Learn to drive.
Learn to predict.
Learn to plan.
Learn to think.
Calm, professional automatic driving lessons designed to build confidence, judgement and genuine independence.
DVSA Approved Driving Instructor • Automatic lessons • East Grinstead and surrounding areas
- Automatic only
- Calm coaching
- East Grinstead
- WhatsApp enquiries
Driving is about more than controlling a car. Every safe journey starts with what you notice, what you expect might happen and the plan you make before you act. My lessons help you develop those habits step by step, at a pace that allows you to understand what you are doing — not simply copy instructions.
A thoughtful way to learn
Independent thinking
You will learn how to assess situations and make safe decisions, rather than depend on constant instructions.
Calm coaching
Questions, clear explanations and useful feedback help you understand both what happened and why.
Real-world driving
Lessons prepare you for everyday roads, changing situations and independent journeys — not only familiar test routes.
Confidence built properly
Confidence grows when your understanding and ability improve. We build both together, without rushing the process.
Hi, I'm Dawid.
I am a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor providing automatic driving lessons through Open Way Driving Academy. My aim is to create lessons that feel calm, purposeful and genuinely useful — whether you are sitting in the driver’s seat for the first time, returning after a break or preparing for your practical test.
Your tuition car
2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Hatchback — 1.8 Hybrid, Automatic, Icon Tech
Lessons take place in a comfortable automatic tuition car with dual controls, hybrid driving and a calm learning environment — the same vehicle shown on the road with the ELITE roof sign.
Observe. Predict. Plan. Act. Reflect.
These five stages sit behind safe, independent driving. During lessons, we use them to turn difficult moments into clear learning:
- ObserveBuild an accurate picture of the road and identify what matters.
- PredictConsider how the situation could develop.
- PlanChoose a safe, realistic response in good time.
- ActCarry out the plan smoothly and with control.
- ReflectUnderstand what worked and what could be improved next time.
Mistakes are not treated as proof that you cannot drive. They are information we can use to identify the cause, analyse it and find an effective remedy.
Lessons built around where you are now
You may be completely new, partly trained, returning to driving or nearly test-ready. Your lessons should begin with your current needs — not with a fixed script.
- Beginner automatic lessons
- Partly trained learner lessons
- Practical test preparation
- Mock driving tests
- Refresher and confidence lessons
- Motorway and post-test development — when offered
Ready means more than having a test booked.
My job is not simply to tell you that you are ready. My job is to coach, support and challenge you until you can look honestly at your own driving and say: “I am ready.”
That means being able to drive safely, make decisions and recover from changing situations without relying on continuous help. Passing the test matters, but becoming independent matters beyond the test day.
What learners say
I passed my test with Dawid, would recommend him as an instructor always! He creates such a calm environment while teaching all the necessary skills needed to drive and pass a test. He’s full of knowledge and explains everything in great detail which is extremely helpful. An amazing instructor!
Shannon Campbell-Smith — Google review, 22 July 2026
I just passed my driving test first time thanks to Dawid, he really helped me to gain confidence with my driving and created such a calm and joyful atmosphere to learn in. He always explained things really clearly to me and helped me to understand my mistakes and ways to correct them. I cannot thank Dawid enough and I would definitely recommend him to anyone wanting to start learning to drive.
Mya Macauley — Google review, 25 July 2026
I had Dawid Zarnowski as a driving instructor, he helped me pass first try. He was extremely helpful leading up to my test and wanted to help me in any way possible, for example, showing me different websites to use to help with reverse parking as that is what I struggled with. Highly recommended having him as an instructor.
Rhys Shirley — Google reviewAutomatic driving lessons near East Grinstead
Open Way Driving Academy provides automatic driving tuition in East Grinstead and selected surrounding areas. Availability depends on your location, lesson length and current diary capacity.
- East Grinstead — RH19
- Crawley — RH10, RH11
- Crawley Down — RH10
- Lingfield — RH7
- South Godstone — RH9
- Horley — RH6
- Redhill — RH1
- Forest Row — RH18
- Horsham — RH12 East
Ready to take the next step?
Tell me a little about your experience, location and what you would like help with. I will let you know whether I currently cover your area and what availability may be suitable.