-up for anyone currently trying to book a driving test.

The DVSA are now properly clamping down on dodgy test bookings and cancellation apps.

This week alone:

❌ 450 driving tests have been cancelled
❌ Over 4,000 online booking accounts have been suspended
❌ 17 unofficial test booking apps have been pulled from app stores

That includes Testi-style apps and similar services that constantly search for cancellations.

I completely get why learners use them. Test waiting times are ridiculous and everyone wants a quicker date. But the risk now is that using the wrong app, website, or “test finder” service could cost you the test altogether.

The swap rules have changed too.

You can’t just book a random test miles away, then swap it back to closer to home. From 9 June, you can only move your test to one of the three nearest test centres to the one you’ve already booked.

So the boring but sensible advice is:

Book through GOV.UK.
Don’t hand your licence details to random apps or Facebook test sellers.
Don’t panic-book a test at the other end of the country.
And make sure you’re actually test-ready when your date comes around.

I know it’s frustrating, but the shortcut is starting to look more like a trap.

GOV.UK - The best place to find government services and information.

12/06/2026

🚗 "How do I know I'm ready for my driving test?" 🚗

​It’s the question every learner driver asks!

Booking your test is an exciting milestone, but how do you know you’re genuinely ready to ditch the L-plates, rather than just hoping for a lucky run?

​Here are 5 unmistakable signs that you’re ready to ace it:

1) ​You don’t need your instructor to intervene: If your instructor hasn't had to touch the dual controls or give you verbal prompts for several lessons in a row, you're driving independently.

2) ​You treat mistakes as minor blips: Ready drivers don’t panic if they stall or take the wrong exit. They stay calm, deal with it safely, and move on.

​3) You’re scanning, not just looking: You’re naturally anticipating hazards, checking your mirrors before changing speed or direction, and reading the road well ahead.

​4) You can nail your maneuvers: Independent driving, parallel parks, reversing into a bay, or pulling up on the right—you can do them smoothly and safely without feeling stressed.

5) ​Your mock tests are looking solid: Passing a mock test under proper test conditions is the ultimate confidence booster.

​💡 The Golden Rule:

​"If you're still relying on your instructor to tell you when to brake, steer, or what lane to choose, you're not quite there yet. You're ready when you feel like the driver, and your instructor is just the passenger."

​Trust the process, keep practicing, and listen to your ADI's advice—they know exactly what it takes to get that pink license! 💳✨

11/06/2026

So with the world cup starting today my pupils have got the chance to win a free hours lesson for the winning team! Each of them have their teams so good luck to you all and let's hope England bring it home!

05/06/2026

When people think about being a driving instructor, they often think it’s all about teaching someone how to parallel park, reverse around a corner, and pass a practical test. But to me, it’s so much more than that.

​Being in that passenger seat means being a listener, a mentor, and a guide.

​Every pupil who gets behind the wheel brings their own story. Some are excited, some are incredibly anxious, and others are dealing with the stresses of everyday life. Sometimes, the first 10 minutes of a lesson isn’t about starting the engine—it’s about listening, understanding where their headspace is at, and building their confidence.

​My job isn’t just to get a student to a standard where they can tick boxes for an examiner. My job is to ensure they know how to drive safely for the rest of their lives. It's about teaching them how to anticipate hazards, stay calm under pressure, and respect the road so they always make it home safely to their families.

​Ultimately, we are working together to unlock a massive life skill. There is nothing quite like the feeling of seeing a pupil pass their test, knowing that they now have the keys to their own freedom. Today reminded me of that seeing my pupil and her mum hugging in tears of joy.......thats why I do this!

​To all my past, present, and future pupils: thank you for trusting me to be a part of your journey. Safe driving out there! 🛣️✨

05/06/2026