10-Minute Presentation Recap: Tony Harding Driving School

Our recent Business Networking South Leicestershire (BNSL) meeting featured a heartfelt and inspiring presentation from Tony Harding, founder of Tony Harding Driving School.

Tony shared his remarkable life journey — one filled with hard work, care for others, and an enduring commitment to helping people grow and learn, whether that’s in the garden, the workshop, or behind the wheel.

Early Years and Finding His Own Path

Tony began by explaining that he didn’t particularly enjoy school when he was younger. Academic settings didn’t bring out the best in him — but practical, hands-on work did.

Leaving school early, Tony first went into landscaping, where he discovered a passion for creating and nurturing. He later trained in engineering and mechanics, where he thrived — passing all his exams and becoming a fully qualified mechanic.

This was an important turning point. It showed that, while traditional education hadn’t suited him, practical learning and persistence helped him achieve real success.

From Mechanics to Horticulture and Garden Design

Not content to stop there, Tony went on to attend horticultural college, where he learned about plants, garden design and landscape management.

He spent many years running his own landscaping and garden design business, eventually expanding into operating a garden nursery — nurturing as many as a million plants at a time!

Tony’s love of growth, patience and care became the foundation for all his future work — principles that still guide him today.

A Change of Direction and New Purpose

As time went on, Tony’s priorities shifted. His caring responsibilities for his elderly parents became more significant, and he decided to make a life change.

He sold his landscaping business and used the proceeds to build an annex for his parents, ensuring they could live close by and be cared for comfortably.

Once settled into this new chapter, Tony began to consider what he might do next. He held a Class 1 driving licence, meaning he could drive almost any vehicle. One day, someone suggested he should become a driving instructor — his patient and nurturing nature made him a natural fit.

He decided to give it a try. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Becoming a Driving Instructor

Tony established Tony Harding Driving School and quickly developed a reputation for being calm, patient and understanding — qualities that have made him particularly successful in helping:

• Nervous learners

• Older first-time drivers

• Those with test anxiety or previous failed attempts

His approach is not about ticking boxes; it’s about building confidence, trust and good habits on the road.

Tony shared that his pass rate is excellent, and his teaching philosophy focuses on helping new drivers become not just capable of passing their test, but safe, responsible and respectful road users for life.

Keeping Up with Industry Changes

Tony also gave members an update on the latest changes from the DVLA regarding driving tests and bookings — an area that continues to evolve.

From new online booking systems to adjustments in waiting times and test centre availability, Tony keeps fully informed to ensure his learners always get the most accurate and up-to-date guidance possible.

You can read more about Tony’s driving school and approach at:
👉 https://tonyhardingdrivingschool.co.uk/

Experience That Shapes Confidence

Tony’s career path — from mechanic to horticulturalist to driving instructor — is an inspiring story of lifelong learning, adaptability and care.

Every stage of his journey has contributed to his success as an instructor. His years of hands-on work taught him patience; his time nurturing plants taught him growth takes time; and his caring nature has made him one of the most supportive driving instructors around.

If you know someone learning to drive — especially a nervous or anxious learner — Tony Harding is the instructor they’ll want in the passenger seat.

Find Out More

To learn more about Tony’s lessons, areas covered, and approach to building driver confidence, visit:
🔗 Tony Harding Driving School

If you’d like to meet more local professionals like Tony — people who bring dedication, skill and passion to their work — why not come along to a BNSL meeting as a guest?

👉 Contact the BNSL Committee to arrange a visit.

Local. Supportive. Affordable. Real.
— The BNSL Committee