.
Aye Aye Fit like?
I'm Alan,
Inverurie's most newly appointment Approved Driving Instructor, having qualified in June 2017.
Previous to that, I worked as a lorry driver, gaining both my class 1 and class 2 licenses in 2004.
I have been brought up with lorries since birth but that's a story for another time. From the years 2007-2015 I worked offshore on various Oil Rigs. However due to the downturn I decided to chase a dream of mine by starting up my own business as a Driving Instructor.
I first looked into this in 2002 when I graduated from University, but at the time aged 22, I felt I was too young and lacked enough experience to do this properly. Fifteen years on, I feel now is the right time.
I have been married to Lynsey since 2010. We have two beautiful girls Orla and Scarlett. We moved out to Inverurie in 2011, having lived in the bright lights of Aberdeen since our Uni days. I hail from a small village called Sandend, situated on the Moray Firth between Portsoy and Cullen.
In my spare time I have had a seasons ticket at Pittodrie since I was at school, seeing some good times, some bad times and most recently more good times. I also enjoy a round of Golf playing at Newmachar off a handicap of 12. Most of my spare time is spent with my girls who like most families enjoy a day out whenever possible.
I would like to finish off by saying I am a patient, friendly, easy going guy with a wide variety of social skills which will make people feel comfortable around and at ease with. At 37 I feel young at heart and will get on well with the youngsters who have turned 17 and to other learners nearer my age. Lessons will be conducted to suit each individuals needs and I will never put anyone in a situation they are not comfortable with.
Check out the rest of my website for further details. Alternatively you can get in touch with me or by using my contact details.
Alan.
THE LESSONS
Lessons to be conducted mainly in Inverurie and will use the test routes to familiarise pupils for their practical test. I
The Driving Test Centre is situated in Inverurie.
Lessons will follow a structured plan, working through a number of subjects which in time will make pupils pass thei Once the pupil has got used to the initially stages of the car, Different types of Driving will take place during lessons, Town Driving – Junctions, Roundabouts, Traffic Lights etc.
Rural Driving – Country Roads, 60 mph limit, Narrower Roads, Busy Traffic etc.
Dual Carriageways – Busy Traffic Both Lanes, 70 mph, Overtaking, Slip Roads etc.
Aberdeen City Driving – Pupils can request for practise in City where its alot busier with more going on.
Night Time Driving – Seeing the difference from driving in Daylight.
Lessons can also be arranged for Drivers who have passed their test and may need a refresher on a particular subject There will be no pressure put on any pupil to carry out any driving that they don’t want to do.
THE CAR
The VW detailed below has been replaced. New car details to follow...
VW Golf SE Navigation. 2.0 TDI - with a 6 speed Manual Gearbox.
This car is packed with extras for more Comfort and better Safety, including;
Adaptive Cruise Control - Keeps car at safe distance from vehicle in front.
Auto Hold - Prevents car from rolling back when stopped on a hill.
City Emergency Braking - Car will actually Brake for you if distracted or too late in braking and will automatically stop before it hits vehicle in front when travelling under 40mph.
High Beam Assist - When Driving in the Dark and on full beam, Car will automatically sensor and dip lights to normal beam when vehicles approach from other side or you get too close to vehicles in front. This allows the driver to keep both hands on steering when for better safety.
Lane Assist - Steering will not allow you to drift onto other lane, will fight against you and you will feel it while steering.
Parking Sensors Front and Rear - Sensors around car that know when you are getting close to any obstructions and will bleep loudly to warn you to prevent any collisions front or rear.
Rear View Camera - Camera to assist in any reversing manoeuvre that you will have to do.
Loads More - Car is also fitted with He Man Dual Controls which I will use if required.
PRICING
Standard 2 hour Lesson - £85
10 hour Block Booking - £410
Lessons can be paid in cash or by doing a bank transfer to my business account. If the demand for a chip and pin machine becomes more evident then that will be ordered in due time. I do not accept cheques.
As a guideline, on average it takes a successful candidate 40 hours with their instructor to pass their practical driving test. On top of that it would help if the pupil had private practise with a parent or someone suitable in their own car.
THEORY TEST
You will need to pass your theory test before you can sit your practical test. It's a really important part of learning to drive.
The information that you learn from the theory test will help you pass your practical test. The theory test costs £23 and can be booked online.
There is a theory test centre in Aberdeen and in Huntly. It's vital to prepare correctly for your theory test by studying up on the Highway Code, traffic signs and general rules of the road. Theory test DVDs can be purchased from most supermarkets or online. Apps are also available on your smart phone.
The Official DVSA Guide to Driving - the essential skills is one I would recommend. I can help you with any questions you are not so sure on during your driving lessons.
There are two parts to the theory test. Firstly there are 50 multiple choice questions that you must score 43 out of 50 to pass.
This test covers topics such as alertness, road conditions and vehicle loading to name a few. There are 14 different subjects to learn.
The second part to the theory test is the Hazard Perception Test. There are 14 film clips, each shown from a driverÕs point of view. You will need to spot the developing hazard in each film.
Each clip is worth 5 marks and you will score more marks the quicker you can spot the developing hazard. One clip will have 2 hazards and will be worth 10 marks. The pass mark for this part is 44 out of 75.
You will get your test result at the end of your test whilst in the test centre. If you fail one part of the test then you will have to re sit both parts during your next theory test.
Your pass certificate is valid for 2 years. You must pass your practical driving test within that time. Otherwise you will have to pass the theory test again.
For more information visit...
REVIEWS
I had the pleasure of taking Hollie out driving when I was training to become a fully qualified ADI. Hollie was test ready and I took her out driving on three separate occasions leading up to her test date. She had completed all her training with two separate instructors. I could tell by her first drive that she would pass her test no problem. Hollie did amazing and passed with 3 minor faults.
Here's the feedback she gave me -
"I thought you were very good as an instructor and I was very comfortable around you. I thought you were clear and knowledgeable about what you were telling me to do. If I was a pupil on my first lesson I would definitely be back. Thank you very much for your help and tips, I'll definitely keep them in mind for my test!!"
Hollie (17) - Inverurie.
During my training I also had the pleasure of taking out a lad I met at the gym, Lewis, who stays in Kintore. At the time Lewis had around 10 hours of lessons with another ADI. I used to take him out on a saturday afternoon in his mums car and we had a right laugh.
"Alan was an excellent instructor and showed great patience during lessons. He made me feel confident and comfortable right from the beginning while challenging me to help me improve quickly."
Lewis (17) - Kintore.
I also did all my training to become a Driving Instructor with a guy based in Balmedie who has trained several people in the same boat as me. I worked really hard under the guidance of Mark since January and learned so much from him. Every day really was like a school day. I asked Mark for his feedback and here's what he said...
"I found Alan to be a very responsive and conscientious young new instructor. One of very few Instructors who pass their part three tests with a high grade on their first attempt. This shows his commitment and enthusiasm for the job. Also Alan displayed a high level of interpersonal skills and is very easy to get along with. I would like to take this opportunity to wish him all the best in his new career."
Mark (Flying Colours) - Balmedie.
