Armed Forces resettlement
Learner Driving Centres (LDC) is an ELC training provider (number 3393). We decided to become an ELC provider because of the many positive attributes former Armed Forces personnel have to offer. In our experience they are not only ideal candidates for the way we train they also make model driving instructors. Over the last 20 years we have helped many former members of the Armed Forces achieve both fruitful and successful driving instructor careers. However, don’t take our word for it, see what others say:
David Mitchell - Served in the British Army for 18 years
During my time in the services I worked within many different departments including first aid, resources and recruitment. I was a recruit trainer for many years and I found this stage of my military career very rewarding and satisfying. The skills I had developed would lead me to my future career. After serious consideration and a meeting with a career's advisor she suggested I train to be a driving instructor.
I originally went to one of the better known national driving schools and spoke to their regional manager but wasn't very happy with their hard pressure selling techniques. I then noticed an advert for LDC in the local newspaper and even from the first phone call I was impressed with their professionalism and more relaxed selling approach, I didn't feel pressured to make a decision, I instantly felt at ease.
I am so happy that I made the decision to go with LDC, my tutor was excellent and I was happy with the concise structure of the training course which enabled me to successfully pass each part of the official examination necessary to become a driving instructor.
The support to get my LDC driving school up and running was also great and I now have a very successful business. I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions of my life and I genuinely look forward to going to work each day.
Another thing that I like about LDC is the unique LD System for learners where they can watch the DVD at home and use the workbook which reduces chat time in the car and can make the lessons more practical.
I would recommend LDC to anyone looking to train as a driving instructor, or for anyone looking to join the franchise, regardless of where they did their training.
Andy Lane - Served in the British Army for 9 years:
I was in the Royal Corps of Transport and training always played a big part in my career in the forces so it was only natural that I would find a career that involved training and meeting new people.
After seeing different adverts in my local newspaper I decided to call the different companies offering instructor training and find out how it works. I am so glad that I did my research as it enabled me to disregard companies straight away who had a bad reputation and were offering packages that were too good to be true!
Even though LDC was at the time a fairly unknown driving school I couldn't fault them and after I qualified in 2003 I became an LDC driving school operator. Since then I have never looked back, every day is different and there is nothing better than seeing a student pass their driving test, that is the ultimate job satisfaction.
If you are serious about becoming a driving instructor and want a company you can trust look no further.
Henry Sams - Served in the British Army for 23 years
I started my military career at the tender age of 16 with the All Arms Junior Leaders Regiment in N.Wales following in my fathers foot steps who was also a military man. I became a military Police man and have served all over the world.
Following a bad experience with another driving school and while trying to qualify I acquired a copy of LDCs training videos which I found a big help. I later approached LDC to join their franchise back in 2004.
Since then I have never looked back and I am very happy. I have a great little business doing a job I really like. Support is always at hand and I wouldn't hesitate in recommending them to any service personnel looking to find a decent company to work with when they are ready to leave the forces.
Ken Bertram - Served in the British Army for 14 years
I was in the Royal Core Signals based In Germany, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar. After leaving the forces I had done other jobs but I didn't get the fulfilment and satisfaction that I craved. After seeing various adverts from driving schools offering instructor training I was intrigued to find out how it worked.
It surprised me how different each company operated and after looking through all the literature and speaking to office staff it became clear to me which company I wanted to choose to train with. LDC's service was very friendly and punctual; no matter how many questions I had there was always someone on hand to speak and that made me realise that LDC were interested in my future career rather than just my course fee. Other companies were no where near as helpful or understanding as LDC.
LDC has helped me to develop my training skills further and I am now a fully qualified tutor able to train people to become driving instructors.
Over the last 10 years I have seen LDC grow and grow and my weekly franchise fee is a small price to pay for the benefits I receive. The main reasons I enjoy this career are that I am my own boss but I have the backing and support of a successful national driving school, I control my diary and the career suits my lifestyle and personality.
I would recommend this career for anyone who is looking for a flexible and rewarding career.
Dave Rushton - Served in the British Army for 25 years
I started in the Army as an Apprentice Chef in 1966 and during the next 25 years I served in many different locations round the world cooking in the main Kitchens, Officers Messes, and even in a Generals Household.
After a number of civilian jobs I felt I needed a job that would allow me to use the skills I had developed in the Army. I had self discipline, I could teach, I got on well with people, I wanted to be my own boss and I could drive to a reasonable standard. The answer was simple; the problem was how to go about it. After looking at several training options and the franchises the one that really stood out was LDC.
The initial interview went well and I felt that this was a good team to be in, everything was explained and I didn't feel that I was being pressured into something I didn't really want.
The training began and I was able to go at my own pace, if I had any problems there was always a friendly voice at the end of the phone and you felt like you were being invited in for a quick cuppa while the problem was being sorted.
The practical training started and while I will say it was not easy, it was interesting and certainly very informative.
On completing the training and passing the required exams then came the part of setting up your own business. LDC carried out the job they promised and I now have a successful business with all the support I need.
Unlike many of the competitors LDC actively encourage you to generate your own business and let you get the benefits. The LD System is about getting the people to do the practical part of the driving while they are with you, and for them to do the studying while they are at home. Less of the boring chats in the car, more of the interesting practical part.
I would recommend LDC to anyone looking for a new career as a Driving Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructor.
Paul Smith - Served in the British Army for 23 years
I spent the first career of my working life (23 years) in the Armed Forces reaching the rank of WO2 (QMSI).
When I left the Army I didn't come across LDC and went to another major national driving school. The training given was not very good but due to my own personal efforts I did manage to pass.
Having qualified I decided that I wanted to "work with a company" and not "work for a company" as seems to be the case with many of the other major national driving schools!
Fortunately by this time I knew about LDC. There were many things that steered me towards LDC; the fact that you decide on what car to use was one of them. Another was that during my military career I realised that structure and planning is vital when doing anything. LDC's lesson style and their associated Training Aids impressed me and it takes something exceptional to do that - I am not easily impressed!
The support I received to get my LDC driving school up and running was excellent and I now have a very successful business. I clearly made the correct choice as I am now in my fourth year with LDC and find this new career path invigorating and exceptionally rewarding. LDC is there for me when I need advice and support; however they allow you to run your business your way.
Would I recommend LDC to anyone looking to train as an ADI or to "work with them?" I guess the answer to that after 4 years is yes on both accounts!