MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS
Our instructors are trained to the highest standard and are committed to ongoing personal development to ensure they deliver the highest quality coaching and instructing.
We have both male & female instructors, find out more about them below.
As experienced Driving Instructors, we offer help and guidance in a wide variety of disciplines and subject areas. Together, we’ll review new material, troubleshoot problems and take the stress out of learning. We take into account every individual's needs and tailor each lesson to suit your learning style.
(All of our vehicles are fitted with dual controls for your safety)
CHRIS ELWICK
I am our lead driving instructor - responsible for driving our business forward and ensuring I offer you the best of the best!
​
I was born and raised in Sunderland. At a young age, I started training in Karate and practiced this for many years. At 10 years old, I successfully achieved my Black belt. As well as Karate, I enjoy going to the gym and cooking - although I don't always go as often as I'd like, and you probably won't see me on Master Chef anytime soon.
I am a big animal lover, especially dogs - I had 3 of my own!
Penny; my first dog, a beautiful Chocolate Labrador who is sadly no longer with us; and two handsome French Bulldog boys, Freddie and Roman.
​
Before training as a Driving Instructor, my background was in management and training. I have always had a passion for working with people and I've always enjoyed training and supporting people of all ages, to achieve their full potential and develop skills and abilities. This passion naturally led me to qualify as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) in 2021, a job that I love.
​
I am passionate about using the experience I gained as a trainer, supporting people of all ages, backgrounds and cultures, to learn a life skill that can not only open doors for learners, but change their lives.
​
I have been a member of the DIA (Driving Instructor Association) since 2021 and I believe that all training and lessons should be tailored to each individual learner. In my commitment to providing a high level of service, I endeavour to keep up to date with modern teaching techniques and maintaining Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
CHRIS' CAR
Chris' current car is a White Renault Clio 1.5 Diesel engine.
​
Benefit from the comfort of learning in a car that has:
Air conditioning,
​6 Speed manual gearbox,
Fully adjustable driver's seat,
Electric windows,
Electric mirrors,
Heated door mirrors,
Heated rear windscreen,
Automatic LED headlights,
Cruise control & speed limiter,
Digital speedometer,
Fully adjustable seatbelts, seats and steering wheel,
Lane departure alerts,
Automatic braking,
Road sign recognition,
Hill start assist,
Built in Sat Nav,
Stop / Start technology,
Reverse parking sensors,
Airbags.
AMY JUDGES
I am very excited to join Chris in supporting the lovely people of my home town to learn a life skill that can change your life and often that of your family too. Freedom, independence, greater job opportunities, flexibility and a huge sense of personal satisfaction are just some of the benefits of learning to drive with Chris Elwick Driver Training.
​
I have been a primary school teacher in Sunderland for over 25 years and have loved every minute of working with amazing children and their families: encouraging, supporting, teaching, empowering and caring for so many children of different ages, backgrounds and cultures. It has made for a challenging but incredibly worthwhile ride.
​
I have four teenage children of my own and, like Chris, we are huge dog lovers having grown up with Labradors. However, we have recently found ourselves the proud owners of two adorable kittens (Apollo and Athena) and a house guest cat too! I love all animals so am happy to chat about your precious pets while we drive.
​
After teaching for so many years, I was ready for a new challenge and having begun to teach my two oldest children to drive, I found my passion. Teaching you how to move a car isn’t what interests me- working with you to be a safe, confident, eco- aware, considerate and respectful driver for life is what does. I can’t wait to go on the journey with you.
AMY'S CAR
Amy's current car is a White Peugeot 2008 1.2 Petrol engine.
​
Benefit from the comfort of learning in a car that has:
Air conditioning,
Speed manual gearbox,
Fully adjustable driver's seat,
Electric windows,
Electric mirrors,
Heated rear windscreen,
Automatic LED headlights,
Automatic wipers
Reverse parking camera,
Cruise control & speed limiter,
Digital speedometer,
Fully adjustable seatbelts, seats and steering wheel,
Automatic braking,
Hill start assist,
Built in Sat Nav,
Stop / Start technology,
Reverse parking sensors,
Airbags,
Panoramic glass sunroof with electric blind.
Khizar Ali
From flying planes to navigating busy roads, I’ve always been drawn to things that move - fast, smooth, and with purpose. My journey began in healthcare, working on 999 ambulances and in emergency care, where staying calm under pressure, thinking quickly, and making safe decisions were just part of a normal day. These are exactly the kind of skills I now bring to the driver’s seat as your instructor (minus the sirens, thankfully).
Born and raised in the North East, I’m passionate about helping others build confidence and independence - especially behind the wheel. Whether I was supporting patients, leading a team through a medical emergency, or calming someone in crisis, my focus has always been on people; helping them feel capable, in control, and ready for the road ahead.
Now, I get to do that in a different setting - in a car, with you!
Alongside healthcare, I’ve always had a love for flying. I flew for the first time at 14, was selected by British Airways for their Flying Futures programme, and now train with York Gliding Club. Flying taught me the value of focus, discipline, and staying calm under pressure - and honestly, it’s not so different from helping someone master their first roundabout or nail a reverse bay park. So if we ever take a wrong turn, don’t worry - I’ve handled trickier landings!
My teaching style is calm, friendly, and flexible. Everyone learns differently, and I’ll always tailor your lessons to suit you. Whether you’re buzzing with excitement, full of nerves, or somewhere in between, I’ll meet you where you’re at - and together we’ll build your skills and confidence at your own pace.
I’m the kind of person who learns from every experience and genuinely loves seeing others succeed.
If we end up laughing during lessons, learning loads, and leaving the stress in the rear-view mirror - that’s a win in my book.
Khizar's Car
Khizars' current car is a White Peugeot 208 1.6 Diesel engine.
Benefit from the comfort of learning in a car that has:
Air conditioning,
5 Speed manual gearbox,
Fully adjustable driver's seat,
Electric windows,
Electric mirrors,
Heated rear windscreen,
LED headlights,
Cruise control & speed limiter,
Digital speedometer,
Fully adjustable seatbelts, seats and steering wheel,
Airbags.
