Tony Hogben · Horsham, West Sussex
Tony Hogben
Trainee Driving Instructor | Horsham
Experience, patience and a passion for safer driving
I'm Tony, a trainee driving instructor in Horsham, in my mid-50s, with almost 35 years of practical driving experience. I'm also a husband, father of four, local businessman and Horsham District Councillor.
Having spent much of my career leading businesses, coaching people and managing teams, I'm now bringing those skills into driver education.
My professional background includes senior leadership roles with Boots the Chemist, running several successful local businesses, including Horsham Swim School, and serving as Deputy Leader of Horsham District Council.
I've completed the Local Government Leadership Programme at Warwick University and hold a NEBOSH Diploma in Health and Safety Management, alongside qualifications in leadership and management.
These experiences have taught me something important:
everyone learns differently, and great coaching is about understanding the individual.
More than just passing your driving test
My approach is based on client-centred learning, combining patience, practical experience and the latest DVSA driving standards.
I believe learning to drive should involve more than simply turning up for an hour each week. Through this website, I've developed free learning resources, video guides and structured lesson briefings to help pupils understand the skills they'll be practising before getting behind the wheel.
By combining visual learning, independent study and practical driving lessons, my aim is to help learners become confident, capable drivers as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.
Passing your driving test is an important milestone. Becoming a safe driver for life is the real achievement.
If a former pupil tells me in 30 years' time that they've enjoyed decades of safe, accident-free driving, I'll consider that a far greater success than simply passing their test.
Someone parents can trust
As a father of four, including Matthew and Lucy, whom I've helped teach to drive, I understand how important it is for parents to find someone experienced, patient and trustworthy.
My wife Jo and I have raised our family locally, and my work in education, business and local government means I have a long-standing, publicly verifiable history within the Horsham community.
Safeguarding is extremely important to me. I have undergone DBS checks through my professional and educational roles, and parents or chaperones are welcome to accompany pupils and observe lessons.
My tuition vehicle will also have front-facing and interior dash cameras, providing additional protection and accountability for both pupils and instructor. Recordings will be handled confidentially in accordance with data protection requirements.
My promise to you
Whether you're a complete beginner, a nervous learner or a parent supporting your teenager, my aim is simple: to provide honest advice, patient coaching and access to quality learning resources.
I'll work with you, your parents where appropriate, and your driving instructor to help you develop the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to pass your test and drive safely for life.
I'm not just interested in helping you pass. I'm interested in helping you become the best driver you can be.
Tony Hogben
Trainee Driving Instructor – Horsham