We think it’s important that you know who is going to be by your side as you learn to drive before they arrive to take you out on your first lesson. So without further ado, please allow us to introduce our fabulous team of driving instructors! Each and every one of our instructors is driven by your success and committed to helping you pass your test. They are fully trained and accredited, as well as regularly attending refresher courses to keep up to date with evolving exam content, legal requirements and safety conditions.
Each member of our driving school operates in a slightly different area – you can see where each instructor covers below.
When you’re ready to book, simply call us on 0161 327 2105 to book your first lesson with your chosen instructor!
Geoff Capes
Hi I’m Geoff Capes – owner of the driving school. I’ve got almost 20 years’ experience under my belt as a driving instructor, as well as running courses and training for newly qualified instructors and seasoned professionals alike. I’m passionate about the industry, and I’m even more passionate about helping you to pass your driving test! I offer driving lessons in a manual vehicle, but I also carry out lessons in our automatic car.
Automatic & Manual Lessons
Stockport
Amanda Nichols
Amanda has a wealth of experience as a driving instructor, having worked in the industry for 11 years. When Amanda is not helping people to pass their driving test, she likes camping, hiking, dining out and listening to music. Amanda’s biggest thrill is seeing the sheer delight on the face of a pupil who has just passed their test, something which she finds thoroughly rewarding and wouldn’t be without. You can see Amanda in her brand new Mazda travelling around the streets of Macclesfield.
Manual Lessons
Macclesfield
Stephen Mitcheson
Stephen mainly covers Tameside and the High Peak district in his manual white Ford Fiesta. Stephen is another of our experienced driving instructors – qualifying as an ADI in March 2007. Previously he worked as a Lab Technician at Louvolite, a window blind manufacturer. He has always wanted to become an ADI – so when he finally got the opportunity having been made redundant from his 9-5, he took it with both hands and has never looked back. He really enjoys his role as ADI as no two days are ever the same. Most of all he loves the feeling he gets when students pass their test! Stephen is married with two daughters and in his spare time, he loves to spend time with them. He is also a season ticket holder at Manchester United – so he loves going to games or watching them down at the pub with his mates.
Manual Lessons
Glossop & Hyde
Simon Forrest
I have wanted to become a driving instructor for more than 20 years. I really enjoy driving and training people, now I have the opportunity to do both. I was waiting for the right time to change career and it was the best decision I have ever made.
I was in my previous career for nearly 25 years, working my way up from the bottom to running a multi-million pound business for a large fast food restaurant chain. During my time there I also spent over two years working in London, creating and cascading training materials for more than 130,000 employees.
The highlight of this profession is seeing the joy a student feels when they pass their driving test. This is the exact reason why I became a driving instructor and it is amazing to know that I have helped them achieve their goal.
Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 GSI line
I like many types of music, going to the gym and cycling. I also enjoy watching my boys play rugby.
Manual Lessons
Stockport & Tameside
Doug Walsh
It was around, 25 years ago. I investigated becoming an instructor and went to the instructor college for an open evening. After finding out about the fees and no guarantee to pass, I decided I couldn’t afford to take the risk, especially after becoming a parent and homeowner.
Fast forward 25 years, I started to take my daughter out for lessons. She also had an instructor, and after a few weeks of taking her out, she said to me “Dad you’re good at this” which made me think how much I enjoyed it.
So the search began, and I looked up a few schools for information and costs. After a few calls and emails later, my daughter mentioned to her instructor that I was looking to become an instructor. I went out to say hello to him and to ask a few questions and he put me in touch with Geoff.
Meeting with Geoff I felt his passion and personal service, rather than being a number in a larger driving school. I signed up there and then and here I am today as a fully qualified instructor.
33 years in corporate hospitality, starting way back in 1991 at the Village Hotel Cheadle as a kitchen porter, working my way up to conference and banqueting supervisor. After 8 amazing years, I moved on into a management role as a Conference and Banqueting sales manager and Duty Manager at 2 more hotels for another 7 years.
For the last 18 years, I have worked as a team manager in the venue find team for a travel management company, working with wonderful people, clients, and suppliers.
The freedom of working for yourself and meeting different people from all walks of life. The work-life balance by being able to pick and choose your hours.
The other instructors, learning from them, and being part of the wonderful driving school.
Being a people person I love watching new learners becoming a newly qualified full license holder, that feeling you get when they pass is one of achievement.
Toyota Aygo X
I am a big family man; I love spending time with my beautiful wife and 2 amazing children.
Watching Manchester City, F1 and Boxing.
You can find me chilling in the hot tub with a nice cocktail in my downtime.
Manual Lessons
Stockport
Jonny Newton
Having previously worked for the NHS I wanted to try something different yet still challenging. At first the decision was a big one as I was going into the unknown, but with the support of my fiancé it has been the best decision I’ve ever made.
Finding a driving school that would help and support me was equally as difficult. After spending a lot of time looking at various schools, Geoff Capes Driving School really stood out to me in lots of ways. After my first chat with Geoff it was a no brainer. Throughout my training there was a lot of support from Geoff and also the other driving instructors from the school who provided me with so much help and knowledge along the way.
I’m now a fully qualified driving instructor thanks to Geoff and the team.
I spent 7 years in the British Army and have travelled all over the world in that space of time. After the Army I spent some time on the roads driving lorry’s and then transitioned into health care eventually working for the NHS.
What I really enjoy is seeing the growth of a pupils driving and confidence. Watching a pupil walk away from a driving test with a pass is the best feeling.
Toyota Yaris Hybrid 1.5
Music- anything from the 1970s and watching Formula 1 with my son.
Automatic Lessons
Macclesfield
Dawood Hadi
Automatic Lessons
Stockport & Manchester
Nick Yullie
I taught my daughters and family friends and got a lot of satisfaction out of it. Whilst never really been a ‘petrol-head’ I have always had a genuine interest in driving and road safety.
Information technology technician.
Passing on a fantastic life skill, meeting people, freedom to work when I want. I have also learned a lot about driving along the way and improved my own driving in the process. I also enjoy being out and about and getting some natural daylight, especially in the winter months.
Suzuki Swift
Learning foreign languages, trying to keep fit in my home gym. Going to the pub, restaurants, walking in the hills with our family dog.
Manual Lessons
Stockport
Call 0161 327 2105 to book your driving lesson