Hugh Noblett, Director of Training, is recognised as a passionately enthusiastic advanced driving instructor and his unique style, aimed at the development of thoughtful, safe and enjoyable motoring is deeply instilled within each member of The Team. 

Hugh spent many years as an instructor at the Metropolitan Police Motor Driving School, Hendon.  After retiring from Hendon, he was a co-driver with High Performance Course Ltd.  As well as coaching enthusiasts, he trained specialist members of the armed services and VIP protection drivers in the art of high performance driving and defensive procedures.  He is delighted that HPC, the Club has approved his Master Driver’s Course as a recognised entry standard into this prestigious club for motoring enthusiasts.

Hugh’s passion may be driving his beloved Caterham 7 but his talent for adapting to driving any vehicle is renowned.  If you ask him for a demonstration, you’ll be taken with his artistry of smooth car control, enabling him to flow across country in a seemingly effortless manner.

Dave Turner, Senior Instructor, came to Cadence via a very different route. He trained as a mechanical engineer with the Ministry of Defence and worked as a ride and handling engineer on anything from standard saloons up to 70 ton battle tanks. Dave was one of Hugh's students during his time at HPC Ltd. In 1994 Dave transferred to the Metropolitan Police as a forensic scientist specialising in Road Traffic Accident Investigation.

Dave has now joined Cadence, bringing both his technical and coaching skills to a wider audience. By comparison with Hugh, Dave's closest experience with owning a Caterham 7 is his 1:12 scale Tamiya model. He is far more fickle than Hugh when it comes to marques, having run the gamut of performance cars from Porsche to Subaru, and is now exploring the use of torque rather than power in his turbo-diesel hatch.

Mark Coaten took the not so obvious route to driving instruction by originally pursuing a career in the music industry! Mark brings his own brand of humour and sharp wit to the team, as he explains in his own words,  “I first learned ‘how not to drive’ at about the age of fourteen on a friend’s farm, in a battered heap, spending hours getting the tail out!”

“Whilst fun, it took me some time to realise that when you are sideways you’re not going forwards! I therefore set about learning to drive safely, smoothly and swiftly, taking the IAM and RoSPA Advanced Drivers’ tests passing first time.”

“I later took the High Performance Course, and was duly elected to join the prestigious High Performance Club. Following this I undertook the DSA Approved Driving Instructor’s exams – so now, when I tire of life in the fast lane of music, I move inexorably across into the motoring fast lane, sharing my enthusiasm and experience with others.

“All this hard work has paid off with the finest accolade being bestowed upon me when Hugh asked me to join their select team.  I am proud that I am able to work alongside the professionals at Cadence, sharing their passion and enthusiasm – in a position where I can still learn, and do the work I love.”

Alan Millsop, The youngest member of the core Team – Alan started driving at local aerodromes and private farms using family and friends’ cars.  After passing the DSA test first time, he admits to being a lad who thought it was cool to drive fast everywhere!  He knew he was dicing with danger and decided to become involved in driver training. He met Hugh Noblett, who mentored him during his induction period.  He was enthralled by Hugh’s passion, enthusiasm and exceptional coaching ability, which spurred him into becoming a DSA Approved Instructor, passing all three parts first time.  He still spends some of his time working in his local area, sharing his enthusiasm and beliefs with people who have the same desires as he did at 17. 

He holds the RoSPA Gold driving award and their Advanced Instruction Diploma, with Distinction.  Together with his colleagues and fellow HPC members at Cadence, he has attended a number of successful young driver events.  Being so close in age to many of the people he meets in the driving world, gives him a special rôle within the Team.

All our Our Team members bring a wealth of experience to Cadence – for example we have a remedial instructor who works particularly well with those who want to build their confidence or who may have been involved in an accident. Other members of the Team work on a part-time basis, sharing their exceptionally developed skills in all driving environments, from high performance roadcraft to ARDS race tuition.