smartdriving.co.uk Reviews 

When looking at the driving school companies and providers to become an ADI driving instructor I undertook to do my usual due diligence. This is why I selected SmartDrive. The package, the price, the agreement going forward and the support package available. I was not disappointed, they have supported me the whole way and are understanding helpful and efficient. I would recommend this course out of the many providers available. But don’t just take my word for it, check them out for yourself !

Good communication,clear and friendly team

Just signed up about 10 days ago. All good so far, very professional

I had my CBT a few weeks ago. The whole process was first class. I booked with Alan and had my CBT with John. I cant recommend SMART AYRSHIRE highly enough. I will book for driving lessons soon.i will also upgrade with CBT soon too.

The training team are super helpful, making clear any questions I have had. Next steps are easy to follow, and the webinars I’ve attended are very useful. Big thanks for helping me on my journey so far.

Training is well set out and presented, the training team are always on hand, friendly and helpful.

The interaction i had with this company via a Facebook advert is absolutely shocking. I wouldn't trust this company to deliver satisfactory results and I certainly won't be recommending them. Whoever manages there social media is rude and passive aggressive and is not doing smart drivings bottom line any favours

Met with alison at the driving instructor conference and what an experience. Went there doubting myself and thought i would not carry on but when I spoke to alison she showed me a whole different light of the situation as she said she will help with some of the study im struggling with also thank you to DRIVE for giving me a chance

Superb support all the way through, very clear and no hidden costs

Prompt and helpful response when I was having some issues with one of the training apps.

Not as a complaint but as a warning to others:
1. I was offered the online course for £1400 but with an additional option for fast-track for an additional £500 which I paid in Dec 24 (wish I hadn't in hindsight as there's no chance of fast-track due to backlogs in DVSA). **Please do not take the offer of a fast-track option for additional cash as it is misleading!
2. You need 40 hours tuition before you can get a trainee license. Smart Drive will sponsor you after completing 40 hours of tuition and initial online training with them but you can only start the 40 hours if you sign the contract. The catch here is that they want you to sign the contract which locks you in to paying £99 franchise fee per week from the point you get your trainee license. This contract does not however guarantee you enough customer bookings in your local area to cover the franchise fee and your related costs. (The "guarantee of customers" is not contractually binding on their part).
I've since moved to a different instructor offering part 3 tuition as the comms with Smart Drive did not help to reach a fair position and left me feeling somewhat underwhelmed with the contract terms which they were outright unwilling to amend in any way, shape or form.

The only positive for me was that the study content was useful to help with my study for both part 1 and part 2 however I would suggest that it was certainly not worth the £1900 that I paid and you could use apps and youtube videos to get through part 1 and part 2 (hindsight is a wonderful thing!)
Best of luck to those of you seeking a future career in driving instruction - it is rewarding but the journey to get there can be time consuming and somewhat expensive!

really friendly staff, very helpful and kind, nothing was too much trouble

Whenever I need to call the training team. Angela, Alice and the team are amazing. They're always willing to help and totally understand the problems that I have and they make you seem like I know them on a personal level which really helped me with my issue about having the training team and the whole lot of drives are bringing company and I'd recommend using it for trainers

Thoroughly enjoying the study program!
Very rarely need to contact support who always responds within 24hrs weekdays with clear information.
Thank you Angela!

The study units on the website are excellent and I very rarely need to contact support. When I do, everyone has replied promptly with the answers I required. Today, Adam has replied to my email with all up to date information and support for my issue with hazard perception videos. Great service from everyone.

Always reply when I email and always give good clear support and advice

When ever I need to make a call it's always met cheerfully and politely. Add to that efficiency without being spoken down to, it's always a pleasure. Luckily I don't have to call very often as the website is always most helpful

Adam! Thank you for taking my call and answering all my questions in such a calm and professional manner. Your patience and clear explanations made the whole process much easier for me.

Smart Drive has provided the best service I’ve experienced so far, and your friendly, helpful approach has been a big part of that. I truly appreciate your support.

The Guys at SmartDriving have been absolutely fantastic with me since my return due to my injury, professional and helpful, Thankyou!

Angela , thank you very much for taking my call and answering my questions in a very calm manner. Smart Drive has offered me best service so far .