Take the Leap with Optimus Drive
About Us
Dave and Stephanie started Optimus Drive to give both pupils and instructors freedom on the roads. Starting in Consett with only Dave providing lessons, Optimus Drive has quickly become a successful business across the entirety of the North East with many instructors joining their fleet.
​
At the heart of everything that we do is our passion for safety and our commitment to our students. We know that the freedom to drive can be a game changer, so are you ready to take the leap? Get in touch with us today to learn more about Optimus Drive and what we can do to get you on the roads, whether that's as a pupil or an instructor.
Dave Bell
Manual Driving Instructor
The man in the passenger seat, Dave always puts his students at ease. Easy to talk to with the patience of a saint, Dave has the perfect temperament for novices and experienced drivers alike. You can read our glowing reviews to find out what past pupils think of him, and how he's boosted their confidence behind the wheel!
OUR TEAM
Get to know us before you step foot in the car.
​
We're a friendly and approachable bunch who pride ourselves on being patient, understanding and helpful when it comes to getting you passed your driving test.
Stephanie Longstaff
Admin & Automatic Instructor
If you're booking your lessons or trying to find a test date, Steph will be the person on the other end of the phone. Going above and beyond to make sure students get lessons at a time that works for them and working all hours securing cancellation tests to beat the covid delay, Steph is always a delight to talk to!
Steven Hindson
Manual Driving Instructor
Steven was the first Driving Instructor we took on to expand our fleet at Optimus Drive. As our Manual Instructor covering Stanley, Chester-le-Street and surrounding areas, they’re committed to providing students with the skills and tools necessary to continue their learning journey.
Melissa Young
Automatic Driving Instructor
Melissa passed her driving test with Dave back in 2019 and then went on to start her instructor training with us at the age of 21. She is now a fully qualified driving instructor and an amazing asset to our team!
Join Our Fleet
Take the leap and change your career.
If you're over 21 and have a clean driving licence which you've held for more than 3 years, you could be our next recruit at Optimus Drive. ​A rewarding job with flexible hours and pay as you go training, why not change your career and become a driving instructor?