We are delighted to announce that Chris Bensted has been awarded the prestigious title of Special Needs Provider of the Year 2025.
With over 15 years of experience as a driving instructor, Chris has dedicated his career to supporting learners with special educational needs (SEN). Through his initiative, Theory Test Explained, he offers personalized, one-on-one Zoom sessions tailored to make the DVSA Theory Test accessible and understandable for all students. His expertise in this area has made him a nationally recognized figure, collaborating with organizations such as the DVSA and contributing to platforms like GoRoadie and Theory Test Pro.
Beyond his instructional services, Chris is a co-founder of the Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective (DITC), a professional community that provides resources and support for driving instructors. His commitment to inclusivity and professional development has significantly impacted both learners and fellow instructors, fostering a more supportive and effective learning environment. This, genuinely, is someone that has gone above and beyond to support learners with special needs.
Chris, from all of us at GoRoadie, congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.
We spoke to Chris about his win and what it means to him.
The driver training industry has some amazing people working with additional needs learners and drivers, so I am very pleased to be recognised along side them all with this award.
Having dedicated my role to improving the theory test and its pass rate, as well as specifically supporting AEN individuals, it is moments like this that help me grow myself and my business and keep fighting the fight.
In the last year I have had ever increasing numbers of ADI & PDIs getting in touch to better support their learners and recommending Theory Test Explained. With everyone’s support we can achieve better results, better driver training and better standards of road safety.
This year the Highly Commended award goes to Fiona McMeekin. Fiona has been recognized for her exceptional work in supporting learners with special needs. Her dedication to creating a safe and inclusive learning environment has made a significant impact on her pupils, helping them to achieve their driving goals.
The prestigious ADI of the Year - England award goes to Paul Cooper.
Congratulations to Bryan Phillips for being named ADI of the Year - Scotland.
Richard Spier is awarded ADI of the Year - Wales for his outstanding service.
The Eco Instructor of the Year award goes to Vicky Folland for her commitment to sustainability.
Kudos to Newton Abbot Driving Instructor Association for winning Association of the Year.
The CPD Provider of the Year award is proudly presented to Lee Spary.
The Car of the Year is awarded to the ever-popular Volkswagen Polo.
A big round of applause to Knowledgeablee Instructor Training Ltd for winning Community of the Year.
The award for Content Creator of the Year goes to Knowledgeablee Instructor Training Ltd - Video Hub & KIT MAG.
National Driving School of the Year goes to LDC for their outstanding performance.
Regional Driving School of the Year is awarded to Fordy's Driving School for their excellence.
Congratulations to Chris Bensted for being named Special Needs Provider of the Year.
A special congratulations to Sue Duncan for her Lifetime Achievement.
