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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.

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.


We run public AA Defensive Driving Certificate Courses in Thames and other areas by arrangement for schools, organisations and workplaces.
 

HELPFUL, relaxed, local
DRIVING LESSONS

Dual controlled automatic car for driving lessons with Thames Driver Training

driving lessons

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Happy girl holding Learner Licence doing thumbs up

Now you've got your Learner Licence, I’ll help you move toward your Restricted Licence.

First we’ll talk about how much driving, and what type of driving you have done (if any) and what you’d like extra help with.

As a NZTA fully qualified and endorsed Driving Instructor, I'll show you how to drive, what to do - and what not to do.

Have driving lessons in your own automatic or manual car, or in our dual control automatic Suzuki Swift.

Happy student with full licence in car

The Full Licence test is very interactive and comprehensive.

It's a test of your observation skills as much as your driving abilities. 

You'll learn to identify what hazards are and how they could affect you. 

Learn how to safeguard yourself and others from each specific hazard.

I'll help you to understand what you need to know, so you can practice and become confident before you take your Full Drivers Licence test.

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Save money, time and stress - be completely prepared for your test by doing a practice test.

I conducted over 5000 tests as a Testing Officer before I became a Driving Instructor, so you can’t get any more like the real thing!


You'll learn what's expected and marked for in your practical Restricted or Full Licence driving test.

I'll point out any skills you need to improve on in your driving, or any errors that could see your test terminated.

Find out more about
doing a
practice driving test

​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 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.

This course is run by arrangement in-house for schools and organisations in the Thames/Coromandel ad Hauraki areas. Ask us if you'd like a course run for your school or community organistion etc. 

Learner Licence course by Thames Driver Training

Find out more about

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 driving assessment for your doctor (if requested).


 

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

google reviews

"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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