Intelligent Instructor Awards 2025 Shortlist
Congratulations to everyone that made it onto this year’s shortlist. We’ve received thousands of votes and public voting has now officially closed. We’ll be announcing our bronze, silver and gold winners at The Intelligent Instructor Gala dinner on Saturday 22nd March, on the eve of the Driving Instructor Convention 2025.
Car Supplier of the Year
Dualdrive is a family-owned company offering a unique proposition for ADIs and PDIs with flexible tailored packages addressing specific needs, all backed up with our like for like price match guarantee and award-winning aftersales care. Customer service, satisfaction and retention are always our main priorities.
As a leading supplier of dual-controlled vehicles, SVR offers unrivalled service to driving instructors nationwide. SVR operates a predictive fleet maintenance programme to ensure total compliance. We identify & act upon changes within the industry & customer requirements. Our team receives ongoing training so that everything we do remains relevant.
Community Champion of the Year sponsored by ADINJC
Facebook Group: ADIs with and for disabilities
It is a group for ADIs and PDIs who either teach or have themselves SENs, disabilities or medical conditions. The group is also open to driving assessors and occupational therapists in our industry. The group aims for everyone to support each other and exchange ideas and stories related to teaching pupils with special needs.
Pass N Go Driving School
Pass N Go prides itself on being an integral part of the local community by supporting various charitable causes. They have developed a close-knit community between their staff, students, and instructors and made involvement in a broader range of causes one of their top priorities.
SmartLearner Driving School
SmartLearner Driving School, the largest independent school in the West Midlands, stands out as the fastest-growing option. Offering more than just driving lessons, it boasts over 60 skilled instructors. SmartLearner is the definitive choice for those seeking a comprehensive and exceptional driving education experience.
Vicky Folland
She is a driving instructor dedicated to her community, supporting ADIs, PDIs, parents, schools, and learners alike. From supporting coffee mornings to ensure no parent goes hungry to mentoring new instructors, hosting a podcast, and serving as a school governor for over a decade, she works to uplift and inspire others.
Content Creator of the Year sponsored by AcciDON’T Driving School
Since 2020, Driving Test Success has been one of the leading platforms for learner drivers. Having surpassed one million followers on TikTok, our content aims to empower learner drivers across the UK with reliable, informative, and, most importantly, relatable content.
In the past 12 months, Jeff has published over 1k hours of online content to support PDIs and ADIs on his website and YouTube channel – of which approximately 60% is free. That’s helped hundreds pass ADI exams and improve their skills.
The PassNGo Video Team produces high-quality factual, promotional, and entertaining content in-house and by hand. They create visual content for prospective ADIs and current trainees and offer a helpful addition to standard revision materials. They help give more engaging options for individual learning preferences.
R Drive School of Motoring delivers engaging and informative content, empowering young drivers through creative videos, interactive lessons, and relatable social media content. Our innovative approach fosters confidence and skill, making us a top choice for young drivers. Our content resonates, inspires, and educates.
Primarily through the platform of The Instructor Podcast, Terry consistently delivers content for ADIs and PDIs, transcending the traditional focus of Standards Check and Part 3 tests. His work prioritises critical themes like road safety, health, and business development, setting a new benchmark in the industry.
Driving Instructor Car of the Year
Fiat 500e
Kia Picanto
MG3
Renault Clio
Toyota Yaris
Vauxhall Corsa
Volkswagen Polo
Driving Instructor Insurer of the Year
Adrian Flux is proud to have become a multiple award–winning key player and supporter of
the driving instructor industry and continues to offer competitive insurance premiums,
outstanding levels of cover and bespoke policies to suit the individual.
Market-leading driving instructor insurance. Our comprehensive driving instructor car insurance offers a range of cover as standard, and could help keep your business on the road in case of a claim.
BG Insurance is dedicated to helping you protect your business. Whether you are a PDI Driving Instructor who’s just passed their part 2 test or an ADI Driving Instructor who has been in the industry for many years, we will look to find a policy that suits your needs.
C&A Mackie Insurance Brokers has been providing driving instructor insurance since 1990. As a recognised market leader, we have developed products to meet your specific needs as a driving instructor.
InstructorcoverPlus has been providing insurance to driving instructors for over 25 years. As an independent insurance specialist, we aim to take the stress out of finding the right cover for instructors quickly and at a competitive price.
The Policywave Driving Instructor Insurance policy brings together everything an instructor wants and needs to comfort so the all-encompassing policy will truly offer the service demands if the worst happens.
Green Driving Instructor/School of the Year
Lighthouse Driving School strive to be a positive role model to the local community. Creating not only fun driving lessons but also being mindful about how we conduct our business and the impact we have on our local environment.
SmartLearner Driving School, the largest independent school in the West Midlands, stands out as the fastest-growing option. Offering more than just driving lessons, it boasts over 60 skilled instructors. SmartLearner is the definitive choice for those seeking a comprehensive and exceptional driving education experience.
Vicky’s Driving Tuition is an independent, carbon-neutral driving school offering manual and automatic lessons. They offset mileage from their manual car and offer emission-free tuition with a fully electric vehicle. Vicky is passionate about educating learners on eco-driving, inspiring change, raising awareness, and reducing driving’s environmental impact.
Local Driving Instructor Association of the Year sponsored by AcciDON’T Driving School
ADDSA has built its membership on its long-established foundations of promoting positive relationships between its members, local communities, public bodies and the DVSA. ADDSA works tirelessly for its members to facilitate ongoing engagement with the local Test Centres Managers and DVSA, encourage members’ CPD, and maintain effective communications with members.
The Berkshire Driving Instructors Association was founded in 2008. They are a non-profit organisation with a committee of volunteer ADIs providing the facilities to help all local ADIs become the best Driving Instructors they can be. They aim to try and make the roads as safe as possible by working together .
Set up in 2009 the Southern Driving Instructors Association offers support to local instructors by local instructors. The association aims to help each other in what could otherwise be a lonely industry. The group provides support, guidance and CPD in a friendly, welcoming, non-judgemental environment.
Working as a sole trader and self-employed ADI can often be a lonely experience. Wirral APDI aims to bring local instructors together in a professional and social environment. We discuss local issues and update members on national changes such as the driving test and standards check.
Marketing Campaign of the Year
The Hide & Shriek Challenge was a Halloween-themed in-app campaign created to engage and motivate learners. Thirty ghouls were hidden across essential learning modules to encourage deeper exploration of the resources needed to pass, with a month of our learn-to-drive practical content as the prize to continue their journey.
Pass N Go’s “Fix Your Franchise” campaign launched in 2024, promising stable, low franchise fees and unmatched support for driving instructors. The campaign increased franchisee sign-ups by addressing industry dissatisfaction with rising costs, boosted brand loyalty, and reinforced PNG’s reputation for transparency, affordability, and instructor-first values.
National Driving School of the Year sponsored by AcciDON’T Driving School
In 2024, Bill Plant Driving School achieved record-breaking growth and innovation. With a restructured “Pupil Success Department,” new apps for pupils, parents, and instructors, and a 15.6% increase in lesson hours, we’ve introduced significant advancements in driving instruction. We’re commitmed to road safety, business development, and instructor support.
Pass N Go driving school is dedicated to excellence in education, promoting safe driving, and supporting instructors with ongoing professional development and innovative resources. We prioritise student success, providing personalised lessons and fostering a supportive, inclusive environment. We are commitmed to quality instruction, instructor growth, and positive community impact.
RED has truly cemented its position as leading the UK driving school sector in 2024 with a passion for excellence, significant growth in business, a very strong brand with massively positive recognition with our customers and enquirers, and a loyal and stable franchised ADI Instructor network.
Product of the Year sponsored by ADINJC
The ADI Network app is a free, innovative platform helping driving instructors manage their businesses, grow professionally, and stay organised. By offering essential tools and support, we’ve made a lasting impact on the community, paying over £10 million to ADIs in the past year and driving long-term success.
AAT online training courses are more affordable, accessible, engaging, and effective to using ‘traditional’ training methods. Over 500 trainees enrolled in the first 12 months – without a single sales call. And 100% positive feedback. We’re just getting started, though.
Confident Drivers is an ADI training platform and membership website offering free and paid resources including online courses and effective techniques to help manage driving stress, nerves and anxiety. Resources are supported by The Driving Confidence podcast which shares tips, advice and real-life stories about overcoming driving fears.
The Learn to Drive app is the only one of its kind, helping learners stay prepared and confident during long test waits. With 250+ expert-led videos and tools to reinforce skills, it supports both learners and driving instructors, making lessons more productive and learners test ready.
The UK’s No.1 choice for learners, offering everything needed to prepare for the Theory Test with a first-time pass guarantee. With a 97% pass rate, compared to the national average of 45%, it gives learners the knowledge to pass the first time and become safer, more skilled drivers.
GoRoadie Pro is a smart diary management app for ADIs and PDIs, allowing them to save up to 8 hours each week. The app is filled with unique innovations from; Live Waiting List, Flexible Lesson Rates Photo Receipts, Seamless Offline-Mode, 2-Way Calendar Sync and Enquiry Manager.
In the fast-paced world of driving instruction, Total Drive revolutionises the way driving professionals manage their business, lessons and pupil interaction. This cutting-edge, paper-free platform empowers instructors to take control of their schedules and pupils learning environment including lesson payment processing, theory and teaching toolbox with innovative 3D training videos.
The WeDrive Theory App, the UK’s No.1 app, uniquely includes an AI-powered Large Language Model (LLM) for personalized learning. It helps users prepare for the UK driving theory test with DVSA-approved questions, mock exams, and hazard perception videos. Interactive features include competitions, social sharing, and focused practice by topic or randomized learning.
Professional Support Provider of the Year
They proudly support the driving instructor community by helping ADIs manage and grow their businesses more effectively. Through their ongoing commitment, we’ve paid over £10 million to instructors in the past year, making a lasting positive impact on their livelihoods and fostering long-term professional development.
FBTC thoroughly understands the specific needs and challenges encountered by driving instructors, leading to the development of a service precisely tailored to this industry. FBTC has significantly aided clients in enhancing their business operations’ efficiency and effectiveness, enabling them to concentrate on their primary objective – teaching individuals to drive safely.
Gates & Gibson specialises in providing personalised Business Management Support to Instructors through one-to-one sessions, online consultations and face-to-face meetings. They recognise the critical importance of Parts 1, 2, and 3 training and the Standards Checks, and they also emphasise that business management is an equally crucial component for sustained success in the industry.
GoRoadie offers several driver training products: GoRoadie Pro, GoRoadie Referrals, and GoRoadie Schools. Their principal product is GoRoadie Pro. A smart diary management app for iOS and Android that saves instructors 8 hours of admin per week by automating manual tasks, like lesson reminders, maintaining a waiting list and managing new enquiries.
Launched in 2014, MyDriveTime provides professional business management software to support the needs of instructors, schools, trainers, and learners. They’ve raised the bar in standards, capability, efficiency and success through their apps, business guidance and industry partnerships, equipping instructors to become professional support providers.
Total Drive is a driving school platform that supports over 7,000 driving instructors and 265,000 learner drivers across the UK, processing on average 14,500 lesson payments each month for instructors. The Total Drive app provides a suite of tools that is used 20% of UK driving instructors every week.
Regional Driving School of the Year sponsored by Dash Claims
We have a dedicated, experienced customer enquiries. No matter what the customer requires, we do our best to listen to their needs, and provide them with a solution. And if they cannot help, they have a selected list of trusted instructors that they offer as an alternative if we cannot help.
Their driving school delivers excellent, inclusive service with tailored lessons, innovative tools, and a strong road safety focus. They support learners with Theory Test resources, post-test training, and a unique syllabus. Instructors benefit from mentorship, CPD, and industry exposure, while their creative marketing and consistent branding drive growth and community engagement.
Duncan’s driving school puts people first, offering personalised support for pupils and instructors alike. With innovative teaching methods, a strong focus on road safety, and a commitment to instructor well-being, they create a welcoming environment where everyone can thrive — pupils succeed, and instructors grow.
Elite Driving Academy has a mission to provide the best training and experiences that they can for all those learning; they are family-owned and run and believe their core values are in everything they do. passion, dedication and commitment are at the heart of what they do.
Established in 2013, Evo is unique in that it operates as a cooperative, setting it apart from other regional driving schools. This cooperative structure fosters a collaborative environment where each instructor contributes to the school’s success and shares a commitment to high-quality driver Training.
We offer manual and automatic driving lessons, instructor training and support, pass plus and motorway training. They believe that the best start for their learners is to have the best team, which they strive for, offering great value for money to both learners and instructors.
Lloyds Driver Training is one of South Coast’s fastest-growing independent driving schools. Their team of highly qualified, friendly instructors provide 1-1 in-car training and theory test support. They will work with you at your pace to develop the skills you need to be a confident, safe driver.
MSM Driving School is highly recommended within Berkshire. With a dedicated team of highly qualified, patient, and friendly driving instructors, they provide unparalleled one-to-one manual and automatic driver training. They cover both theory and practical skills to ensure you master the roads and become a safe and competent driver for life.
Shift Driving School isn’t just about passing tests; they empower confident, safe, and independent drivers while building meaningful careers for their instructors. Rooted in Newcastle and beyond, they set the bar high by selecting instructors for their passion, attitude, and dedication—because to create safe drivers, you need the best.
SmartLearner Driving School, the largest independent school in the West Midlands, stands out as the fastest-growing option. Offering more than just driving lessons, it boasts over 60 skilled instructors. SmartLearner is the definitive choice for those seeking a comprehensive and exceptional driving education experience.
They offer Exeter, East and Mid Devon, Bridgwater and Taunton lessons. As well as training opportunities for aspiring instructors. With two ORDIT registered trainers and, in 2024, six successful Part 3 tests and a growing number of instructors. they offer a range of opportunities for both learners and aspiring instructors.
Special Educational Needs Provider of the Year sponsored by Dash Claims
John Rogers
The University of Chester awarded John a Professional Certificate in Driving Assessment and Outdoor Mobility in 2013. John completed the University of Greenwich Level 1 accredited training course Continuing Professional Development for Prac:tioners in Mobility Impairments in 2002.
William Merritt Centre Driving School
Demonstrating exceptional dedication to students with special educational needs and physical disabilities by adapting teaching methods to suit individual learning styles and abilities. They create a supportive, enjoyable atmosphere that fosters engagement and progress. Their attention to detail and personalised approach have led to remarkable results, backed by positive testimonials.
Training Provider of the Year
Bill Plant Driving School, a leader in driving instructor training, excels in innovation, quality, and growth. Boasting a RoSPA accreditation and a dynamic AI-powered learning management platform, the school offers comprehensive, flexible training. Its strategic expansion, high pass rates, and exceptional customer satisfaction underscore its commitment to quality and excellence.
Confident Drivers is an ADI/PDI training platform and membership website offering training that focuses on helping learner drivers manage driving stress, nerves and anxiety. Training is offered at all levels, from topic-focused masterclasses, face-to-face workshops, and online courses up to a nationally recognised professional diploma qualification.
The Disability Driving Instructors ADI training programme is a continued professional development program for driving instructors that helps them make their lessons more inclusive. It covers specific educational needs, disabilities, medical conditions, and sign language.
Inspire Instructor Training empowers instructors to excel through support, belief, and behavioural change techniques. With a strong sense of community and lifelong learning, they deliver innovative workshops, tailored mentorship, and accessible programs, driving the highest standards in education and shaping the next generation of road safety ambassadors.
Knowledgeablee Instructor Training prides itself on being a leading training provider in the UK. Focussed on a holistic approach to PDI/ADI training, we are constantly evolving our range of products whilst taking our courses all around the country to increase the standards of training provided to learner drivers in the UK, ultimately focussed on creating safer roads and reducing road casualties.
Pass N Go Driving School offers a premium ADI training program with a pass rate surpassing 80%. By integrating in-person training with complimentary online resources, we successfully qualified 261 instructors in 2024. Through ongoing CPD sessions and an unwavering commitment to excellence, we consistently set new standards for safe and effective driving instruction.
We are thrilled to introduce RED Driver Training as a superb Training Provider of the Year contender. With an unwavering dedication to excellence, a knack for harnessing cutting-edge technology, and a proven history of success, we consistently empower individuals to transform into expert driving instructors.
