Driving Instruction


Comprehensive driver training for all levels in Devon, Sharpen your skills with expert DVSA instruction tailored to cars, C1 vehicles, and emergency response. Build confidence, control, and compliance through precision driving, advanced handling, and real-world safety legislation. Whether you're navigating the roads for your first time, need confidence in high-pressure situations or operating larger vehicles, our training prepares you to drive with skill, safety, and authority.

Ambulance Driver Training Unit Hire


Dual control cars and Purpose-built Ambulance Driver Training Units designed for realistic, hands-on driving and emergency response instruction. Train with precision in vehicles that mirror real-world conditions, focusing on manoeuvring, risk management, and operational readiness. Ensure compliance with safety regulations and exemptions, all while benefiting from flexible hire options for individual or organisational training programs. Whether you are just starting on your journey or are a full licence holder, we can improve your skills and get you on the road.

Medic and Transportation


Expert medical transport led by experience and driven by excellence. With deep knowledge of emergency driving, vehicle dynamics, and compliance, we deliver safe, efficient care—from urgent transfers to scheduled journeys. Our professionalism, legal expertise, and patient-focused approach ensure every mile is managed with precision, reliability, and trust.

Leadership, Instruction, and Resilience in Medical Transport

With 33 years of military experience and 18 years as an ambulance First Responder, our Director (Gary) brings strategic leadership, resilience, and precision to medical transport. As an advanced driving instructor, he empowers drivers with expert coaching in emergency response, safety systems, and legislation. His calm authority ensures safe, professional operations, while his focus on team resilience, fatigue management, and risk assessment supports long-term success in high-pressure environments.

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Fundraising challenge 2026

Gary is a former Royal Marines Musician and Royal Navy Logistics Officer who served 11,993 days in uniform. After years of operational service, Gary faced the unseen reality of PTSD, burnout and long COVID, and the impact this had not just on him, but on his family. When support finally arrived, it came through the Corps family, with The Royal Marines Charity stepping in to provide the right help at the right time.

From 1 Jan 26, Gary is completing 11,993 rehabilitation exercises (one for every day he served), finishing at the Mountbatten Festival of Music, in London. This challenge is about recovery, giving back, and ensuring other veterans and families don’t have to wait for life-changing support.

Please consider supporting this outstanding effort using the QR Code, or visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-GB/donation-form/steps-to-recovery-ptsd-and-the-rm-charity 

 

Gary Turner. Former RM Musician / RN Logistics Officer.

My name is Gary Turner. I served almost 12,000 days in the Royal Marines and Royal Navy, operationally on land and at sea, at home and around the globe.

In 2020, I found myself in hospital exhausted, seriously unwell, and facing the reality that I could no longer carry on. PTSD, burnout and long COVID followed over the next few years, taking their toll on both my family and me.

I served 11,993 days in uniform.

6,093 days in the Royal Marines.

5,974 days in the Royal Navy.

(40 days more in the Royal Marines, not that I am counting).

From 1 January 2026, I embarked on a physical challenge to complete 11,993 rehabilitation exercises, around 150 repetitions every day, finishing on the weekend of the Mountbatten Festival of Music on 21 March 2026.

This challenge is my way of giving back to the charity that stepped in when my family needed help most, and of helping ensure other veterans and families do not have to wait years for the proper support.

When support comes too late, the cost is paid at home. Timely help changes lives, not just for veterans but for their families too.

Background

I joined the Royal Marines Band Service in 1992 and later transferred to the Royal Navy as a Logistics Officer in 2009. My naval service took me to Afghanistan on OP HERRICK 13 with 845 Naval Air Squadron, Commando Helicopter Force, and later to the Gulf as the Logistics Officer in HMS ARGYLL throughout Lockdown One.

After seven months deployed, I returned to the UK and was shortly afterwards taken from home by ambulance under blue lights and hospitalised with COVID-19. I was discharged on 29 November 2020.

Determined to put it behind me and get back to normal, I started a new post as Officer Commanding Logistics Operations at RNAS Yeovilton in early January 2021. Just six weeks after discharge, I was responsible for 90 people and £0.75bn of aircraft stock.

At the time, returning to work felt like the right thing to do. In reality, it meant I never fully recovered physically or mentally from being seriously ill.

I spent over a year medically downgraded and attended recovery courses at DMRC Stanford Hall. EMDR therapy was recommended, but it did not materialise.

As soon as I was able, I returned to helping others, including supporting South Western Ambulance Service with the delivery of new ambulances and volunteering as a Community First Responder and Military Co-Responder.

On the surface, I was coping. Underneath, I was not recovering.

Over time, the impact became impossible to ignore. I withdrew. My moods were low, my patience short, and my frustration often spilled over. For nearly five years, my family have lived with tension, uncertainty and the emotional weight of walking on eggshells while trying to support someone they loved.

In October 2024, I was sent back to DMRC for complex trauma recovery. Alongside long COVID, chronic fatigue, burnout and depression, I was formally diagnosed with PTSD and once again recommended for EMDR therapy. It had taken over four years to reach that point.

Just weeks before I was due to leave the Service, a decision made because my family and I could no longer cope with the demands of Forces life, I received a phone call.

I was told that waiting lists in Service were very long, so I would not have enough time left to access EMDR therapy and was referred to the NHS and OP COURAGE. But waiting lists on the outside were just as bad. They suggested I approach the Royal Marines Charity for help.

When I approached the Corps family, everything changed. The Royal Marines Charity did not just listen. They acted. They funded EMDR therapy for both my wife and me, recognising that trauma does not sit with one person alone. That support brought understanding of triggers. It brought coping tools. It brought calm back into our home. 

Recovery was not instant, but it became possible.

The Mountbatten Festival holds deep personal meaning. I performed there many times during my career. Finishing this challenge there marks a line between service and recovery. The exercises themselves come from the Stanford Hall recovery programme, where I spent three intensive weeks beginning my physical and emotional recovery. This challenge is about reclaiming control, giving something back, and shining a light on the reality that mental injury is often invisible.

This challenge is not just about fitness. It is about commitment, rebuilding and continuing recovery, supported by family and friends who will be with me at the Festival to mark the end of this journey together.

Why Your Support Matters

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Ministry of Defence (MOD), 253 UK armed forces veterans died by suicide in England and Wales in 2021.

PTSD does not just affect individuals. It also affects partners, children and families.

Your donation helps ensure that:

Veterans and their families receive timely support;

No one is left waiting when they are ready to ask for help; and, 

Recovery can begin before crisis takes hold.

 

Every contribution helps someone lift the lid and start rebuilding.

If you are able to donate, thank you. If you can share this fundraiser, that support matters just as much. Together, we can make sure no one has to wait for the help that changes lives.

Around the Globe in 80 Days
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Challenge Video

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New Learners - Car Driving Instruction in South Devon

Learning to drive is a major milestone, and choosing the right instructor makes all the difference. At GTI Driving, I provide calm, patient, and professional car driving instruction across Kingsbridge, Totnes, Dartmouth, Ivybridge, South Brent, and the surrounding South Devon area. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to build confidence before your test, my lessons are structured to help you progress quickly and safely.

Why Choose GTI Driving?

DVSA‑Approved Instruction. As a fully qualified DVSA-approved driving instructor, I deliver lessons that follow the latest national standards for safe and responsible driving.

Patient, Supportive Teaching Style. Every learner is different. I adapt each lesson to your pace, confidence level, and learning style — whether you’re nervous, excited, or somewhere in between.

Local Knowledge That Gives You an Edge. With extensive experience across South Devon’s roads, I help you master:

  • Newton Abbot, Plymouth and Exeter test routes
  • Challenging junctions and roundabouts
  • Rural lanes and coastal roads
  • Real-world driving situations you’ll face after passing

Modern, Comfortable Training Vehicle. You’ll learn in a clean, well-maintained Mercedes A200d, equipped with dual controls for your safety and peace of mind.

What My Driving Instruction Covers

Beginner Lessons. Perfect if you’re new to driving. We’ll start with the basics and build your skills steadily and safely.

Intermediate & Test Preparation. As you progress, we’ll focus on:

  • Manoeuvres
  • Roundabouts
  • Dual carriageways
  • Independent driving
  • Mock tests

Refresher Lessons. Ideal if you haven’t driven for a while or want to rebuild confidence.

Nervous Driver Support. I specialise in helping anxious learners feel calm, capable, and in control.

Motorway & Post‑Test Training. For newly qualified drivers who want to develop advanced skills and confidence on faster roads.

A Structured Approach That Builds Confidence

Every lesson is planned with clear goals, constructive feedback, and steady progression. You’ll always know what we’re working on and why — and you’ll see your confidence grow with every session.

Areas Covered

I provide car driving instruction across:

  • Kingsbridge
  • Totnes
  • Dartmouth
  • Ivybridge
  • South Brent
  • Surrounding villages and rural areas across South Devon

If you’re unsure whether I cover your location, get in touch.

Ready to Start Learning?

Whether you’re preparing for your first lesson or looking to fine-tune your driving before the test, I’m here to help you become a safe, confident driver for life.

Book your lesson today and take the first step toward your driving independence.

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Ambulance Driver Training

Expert Driving Instruction for Professional & Emergency Drivers
With experience in emergency response driving, vehicle dynamics, and safety legislation, we deliver exceptional instruction tailored to professional drivers. Whether preparing for C1 licensing, ambulance operations, or advanced vehicle handling, our training is structured, methodical, and confidence-building.

Precision, Safety & Real-World Application
Our instruction integrates technical expertise with practical application, ensuring learners understand vehicle safety systems, legal frameworks, and emergency response protocols and develop the resilience and decision-making skills needed in high-pressure environments.

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Advanced Coaching & Learner Empowerment
Through a learner-centred approach, we utilise instruction, coaching, observation, and role-play to refine driver skills, emphasising confidence, control, and compliance. Our ability to break down complex legislative frameworks into accessible insights makes our guidance invaluable for professionals.

Excellence in Emergency Response Training
From fatigue management strategies to situational awareness techniques, instruction ensures drivers are mentally and physically prepared for the challenges of professional vehicle operation. Our expertise in safety, risk assessment, and operational continuity makes us trusted instructors for those entering high-stakes driving roles.

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C1 Driver Training - Unlock New Opportunities on the Road

Advance your driving qualifications with expert C1 instruction, designed for those stepping up to larger vehicles in professional, emergency response, and specialised transport roles. Whether you're preparing for ambulance operations, logistics, or career expansion, this course equips you with the precision, confidence, and compliance needed to excel.

A Learner-Centred Approach to Mastering C1 Vehicles
Success starts with the proper foundation. Through coaching, structured instruction, and practical application, we ensure every driver gains complete control, awareness, and manoeuvring proficiency for safe, efficient operation. Our tailored guidance adapts to individual learning styles, making complex vehicle dynamics accessible and intuitive.

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Safety, Compliance & Industry Standards
Navigating legal frameworks, vehicle safety systems, and risk assessment is crucial in professional driving. This training integrates real-world application of legislation and industry requirements, ensuring that every driver operates confidently and is accountable.
Technology-Driven Learning & Applied Expertise

With years of real-life experience, resilience-building knowledge, and advanced instructional expertise, we combine modern vehicle safety aids, situational awareness techniques, and cutting-edge training methodologies to prepare drivers for real-world challenges.

Take the Wheel—Drive with Confidence, Skill, and Purpose!

Step into the driver’s seat with expert training that combines technical mastery, emergency response expertise, and resilience-building. We equip professional drivers with the skills, confidence, and control to excel, whether advancing C1 qualifications, mastering ambulance operations, or navigating high-pressure situations.

Our approach integrates fatigue management, stress resilience, and real-world risk assessment to develop sharp decision-making and safety-first thinking. Through tailored instruction and leadership-focused coaching, drivers gain the readiness to perform with precision, adaptability, and purpose.

Get In Touch Today!