Adam Sykes School of Motoring

Sykes School of Motoring was established in August 1990 by me, Adam Sykes, with the aim of making a positive contribution to local driving standards. I am a fully qualified Department of Transport Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), licenced to give professional instruction for financial reward.

The core activity of the School is the provision of driving instruction for provisional licence holders, a preparation for the theory and practical tests that must be passed in order to qualify for a full driving licence. The minimum age for holding a car driver’s licence is 17, with no maximum limit for persons in generally good health. Today’s road and traffic conditions demand that new drivers need to receive more than just a meagre preparation for a couple of tests. The professional instructor should provide a firm foundation for the best part of a lifetime of safe, enjoyable motoring. The School is involved in the further training of mature drivers, taking an existing level of ability and improving those areas particularly related to effective use of speed, overtaking and hazard awareness (the three major factors contributing to most road accidents).

This is an area where I work closely with Dorset County Council's Road Safety Department, who promote further driver training for all members of the public in the region. Similarly, caravan and trailer towing courses are available to both beginners and more experienced motorists. Topics covered include weight ratios, loading, snaking, speed limits and regulations governing this type of motoring. Minibus driving courses are another speciality of the School. I visit schools, colleges, nursing homes and voluntary organisations throughout the county, to assist in the training of drivers who have the heavy responsibility of being in charge of a vehicle with up to seventeen passengers plus equipment on board. Some drivers go on to take the PCV (passenger carrying vehicle) test.

Those courses conducted by me on behalf of Dorset County Council will usually see the participants, who meet an acceptable overall standard of driving in a variety of conditions, being awarded a certificate of merit. However, the most important benefit for any driver is the reduction of the risk of involvement in road accidents. Saving of lives is what it’s really all about!

The growth in the numbers of vehicles taking to the roads is set to spiral upwards to unprecedented levels. Congestion, pollution and motoring misery are already becoming prevalent. Even in our relatively quiet corner of Dorset, we are not immune from the effects of our love affair with the motor car. It is now more important than ever that we recognise that driver education is not something reserved for the novice. Indeed, if we can all accept that a rethink about our almost total dependency on the internal combustion engine is the only practical way forward, we may well be able to avoid the nightmare that will otherwise surely ensue.

Adam Sykes ADI