Hello and welcome to LDS Driving School

 

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I’ve been an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) and a trainer of new driving instructors for almost 16 years now, and it’s a really great job.

Prior to becoming an ADI, I worked in senior management in the hospitality industry. I was responsible for managing large teams and ensuring that everyone who stayed in our properties experienced five-star customer service at all times.

Over the years, I’ve tried to bring this people-centred approach into the driver training industry, and it has served me well. Whether you are a learner driver or a trainee driving instructor, our approach at LDS assumes that you are the person best placed to set your own goals and overcome any obstacles in your learning journey.

This stands in contrast to more traditional, old-fashioned approaches to training in which an “expert” tells you what to do and how to do it and repeating everything until you get it right.

Our approach is also aimed at providing a level of service that is simply unachievable at the larger driving schools. We pride ourselves on being a small local business, owned and operated by two good friends who share the same values and ethos towards people and road safety.

All LDS driving instructors have been trained “in-house”, and all receive regular professional development, alongside unlimited support from our office and the Directors.

If you’re considering learning to drive, here are my top five tips before you start:

 Do your research. What is the average number of lessons required to pass the UK driving test? How many manoeuvres will you be asked to do and what are they?

 Buy a notebook and pen and take it to every single driving lesson. People are more likely to achieve goals if they write them down.

 Use your notebook to reflect in between lessons. What went well on that lesson? What didn’t go so well? Based on these answers, what would you like to do on your next lesson? Be an active learner as opposed to a passive one waiting for your instructor to make all of the decisions for you.

 Be physically prepared for your driving lessons. Lack of sleep and nutrition makes learning more difficult. Turning up tired and hungry will cost you more money in the long run.

 If possible, get private practice with a parent or supervising driver. Note that there are legal restrictions on who qualifies as a supervising driver. The more driving you can do before you pass, the more quickly you will become a safe driver.

Away from LDS, I own another successful driving school based in Glasgow, as well as an accredited training and development company for Approved Driving Instructors. 

I’m also the Chairman at the Approved Driving Instructors National Joint Council, one of the largest associations for driving instructors dedicated to increasing skills, knowledge, and levels of professionalism throughout our industry.

I’m a firm believer in personal and professional development and am currently working towards becoming an accredited Performance Coach through the EMCC. I recently completed my Level 5 Professional Diploma in Effective Coaching and Mentoring.

Thanks for checking out LDS. Should you decide to train with us, I’d like to wish you all the very best on your journey.

We look forward to hearing from you.