The pass master

A LYDGATE driving instructor is so successful he is driving himself out of business...

Gary Fielding has achieved an 88 per cent pass rate with his latest batch of L-plate of students.

The national average is 41.3 per cent, so Gary, (37), proprietor of Fielding’s Driving School, is understandably pleased with himself.

A driving instructor for seven years, he has had his own business for the last two and admits to being surprised at the level of success.

In a six-week period 27 of his learners passed their driving test — five of these at the second attempt — and now Gary is looking for more business.

He said: “I wasn’t expecting such a high pass rate, obviously, but I am also pleased for the learners.

“The national pass rate is below 50 per cent so people tend to continue with lessons until the next test date, which is obviously good for business.

“Having said that, I have been very busy, exceedingly so, and at least I have been able to have a few days off with the family!”

The former semi-professional footballer — who draws most of his customers from Saddleworth, although he does have customers as far away as Droylsden — is planning to extend his services with refresher and back-to-basics courses for the older generation of drivers who may have lost their confidence behind the wheel.

Gary also intends contacting local secondary schools and offering a free taster service for 16-year-olds whom he believes will benefit from some basic tuition before starting courses — as many often do — on their 17th birthday.