A driving instructor whose work is redefining professionalism, empathy and inclusivity in the industry has been named Intelligent Instructor’s Driving Instructor of the Year 2026.

The presentation took place at the annual Gala Evening, celebrating the great and the good of the driver trainer industry.

While there were many worthy winners rewarded on the night, the top prize of the evening has to be Driving Instructor of the Year, won this time by Amanda Jayne, Horizon Driving School, Stockton-on-Tees.

Drive to succeed

Amanda, an ADI of five and a half years, received the prestigious national title in recognition of her outstanding contribution to driver training and her commitment to creating a safe, supportive learning environment for all.

Before entering the profession, Amanda spent 11 years working as a recovery specialist with the RAC, where almost all of her work revolved around driving.

“I love driving and love helping others,” she said. “It just felt like the right move.”

That passion has become the foundation of her success, though of course the job would be much easier and even more enjoyable, “if students came to lessons prepared, open-minded, and willing to learn. 

Judges praised her for going beyond traditional instruction, offering not just technical guidance, but emotional support and reassurance to her students.

Amanda believes this is central to effective teaching, “because everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed as their true self”.

“I try to be more than just an instructor—someone they can talk to, someone they don’t feel worried about,” she explained.

“I would like to think I got the award for my attitude towards students, their training and being able to be more than just an instructor to them, someone they can talk to, someone who isn’t too serious (except for the driving bit), someone they can be themselves with and someone they don’t need to feel worried about.” 

All for one…

Her approach is also deeply rooted in inclusivity.

As a trans woman, Amanda has built her business around creating safe spaces, particularly for learners within the LGBTQ+ community.

Her personal motto, “Proud to teach. Proud to support. Proud to be me”, captures both her identity and her mission.

In a powerful personal statement following her win, Amanda described the moment as both humbling and deeply meaningful:

“Receiving the National Instructor of the Year award is something I’m still taking in. To be recognised by Intelligent Instructor in this way means more to me than I can truly put into words.”

Beating the odds

Amanda also spoke candidly about the challenges she has faced on her journey.

“As a trans woman, I’ve faced rejection, prejudice, and obstacles simply for being myself… there have been times where it felt like I had to work twice as hard just to be given the same chance.”

Despite those barriers, she has channelled her experiences into building a driving school that prioritises trust and confidence as much as technical skill.

“I wanted to create a safe, welcoming space, especially for those in the LGBTQ+ community, where people can come as they are, without fear of judgement,” she said. “Because learning to drive isn’t just about the mechanics, it’s about confidence, trust, and feeling comfortable enough to be yourself.”

Her philosophy is already making a tangible difference.

Amanda says the most rewarding part of her job is seeing students succeed not just by passing their tests but by growing in confidence.

“When a student feels safe and understood, that’s when real progress happens,” she said.

Like many in the industry, she acknowledges ongoing challenges, including long test waiting times and rising fuel costs.

She is also keen to move away from outdated teaching styles.

“There’s no place for shouting at students,” she said, advocating instead for calm, supportive instruction.

Her advice to fellow instructors reflects that mindset: “Be calm on the outside always, even if inside you are raging.”

Behind the wheel

Outside of work, Amanda’s love of driving continues, with particularly fond memories of a 1996 road trip from Sipovo to Sarajevo in Bosnia, “where the scenery was amazing”. 

As for a soundtrack to her trips, top of the list has to be Meat Loaf’s Bat Out of Hell, “it takes me back to when I first started driving”.  

Meanwhile, she still has a soft spot for a particular set of wheels – “a bright yellow Kia Stinger GT Line S 3.3 v6, I owned one before and loved it”. 

Looking ahead, Amanda is determined to build on her success.

“This has only strengthened my determination—to keep supporting my students, to keep building confidence and safe spaces, and to keep spreading awareness across the profession,” she said.

“Because everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed as their true self.”

Amanda’s achievement is not just a personal milestone; she hopes it reflects a wider shift within the driver training industry towards inclusivity, compassion and modern teaching values. 

“Receiving the National Instructor of the Year award is something I’m still taking in. To be recognised by Intelligent Instructor in this way means more to me than I can truly put into words. I want to start by saying a heartfelt thank you, not just for the award itself, but for such a fantastic and memorable evening.

“I’d also like to extend my sincere thanks to the awards supporter, ADINJC, and those in association DASH Instructor Cover & Derin Driving School. Your support helps celebrate instructors across the industry, and it genuinely means a lot to be recognised as part of that.

“Standing in that room, surrounded by so many talented and passionate instructors, was a moment I’ll never forget. It wasn’t just about winning; it was about feeling seen, accepted, and proud to be part of a profession that is moving forward in such a positive and inclusive way.

“Thank you again to Intelligent Instructor, to ADINJC, to DASH Instructor Cover & Derin Driving School for this incredible honour, and for an evening I’ll never forget.”