Training Vehicle
Vauxhall Corsa, manaul, in silver
Services Offered
- Manual learner driving lessons
Areas
- Crawley RH10 & RH11
- Horley RH6
Biography
Before training with ELITE to become an instructor I had spent my whole working life in retail, working myself through the ranks to managerial position for a major retailer. I’d always had it in my mind to become a driving instructor, following in the footsteps of my dad, who was an instructor for many years right up until he retired.
When I decided to make the career change from store to car, I did so for several reasons. Firstly is my love of all things car related. I love driving, and have always enjoyed long road trips both in the UK and abroad, and pass on that passion to my pupils in their lessons, ensuring driving becomes a pleasurable experience, not a stressful one.
I’m a family man, married with two sons. We as a family are avid fans of Formula 1, and are #TeamLH, and have camped for the race weekend at the Silverstone British Grand Prix every year for many years now.
I have been able to transfer many of the skills I have gained as a father into teaching, including being a good listener, and being empathetic. I also ensure I justify anything I tell my boys, so they understand why they should or shouldn’t do something. I understand how important this is when learning to drive. My skills from the retail sector have also come in useful, including colleague training roles, risk and safety management, and diary management. It’s great now putting all of those skills into practice to help individuals to gain the life skill of learning to drive safely.
I love my career as a driving instructor, and aim to make each and every lesson bespoke to the needs and learning style of every different pupil I meet, whether a confident driver approaching test standard, a nervous beginner, or anywhere in between.
Testimonials
Shanelle T, Manual driving lessons Crawley
“Passed first time yesterday thanks to my incredible instructor Lee! Could not have asked for a better instructor, he’s incredibly friendly, understanding and patient – thank you Lee!”
01 January 2026
Shanelle T, Manual driving lessons Crawley
“Passed first time yesterday thanks to my incredible instructor Lee! Could not have asked for a better instructor, he’s incredibly friendly, understanding and patient – thank you Lee!”
01 January 2026
Xrnhol, Manual driving lessons Crawley
“I’ve had three lessons with Lee so far and he’s been really patient and easy to learn from. He explains things clearly and helps me feel more confident behind the wheel. Looking forward to continuing my lessons with him!!”
01 January 2025
Alfie Miles, Manual Driving Lessons Crawley
“Had my first lesson with Lee today, he was great. Gained lots of good advice from him looking forward to continuing with him.”
13 December 2025
Harrison Field, Manual Driving Lessons Crawley
“I had my first driving lesson today with Lee, and it was a very fun and comfortable experience. Lee explained things clearly, was patient and is overall very easy to talk to. Looking forward to more lessons in the future.”
10 December 2025
Harrison Kiy, Manual Driving Lessons Redhill
“Passed my test a couple of weeks ago. Can only praise my driving instructor lee! Taught me everything I needed to know and more with my driving. Incredibly patient and understanding with students, cant recommend him enough!”
10 December 2025
Krystian Kalita, Crawley, Manual driving lessons
“Great first lesson with Lee. really patient, clear with instructions, and made me feel confident behind the wheel. I was really nervous at the start, but by the end I felt completely at ease. Looking forward to the next one!”
28 November 2025
Lukas Ivanov, Crawley, Manual driving lessons
“Passed my driving test first try today, couldn’t have done it without my driving instructor Lee Haydon. He had very good and effective teaching methods to allow me to go to my test with confidence knowing I have been taught everything correctly.”
17 November 2025
Megan, Crawley, Manual driving lessons
“I had my first lesson with Lee Haydon last Sunday after moving from another driving company. He was very calm when I made mistakes and prompted or corrected me when necessary I feel as though I made lots of progress with him in comparison to my old teacher. Looking forward to future lessons.”
16 November 2025
Haileey Wolfe, Crawley, Manual driving lessons
“First lesson with Lee Haydon today. It was really enjoyable and was anxious at first but now im excited to continue my driving journey :)”
12 November 2025
Jasmine Bedford, Crawley, Manual driving lessons
“Had my first driving lesson with Lee, I can’t thank him enough taking his time to go through everything making sure I was happy before setting off. Thank you Lee!”
09 November 2025
Christopher Chapman, Crawley, Manual driving lessons
“I passed my test with a single minor fault. This wouldn’t have been possible without Lee being as good an instructor as he is. He lets you learn at your own pace. He’s super supportive and a great guy to have a chat with. I would recommend Lee for anyone looking to have a smooth and enjoyable journey to passing their test.”
14 October 2025
Charlie Rose, Crawley, Manual driving lessons
“I did my first lesson with Lee Haydon today, enjoyed it a lot. He was really friendly and explained everything really well, he was also very supportive and teaches through a really clear way. Looking forward to more lessons!”
01 October 2025
Mano Ramakrishnan, Manual driving lessons, Crawley
“I really appreciate how Lee Haydon focused on my progress in clutch control and roundabout sessions. he explained everything very well, From the start, he was very professional and had a clear plan for what we would cover which made my driving lessons simple and enjoyable. I would highly recommend Lee Haydon to any new learner who is looking for a supportive and skilled instructor. thanks for your guidance.”
28 September 2025
N Apps, Manual driving lessons, Crawley
“My son had Lee Hayden as his driving instructor. Wow, such an amazing confident instructor. Great communication with me Mum, explaining what driving skills to focus on when out together. Super professional, honest, patient and friendly. Honestly I couldn’t recommend a better person to teach your young adults how to drive. I’m defo booking in with Lee with my other son too!.”
22 September 2025
Red Dudley, Manual driving lessons, Crawley
“Go Lee Haydon! Just passed my test! Amazing instructor! Guided me throughout the whole experience with patience and expertise. Couldn’t have asked for a better driving instructor. Lee’s the best; a great recommendation for anyone wanting to learn. Thanks mate 👍🏻”
22 September 2025
Josh Peacock, Manual driving lessons, Crawley
“Lee Haydon – High professional and skilled driving instructor, was extermely courtous and punctual.”
21 September 2025
Rachele Cadeddu, Manual driving lessons, Crawley
“Just passed! and had Lee as my instructor, He was super patient and understanding throughout my whole learning to drive journey couldn’t recommend him enough!!”
19 September 2025
Liz Wall, Manual driving lessons, Crawley
“I arranged lessons for my granddaughter with Lee Haydon. He transpired to be the perfect choice. His mentoring skills were exemplary and his communication with myself appropriate and timely. Well done Lee and any future students under your guidance are in safe hands.”
16 September 2025
Emily Bobby, Manual driving lessons, Crawley
“Last week I passed my driving test on my first attempt! I couldn’t have done this without all of Lee’s help. I couldn’t have asked for a better instructor and can’t recommend him enough to anyone looking to learn to drive. Lee clearly cares about his students a lot, it’s clear to see that his top priority is not just helping students pass their test but making sure they’re safe and confident on the roads. If you’re looking for a driving instructor you should definitely get in contact with Lee Haydon!”
09 September 2025
Cameron Hicks, Manual driving lessons Crawley
“Just passed my driving test first time with two faults. Really happy with my lessons with Lee Haydon, helped me fix any issues and got me ready for my test”
21 August 2025
Lauren took her manual driving lessons in Crawley with instructor Lee. Huge congratulations Lauren, and thanks so much for the review
“I passed my driving test last week with only 3 minors! Thank you Lee for helping me learn and pass and also making sure that I understood everything and also going over things to make sure I was confident! Highly recommend Elite and Lee!”
15 April 2025
Cameron, Manual driving lesson Crawley. Great to hear that you’re lessons are off to a flying start
“Just had my first lesson with Lee Haydon, great instructor and really helped to give me an idea of where I was at with my driving.”
02 April 2025
Huge Well done to Toby who passed with just 1 driver fault after taking manual driving lessons in Redhill with instructor Lee
“I passed my test on the 6th march thanks to my instructor Lee , it was an absolutely amazing experience to have my driving lessons with Lee. I passed with 1 minor fault, I couldn’t have done it without the outstanding help and advice that Lee gave me during the lessons. I highly recommend elite driving school !!”
01 January 2025
Jack, Crawley, Manual
“I had Lee as my driving instructor. He was always very calm and kept me motivated throughout the whole year I was learning with him. He made sure I was 100% prepared before letting me go and take the test because I feel like he honestly cares about his students and wants them to pass first time. Very good driving school and I would definitely recommend Elite to other people learning to drive.”
03 March 2025
Well done Kye for passing your test with just a couple of driver faults and compliments of a “Good drive!” from the examiner, after taking manual driving lessons with Lee in Crawley
“I have just passed my driving test in under a year and with only 2 minor faults. My instructor Lee was incredible and I couldn’t have done it without him.”
Kye Pizzey, Crawley, West Sussex
04 February 2025
Great to hear you’ve had an enjoyable start to your driving lessons Leanne. You’re in safe and experienced hands with Lee.
“Had my first driving lesson with instructor Lee Haydon, really enjoyed it got to learn how to work the car was very understanding would 100% recommend him”
Leanne Wyatt, Crawley
28 January 2025
Thanks for choosing ELITE for your driving lessons, and we’re so pleased that you enjoyed your first lessons.
“Had my first driving lesson with Lee Haydon yesterday. He was very helpful and very friendly and made the whole experience very enjoyable. Would definitely recommend to others looking to start learning to drive.”
Lukas Astrauskas, Crawley, Manual
22 January 2025
Alba, Crawley, Manual
“I passed my driving test earlier this week and I am very grateful to my instructor Lee Haydon and ELITE. I am a nervous driver and Lee took the time to teach me calmly and patiently. Getting to this point has been quite a journey and I honestly believe I couldn’t have done it without Lee. Thank you for all your support throughout our lessons, really appreciate it!”
17 January 2025
Hollie, Crawley, Manual
“I highly recommend Elite driving school for those learning to drive. My instructor was Lee and he was great! I have high levels of anxiety and my family don’t drive so this was all a new experience for me, but Lee was very patient throughout the whole process and incredibly supportive, he explained things very well that helped my knowledge and understanding grow. Thank you!”
17 January 2025
Luke, Crawley, Manual
“Excellent driving instructor Lee is,easy to understand slow with me and understanding himself,had my first lesson and appreciate it loads!”
01 January 2025
Red Dudley, Crawley, Manual
“Had an amazing lesson today with my instructor lee he is so calm you can tell he loves what he does and is a great teacher I look forward to each lesson.”
18 November 2024
Sam Salter, Crawley, Manual
“Had the pleasure of learning with Lee, (Crawley). I was already somewhat proficient with driving, but Lee was fantastic in helping me to iron out the finer details and manoeuvres. He was very patient and was influential in helping me to pass first time!”
11 November 2024
Hannah Smith, Crawley, Manual
“Hannah passed with LeeAmazing experience with elite driving school, my instructor was Lee and he was super helpful and patient with me throughout my driving journey. Every lesson was really relaxed and insightful. Thank you Lee!”
27 October 2024
Rachele Cadeddu, Crawley, Manual
“Had my first lesson with Lee, all went really smoothly and he was very patient which helped a lot with my confidence.”
24 September 2024
Ibraheem Jamil, Crawley, Manual
“I just had my first lesson and I am satisfied with the way lee has taught me. He is very friendly and helpful in the way he teaches you. I really enjoyed my first lesson and I am looking foward to pass my driving test with lee.”
03 October 2024
Shanelle T, Crawley, Manual
“Had my first lesson with Lee yesterday and he was incredible! Really patient and explains things in an understandable way, I’m looking forward to our next lesson :).”
26 September 2024
Ruhul Amin, Crawley, Manual
“My first lesson with Lee Haydon. I had spent a very good time and he is very patient and Understanding person and lern a lot. Thanks.”
12 September 2024
Douglas, Crawley, Manual
“Thanks to my instructor Lee, I passed my driving test with few faults. Throughout the journey, he has been very supportive and patient; I highly recommend.”
05 September 2024
Bartosz, Crawley, Manual
“I would like to say a massive THANK YOU to Instructor Lee, who’s been there for me since Day 1 of my driving lessons. If you thought being sad about passing you driving test was impossible, then let me surprise you, you will be when you realise it is officially the last time you get to see Instructor Lee. He is not only an fantastic instructor, but most importantly an amazing person. At first I thought that passing my driving test in a manual car was impossible. Then I thought, even if I pass in a manual, for my own comfort I will drive an automatic. And now? Thanks to Lee, I passed in a manual car, and now I even enjoy and can’t imagine driving anything else once getting my own car. It’s all thanks to Lee. He is the person you want to be there with you along your driving learning journey. Lee, thank you so much for everything, I will not forget you!”
05 September 2024
Prince, Crawley, Manual
“Just had my first lesson with Lee, feel comfortable and learnt new things and very helpful….”
03 September 2024
Emily, Crawley, Manual
“Just had first driving lesson with Lee Haydon and it was really great. Very good and patient instructor.”
30 August 2024
Toby Rawlinson, Crawley, Manual
“Had my first lesson with lee yesterday and it was absolutely fantastic ! No pressure, great organisation and amazing over all !”
23 August 2024
Abid Ali, Crawley, West Sussex
“Had my first lesson with Lee, starting learning from zero. He’s a very good instructor and made me feel at ease.”
11 July 2024
Matthew Davis, Crawley, West Sussex
“Had my first lesson with Lee. Very calm, organised and explains everything very well.”
28 April 2024
Rama Ilanagai, Crawley, West Sussex
“I passed my diving test today. Thanks for Elite and my instructor Lee for their excellent teaching and help. I would definitely recommend instructor Lee for any learners.
27 April 2024
Kye Pizzey, Crawley, West Sussex
“Lee was a great driving instructor. Taught me a lot in my first lesson. Looking forward to more lessons with him in the future.”
29 March 2024
Alfie S, Crawley, West Sussex
“Just finished my lessons with Lee and passed my driving test with 0 driving faults! Couldn’t recommend enough! Great teacher, very patient and helpful. ”
29 March 2024
Mithila M, Redhill, Surrey
“I had my lessons with Lee and he is amazing. He is the best instructor ever! He has guided me with lots of patience to become a safe driver. I thank Lee Hayden for giving me the confidence to drive and for helping me to overcome my nervousness. Your lessons were very informative, well-structured and I really appreciated your encouragement.”
25 February 2024
Lauren Bobby, Crawley, West Sussex
“Amazing! I’ve had a couple of lessons with Lee and he explains what we are doing very well and clearly! He’s helping me feel confident while driving, highly recommended!”
13 February 2024
Jack Sinclair, Crawley, West Sussex
“I had my first driving lesson with Lee today. Lee was very informative and very friendly and made me feel very calm while I was learning the basics.”
07 February 2024
Nekai Maxwell-Richards, Crawley, West Sussex
“Had my first lesson with instructor Lee yesterday and he was amazing. Super kind, really helped me with my confidence and was amazing at explaining in a easy to understand way. Can’t wait for my next lesson”
15 February 2024
Stephen H, Crawley, West Sussex
“I have had few lessons with my instructor Lee, he has made me feel safe and comfortable in the car. He is very helpful when it comes to mistakes and where I am going wrong. Very clear with his instructions and explanations. He makes learning to drive as easy as possible and I would recommend to everybody who wants to learn.”
05 February 2024
Rifah Sajjid, Horley, Surrey
“I have had a few lessons with my driving instructor Lee, and he is very patient and understanding when it comes to my driving concerns. He is very easy to talk to and get along with, and explains concepts very well. He is very knowledgable and understanding and I definitely recommend!”
01 February 2024
Diego Vargas, Crawley, West Sussex
“Lee is a great instructor who takes time to put you at ease and doesn’t rush his class. He stays very calm and supportive.”
25 January 2024
Diego Vargas, Crawley, West Sussex
“Lee is a great instructor who takes time to put you at ease and doesn’t rush his class. He stays very calm and supportive.”
25 January 2024
Jude Mahoney, Crawley, West Sessex
“I passed my driving test thanks to my instructor Lee. We have some fun while driving.”
22 January 2024
Christopher, Crawley, West Sussex
“I had a great first lesson with Lee. He was very helpful and helped me learn at my own pace. The first lesson gave me a huge confidence boost which I didn’t think would be possible to achieve until I’d had many more lessons. A fantastic introduction to driving from a great instructor.”
10 January 2024
James Skeggs, Horley, Surrey
“Massive thanks to Lee, he was patient and understanding in every lesson and helped me pass my test first try, seriously couldn’t have done it without him!”
18 December 2023
