Mike in the driving seat

AN Oldham man is one of the country’s youngest driving instructors after launching his own independent driving school at the age of 21.

Mike Fowler, from Royton, started the business after passing all the instructor tests and legal requirements. The former Hulme Grammar School pupil and current Army reservist, said: “This is something I have wanted to do since I was 17. I didn’t go to university because I wanted to plan ahead for this.”

Mike said: “Training is quite challenging: “One test covers theory, one is a practical driving test and the third tests your ability as an instructor. For this, other instructors played the role of learner-drivers and I had to spot their mistakes.”

On launching his own business, he said: “I always wanted to set up my own business. I think people still trust local independents for niche services, where reputation and recommendations are important.

“The training prepares you for all sorts of scenarios and we always say ‘expect the unexpected’, which is good advice.”