Teaching someone to drive—especially your own teenager—can be nerve-wracking. That constant foot hovering over an imaginary brake, the awkward silences, and spontaneous gasps are all too familiar. That’s where Careful Kiwi Driving School steps in. Based right here in Motueka and run by experienced local instructor Sarah Bailey, this isn’t just another driving school—it’s the one locals trust to build skills, confidence, and safe driving habits that last a lifetime.
With over 20 years of driver training experience—and more than a decade running her own business—Sarah is the name people across our region turn to when it’s time to get serious about safe, confident, competent driving. She’s even been rated one of the best by Explore Nelson.
A Local Instructor Who Knows the Roads
Sarah Bailey isn’t just a qualified instructor—she’s part of the Motueka community. Her calm, friendly, and clear teaching style has helped hundreds of drivers of all ages build their skills behind the wheel. From nervous beginners to mature drivers needing a refresh, she tailors every lesson to the learner.
With a background in education and a family legacy of both teachers and late-in-life drivers (her grandmother drove until she was 96!). Sarah brings patience, humour, and real-world know-how to every drive. Her mission is simple: to create safe, competent drivers for life, not just for the test.
Practical Skills for Real Roads
Passionate about road safety, Sarah incorporates defensive driving techniques and skills into her lessons from the very beginning. Her goal is to ensure her clients become safe, competent road users—not just drivers who can pass the test.
Sarah makes sure her students are ready, covering everything from safe merging and passing to rural navigation, parallel parking, and negotiating complex intersections.
When ready to gain experience in bigger centres, she’ll take students to Richmond or Nelson, guiding them through routes similar to what they’ll face with a testing officer.
Manual or Automatic? Why Not Both?
Although Sarah really enjoys driving and teaching manual (having originally trained as a manual instructor over 20 years ago in Wellington), she’s found that more people in New Zealand are now choosing to learn in automatics. However, she believes manual driving is a valuable skill, especially for those planning to travel or live overseas, where manual vehicles are still widely used.
Where you prefer manual or automatic, Careful Kiwi has you covered, offering both manual and automatic driving lessons. She has two vehicles to learn in, one is a hybrid, and both are dual-controlled for maximum safety.
More than Just a Licence
Sarah doesn’t just teach learners—she supports a wide range of drivers, including:
· Senior citizens wanting to brush up or prepare for a practical test
· People with disabilities who need tailored instruction
· Drivers converting an overseas licence
· Nervous adults learning to drive later in life
· Students with English as a second language
With a background in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), Sarah explains rules and techniques clearly and patiently, helping students feel comfortable even if they’re new to Kiwi roads.
Mock test drives and local route practice sessions ensure you're as confident as possible on test day.
Qualified, Experienced, and Well Respected
Sarah isn’t just experienced—she’s nationally recognised. As a long-time member and Top of the South regional representative of the NZ Institute of Driver Educators (NZIDE), she stays current with best practices and national safety standards. Her teaching doesn’t stop at road rules—she’s shaping safe, responsible drivers for life.
Flexible, Friendly, and Local
Learning to drive should fit your life—not the other way around. Sarah offers:
• Weekday lessons (Monday to Friday, 9am–5:30pm)
• Weekend sessions by arrangement
• Pick-up and drop-off from home, school, or work
• Easy online bookings and pre-paid lesson packages
• Gift vouchers – a thoughtful and practical gift for any new driver
Real Students with Real Results
Here’s what local learners have to say:
“Sarah was very calm and gave good, clear instructions which helped me gain confidence. I learned a lot and felt ready for my test.” — Zoe Lightfoot, Motueka
“I had a driving phobia for most of my life and despaired of ever being able to drive. At the age of 54 I finally decided to face my fears and found Sarah to help me. She was amazing at working with my terror of being behind the wheel and at not pushing me too far while still challenging me. I passed my restricted and full licenses first try and now although I still have some nerves, driving is my happy place!” — Carmen Pearson
Ready to Hit the Road?
Whether you’re a first-time driver, a parent who’d rather not play instructor, or someone returning to driving after a break, give Sarah a call. With her proven track record, friendly teaching style, and unmatched local knowledge, Careful Kiwi Driving School is the smart, safe, and stress-free way to get behind the wheel with confidence.
Book Your Lesson Today
📞 0211 160 946
📧 careful.kiwi@gmail.com
🌐 carefulkiwidrivingschool.co.nz
Careful Kiwi Driving School – helping Motueka drive smarter, safer, and with a lot less stress.
