10/06/2026
WARNING - LONG READ!
IT’S BEEN A WHILE… (833 days since my last post to be exact 🤣)
As some of you already know, last Thursday I finally passed my Part 3 Test and I am now a fully qualified Driving Instructor!
I cannot put into words how pleased I am, as to say it was a long process would be an understatement. A few bumps along the road (not literally), and as difficult as it has been at times I have enjoyed every minute of it so far, and I am excited to continue this amazing career, and meet even more wonderful people. It’s such a rewarding job, to be part of a big milestone in people’s lives, and not only help the next generation of drivers reach their true potential but to also have a more safety orientated mindset towards their driving, being able to play my part in improving the standard of driving on our roads.
I started the process around 4 years ago, and there has been plenty of blood, sweat and tears. Throughout that time, our family have had to deal with many difficult personal circumstances, and a couple of huge losses.
Having had to devote much of my time over these 4 years into the qualifying process, I want to say a massive thank you to my wife, my absolute rock who has supported me wholeheartedly throughout, and never stopped pushing me even when I stopped believing in myself at times 💙 and for this I will be eternally grateful.
I would like to thank all my students, past and present, for allowing me the opportunity to hone my teaching and coaching skills, helping to become a Driving Instructor. It really wouldn’t have been possible without you all, and we’ve had many fun times along the way! Please feel free to leave a review and share your memories 😁 and I’m looking forward to making many more, with the students I am graced with in the future!
There are a number of people I have to extend a special thank you to for their help and support along the way:
Charlie - my Part 3 Test pupil! Such a keen student, won’t be long before we get you on the road (you know your mission lol), and you’ll be an excellent driver 😃
David Brady - who is hands down, without a doubt the best local driving instructor for many, many years. Thank you for not only sowing the seed and then pointing me in the direction, but for your continued support and training throughout!
Also the other local instructors, who have a vast wealth of knowledge and experience between them all, and to be fair aren’t too far behind David - Linda, Emma, Graeme, Nigel, and the Bucks. Oban really is blessed with a good squad of instructors, credit where it is due, and from a personal note it’s been great to have support and help when needed so thank you 💙
Caledonian LDT - Andy and Stewart, for the initial training during my first attempt at the qualifying process, you laid the groundwork and foundation upon which my success was built. Two of the most knowledgable gentleman in the industry, I’d highly recommend to anyone in Glasgow thinking of becoming an ADI.
On a side note, it has been great to see you both flourish even further in the short time I’ve known you and all going well I hope to learn much more from you at some point in the near future through Bright Coaching! (PS Andy I think I seen you on the telly at the Hearts game? 🤣)
Graham Hooper, Tom Stenson, Lynne Barrie - I gained many essential skills and much needed valuable knowledge from your workshops, and I look forward to further CPD over the course of my career!
And also the examiners, as stressful as it has been at times the feedback was critical to my learning. Allan assessed all my Part 2 and Part 3 tests apart from one, and has guided me with where I have gone wrong when I was unsuccessful. However I want to give a special mention to Ross, whom I only ever met once and don’t really know (so if any of you guys know him please feel free to tag him). He assessed my 2nd attempt at my Part 3 on my first time round in the qualifying process. I was already 3 months over the 2 year period when I sat the test, and as I was unsuccessful it meant I would have to begin the whole process again. I honestly didn’t think I had it in me to put myself through it as I was in a pretty dark place. His words during the feedback still ring in my head though, “you’ve definitely got something, don’t give up”. Amazing how much of an effect the words of a stranger can have, they were a huge part of my decision to dust myself down and begin the process again the very next day, so thank you.
A wee mention to someone who maybe gets forgotten sometimes as he works behind the scenes, but I appreciated his help any time I’ve contacted him. Might not be much to some people but the small details matter. David Needham at PADI - only ever spoken via email, but the communications have always stood out. In the world today there’s enough negativity, so just wanted to highlight that even the few pleasant words and phrases that sometimes get overlooked haven’t gone unnoticed. Kindness costs nothing, and it does make a difference.
And finally a very quick mention for the scary local examiners - Chris enjoy your retirement! Simon and Adair, I look forward to terrifying my pupils with horror stories before they sit their tests 🤣 in all seriousness though, our students don’t know how lucky they are. Always good catching up with you guys, but we could really do with a few more examiners like you in the industry so yous could come up a little more often to help ease the backlog lol.
Right I think that’s about 4 years worth there 😂 apologies if there is anyone who I have missed. I really am humbled by everyone’s support over this time, and can’t express my appreciation enough! I look forward to a long career hopefully, meeting loads of lovely new faces!
🚙 See you all on the road! 🚙
