08/10/2026
🚘 Different instructors. Different approaches. One profession.
There has certainly been a lot said recently on social media from a local instructor, which is offensive to both local instructors and instructors nationally, and I think it’s important to share our perspective.
At Red and Black Driving Academy, Glen and I are both independent driving instructors who work closely together under the Red and Black umbrella. Between us, we have over 40 years of combined experience, helping learners of all ages and abilities develop the skills, confidence and knowledge they need to succeed.
We work incredibly hard to give every one of our students the best possible experience, continually improving our teaching and adapting to each individual learner. Like many other independent instructors, we’ve worked hard to build a successful business through dedication, reputation and the results we achieve with our pupils.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with building a driving school, growing a brand or using social media to promote your business. That’s part of running a business successfully. But success in this industry should never come at the expense of respect for the people working alongside you.
Unfortunately, recent comments from a an established driving school have felt less like promoting their own approach and more like criticising independent instructors, both locally and across the wider industry.
Building a successful driving school is an achievement to be proud of, but being a great promoter of your business and being a great driving instructor are two very different things. Social media visibility doesn't automatically make someone a better instructor, just as working independently doesn't make someone any less professional or capable.
Behind every independent instructor is a business they've worked hard to build, students who trust them, and a reputation they've earned. Many have decades of experience and continue to achieve fantastic results without needing to put others down to highlight their own success.
There is room for everyone in this industry. Different business models, different teaching styles and different approaches can all work brilliantly. Ultimately, learners should be able to choose the instructor or school that best suits their needs, based on experience, reputation, recommendations and the quality of teaching they receive.
For us, it's simple. We will continue to focus on our students, deliver the best service we can and support the fantastic instructors and businesses around us.
We don't believe in dragging others down to build ourselves up. We'd rather let our work, our students and their success speak for themselves.
So, to all the independent instructors and driving schools out there who put in the hours, care about their pupils and work hard to do the job properly, keep going. Your experience, dedication and contribution to this industry matter, whether you have 100,000 followers or barely post on social media at all.
Let's have more respect, more professionalism and more support for one another.
Less negativity. More respect. Let the work speak for itself. 🤝
❤️ From Andy and Glen Red And Black Driving Academy
