Call Now On 07958 459176
Welcome
Hello my name is Catherine Shipley, I am a fully qualified Government Approved Driving Instructor. I provide intensive and semi-intensive driving courses as well as individual driving lessons using the unique LD system of driving tuition. I can normally cover the locations of Manchester - East, Tameside, Audenshaw, Droylsden, Guide Bridge, Ashton-under-lyne, Denton, Fairfield, Dukinfield, Stalybridge, Stockport, Haughton Green, Hyde, Failsworth, Woodhouses plus the surrounding areas.
I operate my business under the LDC franchise which means I am governed by LDC's stringent customer care and tuition standards plus I am proficient in delivering the LD system of driving tuition. I have also chosen to be governed by the DSA's (part of the Department of Transport) voluntary code of conduct.
The LD system is an exciting new way to learn to drive that saves money by reducing the number of lessons it takes to learn. All LDC driving schools share a common aim - to provide the highest standards of tuition at the lowest overall cost.
As an LDC driving school I can also offer LDC's state-of-the-art driver training products for the UK theory, hazard perception and practical driving test. Included in these products are the UK's best selling Theory test CD-ROM software and the number one DVD-rom software called Driving Test Complete (as reviewed by Auto Express magazine).
Whether you are choosing driving lessons for yourself or for a member of your family, its vital that you make the right choice.
The safe drivers of tomorrow are the well-taught learners of today
So if you are interested in taking driving lessons or an intensive driving crash course in Manchester - East, Tameside, Audenshaw, Droylsden, Guide Bridge, Ashton-under-lyne, Denton, Fairfield, Dukinfield, Stalybridge, Stockport, Haughton Green, Hyde, Failsworth, Woodhouses or the surrounding areas and want to know more please contact me on 07958 459176
Make your first test your last
Testimonials
Claire Freeman - Congratulations on passing your driving test on the first attempt with only 7 minor faults. Claire had tried another instructor in the past with limited success than came to LDC and now has a full licence. Well done!
Claire says "The workbook is great to have. It really helps to work through it and then be able to look back on it. Cath is a very good instructor - very friendly. I wouldn't have been able to do this without all her help"
Jake Saxton - Congratulations on passing your driving test on the first attempt with only 6 minor faults. Well done!
Jake says "The workbook and DVD helped a lot with the manoeuvres and general driving. I think that Cath was a very good instructor. I got really good advice when I made mistakes and on my general drive"
Beverley Coyne - Congratulations on passing your driving test first time with only 3 minor faults. Beverley had tried a number of driving instructors in the past without much success. She was also very nervous as she had been involved in a couple of accidents (as a passenger) so needed a lot of work on building her confidence. She started lessons with LDC and now has a full licence. Well done!
Beverley says "OMG. I never (ever) thought I would pass my driving test, especially first time and only 3 minor faults. Thank you very much Cath. The workbook was a very good idea and helped me a lot"
Chris Proudfoot - Congratulations Chris on passing your driving test on the first attempt with only 9 minor faults.
Chris says "One great package, guaranteed to make you pass!"
Frances Nicholson - Congratulations Frances Nicholson on passing your driving test with only 8 minor faults. Frances had tried a number of other instructors in the past and had failed her test three times before. She started with LDC and now has a full licence. Well done.
Francis says "I have had a few instructors since first learning to drive when I was 17 and failed a few tests! I was convinced that I would never pass... however, having passed on Saturday at the age of 34, I am certain that this is purely down to Cath's teaching method. Cath is extremely thorough and dedicated which instilled in me a sense of determination to pass. She is patient and knowledgeable which means as a learner you understand why you have to do things in a certain way, this allows you to understand clearly each step until the process finally comes together! I would not hesitate to recommend Cath as a driving instructor and I look forward to my next step on the motorway!"
Kelly Woolner - "Congratulations Kelly Woolner on passing your driving test with only 10 minor faults. Kelly had tried a number of other instructors in the past and didn't have much success. She started with LDC and now has a full licence. Well done.
Kelly says: "Couldn't have done it without Cath! Cath, thank you so much for getting me through this. You're a star!""
Thomas Worthington - Congratulations on passing your driving test with only 3 minor faults.
Thomas says: "I couldn't have passed without Cath and LDCs training. LDC instructors are a huge step up from other companies"
Roisin O'Shea - Congratulations on passing your driving test on the first attempt with only 5 minor faults.
Roisin says: "DVD was very helpful. Actually seeng how to do something was very helpful"
Whitney Gee - Well done for passing your driving test with 3 minor faults
Kelly Barber - Well done for passing first time with 2 minor faults
About me
I am a fully qualified Government Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) and I am passionate about road safety.
I became a driving instructor because I wanted a job with real satisfaction and there is nothing better than seeing someone pass their test first time. I was also always being told by friends and work colleagues that I was a calm and relaxed type of person and that I would make a great Driving Instructor.
I was fortunate to be trained by LDC in the latest adult coaching and training techniques so you can be assured the training I give will be of the highest standard.
I chose to work with LDC because everybody is different and the LD System allows for flexibility in lessons so that you learn to drive safely at a rate that suits you. I aim to make every lesson enjoyable and as productive as possible. The LD System just helps me to do this more effectively.
Lessons are always conducted in a calm, friendly and relaxed manner as I firmly believe in making pupils feel at ease during lessons.
Well I hope this gives you a brief idea about me so please feel free to call me on 07958 459176
The car
I am currently using a 1.2 Hyundai i20 as my training vehicle.
Specifications Include:
Power Assisted Steering
Air Conditioning
Anti-lock Braking System
Dual Controls
Electric Front Windows
Adjustable Seat and Steering Wheel
Spacious Interior
Dual Air Bags
Easy to Read Dash Board
If you would like more details about the car or would like an assessment lesson to see if it is suitable for you then please feel free to contact me on 07958 459176
Courses
Driving courses available include:
Weekly Lessons
Block booking
Test Booster Course
Midway Pass Course
Semi-intensive Pass Course
One Week Pass Course
All the courses shown use the unique LD System of driving tuition. Details about each of these services is described below with advice on how to decide which service would best suit you.
Weekly Lessons
Learning to drive, using the LD System, can be spread over several weeks and lessons can be booked individually or in a block at a discount.
Lessons can be 1 hour, 1 1/2 hour or two hours long. Unlike the courses described below the LD driving skills videos and workbook are not included in the lesson price, but can be purchased separately. As an alternative to buying the driving skills videos you can rent them, for a nominal fee, directly from your local LDC instructor.
Test Booster Course
(15 hours of driving lessons, the driving test and the LD DVD/Workbook)
For those who are nearing test standard and who just need a short burst of lessons prior to the test we have the Test Booster Course. It is also ideal for those who have had an attempt at the test some time ago but haven’t had any lessons since. The in-car training is 15 hours on a one pupil to one instructor basis. (This includes 2 hours for attending the driving test). You need to allocate a further 5 hours to complete the home study, using the LD System DVD and workbook, bringing the total duration of the course to around 20 hours.
Midway Pass Course
(20 hours of driving lessons, the driving test and the LD DVD/Workbook)
For those who have already learned the basic control skills of driving we have the Midway Pass Course.
The in-car training provided is 20 hours on a one pupil to one instructor basis. (This includes 2 hours for attending the driving test). You need to allocate a further 5 hours to complete the home study, using the LD System DVD and workbook, bringing the total duration of this course to around 28 hours.
Semi-intensive Pass Course
(30 hours of driving lessons, the driving test and the LD DVD/Workbook)
The Semi-intensive Pass Course is identical in content to the One Week Pass Course (i.e. 30 hours etc) except the training is spread over two or more weeks to suit you and your instructor’s schedule. This is the most successful form of intensive training . It is designed for people who want to pass the test quickly but at a comfortable pace.
The in-car training is 30 hours on a one to one basis. (This includes 2 hours to attend the test). You need to allocate a further 10 hours to complete the home study, using the LD System DVD and workbook, bringing the total duration of the course to around 40 hours.
One Week Pass Course
(30 hours of driving lessons, the driving test and the LD DVD/Workbook)
The One Week Pass Course usually starts on Sunday or Monday and finishes on Friday. It is ideal for those who are in a hurry, who could not otherwise find the time. The driving test would usually be organised to take place at the end of the week or during the following week depending on your personal preference. If you want a test at the end of the course you would need to book the course and pass the theory test well in advance of the required start date (i.e. at least one month in advance). However, occasionally short notice driving tests can be arranged but the best option is to buy one of our Theory Test Products and pass this part as quickly as possible.
The in-car training provided is 30 hours on a one pupil to one instructor basis. (This includes 2 hours for attending the driving test). You need to allocate a further 10 hours to complete the home study, using the LD System DVD and workbook, bringing the total duration of this course to around 40 hours.
How many hours will it take?
According to the latest Government survey people learning to drive in the UK buy on average 67 hours of professional driving lessons. From this you will appreciate it can easily cost you over a £1,000 to learn to drive and take up to a year to pass the practical driving test. With LDC's revolutionary LD System of driving tuition the average number of hours to pass the test is closer to 40 hours - a potential saving of up to 27 hours from the norm or about £550. This is why it is important to select the right driving school and training approach.
Weekly lessons versus intensive courses?
Taking just one driving lesson per week will help to spread out the training cost but you will end up paying far more in the long run and take several months to pass your test. This is because the first half of the next lesson is often wasted getting to where you were at the end of the previous one - thus it is like taking two steps forward and one step back. Also if you are taking weekly lessons without any clear targets to achieve or set test date to aim for the training losses any urgency and lessons tend to drift off course reducing it effectiveness even further. This is why intensive and semi-intensive courses are now proving far more popular. However, to do such courses successfully the training needs to be carefully structured and expertly delivered so that no time in the car is wasted - hence the development of the revolutionary LD System of driving tuition.
The LD System isn't only useful for intensive training it enables weekly lessons to be conducted in much the same way with clear targets to aim for thus saving time and speeding up progress. The LD System DVD video and workbook also helps to overcome the "two steps forward one step back" problem of weekly lessons by allowing you to revise your last lesson while preparing for the next. This is particularly true if the materials are also properly used by a family member or friend to provide complementary practice in between lessons with your driving instructor
6 hour Pass Plus Course
The pass plus course is designed by the DSA in association with the Insurance and driving instruction industries for those people who have passed their test and is aimed at speeding up your driving experience.
There are 6 subjects covered these are motorway driving, dual carriageways, adverse weather conditions, country roads, night driving and busier town driving. As well as speeding up your experience you can also save a considerable amount on the cost of insurance with participating insurers.
Pass Plus training course
Pass Plus is a road safety initiative aimed at improving the skills of newly licensed drivers. After pupils pass their test they can pay for further tuition from a registered Pass Plus instructor. Pupils reaching the required standard should then be entitled to a substantial discount on their motor insurance premium. Most of the large insurance company's participate in this discount scheme.
The course covers 6 modules: motorway, all weather, night driving, out of town, town (rush hour), and dual carriageway driving. The course will take a minimum of 6 hours to complete. It must be done within the first year of gaining your licence and has been proven to lower the risk of new drivers being involved in accidents. We recommend all newly qualified drivers take this course after passing their driving test.
Special Offers
1st 5 lessons for £85
For a limited period only I am willing to offer the first 5 hours of driving lessons for only £85 plus the LD workbook worth £14.95 free of charge. Please note this offer is not available to those nearing test standard and excludes any of the final five lessons in the LD System (i.e. lessons numbered 11 to 15) as part of this offer. Contact me for further details
Please call 07958 459176 for latest offers and prices
Gift vouchers
Gift vouchers are available all year round and can be used to purchase everything from individual lessons right through to full intensive courses. They make the ideal birthday or Christmas present that will suit any budget. Please give me a call to purchase.
FREE home visit
To help you decide which course would best suit you I provide a free, no obligation, home visit. At this meeting I will be happy to explain to you and any other family members how the LD System works and what each course provides. If this would be of interest, please give me a call or text me on 07958 459176 and I will get back to you as soon as possible to arrange a suitable date and time.
Lesson Terms and Conditions (Customer Care Charter)
Introduction
The following terms and conditions represent the basis upon which driving lessons and courses are offered to you by your local Learner Driving Centre (LDC) instructor or driving school. Please note: The contract for service is between yourself and the local LDC instructor. Each LDC instructor operates their own driving school business under franchise from Learner Driving Centres (a division of Teaching Driving Limited) and has agreed to be bound by the following terms and conditions. The LDC National Booking Office is a separate entity which has been authorized to act as a booking agent for the members of the LDC instructor franchise network. Please note all major driving schools in the UK (e.g. BSM and the AA) operate in this way with self-employed franchised instructors.
1. General Conduct
All LDC instructors are bound by a professional code of conduct. Your LDC instructor will be courteous, polite, tidy and punctual. He or she will also behave in a professional and ethical manner at all times. Your LDC instructor's car will be well maintained, clean and tidy. All cars used by LDC instructors are fitted with dual-controls as part of their standard equipment. The cars are of course fully insured for driving tuition. LDC instructors will not smoke in the car while giving tuition, nor will they use your lesson time for any other form of business, personal or otherwise.
2. Qualifications
As a minimum your LDC instructor will be licensed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) to give driving tuition. This involves passing certain tests and a Criminal Record Bureau check. They will also be proficient in the use of the Learner Driving (LD) System of Tuition.
3. Course Materials
When you purchase a One Week Pass, Semi-intensive, Midway Pass or Test Booster course through the LDC National Booking Office or via the online store, the LD System DVD and Workbook will be provided to you directly from the office and are for you to keep. Please note the Theory Test Study Pack is not included with these driving courses but may be purchased separately. If you book Weekly Lessons you can purchase these materials from the LDC National Booking Office or directly from your local LDC instructor. As an alternative to purchasing the LD System DVD your local LDC instructor may be prepared to loan or rent the product to you and may ask for a small deposit to ensure their safe return at the end of the training.
4. Driving License and Eyesight
The learner must hold a current, valid driving licence (provisional or full), which must be produced on or in advance of their first lesson. The learner must also check that they can read a number plate at a distance of 20.5 metres (i.e. 67 feet - about 5 car lengths) with glasses if normally worn.
5. Payments
Please note: payments must be made in advance of the training. To book a course, a 50% deposit or the full course fee (if the course start date is within 4 weeks of the booking date) is required.
Please note: the deposit or any subsequent training fees paid are not refundable in the event you decide to cancel the training once the booking has been accepted by your local LDC instructor and start date agreed. At this point a binding agreement is made between yourself and the local LDC instructor. This does not in any way affect your statutory rights to be provided with the goods and services you have bought (please see term 12).
6. Customer Care Payment Protection Scheme
When you pay money direct to the LDC National Booking Office or via the online store it is held in the LDC instructors' clients holding account. This money is being held on behalf of you and the LDC instructor. This money is not normally passed onto the LDC instructor until the learner signs a form instructing the booking office to do so in part or in full. At various points during the training, the LDC instructor will ask the learner to sign a form confirming their satisfaction with any training given. The learner should not sign this form unless they are totally satisfied with the training and want the office to pass on sufficient money held in the clients account to cover the training time authorized.
To ensure each LDC instructor provides services to the same high standards, all the LDC instructors have agreed that the LDC National Booking Office should also act as an arbitrator and withhold any money in the clients account in the event of a complaint. Only when this matter is resolved to the satisfaction of the LDC instructor franchise Quality Control Director will payment be passed on or refunded as the case may be. In this way, the standards of the franchise can be maintained and you can be assured that you get what you pay for.
Please note money paid directly to the LDC instructor is not protected under this scheme.
7. Lesson Postponement
Provided the LDC instructor can easily obtain additional work for any individual lessons postponed, no penalty will be incurred. If this is not possible the full training fee for the period in question may, at the total discretion of the LDC instructor, be lost or charged. Your LDC instructor reserves the right to postpone lessons if he or she feels the weather or road conditions are unsuitable or dangerous. The LDC instructor cannot be held responsible for any costs incurred as a result of him or her having to postpone any lessons, for whatever reason.
8. The Driving Test
a) Bookings
Driving tests can be booked by you, your LDC instructor or the LDC National Booking Office on your behalf. Driving test bookings always take priority over other lessons. Therefore, your lesson may be postponed to allow for someone else's driving test and vice-versa. Changes to lesson bookings as a result of this will be notified immediately. Test appointments must be notified to your LDC instructor as soon as they are known; otherwise, they cannot guarantee to provide a vehicle for the test.
b) Use of the vehicle
In the interests of customer and public safety your LDC instructor reserves the right to withhold the use of a car for the test if, in their opinion, your driving is actually or potentially dangerous.
c) Test cancellation
The DSA requires three clear working days notice of cancellation or postponement of your test. Failure to provide the required notice will result in the loss of your test fee. Your LDC instructor cannot be held responsible for any postponement or cancellation of tests by you or the DSA for any reason. However, they will assist you in arranging a new test should this occur. In addition, they will advise you on how to reclaim expenses from the DSA should they cancel your test without proper notice.
9. Punctuality
In their own interest learners are advised to be punctual for lesson appointments. All such appointments should be recorded (and checked where possible by their local LDC instructor) in their LD System workbook (Appointment Record section) to ensure mistakes are avoided. The LDC instructor would normally wait for a maximum of 15 minutes before the full lesson would be abandoned and the lesson fee forfeited or become due for payment. A reciprocal waiting time may become necessary if the LDC instructor is delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. Any lesson time lost as a result of this would be made up by the LDC instructor either at the end of the normal lesson time if possible or at a later date. Any such shortfall should be recorded in the LD System workbook and initialed by the LDC instructor.
10. Learner Comfort and Safety
In the interests of comfort and safety, learners are advised to wear suitable footwear and clothing which does not restrict movement. Learners must also take note of any medication they are taking that may affect their ability to drive safely and inform their instructor accordingly before taking any lesson booked.
11. Complaints
In the event of a complaint all efforts must be made to resolve the problem directly with the LDC instructor. However, please do not let a problem linger. If you booked your course or lessons through the LDC National Booking Office you may contact the person who arranged your training in the first place for advice and help by ringing 01977 691851 or 01977 691850. If you booked directly with the LDC instructor you will need to put your complaint in writing to the LDC instructor franchise Quality Control Director, LDC House, Stuart Road, Pontefract, West Yorkshire WF8 4PQ.
12. Your statutory rights
These terms and conditions will not reduce your statutory rights relating to faulty or incorrectly described goods or services provided. LDC instructors have a statutory obligation to provide you with goods and services fit for the purpose for which they were bought and as described. Similarly, any goods supplied by the LDC National Booking Office must also be fit for the purpose for which they were bought and as described. If you have any doubts about your statutory rights please contact your local Trading Standards Department or Citizen's Advice Bureau.