Our story at Crawford School of Motoring

Discover the passion and dedication behind Crawford School of Motoring. Learn about our journey, our family values, and what drives us to create safe, confident drivers in Londonderry and beyond.

Our journey to teaching you to drive

Before becoming a driving instructor, I worked as a welder—a career that gave me a real sense of pride and job satisfaction. I enjoyed seeing the finished result of my work, but I wanted a career where I could have an even bigger impact on people's lives.

That's what led me to start Crawford School of Motoring. There's nothing more rewarding than watching someone progress from their very first lesson to becoming a safe, confident driver with a skill they'll use for the rest of their life. Whether it's helping a nervous learner overcome their fears or celebrating a first-time pass, every success feels like a shared achievement.

Our special approach to teaching

Our approach is centred around patience, structure, and building confidence. Every lesson is tailored to the individual, with clear goals, progress tracking, and honest feedback, so students always know where they are and what comes next. We don't just aim to help people pass their driving test—we want them to leave as safe, capable drivers who feel confident.

Confidence and safety on the road

Above all, I want every student to leave feeling confident, safe, and proud of what they've achieved. Learning to drive isn't just about passing a test—it's about gaining the freedom and independence that comes with being able to drive safely for life. I want my students to enjoy the learning process, build confidence with every lesson, and know they can handle real-world driving situations on their own. If they finish their lessons believing in their own ability and feeling excited to drive independently, then I've done my job.

"Just passed my test today and couldn’t recommend Derren enough, enjoyed every lesson and he always went the extra mile to help me especially my nerves coming up to test! Thank you so much really appreciate it:)"

Demi Donnell from Londonderry