The UK’s driver training industry celebrated its biggest night of the year in style on Saturday evening.

A gala dinner included the results of the Intelligent Instructor Awards 2026, bringing together leading instructors, schools and suppliers from across the country.

This event celebrates the great and the good of the driver training industry and promotes the fantastic service our industry provides.

Glamour and gongs

Held at Kents Hill Park in Milton Keynes, the black-tie event recognised excellence, innovation and dedication within the sector, with a wide range of categories highlighting achievements from grassroots instructors to national organisations.

At the centre of the evening was the prestigious National Driving Instructor of the Year award.

Amanda Banks of Horizon Driving School is the big winner and was also awarded the National gong, as well as securing the regional North East Driving Instructor title, capping off a standout year and marking her out as the industry’s top performer for 2026.

Commenting on the award, Amanda said: “I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to for awarding me National Instructor of the Year. It was such an amazing and completely unexpected surprise. I truly feel so honoured to have received this award, and it means more to me than I can properly put into words.
She added, “The whole evening was incredible, and it was such a pleasure to meet and spend time with so many wonderful people from our profession. It really reminded me how supportive and inspiring this community is. Thank you again for such a special recognition, I’m still smiling about it!”

ADIs of the year: Kate Davies (Silver), Amanda Banks (Gold), Gyokhan Zlatev (Bronze)

Silver in the national category went to Kate Davies, the Wales regional winner, while Bronze was awarded to Gyokhan Zlatev, who triumphed in London.

The spread of the awards and the winners themselves demonstrates the strength of talent across the UK’s regions.

Another major honour is the Services to the Driver Training Industry Award.

This was presented to Simon Johnston in recognition of his long-standing contribution and impact on the profession.

Supporting success

Among organisations, driveJohnson’s Driving School took home the coveted National Driving School of the Year title, while Cowley’s School of Motoring was named Regional Driving School of the Year.

One of the most decorated names of the night was Pass N Go Driving School, which secured multiple awards, including Car Supplier of the Year, Marketing Campaign of the Year, and Training Provider of the Year, underscoring its strong presence across several high-profile areas of the industry.

Elsewhere, ADI Network emerged as another double winner, claiming both Product of the Year and Professional Support Provider of the Year, highlighting the growing importance of digital tools and support services for instructors.

The awards also reflected the increasing influence of online platforms and content creation.

Chris Bensted was named Content Creator of the Year, while Inspire Instructor Training won Social Media Influencer of the Year, recognising its impact in engaging and educating instructors through digital channels.

All for one and…

The driver training industry is a strong community in itself.

Still, certain standout characters and organisations work to make our shared community, and those connected to it, that much stronger.

This year’s Community Champion of the Year award went to Menopause Support for Driving Instructors Facebook Group, while Disability Driving Instructors was named Special Educational Needs Provider of the Year.

Meanwhile, The Honest Truth took top honours for the Road Safety Initiative of the Year, reflecting its long-standing efforts to improve safety and awareness among young drivers through support for ADIs.

Sustainability was also recognised, with Vicky’s Driving Tuition winning Green Driving School of the Year, an award and a driving school that reinforces the shift toward more environmentally conscious driver training.

When it comes to driving, the Toyota Yaris was named Driving Instructor Car of the Year.

At the same time, Adrian Flux Insurance Services was awarded Driving Instructor Insurer of the Year, highlighting the role of specialist providers in supporting instructors and their businesses.

Year in year out

The evening showcased not only individual excellence but also the evolving nature of the driver training profession, with growing emphasis on technology, inclusivity, sustainability and community engagement.

From online and app-based diary management and business tools, through to marketing and customer support through social media, and even the technology shift in the training vehicles we use, the Intelligent Instructor Awards are a brilliant window onto the dramatically changing world of driver training, whilst highlighting the top performers who inspire and support us.

With record participation and a diverse range of winners, the Intelligent Instructor Awards 2026 once again demonstrated the industry’s strength and resilience, and it’s a fantastic celebration of all that we do.

The future of driver education and road safety across the UK appears to be in good hands.