Our Story & ApproachDerek Brewer, Director of Panache Driver Training, is deeply passionate about equipping people with the skills, awareness, and confidence to become safe, observant drivers on Australian roads.
With more than 20 years’ experience as a professional truck driver, Derek witnessed far too many road accidents — many of them avoidable. Time and again, the causes were the same: lack of driver knowledge, distraction, and insufficient awareness of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. These experiences shaped Derek’s commitment to proactive, education-focused driver training.
The Beginning of Panache Driver TrainingPanache Driver Training was established in 2008, initially providing learner driver training to students across the ACT. It quickly became clear, however, that mainstream driver education models were not adequately supporting many learners.
Derek began receiving frequent calls from parents and carers describing two everyday situations:
The Panache Special Needs Driver Training ProgramIn response, the Panache Special Needs Driver Training Program was launched in 2010, with a specific focus on supporting Indigenous learner drivers and learners with special needs, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (formerly Asperger’s) and other neurodivergent profiles.
Over more than a decade, this program has supported more than 800 Indigenous and special needs learners in successfully obtaining their ACT provisional licence. More importantly, these learners have gone on to become safe, confident, and defensive drivers.
Many former students return to complete advanced driver training programs, and it is common for families to contact us years later to report long-term success — including remaining accident-free since gaining their licence.
A Personalised, Adaptive Teaching ModelAdaptability is central to the success of the Panache Special Needs Driver Training Program. Our instructors take the time to truly understand each learner as an individual, allowing us to adapt:
More Than Just Passing a TestThe Panache Special Needs Driver Training Program was developed with one clear objective: to help learner drivers become confident, safe, and defensive drivers before obtaining their ACT driver's licence.
We go beyond teaching what to do on the road — we explain the “why” behind road rules, driving techniques, and decision-making. This deeper understanding supports safer behaviour, better judgement, and long-term independence.
Each lesson is carefully tailored to the individual learner. We focus on:
By prioritising understanding, confidence, and defensive driving skills, our learners play an active role in keeping themselves — and others — safe on our roads.
With more than 20 years’ experience as a professional truck driver, Derek witnessed far too many road accidents — many of them avoidable. Time and again, the causes were the same: lack of driver knowledge, distraction, and insufficient awareness of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. These experiences shaped Derek’s commitment to proactive, education-focused driver training.
The Beginning of Panache Driver TrainingPanache Driver Training was established in 2008, initially providing learner driver training to students across the ACT. It quickly became clear, however, that mainstream driver education models were not adequately supporting many learners.
Derek began receiving frequent calls from parents and carers describing two everyday situations:
- “My child is completely overwhelmed when they get behind the wheel and refuses to learn to drive.”
- “My child has passed their licence but has no real confidence driving on the road.”
The Panache Special Needs Driver Training ProgramIn response, the Panache Special Needs Driver Training Program was launched in 2010, with a specific focus on supporting Indigenous learner drivers and learners with special needs, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (formerly Asperger’s) and other neurodivergent profiles.
Over more than a decade, this program has supported more than 800 Indigenous and special needs learners in successfully obtaining their ACT provisional licence. More importantly, these learners have gone on to become safe, confident, and defensive drivers.
Many former students return to complete advanced driver training programs, and it is common for families to contact us years later to report long-term success — including remaining accident-free since gaining their licence.
A Personalised, Adaptive Teaching ModelAdaptability is central to the success of the Panache Special Needs Driver Training Program. Our instructors take the time to truly understand each learner as an individual, allowing us to adapt:
- Teaching methodology
- Instructional pace
- Communication style
- Lesson structure
More Than Just Passing a TestThe Panache Special Needs Driver Training Program was developed with one clear objective: to help learner drivers become confident, safe, and defensive drivers before obtaining their ACT driver's licence.
We go beyond teaching what to do on the road — we explain the “why” behind road rules, driving techniques, and decision-making. This deeper understanding supports safer behaviour, better judgement, and long-term independence.
Each lesson is carefully tailored to the individual learner. We focus on:
- Building confidence and resilience
- Encouraging a positive and calm mindset
- Developing awareness of other road users
- Reinforcing best-practice safe driving techniques
By prioritising understanding, confidence, and defensive driving skills, our learners play an active role in keeping themselves — and others — safe on our roads.
We are thrilled to announce that our Director, Derek Brewer, has been awarded the 2024 ACT Chief Minister's Inclusion Award for "Excellence in Innovation and Impact." This prestigious recognition reflects Derek's unwavering commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within our community.
Our Director Derek Brewer delivering his expectants speech for The Indigenous Road Safety Award at the 7th Australian Road Safety Awards for The Panache Special Needs Learn to Drive Program.
We were thrilled to attend the ACT Chief Minister's inclusion awards night and receive a Commendation for Inclusion in Education and Training! This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to inclusion and our dedication to providing the highest quality education and training possible. Congratulations to all the other winners and finalists - you are an inspiration! We're also incredibly grateful to our amazing clients, whose unwavering support, beaming smiles and positive attitudes have been invaluable in helping us achieve this recognition.
Our director Derek Brewer is honoured to have been selected as a finalist for the "Lifetime Achievement in Supporting People with Disability" Award at the
ACT CHIEF MINISTER'S INCLUSION AWARDS
Derek would like to congratulate Wendy Millar from Hartley Lifecare on winning this award and all the other winners and finalists at tonight's ceremony!
Alexandra Hudson did an outstanding job as Master of ceremonies. And, of course, Dylan Alcott OAM inspired everyone in the room to live their best life!
Derek wants to say a massive thank you to all of our customers and supporters for making all of this possible.
We are proud to be the 'Leading Experts in Driving Education!'
Our Director Derek Brewer excepting The Indigenous Road Safety Award at the 7th Australian Road Safety Awards for The Panache Special Needs Learn to Drive Program.
Our Director Derek Brewer excepting The Indigenous Road Safety Award at the 7th Australian Road Safety Awards for The Panache Special Needs Learn to Drive Program. From Channel 7s Mark Beretta.
Interview on ABC Radio Canberra on Winning the ACT Chief Minister's Inclusion Award.
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