The Sheep Analogy: How I Teach Driving Skills

One of the quirkiest ways I explain learning to drive is through my sheep analogy. It might sound a bit random at first, but trust me — it works.

Here’s how it goes.

I tell my students: I’m the farmer. You’re paying me for lessons, yes — but what you’re really paying me for are sheep. Think of yourself as the shepherd, and every sheep you collect represents a skill you need to pass your driving test.

So, as we go along, you start building your flock. You might collect your mirror sheep, clutch sheep, hill-start sheep, and so on. Each lesson, I hand over more of my knowledge — more sheep for you to look after.

Now, anyone who’s ever watched a field of sheep knows the more you’ve got, the harder it is to keep them all in line. Same with driving skills. As we add more to your flock, you’re bound to lose one now and again.

My flock of skill sheep

Maybe one day your mirrors are flawless — but then we throw in a busy roundabout or a box junction and suddenly your mirror sheep wanders off. Or your clutch sheep escapes. That’s normal!

When that happens, we go full Little Bo Peep mode. I’ll even rename you for the lesson — Lillie

Bo Peep, Isabelle Bo Peep, Ellie Bo Peep — and the mission becomes finding your lost sheep, AKA bringing that skill back under control.

As you get closer to being test-ready, your flock fills out with all the skills you need. Then comes the final challenge: the driving test. On the day, it’s like a sheepdog trial. You’ve got to gather all your skill-sheep, keep them in line, and guide them neatly through the gates and into the pen.

Get them all in there? That’s your pass. That’s you winning the competition.

It’s fun, a bit silly, but it sticks. And once you’ve got your full flock under control, you’re ready to drive off into the sunset — no sheep left behind. 🐑

Mirrors, clutch, hill starts… which sheep will you collect first? Drop me a message and let’s start your flock today.

Let's start your flock today :)