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We are thrilled to announce that Shift Driving School has been shortlisted for the prestigious Intelligent Instructor Awards 2025 in the category of Regional Driving School of the Year! This recognition highlights our unwavering commitment to excellence in driver education and our support for our dedicated instructors and the communities they serve.

About the Intelligent Instructor Awards

Established in 2019, the Intelligent Instructor Awards are the most trusted and recognized accolades in the driver training industry. They honor excellence across various categories, including individual instructors, driving schools, and industry suppliers.

Our Journey to the Shortlist

Since opening, Shift Driving School has been dedicated to providing top-notch driver education. Our focus on personalized instruction, innovative teaching methods, our instructor support and community engagement has set us apart in the industry. Being shortlisted for this award is a testament to the hard work and passion of our entire team.

Key Dates

  • Public Voting Opens: Week commencing 13th January 2025
  • Public Voting Closes: 24th February 2025
  • Awards Ceremony: 22nd March 2025 at the Intelligent Instructor Gala Dinner, Kents Hill Park, Milton Keynes

How You Can Support Us

Your support is crucial in helping us secure this esteemed award. Public voting plays a significant role in the selection process.

To cast your vote:

  1. Visit the Intelligent Instructor Awards Voting Page or click the big purple button above.
  2. Complete the voting form by selecting your preferred candidates in all categories.
  3. In the Regional Driving School of the Year category, select Shift Driving School.
  4. Submit your completed voting form.

Please note that votes are only valid when all categories are completed. There are some really great businesses in the other categories such as Total Drive. They have supported us massively with their app since we opened, so give them a well deserved vote too!

Voting is open from the week commencing 13th January 2025 and closes on 24th February 2025. Every vote brings us closer, and we’d really appreciate your support.

The winners will be announced at the Intelligent Instructor Gala Dinner on 22nd March 2025, held at Kents Hill Park in Milton Keynes. This event is part of the Driving Instructor Convention, a significant gathering of professionals in the driver training industry.

A Big Thank You!

We extend our deepest gratitude to our learners, instructors, and the entire community. Your trust and support have been instrumental in our journey. This nomination is not just a reflection of our efforts but also of the incredible community that stands behind us.

We’ve all got our fingers crossed!

Can not thank the team enough for all the support and encouragement for getting me through my driver training.... 24/7 support and 1 to 1 training through out, if anyone is thinking of becoming an instructor this is the school to do it with 100%
100% recommend Shift to anyone looking to learn. Simon is an excellent instructor, so calm and confident, took his time to understand me and how I learn best so that I could become a confident driver. Passed today with only 1 minor fault!
Highly recommend Shift Driving School. They were an absolute pleasure to deal with from start to finish. Special shout out to my instructor Hassan, who taught me from scratch in just under 6 months. I had no previous driving experience at all and he talked through the steps and skills needed clearly, always supportively pushing me to be my best. Delighted to have passed at first attempt! Couldn’t have done it without the team at Swift and Hassan. Thank you!
Great instructors, Hassan got me passed really fast and even managed to move my test to a sooner date! Super patient and great at explaining. Would highly recommend.
I 10000000% recommend this driving school my instructor has been appsalutly amazing he had so much patience and really helped me through all my lessons then he recommend me a nervous course which really helped me as I really struggled with my nerve on my test but I finally done it and passed my test and I wouldn't have been able to do it if it wasn't for lewis so thank u sooooo much :)
I had a great experience learning to drive with Shift and my instructor, Ciaran. As an anxious driver, I really appreciated his patience, encouragement, and support, which helped me build up my confidence behind the wheel. The booking app was also very convenient and easy to use, and Ciaran was always flexible and accommodating with my availability. Thanks to his help, I passed my driving test on the first try. Big thank you to Shift and especially to Ciaran for all the support!
What a great company to not only learn to drive with, but to actually work with too. We would highly recommend Shift without a doubt.
My experience using Shift Driving School in Gateshead has been outstanding from start to finish.

My instructor, Simon Houghton, was incredibly patient, personable, and knowledgeable. He explained everything clearly, tailored lessons to my pace, and kept me calm with encouraging, constructive feedback.

His local knowledge and practical tips made a huge difference, and my confidence grew every week.

Thanks to Simon’s guidance, I’ve just passed my driving test and feel ready to drive independently.

I’d highly recommend Shift driving School—especially Simon—to anyone in Gateshead looking for a supportive, professional instructor and great results.
Passed with Simon today! He’s an outstanding instructor, so much patience and understanding, especially for neurodivergent learners. My confidence developed massively whilst learning with Simon. Also big shout out to the whole team, especially Lewis, for being so reassuring when I first reached out about lessons. I’d recommend these guys to anyone.
Super organised with their own app which helps you fit your lessons in whenever you like. Lewis is so patient and supportive and very calming when you’re just beginning. He has really developed my confidence and I couldn’t recommend Shift and Lewis enough!