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HELPFUL, relaxed, local
DRIVING LESSONS

Get low-stress driving lessons with your local professional Driving Instructor, Gavin Buchanan at Thames Driver Training. Learn to drive safely at your own pace in our dual-controlled automatic car, or your own automatic or manual car.

We also run AA Defensive Driving Certificate Courses in Thames and Waihi.


Established in 2018, our students continue to achieve a very high success rate. Previously operating as the AA Driving School and as the AA Driving Instructor in Thames, Paeroa, Waihi and Whangamata, in 2023 we chose to become your local independent driving school.

Book your driving lessons online anytime 
Easily see at a glance which days and times are available for driving lessons in Thames, Waihi, Paeroa or Whangamata, so you can book a time that suits you. Our clever booking system, can even send you a free (opt in) text to remind you of your lesson.




 

Dual controlled automatic car for driving lessons with Thames Driver Training

driving lessons

Driving lessons are a great practical gift idea 

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Defensive Driving Courses

Learn how to drive more safely, and cut six months off the time to get your full licence!

The course is 9 hours of learning time in total, held over four evenings in group sessions.

 

Hands on practical skills are taught during an individual in car tuition session.

We run the AA Defensive Driving courses in Thames, Waihi and Whangamata and other areas by arrangement for schools or groups.


 

Find out more about

AA Defensive Driving Course

Learner Licence Courses

An interactive two day course to help you get your Learner Licence.

You'll learn the road rules in the New Zealand Road Code. Find out the difference between compulsory road rules, advisory actions, best practice and the reasoning behind some of New Zealand’s road rules.

Shortly after the course (usually the next day), you'll do your Learners Licence test.

Find out more about

Learner Licence course by Thames Driver Training

REFRESHER or
senior driving coaching

I provide relaxed in-car refresher coaching for all ages including seniors.

Stay confident and safe in your driving skills knowing your knowledge of the current road rules is up to date.

I'll help you prepare for your practical test and can also provide a written assessment if requested by your doctor etc.


 

Find out more about

Senior driving coaching session

about me

Hi, I’m Gavin Buchanan, your local Driving Instructor.

Coming from a Testing Officer background, I offer you the best of both worlds because I'll share my in-depth knowledge of what’s expected during your test, including a practice test when you're ready.

I provide driving lessons for all levels, run local AA Defensive Driving courses in Thames and Waihi, Defensive Driving for Fleet and Business customers, as well refresher lessons and Senior Driving Coaching and driving assessments.

My goal is to help you succeed to learn to drive safely and to get your driver licence.

Find out more about me.

Gavin Buchanan, Driving Instructor at Thames Driver Training

" Your driver licence is your ticket to success, now more than ever.

For work, study, travel and the freedom to choose wherever, and whenever you want to go
- your drivers licence gets you there. "

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