Thames | Waihi | Paeroa | Whangamata
Driving Lessons & Defensive Driving Courses with Gavin Buchanan
Next course: THAMES starts 10 August 2026
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.
driving lessons
driving courses
​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
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.
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
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.
