Calm, individual coaching
Lessons are adapted to the learner rather than delivered from a fixed script. Questions and mistakes are treated as a normal part of learning.
Why learn with CDS?
Calm coaching. Real experience. A clear path forward.
Learning to drive is different for everyone. Counties Driving School provides patient, practical instruction shaped around your experience, confidence and goals.
Led by Alistair McGregor, CDS brings more than 20 years of driver-training experience to learners throughout Pukekohe and wider Franklin.
The CDS difference
Good instruction makes the next step clear.
Every lesson should help you understand what you are doing, recognise what needs improvement and build the judgement to drive safely and independently.
Progress you can understand
Know what improved, what still needs attention and what to practise next. Structured feedback connects professional lessons with private practice.
Prepared for real driving
Develop observation, decision-making, hazard awareness and vehicle control—not just familiarity with a test route.
Experience beyond learner lessons
Alistair’s background includes professional, passenger-service, military and advanced driver training, as well as coaching developing instructors.
Experience that shapes the teaching
From the roadside, classroom and driver’s seat.
Alistair’s approach is informed by a varied career in road safety, emergency services and driver development.
Ambulance officer and paramedic
Experience in the United Kingdom and New Zealand developed a practical understanding of road risk, decision-making and the consequences of unsafe driving.
Passenger-service and NZ Army training
Alistair has extensive passenger-service driver-training experience and has instructed New Zealand Army personnel in cars and trucks.
National Advanced Drivers School
Alongside CDS, Alistair works as a presenter and practical tutor with the National Advanced Drivers School, contributing to defensive-driver training focused on hazard awareness, vehicle control and safer driving attitudes.
Hamilton Young Driver Training
Alistair has contributed as a presenter and practical instructor to the council-supported programme, which combines theory and practical learning to help young drivers build safer habits and attitudes.
Coaching developing driving instructors
His experience also includes helping developing instructors strengthen their coaching, communication and practical teaching skills.
How CDS teaches
A clear process for building safer drivers.
CDS does more than tell you whether something was right or wrong. Alistair helps you understand why it happened, how to improve it and how to apply the skill independently.
- 01
Assess
Understand the learner’s current skills, experience and goals.
- 02
Coach
Develop priority areas through explanation and guided practice.
- 03
Practise
Leave with clear activities to work on between lessons.
- 04
Reflect
Review progress, choose the next step and build independence.
Adapted to the learner
Different learners need different ways to learn.
Alistair has worked with students of different ages, backgrounds, confidence levels and learning needs, including students with hearing impairments and learners with ADHD, autism and cerebral palsy.
His approach can be adapted through clear communication, patient instruction, manageable lesson pacing and teaching methods shaped around what helps the individual learn safely.
Students and families are encouraged to discuss any communication, accessibility or learning requirements before the first lesson. This allows CDS to understand the learner’s needs and confirm what appropriate support can be provided.
Talk with CDS about your needsLocal knowledge
Franklin roads. Skills you can use anywhere.
CDS provides driving instruction throughout Pukekohe, Waiuku, Tuakau, Patumahoe and wider Franklin.
Lessons can include town driving, rural roads, higher-speed environments, motorway driving and unfamiliar routes. The goal is not to memorise a test route—it is to build skills that transfer wherever the road takes you.
Lesson vehicles
Automatic or manual
Toyota AquaAutomatic lessons in the CDS vehicle
Student-supplied carManual lessons in a suitable vehicle
Student-supplied vehicles must meet CDS safety, legal and insurance requirements. See the Terms and Conditions.
Who CDS can help
Start from where you are.
Lessons are shaped around the driver’s current stage rather than assumptions about where they should be.
- First-time learner drivers
- Restricted and Full licence candidates
- Nervous or returning drivers
- Overseas-licence conversion drivers
- Employment-related driving assessments
- Motorway and higher-speed confidence
- Caregivers and support drivers
- Learners who benefit from an adapted approach
Ready when you are
Let’s find your next step.
Whether you are beginning, rebuilding confidence or preparing for the next licence stage, CDS will help you understand where you are now and what to work on next.