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Caledonian LDT Driving Instructor Training Reviews
The Only PDI Instructors To Use!
“I retired from my previous career in 2022 and started to look for something new soon afterwards. I had taught a fee family members to drive in the past and had really enjoyed it so I started think about being a driving instructor.
I contacted several driving schools, including the national organisations that we’ve all heard of, but they all offered vague promises, expensive franchise commitments or courses with little or sometimes no face to face training.
Then I met Stewart Lochrie from Caledonian.
Right away it was clear that Caledonian went about things in a completely different way. He was interested in what I wanted, what I needed to learn, how I’d like to learn it, the pathway that would suit me best. He met me before any agreement was made, over a coffee (he even paid for that too!) and we spent quite a bit ofvtime going through the various ways we could train.
He was honest and recognised my background as a trained professional driver and adjusted what I’d need before we agreed a program and price (which incidentally was less than the “big” national firms wanted to charge)
Caledonian sent me all the literature including books that I needed to pass my Part 1 while at the same time I started in car training with Andy MacFarlane who would go on to be my sponsor/trainer for my Part 3.
I got advice and guidance on a 1 to 1 basis for my Part 2 test which I passed first time while continuing with Part 3 training. Andy was on hand to guide and assist me through the administrative jungle that needs navigated in order to go on a trainee licence which I stayed on until my Part 3.
Andy was out regularly, as often as I wanted, watching and guiding me through lessons with all of my students and then spent hours afterwards giving me invaluable advice about how I could improve further.
His patience, knowledge and understanding was second to none and his relaxed approach to coaching PDI’s was a complete revelation to me compared with how I had been taught in previous jobs.
If you’re looking to start the journey to become a driving instructor, or even just thinking about it, don’t waste your time with the “big” national companies, get in touch with Caledonian instead. They are the definite “go to” place for training.
100% recommended, and a big “thank you” to Andy from me”! Crawford Inglis, June 2024
“The real deal!
I trained to become an ADI with Caledonian and the experience was top-class throughout, my in-car training with Mark was excellent, he really takes the time to ensure you fully understand everything and gives you ample opportunities to practice and grow your skills, Stewart is always readily available to chat through any worries or concerns and made sure I was receiving as much help and support as I needed. The online materials provided are key to my success, videos analysing each skill and competency required to pass the instructional test were available 24/7 via the online Caledonian ADI Masterclass. I highly recommend Caledonian LDT to anyone who is looking to become a driving instructor. 10/10.” Sean Mulholland, Qualified 2022
“ADI Training and Franchise
Caledonian LDT was recommended to me by Pauline (Driving Instructor) and everything she told me about the company came to fruition. I undertook my ADI Training with Caledonian LDT and during this process, both Mark (Training Manager) and Stewart (Director) were there every step of the way. This was then supplemented by Andy (Training Manager) in preparation for my part 3 test. When I decided to take a franchise with Caledonian LDT, Lauren (Office Manager) supported me in transitioning from my previous job to becoming a full-time instructor. Organising my diary with students based on the parameters I had provided. The people associated with Caledonian LDT continue to be accessible and go out of their way to continue supporting you, whether it is the Director, Training Managers, Instructors or the Office Manager.” Andrew McMillan, Qualified 2022
“I started my instructor course back in Sept 2020 which wasn’t ideal in the middle of a pandemic but over various lockdowns, there was extensive help to continue learning through the online modules and videos that Stewart had made. After lockdown/s there was continued 1-1 training in car and out of car with Stewart and training manager Mark who guided me to a first-time pass on my part 3 test. Even now after I passed I know I would have support if ever needed. I would highly recommend Caledonian if you are looking to become an instructor.” Jordan Menzies, Qualified 2022
“Excellent training provided to help me qualify as an ADI. After being made redundant from my previous occupation during the pandemic, I had to find a new career. Caledonian offered an excellent package of training from start to finish to help me qualify as an Approved Driving instructor. Many thanks to Stewart, Mark and Andy for all the support as my training mangers.” Stewart McLean, Qualified 2022
“I would highly recommend training with Caledonian. I did my part one, part two and part three training to become an ADI. I worked with Andy, Stewart Graeme, and Mark. All have great knowledge and a calm approach making the training go smoothly and helping me build up confidence. Lauren from Caledonian has been a great support with getting started with my trainee badge and then becoming an ADI. She’s always there to help out. Fantastic support and company ? Thank you everyone.” Deborah Patterson, Qualified 2022
“I trained to become a driving instructor with Caledonian LDT. I had two training managers, Andy and Stewart, both were absolutely fantastic and very good at explaining things in ways I hadn’t thought of before. Would absolutely recommend training to become a driving instructor with Caledonian! You will not be disappointed and will be supported 100% of the way through the process!” Jess Wake, Qualified 2022
“I had the good fortune to have Andy as my instructor for my ADI training, I quite simply couldn’t have had anyone better. I passed both my part 2 and part 3 on the first attempts and this was undoubtedly down to the quality of instruction delivered. I found Andy to be incredibly professional with the calmest and encouraging disposition which really assisted me.
Nothing was a problem for Andy and the fact that he was available to answer queries and worries throughout the process was superb. Great customer service from a guy who truly is passionate about what he does, I found him so knowledgeable and easy to get along with and felt so comfortable in the car. I would have no hesitation in recommending Andy as an instructor and count it a privilege to have been trained by him.” (Alan Court, Qualified May 2019)
“I can honestly recommend Caledonian DIT. I’m now a fully qualified instructor. I was trained by Mark Allan, who was trained by Stewart Lochrie – both very experienced instructors, helpful, and friendly. I would never have been able to become an instructor without the training, help and support from the team at Caledonian. If you want the best driving instructor training then definitely get in touch.” Tom Broadley, ADI (Qualified Feb 2019 and launched his own Caledonian LDT Franchise)
“If you want the best… then pay for the best. Caledonian delivers exactly what it says it is going to, fully supported. If you are prepared to put the work in then you will succeed. Outstanding. Great trainer and a great guy.” Dawn Hodge, Perth (Qualified March 2019)
“Pleasant and helpful colleagues as well as great support from Head Office. It feels good to be part of a friendly and hardworking team dedicated to providing a first class learning experience for both learner drivers and Provisional Driving Instructors. The regular business meetings and social events provide a great mix of opportunities to feel that this is a company which places value on the contribution made by each member of the team to the successful business that it currently is. 10/10.” Anonymous Caledonian Franchisee (via Franchisee January Satisfaction Survey 2019)
“All the people involved with Caledonian are very professional and highly competent at the job they do which makes working with and for them very rewarding and motivating. I have no hesitation in recommending to others that they should be part of Caledonian in any way they can.” Anonymous Caledonian Franchisee (via Franchisee January Satisfaction Survey 2019)
“I did my driver instructor training with Caledonian LDT and I could not recommend them highly enough. Throughout my training, Stewart was very patient, knowledgeable, and always took the time to explain exactly what I needed to do. I would definitely recommend Stewart and Caledonian to anyone wanting to become an Approved Driving Instructor.” Pamela Morrison, Blantyre. Qualified August 2017 and joined the Caledonian LDT Franchise.
“Stewart is a brilliant trainer and a highly skilled coach. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to become a driving instructor. Very reliable and honest, a valuable asset to have in a trainer.” Carol Morley. Owner, Lincs Driving Solutions.
“I found the advice and training provided by Stewart to be of the highest standard. As a result, I passed each of the qualifications at the first attempt. All training was delivered in a very professional and friendly manner with clear objectives and quality feedback at every stage of the process. I have enjoyed my training with Caledonian LDT and have no hesitation in recommending Stewart to anyone considering the route to ADI Qualification.” Mark Allan, Clarkston. Qualified as an ADI in April 2017 and joined the Caledonian LDT Franchise.
“Having qualified as an ADI with Caledonian LDT, I would highly recommend Stewart Lochrie for his professional, informative and relaxed approach. The training/coaching was of a very high standard which ensured I was fully prepared for all qualifying examinations, all of which I proceeded to pass at the first attempt. Thanks, Stewart.” Gordon Mercer, Glasgow South. Qualified as an ADI in March 2017 and joined the Caledonian LDT Franchise.
“I’d recommend Stewart to everyone looking to become an Approved Driving Instructor. The training and advice he gave me will stick with me for as long as I am an ADI, he certainly knows his stuff! I’m currently based in Perth but if I ever do move to Glasgow I would definitely work with Caledonian!” Debbie Sharp, Perth.Qualified as an ADI in January 2017, passing each of the exams at her first attempt.
“I qualified as an ADI with Caledonian LDT last month, and I’ve been really happy with both my training and the level of encouragement from all the instructors at the school. Cliff and Stewart were both brilliant and it was actually a benefit having two trainers (after Cliff retired) as it helped me see different styles of role play in preparation for Part 3. I’ve now taken out a Franchise with Caledonian and am receiving loads of support and new business as I start to build up my reputation around East Kilbride. Thanks guys!” Louise Cave, East Kilbride. Qualified as an ADI in July 2016, and joined Caledonian LDT as a franchised ADI
“I was recently received driving instructor training from Stewart specifically tailored to my development needs. The driving instructor training costs were fair, and training was of a very high standard. I felt fully prepared for the DVSA examinations and I learned in a friendly relaxed learning environment where instruction, reflection, and review were integral to the training programme. As a result, I would highly recommend Stewart to anyone considering training to become a driving instructor.” Ian Harries, Airdrie. Qualified as an ADI February 2016, and joined Caledonian LDT as a franchised ADI.
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