Meet the Team
NICE TO MEET YOU
I'm Andy.
I have over a decade of experience as an instructor and nine years dedicated to training the next generation of ADIs.
Over those years, I've trained alongside some of the leading industry organisations: Tri-Coaching, PsyDrive, Road Safety GB, KIT, Lou Walsh, and I'm now a Lead Trainer for Bright Coaching.
I hold a F1rst grade with the Institute of Advanced Motorists and am currently working with RoSPA as I continue my CPD journey to becoming the best instructor trainer that I can be.
NICE TO MEET YOU
I'm Lauren.
I have been the Office Manager at Caledonian since 2020 and absolutely love my role. It has given me the opportunity to work with people from different backgrounds and help them start their journeys to become Driving Instructors. I work with Andy to ensure that our Franchisees are looked after and supported throughout their training and the launch of their new careers.
Through Stewart and Andy's knowledge and enthusiasm, I have developed a passion for road safety and driver psychology, and I love being involved with all our Training & Development Days and working with our external partners.
NICE TO MEET YOU
I'm Stewart.
I left the hospitality industry in 2008 following a long, hugely enjoyable career in senior management.
Since becoming an ADI, I've continued my development, completing several accredited qualifications in the coaching and adult education fields, and I'm a firm advocate of the use of coaching approaches and techniques in driver training - encouraging people to think for themselves beats telling them what to do every time.
As well as owning Caledonian, I'm the Chairman at the ADINJC, the leading national association for driving instructors, and in 2023 I founded Bright Coaching, the country's premier instructor training and CPD organisation.
Quality
At Caledonian, we share a commitment to excellence in everything we provide - products, resources, and services. If something is not right, we'll fix it.
Giving Back
We support local charities close to the hearts of our team, and national campaigns that do amazing things for people living with disabilities.
Road Safety
We do things differently because too many people are killed and injured on our roads every year. Developing thoughtful drivers is hard, but necessary, work
"Andy was superb, taking me from knowing nothing about coaching to being able to incorporate it into lessons. His patience with me put me at ease and the knowledge that he was able to share with me through his own position was a great comfort. He always made himself available to me whenever I required and his knowledge of the job was second to none. Thank you again."
- Mark Lyons, ADI
"Support given was fantastic, from Lauren in the office to in-car with Andy. I only wish I had started my training with Caledonian at the very start as I feel it would have been hugely beneficial. I would recommend any potential instructors out there to sign up with Caledonian. A great company to work for and train with. The potential to continually learn & grow is amazing. Never standing still always looking to push forward."
- Jim Hawker, ADI
"Stewart was my trainer, I had already passed part 1 & 2 by myself which is not the way Caledonian normally do driving instructor training but Stewart accommodated me and made me a personalised training plan.
The training was excellent as I knew it would be. I didn't want to go with a big national company. I am now a fully qualified driving instructor with Caledonian."
- Jason McGroarty, ADI
The Caledonian Story
"In 2007, at the start of the financial crash, I was made redundant after many years of working in hospitality management.
I decided to leave hospitality and train to become a driving instructor. After doing my research, I decided to train with a local driving school called Caledonian.
Five years later, the Founder of Caledonian - Cliff Atkinson, announced his retirement and my wife and I decided to buy the business. This picture was taken on the day the sale was concluded in 2012.
We could not have imagined how successful Caledonian would become, winning national awards, and going on to become one of the country's most recognisable driving schools.
I'm grateful to every ADI who has decided to train with us over the years, all those who trusted us with their hard-earned money to retrain and launch their new businesses."
Andy and Lauren
"As mentioned above, I'm fortunate enough to wear a few different hats in this industry.
I'm only able to commit to these other roles thanks to Andy, Lauren, our small team of amazing Training Managers, and the efforts and expertise they all bring to Caledonian.
Since joining Caledonian Driver Training in 2017, Andy has been integral to the company’s evolution into a premier, industry-leading driving school. As Franchise Manager, he plays a pivotal role in mentoring our PDIs, ADIs, and Training Managers, raising instructional standards across the board, and driving the school's ongoing growth and success.
Lauren keeps everything moving forwards behind the scenes. Deciding to employ someone is a huge step for any small business, but I can honestly say that it's the best decision I've ever made. Whether its accounts, HR, dealing with suppliers, arranging our social events, managing social media, or generally just keeping Andy and I on our toes, Lauren is the unstoppable force behind all of it.
I'm still heavily involved in training Caledonian PDIs, and running our regular in-person training days, but the school would not be what it is today without these people."
Stewart.