Belfast’s newest driving instructor is throwing open her doors to all ladies, and gents, looking for a professional way to learn how to drive but with that feminine touch.
Driving Miss Daisy is the brainchild of Belfast woman, Alison Allen, 36, who decided to create the company following a career change and having spotted a gap in the driving school market.
Alison said: “I was in sales, driving all over Northern Ireland which was one of the aspects of the job I really enjoyed. When I was made redundant last year I considered going back to study teaching, but because of my passion for driving I decided to look at the driving school market. After doing some digging I realised how few female driving instructors there were, so I decided to channel my passion for driving and choose a career I would be good at and enjoy, whilst filling a gap in the market.”
Driving instructors these days have a thorough test procedure they need to complete before becoming a qualified instructor.
“Today people expect their instructor to have all the relevant qualifications and police background checks as standard, which is something I feel learners need to be very aware of. The emphasis for me is to ensure my pupils are comfortable and relaxed in their ‘learning to drive’ environment so that they can take in the information coming his or her way. It’s a bonus if my gender makes the process easier for them.”
The Driving Miss Daisy founder feels there aren’t enough female instructors available to people in the Greater Belfast and North Down areas.
“So far, my clients have been an even mix of men and women, and also quite a few people from the gay community. I’m really interested in working with people from all ages, whether it’s the young 17 year old first time learner, or someone older who has never had the confidence to learn to drive. I have all relevant ADI qualifications and extensive background checks have been done which I show to all new learners."
When asked about the age old women -v- men drivers Alison has her own views.
“If a pupil is taught safely and thoroughly, regardless of their gender, they should be equally good drivers. It’s the person, not the gender, who passes! All too often I hear women being ridiculed for their driving skills but when it comes to road safety I feel women are in pole position.”
The road safety statistics from the PSNI for 2010 would appear to back this up with men involved in over *500 more accidents during that year.
“My style of instruction puts learners at ease, allowing them to feel more comfortable and start learning as quickly as possible. This cuts down the number of lessons required to pass, which saves the learner money, and makes the process much more enjoyable."
You can contact Driving Miss Daisy on 07834 603 555 or via their website www.missdaisy.me.
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