Our Trainee Reviews

"After making the decision to leave the Corporate Technology Services industry I took the time to research my next (and final) career step. This led me to wanting to become a Driving Instructor (or Coach as we like to say these days) and after consulting a few companies, reading their reviews and speaking with their instructors it wasn't a difficult choice to choice DLA. DLA and its founders Darren & Dave have an ethos, vision and attitude toward coaching inexperienced drivers that is remarkably different to many other driving schools and so I knew the training was going to be of an exceedingly high standard and I wasn't wrong. Darren took me through my training and just like with our students he took the time to really get to know the way I work which enabled him to build a Learning Pathway and Support structure that was wholly appropriate. Do not be fooled by others in the market, the journey to becoming an ADI isn't easy and requires both trainer & trainee to commit and build a strong partnership, this is where Darren stands poles apart from many in the ADI franchise flock. If you want to become an ADI and like me are looking for a trainer that has a wealth of industry knowledge, is very approachable and speaks frankly and directly without sugar coating the truth then I would highly recommend you contact DLA."

"After researching small, medium and national schools I decided to contact DLA which I understood to be a small business. My first contact was with Darren ( founder) and from the initial chat I sensed this maybe the organisation for me. Darren was professional and approachable when we met and addressed all my concerns/questions with a personal touch. I decided then that this was the right fit for me and my goals. Once my training kicked off, Darren and I met regularly to develop my lesson plans and teaching techniques. Having passed my part two with the support of DLA, they sponsored me for my PDI licence and soon I had my first students. Within six months I passed my part 3 at the first attempt and I’m now one of DLA’s ADIs. The experience has been positive from start to finish and I know this will continue now as an ADI."

"I trained with DLA Driving School, who were absolutely amazing—offering outstanding support and always being there when I needed guidance. Their encouragement played a big part in shaping the instructor I am today. Their training was tailored to fit around my existing job and was at a pace that suited my needs."

"Why choose DLA? I have known Darren for a number of years and seen how passionate he is about being a driving instructor, his commitment to DLA driving school and the team of instructors. It was an easy decision for me so I spent a year training with DLA and with Darren and Dave’s guidance qualified as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)."

"I started my journey training to be a driving instructor in November 2022. I was not with DLA at the time, however I got through my Part 1 and Part 2 first time. The problems came with my part 3 training, where the company I was with at the time were very poor and the training was unacceptable. I decided to part ways with that company, and I was introduced to Darren and the team. Since then the part 3 training has been challenging, as I have been working a full time job, while continuing to train as a driving instructor. However the DLA team have helped me a lot to overcome those challenges, with the team being available at the times that suited me, which was mainly at weekends. Without the DLA team helping me in this process, I would not be here as a fully qualified driving instructor, with the world at my feet."

"I started my driving instructor journey after we were trying to find a female instructor for my Daughter. We found it quite difficult to find, she started learning with DLA, and after talking to her instructor, I was given Darren’s details. I met up for a chat and decided that I would train with DLA. I was able to train alongside working. I had lots of support throughout, working with both Darren and Dave for my part 3. I really find being part of a team beneficial, as there is always someone to ask if I have any queries."

"After making the decision to train as a driving instructor, I researched some of the local driving schools and knew DLA was the company for me. The training I received was of a very high standard and tailored to be flexible around my needs. Darren took great care to listen to my own style of learning and he structured his own training to suit my needs. I am now proud to be part of an amazing team of excellent ADI's."

"I started my training as an ADI with one of the big national companies but soon enough, I realised that it wasn't for me as I was just being treated as a number . I reached out to DLA and met Dave first to get some help with my part 2 training and very quickly realised that DLA was a much better fit for me. I was sponsored by DLA to get a pink license to get that all important experience whilst I was training for part three . I have always found Dave and Darren to be so helpful- they always made the time for me whenever I needed their expertise. The training with Dave was so much fun and it really made me love the job even before starting. Since I have passed my part three, I have had no doubt in my mind that I will carry on with the DLA franchise as my dairy has remained full with bookings throughout without the pressure of being tied to a long contract as I would have been with a big franchise. From my experience, I can one hundred percent recommend DLA to any one that is thinking of becoming a driving instructor- due to the support that I have received, I can now teach my lessons feeling at ease, confident and competent, knowing that there is always someone available to reach out to for questions if need be. I can honestly say that you won't regret it ."

"I was in my office job during covid and fancied a new challenge to make use of the time I had, I started looking into different careers and came across Darren advertising for driving instructors on Facebook. I approached Darren to express my interest and he was very knowledgeable and helpful pointing me in the right direction and the steps on how to start my journey. Darren took me out to assess my driving ready for my part 2 and to make sure I passed and then passed me over to Dave. Dave was there throughout my journey to train me into doing my best for my part 3 exam, any questions I had or support I needed Dave was there, he made training so much fun and easy to learn and both Darren and Dave have been supportive to this day Dave supported me through my part 3 training and the test, I was so nervous but I passed, I cant thank Dave enough for his wise words before my part 3 exam😀 Since passing I have had so much support and someone is always there to offer a helping hand."

"I joined D L A soon after passing my part 2 because I knew I needed more experience and training to help me pass my more challenging part 3. D L A delivered exactly that. On top of my part 3 success I soon discovered that I was being treated as a valuable team member and part of the family, with an infectious enthusiasm for the job and a proactive progressive attitude I can not fault the organisation. Joining D L A was the best thing I ever did, my diary is always full and my clients are always happy. Sometimes you get lucky in life and this time I got lucky!"

"Becoming a driving instructor was always an option in terms of career, so when the opportunity presented I took advantage of it. I decided to take the plunge into driving instructor training, and quickly realised that a lot of driving instructor trainers talk but don’t deliver on their promises, a common complaint was also being stuck in payment plans and lengthy contracts. After speaking with five different companies and being thoroughly disappointed, the last on my list was DLA Driving School. I met with Darren and Dave, I knew straightaway that this was the company that I would train with. Not only do you get quality training from the trainers, an added bonus is that the whole team of instructors at DLA are also very friendly and supportive"

"I qualified as an ADI in 2019 with the help from Darren and Dave of D L A Driving School. I had previously started my training with another company but felt I was not making the progress I had hoped and felt I was wasting my money. After looking around I decided to continue my training with D L A and I didn't look back. Both Darren and Dave helped me push on and pass my part 3 with an excellent grade. I was really impressed with their approach to training and felt it was excellent value. I would strongly urge anyone looking to become an instructor or looking to change trainers to give the guys at D L A a call. I am now up and running and working for D L A Driving School who filled my diary within just a few weeks."

"My journey from becoming a PDI to qualifying as an ADI was challenging but incredibly rewarding. I started my training with My4Wheels, but unfortunately, my experience was not a positive one, and I found the support and training did not meet my expectations. Despite the setbacks, I remained determined to achieve my goal of becoming a fully qualified ADI. I then moved on to DLA Driving School, and the difference was significant. Their support, guidance, knowledge and commitment gave me the confidence and direction I needed to progress. They genuinely believed in me, helped me overcome the challenges I had faced, and supported me every step of the way. I honestly could not have achieved my ADI qualification without DLA Driving School, and I will always be grateful for the role they played in helping me complete my journey."

"I chose DLA for my training to become an ADI through a friend who is also an ADI, I'm so pleased they were recommended. I had contacted one of the larger driving schools also and the difference in how they both approached me was vast. The bigger company bombarded me with calls from a sales team to sign up, DLA had a totally different approach, first a friendly phone call, then a relaxed meet up with Darren & Dave, I was sold immediately, they were friendly, informative and a little bit funny. I began my training straightaway and with the support of Darren and Dave I completed parts 1, 2 & 3, I am now happily working as an ADI. The whole DLA team is great. We all support each other every step of the way."

"DLA Driving School provided me with a bespoke training solution to fit in around my then existing job. I was very impressed with the passion that Darren and Dave delivered their training and was delighted to pass all parts of my ADI training at the very first attempt. If you are looking for a fantastic friendly company where you are more than just another number then I can guarantee that Darren & Dave and the whole of the DLA team deliver exactly as they promised."

"When I decided to train to become an ADI, there were many options open with respect to the companies offering training, nationals & locals, many offering incentives to train with them.DLA as a local Driving School was recommended to me, & I found a driving school & team that offered everything I needed. Comprehensive 1 to 1 training which could be carried out at my own pace. Guidance & future support from a team of experienced instructors. Guaranteed free student referrals. No fixed contract & above all the same principles of customer service that I believe in."

"Choosing DLA for my instructor training was the best decision that I made when I was considering where to train to become a driving instructor. Having previously looked at the major training providers I chose DLA as they seemed to be the right fit for me. I wasn’t disappointed as Darren and Dave provided an extremely professional service throughout my whole training experience to become an ADI. I passed my part two and three exams at the first attempt and am now delighted to be working as part of the DLA team.Darren and Dave provide me with continued support and just as importantly DLA provided a full work diary in next to no time."

"DLA Driving School provided me with a bespoke training solution to fit in around my then existing job. I was very impressed with the passion that Darren and Dave delivered their training and was delighted to pass all parts of my ADI training at the very first attempt. If you are looking for a fantastic friendly company where you are more than just another number then I can guarantee that Darren & Dave and the whole of the DLA team deliver exactly as they promised."

"I'm delighted I chose to train with DLA knowing the team are held in such high regard locally, and that the team's values and commitment align with my own. Their training was second to none and made the whole process easy and enjoyable."

"Having run my own business since 2007 I started my training to become a driving instructor via another national company. Unfortunately, their training wasn’t as promised and left me very frustrated and hugely out of pocket. I was recommended to speak to the DLA team, and I have to say it was the best decision I have made as an instructor. From the first conversation I knew they would cater for my own needs and give me the training I deserved. They rescued my training and got me on track to pass my part 3 first time."

"Having previously started training with a national company who did not meet their promises or my own expectations, I started my research looking for a company that would provide me with more reliable and rewarding training. After researching several companies, my attention was particularly drawn to DLA, and, after giving them a call, I decided to start up my training again with them. They completely rescued my training, getting me through my part 3 with great enjoyment and success! They also provided me with sponsoring, and supplied me with enough students to gain the experience I needed. Thanks to DLA, I enjoyed my training so much that I decided to stay on as a now fully qualified ADI. I love working with DLA just as much as I loved learning with them, and hope to pass that passion on to my own students."

"DLA Driving School provided me with a bespoke training solution to fit in around my then existing job. I was very impressed with the passion that Darren and Dave delivered their training and was delighted to pass all parts of my ADI training at the very first attempt. If you are looking for a fantastic friendly company where you are more than just another number then I can guarantee that Darren & Dave and the whole of the DLA team deliver exactly as they promised."

"I have been training with David at DLA for my ADI Part 3 Test, and cannot recommend him highly enough. He is very professional and has a wealth of experience and expertise. He made me feel very confident in learning new skills and his relaxed manner put me at ease. I wish him every success for the future."

"I was lucky enough to be placed with David at DLA for my ADI Part 3 Training. He was extremely professional but always inspired confidence and made me feel relaxed. He made the whole experience so enjoyable, I hope to work with him again in the future. Thanks David!"

"Before joining DLA, I initially trained with a national school, whose refusal to sponsor me when I was on a pink trainee license curbed my training and denied me the opportunity to gain experience or receive any support. DLA came to the rescue at once, not only sponsoring me and providing me with the training I needed, but by supplying me with an additional 20 hours of training, which was vital in allowing me to then pass my part 3 test first time! Thanks to the support I received from DLA through my training, I now continue to work with them as a fully qualified ADI!"