Customer Feedback

 

Here are the latest comments from real Learner Drivers trained by Ian Laird.

James Deer AIRYHALL Feb12

There is only one word that describes Ian and his teaching techniques: Brilliant. You should hire him. Now.. 

Hannah Milne   MILLTIMBER   Jan12

Learning to drive with Ian has been one of the best decisions I have made. Although driving didn’t come naturally to me to begin with, I always felt at ease and never under pressure. My lessons were always fun and each time I could see the improvement I was making. I couldn’t ask for a better experience learning to drive because I now feel that I have the skills which will help me for a very long time. I would recommend anyone to have Ian as their driving instructor because he was always patient, fun and understanding of any mistakes I made! Thanks so much Ian!
 

Kenneth Corthals - CULTER Jan12

Learning to drive with Ian is by far the best way to learn to drive. He is very relaxed and manages to keep each and every lesson stress free and enjoyable. I had such a good time learning to drive, purely because of Ian's good sense of humour and determination for me to do well. He has now left me a confident driver. Thanks for everything! Kenneth.

Ross Yule - CULTER Jan12

 I thoroughly enjoyed my time learning to drive with Ian, I always looked forward to my next lesson and each time I enjoyed every minute of it. His laid back and approachable personality helped me gain a lot of confidence behind the wheel in a short time and his simple, easy to follow techniques made driving an easy and enjoyable experience. Not only did he get me ready for my test, he got me ready for the road, so when I went out by myself I could drive confidently and safely. Thanks Ian!
  

Jack Mearns Woodend Jan12

I would definitely rate Ian Laird one of the best, if not, THE best driving instructor in Aberdeen, he is calm, caring but most of all safe. Thanks a lot for everything! (Passed first time, 1 minor fault)
 

Veronica Young  Aberdeen   Dec11  

31st Dec 2011 OMG if you are looking in the yellow pages for a driving instructor throw it away and look no further. Ian Laird is the one; he is patient, has a positive manner an excellent teaching approach, he is fully committed and passionate about his job. I had been with a previous instructor for over a year and failed many times, this knocked my confidence to the point I thought I would never pass. Ian was recommended to me by three different people who all spoke highly of him. I made the decision to leave my old instructor and started lessons with Ian. It was the best decision I have made in a long time, so if you feel in a rut and your confidence has been dashed by failing more than once go to Ian. He is dedicated, committed and he will support you every step of the way. My first test with Ian I passed - with TWO minor faults. I will never forget the happy feelings of achievement that day; it is one I will always cherish. Without Ian’s support and hard work I would never have done this. Ian a big thanks Veronica.
 

John Polson Culter Dec11

Learning with Ian has been a great experience and one which I enjoyed thoroughly. Ian is a great guy, who is very approachable as I felt comfortable asking him anything. There was never a time I did not feel safe with Ian in his car. He brought about a very warm and relaxed atmosphere due to his laid back but extremely professional attitude towards driving. I cannot imagine how an instructor could be any better and feel confident that I will be completely able to keep calm and in control of any situation which arises in the future. I would recommend Ian to everyone learning to drive and cannot thank him enough for what he has done for me! Thanks again! 

Lia Cantlay Airyhall Nov11

Well, Ian Laird, I would have to say he is the best driving instructor in Aberdeen by far. He is a kind, and honest man that will not just teach you to pass your driving test but teach you how to be a good driver. I do actually think he will tell you that in your first lesson so don't worry if you forget. Your lessons are fun and enjoyable and no matter how bad or good you may be, he will always remain calm. He is patient so do not worry if you think driving will be the bain of your life because I was like that and he managed to get me to pass my test first time. Who knew it was possible?! A fantastic man that will put as much effort into you as you give back. He has additionally offered me a lesson driving in the snow to ensure I am safe, so even after I passed my test he is still making sure that he is giving all his knowledge he can to me. MAKE HIM YOUR DRIVING INSTRUCTOR!! If you dont, I gurantee you wont find a better one. Thank you so much for all your help Ian. 

Eilidh O'Carroll Milltimber 2011

I had lessons with Ian this year after hearing such great feedback from all my friends. Being the last one to learn I felt like I would never pass a driving test, but Ian's lessons are so enjoyable and relaxed that time flies. I went in to my test feeling really chilled out and confident knowing that I could deal with everything that was coming. He also knows how to have a laugh which never goes amiss!

Rachel Thomson - Cove  Oct 11

I had lessons with previous instructors and sat my test twice before and failed for silly mistakes then my brother put me on to Ian Laird and I knew as soon as we started our first lesson how much he loves his job! Always made me feel so relaxed and I left every lesson feeling more confident and ready to take on the next challenge he set me! His manouvre techniques are second to none and make it so much easier. I sat my test after about 8 hours of lessons with Ian and passed no bother...HIGHLY RECOMMEND this top guy! :) Thanks again Ian

John Stewart - Culter  Oct 11

Passed an extended test thanks to Ian's fantastic tutoring. Ian is very easy to get on with and his training techniques are thorough. I went in to my test fully confident of passing and Ian will make sure you are ready. I would recommend Ian to anyone above all others. He is definitely one of the best (if not the best) instructors in Aberdeen.  Simply the Best!

Nick Cronin - Kirkton of Skene  Oct 11

Ian is very calm and patient through from the very first lesson up to test, and his risk-free attitude to driving and laidback personality made lessons very enjoyable and something to look forward to. It was mostly down to his expertise that I was able to pass my test first time, and I would highly recommend Ian to anyone looking for lessons or even just to brush up on their driving skills.
 

Edward Farquharson - Culter - Oct11

 I have thoroughly enjoyed learning to drive with Ian, His manner is very laid back which creates a relaxed atmosphere in which he is able to pass on his great knowledge and ability. He is clearly a very able teacher who knows how to get the best out of his students. Thank you Ian.

Leanne Masson - Culter Aug11 

I have known Ian for years, not to say hes old or anything but he is a great instructor , who is very patient, reliable and a really good laugh. He is very precise in his teaching methods and will ensure that you have all the practice you need before he lets you loose on the roads. He is always up for banter yet gets the serious side of driving across in the best way possible. I would highly recommend Ian to any new driver as he made learning to drive a very enjoyable experience and I am now very confident in my abilty!!

Chris Watson - Culter Aug11

Learning to drive with Ian was exciting and fun but done in a professional manner.  I always looked forward to going out. I knew I was always safe with Ian following his "NO RISK POLICY". He makes learning to drive easy and fun with all of his amazing manoeuvre techniques. Well chuffed I passed first time.

 

Margie Boom - Bieldside Jul11

I passed my driving test FIRST time during the summer of 2011 and I couldn't have done it without Ian! He is an incredible driving instructor! He breaks down complex maneuvers, such as parallel parking and reversing around a corner, into a step-by-step guide, making it so much easier to understand and perform. He has a lot of patience and made me feel very comfortable behind the wheel! Ian is definitely a top of the range driving instructor! If you want to pass your driving test safely first time I would definitely recommend Ian as your go to guy! 

Finlay Harris - Culter - Jul 11

Ian has been an excellent driving instructor as he taught me how to drive safely yet confidently, as well as teaching me the theory of driving, basic car maintenance and day-to-day road use. This means that in addition to helping me pass my test, Ian's lessons have prepared me for everyday real-life driving situations. Ian made me feel relaxed about learning to drive and no matter how difficult I found any particular aspect of driving, he helped me to focus on that aspect and improve to the point where I could be confident in any situation. I would gladly recommend Ian to anyone because he is a great teacher and easy to get along with. Thanks!

James Baird - Culter - Jul 11 

 If you know me then you will realise how hard a job Ian must have had to teach me but i must say hes the only person that has the patience and skills to not only put up with me but get me to pass FIRST time so thank you Ian!

Fiona M - (Mannofield) Jun 11

Simply put,  learning to drive with Ian was a hugely enjoyable experience - and I passed FIRST TIME! I hardly ever felt stressed as he was an incredibly patient and relaxed instructor.  I always looked forward to my driving lessons because Ian was such a genuinely friendly person!  I couldn't imagine learning to drive with anyone but Ian. :) 
 

 Scott Patterson - Milltimber

 Ian is an absolutely fantastic driving instructor as well as being one of the nicest guys around! He makes a friendly and comfortable driving environment in the car which is perfect for all standards of drivers and takes his lessons at your own pace! He doesnt just get you ready to pass your test but leaves you with excellent advanced skills so that when you pass you are comfortable to drive by yourself! I would recommend Ian to anyone and everyone! Cant thank him enough! :)


Lindsay Murray - Aberdeen  May11

You will not find a better driving instructor than Ian. I felt completely comfortable in his car (Franz), which is ideal to learn in. He has created special sequences for manoeuvres to make them simple and logical- definitely a fool proof method! He has made me feel confident in my driving abilities and I can safely say, I have adopted his 'no risk policy!' Driving lessons with Ian are something to look forward to as they are filled with smiles, jokes and laughter. Not only is Ian an amazing driving instructor, he has become a life long friend- definitely owe you a few drinks! Book me in for pass plus please .....

Megan  C - Hardgate - May11

Comments: I passed first time this week with Ian which is great. Ian is a fantastic driving instructor. He boosted my confidence by miles. Ian will teach you everything you need to know with confidence and his great banter makes it fun to learn. I would never have been able to pass without Ian. I have to travel around a lot but Ian made me pass with confidence so driving in a different car was simple. Thanks so much.

RYAN A - Culter - APR11

Thanks so much Ian for helping me pass my driving test from teaching me all the manouvers and rights of driving to helping me pass my theory test and finally getting me ready and feel confident about doing my driving test. Coming up to my driving test i knew in my head i could do it and all i thought about is do everything i did with ian which i did making me pass Thanks so much for all that you have done for me :)

 ILYES - Maryculter - Apr11

Not only an excellent instructor but great banter! When my test came around i was 100% ready and passed first time with only one minor fault!  I'd recommend Ian to ANYONE.  


Melissa Reid  - Maryculter -  Mar11

I passed this week, fantastic! Ian completely boosted my confidence and made driving an enjoyable experience. He is extremely patient and knows how to have a laugh! This really helped as his encouragement and passion for teaching made it really easy for me to learn and stay focussed. I felt completely at ease and comfortable in his car as it kinda felt like driving with one of my friends! His techniques for maneuvres are so simple and help so much when it comes to remembering how to do them. I'm going to miss my Saturdays with Ian! He's a top lad and will enjoy teaching anyone! I highly recommend Ian to anyone who is looking for a fun and easy way of learning how to drive! xx
 

Joanna S - Bieldside - Feb11

I passed first time with Ian just this week and would recommend him to anyone looking for an enjoyable and stress-free learning experience. He prepared me so well for the test. His methods of teaching made daunting manoeuvres seem so simple and he never lost his cool whenever I made a mistake/ became frustrated/ swore (sorry Ian!). He has a great sense of humour and knows how to have a laugh, so that lessons are always a positive experience. I have never met anyone as passionate about their job as Ian, and it is a great feeling knowing that he gets as much out of teaching you how to drive as you will get out of learning. Thank you so much, I can honestly say I’ll miss you! :)
 

Nicola Buchan - Bieldside - Feb11

As I was one of the last of my friends to turn 17, most of my friends had gone to Ian and I had heard really good reviews, so Ian was the only instructor I really wanted to go to. Best decision ever! Not only is Ian a brilliant teacher, but he is very approachable and helped me pass my test quickly. Ian will never make you feel bad no matter how many times you stall - and believe me you will!! His car was fantastic - really easy to drive. He even helped me to practice in my own when I was not used to it. Ian will make your lessons fun and he is very good at fitting you in during periods at school etc.  Top Notch Driving Instructor - Thanks Ian :)

Shelley K - Culter - Feb11

I have just passed my test first time with Ian after only a few months of lessons. I had been taking lessons for over two years with another instructor and had managed to fail six times! As you can imagine I no longer had much confidence or hope of passing. By chance I started with Ian after moving house and the difference was amazing. I really started to believe I could finally pass as he made things a lot clearer to me by explaining everything really well. It was very good value for money after I had wasted who knows how much money on an instructor who was, to put it politely, not even in the same league as Ian. Although I was still a little nervous when I took my test, I knew that I was fully prepared and able to pass, unlike the other occasions. So thanks a million and I would recommend Ian to anyone and everyone!
 

Amy B - Milltimber - Feb11  

I still remember the amazing feeling I got when the examiner told me that I had passed my driving test.  After failing with one instructor I called Ian, asked him to help me pass my test and after the first lesson I ever had with him I knew instantly that he was going to be an amazing instructor.
I felt relaxed, calm and at ease the whole time. He puts up with shouting, swearing, crying and you will never ever see him angry. Although he takes his job seriously, lessons are always full of fun and laughter, and no matter how frustrated you get you will always end your lesson smiling. Ian has a great personality and is a fantastic teacher,  I learned so much from him,  I still remember the laughs we used to have and how much of a wind up I got when practicing the emergency stop as I always seemed to close my eyes!!  

I would 110% recommend Ian as an instructor!  

 

DANIELLE H - Culter  -  Feb11

 All I can say about Ian is FANTASTIC!!!!! Never shouts, gets angry or anything! Everything is positive and he always makes things seem so much easier as he explains everything so well :) best thing I did was change to Ian! I can safely say you will enjoy learning how to drive with Ian as he has so much patience for even the most nervous of people! He will make your learning experience the best I promise! 

 

PHIL S - Milltimber - Jan11

 Ian has been a great help in getting me onto the roads. Ian is a brilliant teacher as he is very patient, friendly and clear. Ian's teaching methods are great and after each lesson you are always looking forward to the next one. The Ford Focus you will learn in is a joy to drive and you will always feel safe and in control of it when you are driving. Thanks to Ian, I passed my test with 1 minor and am now a confident and capable driver.  

 

AILSA C - Westhill - Jan11

Ian is a great instructor. He is very patient and never made me feel stupid if I didn't get things correct the first time round. His techniques are simple which made them easy to remember but are very effective. He is very passionate about his job and I will be recommending him to all my friends. Thanks Ian.

 

Corey M - Drumoak - Dec10

Ian is a driving instructor who is patient, considerate and friendly and will happily explain to you anything you don't understand.  His little tricks to help you remember things are invaluable and he helped me pass with the confidence to become a careful and responsible driver.  Ian is great fun to have as an instructor and you're sure to have a great time learning to drive.

 

Katie H - Westhill = Dec10

Ian prepared me 100% for my theory and practical driving test. He is very patient when practicing manoeuvres. Ian also pays attention to detail and explains everything that he wants you to do thoroughly which allows you to know exactly how to carry out a task. He makes learning to drive an enjoyable experience. I would recommend Ian to anyone wanting to learn to drive. I am currently looking forward to doing my pass plus with Ian.



 FIONA G - Culter - Nov10

I approached Ian for driving lessons because I hadn't driven for 5 years and had lost my confidence to drive. My sister had been in the same position and Ian helped her to get back driving again in a very short time. She highly recommended Ian to me. I was very nervous about learning manoeuvres again but Ian had great methods and steps to take that were easy to remember. He really helped rebuild my confidence.Ian was a fantastic instructor and my sister and I would highly recommend him to new learners or people like us who had passed but hadn't driven in a long time.

 

WILL McP - Milltimber - Nov10

Ian is a great driving instructor with plenty of experience and know how that he relays into his lessons to great effect. He is very patient, fair and laid back, which made my driver training very enjoyable and stress free throughout. I would recommend Ian to any potential learner driver that wishes for the very best in driver training in a relaxed and professional environment.

 

ASHLEY C - Maryculter - Oct10

Ian is an amazing driving instructor. I was extremely lucky to find him first time. Because of him I learned how to drive a car quickly and successfully. I thoroughly enjoyed every lesson, in fact it was the highlight of my day. Ian creates a relaxed atmosphere with his sense of humour and general conversation, which I found very easy to learn in. He is an amazing teacher with little tips and tricks about driving manoeuvres which will most likely stay with you for the rest of your life. Best of all, I felt extremely safe in the car with Ian,  no wonder he is ranked by the Driving Standards Agency as one of the best driving instructors.

 

Archived Comments

Louisa D. (CULTER 2009) ;

Comments: A brilliant instructor - always calm and patient, and never made me feel tense or nervous. Has lots of great teaching methods and made things very easy to remember. I really enjoyed being taught by Ian and would recommend him to everyone! 

Scott F. (CULTER 2010) ;

Comments: I would recommend Ian as a driving instructor because Ian has great techniques for learning manoeuvres and lets you learn at your own pace. Ian made me feel confident when I was driving. He made sure I was ready for my test. I passed my driving test first time and this was down to Ian. The car is brilliant and easy to use. I can safely say Ian is one of the best driving instructors.

Kelly D. (TORRY 2008) ;

Comments: I would recommend Ian to anyone that’s looking for a driving instructor or thinking about taking driving lessons. He's an excellent driving instructor, he's always on time for your lessons and never lets you down. I am so glad I took my driving lessons with Ian because he's better than the others and he supported me a lot and he made me believe in myself. If it wasn't for Ian I probably wouldn't have passed my test 2 years ago. So I would just like to say a big thank you Ian for helping me through my driving test.
Casper (CULTS 2010) ;
Thank you for all the lessons. I am very pleased to have passed my test. The reasons why I would recommend you to other people are; you are very patient; you have multiple ways of getting your point across; you communicate very well with learners and lastly it’s great fun learning to drive with you. 
Carry C. (COVE 2009) ;
Comments: Ian is an outstanding and sound driving instructor. Take on his advice, practice and learn it and a pass is inevitable. Another bonus is the fact his car is such an easy car to learn in. Ian is also a wonderful and friendly man who is direct with you about your driving abilities and your road to success, metaphorically speaking. He will tell you when you are ready for the test and when you are not truthfully and honestly, so you can be sure that you get all the lessons you need and no more - a quality hard to be found in many instructors these days. Thanks for the good times. 
Leo M (CULTS 2010) ;
Comments: Ian Laird is an extremely patient, calm and experienced driving instructor. He helped me learn through clear instruction and identification of specific areas needed for improvement whilst developing my ability. As well as a superb instructor Ian is also a very good natured and friendly person who always makes sure his students are comfortable and look to have fun whilst learning to drive. I am extremely grateful to Ian for helping me pass my test and really do feel that he is the best instructor around. 
Rachel P. (CULTER 2010) ;
Comments: I recently passed my driving test first time with only two minor faults thanks to Ian. He is very patient, friendly, has a great sense of humour and gives clear instruction. At no point during the lessons did I feel tense and I felt I was able to ask him any questions. I would highly recommend him to everyone!
Craig B. (WESTHILL 2009) ;
Comments: I found Ian very reliable, patient and easy to approach. I felt as though I learned something new every lesson. Lessons were always structured and challenging. Test preparation was very good. I also did Pass Plus which was very worthwhile and helped to build confidence. You won't find a better Driving Instructor than Ian Laird!
George F. (CULTER 2009) ;
Comments: I`m probably the oldest pupil that Ian will ever have. After many years working offshore, I found myself in the situation of needing a driving licence to be able to carry on working. At the age of 55, I approached Ian and he gladly accepted the challenge. I found his relaxed, easy to speak to, attitude in the car very beneficial. If I made a mistake, there would be no histrionics he would sit and explain to me where I had gone wrong. I`m very happy to say that I passed my test at the first attempt and this is due in no short measure to Ian who instilled knowledge and confidence in me. If you choose to learn to drive with Ian, I`m sure you will do well.
Michael C. (WESTHILL 2009) ;
Comments: I went through my driving lessons and pass plus with Ian. Instead of just writing he's a great instructor (which he is), I'm going to let you know what stood out about Ian to me. First of many things was his passion for driving. I remember I had a problem with parallel parking, and the method Ian showed me, I wasn't too confident on. Next lesson, he came back with a new way of doing the manouvre and I hit it spot on. Instead of being stubborn and thinking that there was nothing wrong with his way, he realised that everyone's different and adapted for that. Another thing that impressed me about Ian is that he has an answer for every question about driving. This man knows his stuff!! My final point about Ian is that not only is he a great instructor, he is also a great guy that wants to be your friend. I found it easier to drive with somebody that I got on well with as you are not afraid to ask questions. In my driving test, I got no minors and passed first time.
Claire H (Culter 2008)
Comments: Before I was getting driving lessons with Ian I had been with 2 other instructors and got absolutely nowhere even after a considerable amount of time, stress and money!  After being with Ian I passed my test first time after a matter of months!  Never thought in a million years I'd ever pass my driving test but 2 and half years later here I am and it’s all down to Ian. He's the best teacher ever and I'd recommend him to anybody. Very calm, patient and supportive and only made me cry once....when I passed my driving test. I'm still so grateful.

 

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