About us

Sandgate driving school was formed in 1978 - the same year that Terry Hughes, a former professional disc jockey, qualified as a Department of Transport driving instructor. Terry trained with the former Thanet School of Motoring and after 3 years he started his own driving school known as West End School of Motoring. Sandgate Driving School was purchased in 1986.

All Approved Driving Instructors are regularly tested and graded by the DSA. Terry is currently a grade 5 instructor - the highest being grade 6. Over a period of 30 years, Terry has consistently achieved grades of 5 and 6.

In 1996 Terry attended South Kent College and Canterbury Christchurch College in 1997. He achieved a Certificate in Education (post compulsory education) which means he is a qualified classroom teacher for 16+. Included in that qualification are D32 and D33 which are formal and informal assessors qualifications.

In 2002 Terry passed an NVQ level 3 in driving instruction. He passed the Institute of Advanced Motorists test in 1990 and the ROSPA advanced test in 1999.

In the course of any one year Terry would expect 50% of his pupils to pass the driving test at the first attempt. Of the 50% remaining, 75% will pass at the second attempt and, BLESS THEM, there are some people who take a little longer to reach their target. However, no-one is unteachable, it is practice and patience that will eventually get the desired result. Here is the DSA top ten list of the reasons why people fail.

	Observation at junctions Ineffective observation and judgement
	Reverse parking Ineffective observation or a lack of accuracy
	Use of mirrors Not checking or not acting on the information
	Reversing around a corner Ineffective observation or a lack of observation
	Incorrect use of signals Not cancelling or giving misleading signals
	Moving safely away Ineffective observation
	Incorrect positioning on the road At roundabouts or on bends
	Lack of steering control Steering too early or leaving it too late
	Incorrect positioning to turn right At junctions and in one way streets
	Inappropriate speed Travelling too slowly or being hesitant

From 1992 until January 2005 Terry was the chairman of the Association of South Eastern Driving Instructors. He is currently their Honorary President and still deals on a daily basis with the DSA, both locally, and in Nottingham, not to mention all the national bodies associated with the driving industry.