Thatcham driving instructor wins national award

A Thatcham driving instructor has picked up a national award.

Martin Caswell came first in the south east category of the Intelligent Instructor Awards in February.

The 71-year-old also came second in the national driving instructor of the year award.

Mr Caswell, of Acclaim Motor School, started driving instructing when he was 23-years-old and has taught all over the country from London to Cornwall – and even Belfast in the 70s.

The Thatcham man worked for various teaching schools for seven years, before started his own driving school in 1981.

“I plan to retire towards the end of the year so this is a good finish,” he said.

Mr Caswell also teaches drivers who are nervous or people who have anxiety or autism.

He said: “I find out how they learn and adapt everything to the way that they learn.

“I don’t get angry or irritated because nobody makes mistakes on purpose. Pupils teach you how to teach.”

Mr Caswell has also been writing his own book called 'Learn to Drive an Easier Way'.

“I like to simplify things," he added. "I like to make things not too complicated.

“If I make it easier for them, it’s easier for me.”

Mr Caswell actually forgot about the awards and wasn’t aware of his win until driving instructor and friend Peter Skelton informed him.

“Peter texted me to say congratulations and I said on what?” he laughed.

“It is all on YouTube, I have watched it now. I have actually watched it twice.

“I was just shocked.”

Mr Skelton and fellow local driving instructors Clare Denton and Sue Smith were also highly commended in this year’s competition.

Clare Denton said: "I'm so proud to be in the top 100 driving instructors shortlist for the last three years and then this year being highly commended.

"I’m very grateful to all my students that took the time to nominate me as without their support I would not have achieved this award.

"It is a very challenging time for students due to waiting times for tests still, but I’m so proud of all as they work so hard and never give up, making the my job very enjoyable.

"All the instructors in our area are winners, as we all work as an amazing team, support each other and are very lucky to have such an outstanding quality of driving instructors in our region.

"I'm looking forward to another successful year in the driving industry and helping students to follow their dreams."

Sue Smith said: "It is very humbling to be in the top one hundred, as many of the ‘Newbury area‘ driving instructors are all worthy of the same accolade.

"It has been a very difficult period following Covid for all the learners, finding an instructor with spaces and ultimately managing to book a test."

She added: "I am proud of us all, that working together we do our best to teach every student that wants to learn, with kindness, patience, and encouragement in a professional way.

"I have been incredibly blessed with so many wonderful students, and am grateful to all those who have voted for me.

"Watching people of all ages grow in confidence and achieve their dream of driving solo, makes it one of the best jobs of all.

Mr Skelton came third in the national category in 2021.

He said: "I am so thrilled to be voted in the Top 100 in the UK again.

"The award is not just a reflection of me but of the whole driving school."