Upcoming online Masterclasses

Developing drivers through the GDE Matrix with Tom Stenson

Tuesday 27 January ’26, 6-8pm on Zoom

Bio: Tom is a driving instructor trainer with a strong focus on raising standards and improving road safety through evidence-based practice. He is the co-founder of Drive-Up Training and Managing Director at Bright Coaching, where he supports trainee and qualified instructors to develop coaching skills, deeper understanding of human factors, and more effective learning conversations.

Tom’s work is grounded in the GDE Matrix, behaviour change principles, and real-world instructional experience. He is passionate about moving beyond fault-based teaching and helping instructors develop reflective, independent drivers. His sessions are practical, engaging, and designed to feel supportive, relevant, and easy to apply in everyday training.

Session description: This session looks at how the GDE Matrix can be brought to life in everyday driver training using a practical, coaching led approach. Rather than focusing only on car control or test preparation, the session explores how we can help learners and trainee instructors understand the people behind the wheel, including their thinking, habits, emotions, and decision making.

We will break down the GDE Matrix in a clear, easy to understand way and show how each level can be naturally woven into lessons and training sessions, both in the car and in group settings. A key part of the session focuses on the difference between faults and development, helping instructors move away from simply spotting errors and towards supporting long term growth and safer decision making.

You will see how simple coaching conversations can encourage learners to reflect on their choices, spot patterns in their driving, and take more ownership of their development. Using real world examples and relatable scenarios, the session shares practical tools you can start using straight away.

We will also explore how coaching and instruction work best together, supporting learning without adding pressure or losing control of risk. This session is designed to feel supportive, practical, and achievable, and is ideal for instructors and trainers who want to build confident, reflective drivers and raise standards in a realistic way.

Five takeaways you will get from this session:

1 Build a better understanding of the GDE Matrix

2 Have a clear plan on how to integrate the DGE into every lesson.

3 Practical ways to move beyond spotting faults and instead support long term driver development and safer decision making

4 Greater confidence in blending coaching and instruction while still managing risk and maintaining lesson structure

5 Tools and ideas you can use immediately to develop more thoughtful, independent, and responsible drivers

Tuesday 27 January ’26, 6-8pm on Zoom

Not available for the live session? This Masterclass will be recorded and available to access on demand. 

All delegates will also receive a personalised CPD certificate and presentation slides.