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Training Smarter, Better Drivers

Meet The Team

Driver Trainer/Founder - Damian
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DAMIAN GOUGH
"Founder, Mentor and 'The Boss Behind' the Wheel"
With a lifelong passion for the road and real-world learning, Damian founded Learn to Drive North Queensland to lift the standard of driver training across the region. What began as a one-man operation has grown into a respected team of expert trainers focused on smarter, safer driving.

Known for his calm, no-fuss teaching style and deep expertise—especially in heavy vehicles—Damian trains learners under real-world conditions, using trucks loaded to 70% GVM. While he now focuses on heavy vehicle instruction, the lucky few still get a lesson with The Boss himself.

From the driver’s seat to causes like Convoy for the Cure, Damian leads with heart, purpose, and a commitment to lasting industry change.
Driver Trainer - Duncan
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DUNCAN PEARSE
"Backbone of Road Safety"
Duncan has been in the transport industry since 1983, bringing decades of experience across forklifts, heavy vehicles, and cars. He’s also highly qualified in Dangerous Goods, Explosives, and Workplace Health and Safety, giving his lessons real depth and relevance.

Calm, patient, and passionate about road safety, Duncan loves helping new drivers gain confidence behind the wheel. As part of our family-run team, he makes every learner feel supported from their very first lesson.
Driver Trainer - Liz
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Liz Smith
"Wisdom, Warmth & Road-Ready Results"
Since 2007, Liz has been guiding learners with a calm, structured approach that builds confidence and real-world driving skills. With a background in sales, admin, and education, she brings strong communication and adaptability to every lesson—tailoring her teaching to each student’s style.

Her journey into driver training began while helping her own son learn to drive, sparking a passion that’s grown into a rewarding career. Known for her patience, clarity, and focus on safety, Liz is committed to lifelong learning—for herself and her students.

Outside the car, she’s a proud grandmother who values balance, wellness, and personal growth.
Driver Trainer - Glendon
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GLENDON ALTOFT
"Safety-Driven, Sea-Tested, and Steady at the Wheel"
Glendon brings a wealth of experience from construction, mining, retail, and marine industries, with a strong focus on safety and practical learning. His background in health and safety helps him create a structured, risk-aware environment where learners build confidence and technical skills.

Known for his patient and thorough approach, Glendon ensures every student masters safe, responsible driving. Outside of training, he’s an avid sailor, devoted grandfather, and former Cub Scout leader—passions that reflect his dedication to mentorship and community.
Driver Trainer - Bruce
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BRUCE PRINGLE
"Where Precision Meets the Road"
With over 30 years in aircraft maintenance for the Australian Army and Boeing Defence Australia, Bruce brings precision, safety, and leadership to driver training. His technical expertise and attention to detail create a structured, clear, and practical learning environment.

Bruce’s experience in high-stakes settings shapes his approach, helping learners build confidence and competence behind the wheel. Passionate about mentorship and road safety, he’s dedicated to developing skilled, responsible drivers who are ready for real-world challenges.
Driver Trainer - Sandra
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SANDRA LAMARI
"Mindful Driving, Powerful Learning"
Sandra’s patient and adaptable teaching style helps learners gain confidence and essential driving skills at their own pace. With a background in wellness and education, she brings a holistic, inclusive approach that meets each student’s unique needs.

As owner of Your Yoga Therapy, Sandra has experience supporting diverse clients, including seniors and individuals with disabilities, which informs her tailored training methods. Outside of driving, she’s an active community leader and hike leader, recognised for her commitment to safety and education.
Driver Trainer - Zira
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ZIRA LANE
"Empowering Drivers Through Inclusive Education"
With a strong background in education and leadership, Zira brings a calm, inclusive approach to driver training. Her experience in early childhood education and program development helps her create a supportive learning environment where every student feels empowered and capable.

Zira’s training style is clear, nurturing, and safety-focused—making her a favourite among learners who thrive with structure and encouragement. Committed to ongoing learning, she integrates First Aid and Indigenous perspectives into her teaching for a well-rounded, modern approach.

Her goal: confident, independent drivers who feel ready for the road ahead.
Driver Trainer - Shane
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SHANE BURGESS
"Built for Safety, Driven By Excellence"
Shane brings decades of experience and a sharp focus on safety to every lesson. With a background in Defence training and high-risk vehicle operation, he’s known for his precision, patience, and ability to prepare drivers for real-world challenges.

Armed with a Cert IV in Training & Assessment and multiple high-risk licenses, Shane trains everyone from new drivers to heavy vehicle operators with a calm, expert approach. His adaptability ensures every learner gets the support they need—no matter their background or experience level.

Whether it’s advanced machinery or standard road skills, Shane’s goal is always the same: smarter, safer drivers.
Driver Trainer - Elisha
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ELISHA BARCLAY
"Calm, Capable and Always in Control"
Elisha brings a diverse background in driving instruction, operations, and customer service, with a strong focus on safety and confidence-building. Her experience in education, hospitality, and transport allows her to create a calm, supportive learning environment where students develop practical skills at their own pace.

Known for her patient and clear approach, Elisha ensures every learner gains the knowledge and habits needed for safe, responsible driving. Outside of work, she enjoys problem-solving, continuous learning, and supporting others—passions that reflect her commitment to helping students succeed on the road.

Passionate about road safety?

Hide Profile Show Profile
DAMIAN GOUGH
"Founder, Mentor and 'The Boss Behind' the Wheel"
With a lifelong passion for the road and real-world learning, Damian founded Learn to Drive North Queensland to lift the standard of driver training across the region. What began as a one-man operation has grown into a respected team of expert trainers focused on smarter, safer driving.

Known for his calm, no-fuss teaching style and deep expertise—especially in heavy vehicles—Damian trains learners under real-world conditions, using trucks loaded to 70% GVM. While he now focuses on heavy vehicle instruction, the lucky few still get a lesson with The Boss himself.

From the driver’s seat to causes like Convoy for the Cure, Damian leads with heart, purpose, and a commitment to lasting industry change.
Hide Profile Show Profile
DUNCAN PEARSE
"Backbone of Road Safety"
Duncan has been in the transport industry since 1983, bringing decades of experience across forklifts, heavy vehicles, and cars. He’s also highly qualified in Dangerous Goods, Explosives, and Workplace Health and Safety, giving his lessons real depth and relevance.

Calm, patient, and passionate about road safety, Duncan loves helping new drivers gain confidence behind the wheel. As part of our family-run team, he makes every learner feel supported from their very first lesson.
Hide Profile Show Profile
Liz Smith
"Wisdom, Warmth & Road-Ready Results"
Since 2007, Liz has been guiding learners with a calm, structured approach that builds confidence and real-world driving skills. With a background in sales, admin, and education, she brings strong communication and adaptability to every lesson—tailoring her teaching to each student’s style.

Her journey into driver training began while helping her own son learn to drive, sparking a passion that’s grown into a rewarding career. Known for her patience, clarity, and focus on safety, Liz is committed to lifelong learning—for herself and her students.

Outside the car, she’s a proud grandmother who values balance, wellness, and personal growth.
Hide Profile Show Profile
GLENDON ALTOFT
"Safety-Driven, Sea-Tested, and Steady at the Wheel"
Glendon brings a wealth of experience from construction, mining, retail, and marine industries, with a strong focus on safety and practical learning. His background in health and safety helps him create a structured, risk-aware environment where learners build confidence and technical skills.

Known for his patient and thorough approach, Glendon ensures every student masters safe, responsible driving. Outside of training, he’s an avid sailor, devoted grandfather, and former Cub Scout leader—passions that reflect his dedication to mentorship and community.
Hide Profile Show Profile
BRUCE PRINGLE
"Where Precision Meets the Road"
With over 30 years in aircraft maintenance for the Australian Army and Boeing Defence Australia, Bruce brings precision, safety, and leadership to driver training. His technical expertise and attention to detail create a structured, clear, and practical learning environment.

Bruce’s experience in high-stakes settings shapes his approach, helping learners build confidence and competence behind the wheel. Passionate about mentorship and road safety, he’s dedicated to developing skilled, responsible drivers who are ready for real-world challenges.
Hide Profile Show Profile
SANDRA LAMARI
"Mindful Driving, Powerful Learning"
Sandra’s patient and adaptable teaching style helps learners gain confidence and essential driving skills at their own pace. With a background in wellness and education, she brings a holistic, inclusive approach that meets each student’s unique needs.

As owner of Your Yoga Therapy, Sandra has experience supporting diverse clients, including seniors and individuals with disabilities, which informs her tailored training methods. Outside of driving, she’s an active community leader and hike leader, recognised for her commitment to safety and education.
Hide Profile Show Profile
ZIRA LANE
"Empowering Drivers Through Inclusive Education"
With a strong background in education and leadership, Zira brings a calm, inclusive approach to driver training. Her experience in early childhood education and program development helps her create a supportive learning environment where every student feels empowered and capable.

Zira’s training style is clear, nurturing, and safety-focused—making her a favourite among learners who thrive with structure and encouragement. Committed to ongoing learning, she integrates First Aid and Indigenous perspectives into her teaching for a well-rounded, modern approach.

Her goal: confident, independent drivers who feel ready for the road ahead.
Hide Profile Show Profile
SHANE BURGESS
"Built for Safety, Driven By Excellence"
Shane brings decades of experience and a sharp focus on safety to every lesson. With a background in Defence training and high-risk vehicle operation, he’s known for his precision, patience, and ability to prepare drivers for real-world challenges.

Armed with a Cert IV in Training & Assessment and multiple high-risk licenses, Shane trains everyone from new drivers to heavy vehicle operators with a calm, expert approach. His adaptability ensures every learner gets the support they need—no matter their background or experience level.

Whether it’s advanced machinery or standard road skills, Shane’s goal is always the same: smarter, safer drivers.
Hide Profile Show Profile
Elisha Barclay
"Calm, Capable and Always in Control"
Elisha brings a diverse background in driving instruction, operations, and customer service, with a strong focus on safety and confidence-building. Her experience in education, hospitality, and transport allows her to create a calm, supportive learning environment where students develop practical skills at their own pace.

Known for her patient and clear approach, Elisha ensures every learner gains the knowledge and habits needed for safe, responsible driving. Outside of work, she enjoys problem-solving, continuous learning, and supporting others—passions that reflect her commitment to helping students succeed on the road.

Passionate about road safety?

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