About Game of Cones Driving School...
At Game of Cones, we believe learning to drive should be enjoyable, confidence-building, and safe.
Based in Hartlepool, we offer patient, friendly, and professional tuition that helps learners not only pass their test, but learn to drive! Ensuring students become capable and confident drivers for life.
Our lead instructor Cheryl comes from a nursing background with the NHS, bringing that caring and compassionate approach to every lesson. Her ability to stay calm under pressure and communicate clearly means even the most nervous learners quickly feel at ease behind the wheel.
Dan is our 'part-time' instructor, helping out between working at his full time job. Although Dan may be found out on the roads teaching the odd lesson or two, you will mainly find him being your mock test instructor (if you want him to) - this ensures that an independent pair of eyes assesses your driving and gives important and un bias feedback compared to your instructor will have observed you for a while before this point.
Driving is a serious responsibility, but that doesn’t mean lessons have to be dull — we keep things fun, relaxed, and focused on helping you reach your goals at your own pace.
With a modern, dual-controlled car and lessons tailored to your individual needs, Game of Cones is here to help you master the road with confidence. Whether it’s your first time in the driver’s seat or you’re ready to polish up for your test, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
... Where safe driving meets great teaching — one cone at a time!
Safety First
Personalized Guidance
Professional
OUR APPROACH TO DRIVING LESSONS
MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS
(Children and Ostrich not included)
Together, Cheryl and Dan make the perfect team — a mix of patience, humour, and real-world experience that keeps learning relaxed, enjoyable, and effective. Their goal is simple: to help you feel confident, capable, and safe behind the wheel… and maybe even enjoy the process along the way!
Cheryl spent many years working as a nurse within the NHS before deciding it was time for a change (and slightly fewer night shifts!). Her background means she’s calm under pressure, brilliant at communicating clearly, and endlessly patient — all ideal qualities for a driving instructor.
She brings care, structure, and a friendly sense of humour to every lesson, helping even the most nervous learners feel at ease. Cheryl’s approach is all about steady progress — celebrating the small wins, tackling the tricky bits together, and making sure each student leaves every lesson feeling a little more confident than when they started.
Dan, on the other hand, has a day job that already involves a lot of driving — and often under pressure. He’s used to staying calm, thinking ahead, and making the right decision in the moment (all skills that come in handy when someone forgets which pedal is which).
While Cheryl takes the lead with most lessons, Dan steps in as the school’s mock test “examiner” — offering students a genuine test-day experience with a fresh, independent pair of eyes. He’s honest, fair, and always keen to help learners polish up those final few details that make all the difference.
Outside the car, Cheryl and Dan are usually spending time with their family, planning their next adventure, or finding creative ways to avoid DIY jobs around the house.
Between them, they make learning to drive feel friendly, approachable, and — believe it or not — fun.
