Meet the Inspire Team
Dean Henson
Hi, I formed Inspire five years ago although I have been involved in driver training for over twenty two years now covering everything from teaching learners to drive to training people to become driving instructors including delivering various Continued Professional Development courses to over 5000 ADI. In 2008 Inspire were proud to announce that we became one of twenty two DSA accredited Fleet training providers. My mission is not to be the biggest,however we aim to be the best at what we do. I have built a team which cares about their customers while at the same time offers the best technical skills in the industry. With excellent pass rates and customer satisfaction.
I am married to Tracy and have a daughter called Kristi, currently I am in training for "The WALL"! which is a 69 mile run from Carlisle to Newcastle. Having already completed the London,Edinburgh and Kielder marathons in 2011 including the Great North run in September training is going well.
Hobbies include running(great north run in September 2011 15 in all) London Marathon 4 times including the Inaugural Keilder Marathon in 2010 " it was freezing" what a fantastic day.
Reading anything to do with coaching,factual etc
Spending time with the family and occasionally going out for meals.
Steve Smith
Hi my name is Stephen and I have been a driving instructor for twelve years. I had the pleasure of joining Inspire driving in 2006. I am married to Michelle and have a teenage daughter, Nicole, as well as another recent addition to our family – Willow – our 6 month-old English springer spaniel. When I am not teaching I enjoy fine food and wine with friends, family days out, holidays, cinema trips, football and golf, but not necessarily in that order.
My main passion, though, is my teaching. I enjoy it immensely and nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing a pupil’s face when they pass their driving test. I am friendly and outgoing and try to make lessons fun while demanding high standards. That is one of the reasons my pass rate is so high and ex pupils recommend me to new pupils.
I look forward to teaching you in the near future.
Dave Thackwray
Spent the last 30 years with the DSA (Driving Standards Agency) as an SE ADI then Driver Training Assessment Manager. Responsible for all things relating to the ADI register. Also conducting ADI qualifying examinations parts two and three and also Check tests. Also training DSA staff carry out the qualifying process for Fleet Driver Trainers.
Since joining Inspire Driver training College in 2009 I have been involved in the preperation and training of PDIs and ADIs for ADI parts 2 and 3, including Check Test preperation including roleplay. fleet qualifying training and testing. Also delivery of various CPD courses.
Steve Cowey
Hi, I have been a driving instructor for 7 years and recently achieved a grade 5 on my last check test which is the second highest grade in the country. I give tuition in manual and automatic cars including teaching people with mild dissabilities. I am also a qualified Fleet risk training provider. I am also a member of ROSPA which is widely regarded as the most comprehensive and challanging driving test open to the public.
I am married to Norma and live in Sunderland, my hobbies are driving, interests include going to the sauna and health spas
I look forward to teaching you to drive.
Alan Pearson
Hi my name is Alan and I joined Inspire a year ago. I first trained with Dean when qualifying to become an ADI and therefore know how professional he is.I have been a driving instructor for over 22 years and can honestly say that I enjoy the job just as much now as did when I first started.I also specialise in teaching nervous pupils.I mainly work out of the Gateshead area however I also teach people to drive in washington,South Shields and Sunderland.
I have a keen interest in photography and also love my many cats.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Stuart Douglas
Brian Newton
Paul Avenell
Hi my name is Paul and I joined Inspire almost two years ago.
I joined Inspire because of there philosophy of being the best at what they do, teaching people to drive. I am married to Alison and we have one young daughter of seven going on seventeen! probably because of her addiction to Hannah Montanah. My spare time is filled simply spending time with my family and going out for meals together. I love to travel to try and experience new things and meet people from different walks of life.
My passion is teaching people to drive and gain great fulfillment from the look on there face when they have passed there test.
I look forward to teaching you to drive.
