In the world of driving instruction, trust, patience, and personal connection can make all the difference. That’s exactly what Sonny, a dedicated instructor at Surrey Driving Force, brings to the table – and it’s why he’s been named the 2025 Best Client Satisfaction winner at this year’s Driving Tuition Awards.

Known for his calming presence and empathetic approach, Sonny has been earning rave reviews from learner drivers in Surrey, especially those facing anxiety, past setbacks, or unique learning needs. His emphasis on personalised teaching has earned him an outstanding reputation and a loyal base of student referrals. We spoke with Sonny to explore what drives his success, and what this recognition means to him.

An Introduction to Sonny and Surrey Driving Force

As part of the Surrey Driving Force franchise, Sonny has quickly distinguished himself through his commitment to his learners. He offers teaching focused on building confidence, trust, and competence behind the wheel.

Sonny says client satisfaction is at the very heart of what he does – designing personalised lesson plans for each student, providing post-lesson support like mock tests and theory revision help, and maintaining a flexible schedule to suit individual needs. His results speak for themselves: a first-time pass rate of 96.5%, over 60 five-star reviews, and consistent referrals from past students.

Whether working with anxious beginners or learners facing cultural or personal barriers, Sonny’s ethos remains the same, create a safe, empowering environment where everyone can thrive.

In Conversation with Sonny

We asked Sonny some questions about his success, teaching style and award win. Here’s what he had to say:

Please provide a brief overview of your business or what you do within the company.

I’m a professional driving instructor, and my role involves teaching learners the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to become safe and responsible drivers. I provide both practical driving lessons and guidance on the rules of the road, helping students prepare for their driving tests and develop lifelong safe driving habits. My goal is to create a calm, supportive environment where each learner can progress at their own pace and feel fully prepared to drive independently.

What would you attribute as the main reason for your success?

The main reason for my success is my patient, personalized approach to teaching. Every learner is different, and I take the time to understand their individual needs, fears, and learning styles. By creating a calm and supportive environment, I help build their confidence and skills at a pace that suits them. I also stay committed to high standards of instruction and genuinely care about each student’s progress, which has led to strong word-of-mouth referrals and a solid reputation in the community.

What has been the biggest challenge you have overcome?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve overcome is helping extremely anxious learners who’ve had negative past experiences or deep fear around driving. It takes a lot of patience, empathy, and consistent encouragement to rebuild their confidence. I’ve had to adapt my teaching methods and communication style to suit each individual, often going the extra mile to make them feel comfortable. Seeing those learners eventually pass their test and drive independently is incredibly rewarding—and it’s taught me the importance of persistence, trust, and flexibility in this profession.

What do you think made you stand out as a winner in the awards? Tell us about the specific project or facet of your business you believe earned you this award win.

I believe what made me stand out as a winner was my commitment to delivering a highly personalised and supportive learning experience for each of my students. I genuinely care about their progress, and I work hard to create a calm, confidence-building environment—especially for nervous or first-time drivers. What likely earned me this award was the consistent positive feedback from learners and the strong pass rates I’ve maintained. I’ve also gone above and beyond by offering flexible scheduling, tailored lesson plans, and ongoing support, which has helped build a trusted reputation within the community.

What is the next big step for you?

The next big step for me is to continue growing within the Surrey Driving Force franchise, building on the strong reputation we’ve already established. I’m focused on expanding my own student base while maintaining the high standards and personalised support that set us apart. I’m also looking at how I can contribute even more to the team—whether that’s mentoring new instructors within the franchise or introducing new tools to support our learners. It’s all about continuing to evolve while staying true to the values that have earned the trust of so many students.

Would you recommend Business Awards UK to other businesses? If so, why?

Yes, I would absolutely recommend Business Awards UK to other businesses. The awards provide a fantastic opportunity to gain recognition for the hard work and dedication that often goes on behind the scenes. It’s also a great way to build credibility and trust with both current and prospective clients. Being part of the awards process gave me a chance to reflect on my journey, celebrate achievements, and connect with other passionate professionals across different industries.

Looking Ahead

Sonny delivers empathy and dedication in an industry that shapes how people experience one of life’s biggest milestones – learning to drive. With a foundation built on trust and a reputation for going the extra mile, Sonny’s work offers strong passing rates combined with ongoing student confidence and safety. With his focus fixed on the learner experience, Sonny is helping to steer driving tuition in a direction that puts people first.