Meet the ADIs: Andy and Lewis Wright

By Blind Spot DriveBlog

Meet the ADIs: Andy and Lewis Wright

Starting a business is no easy feat, especially in a competitive industry like driving instruction. But for Andy and Lewis Wright, their shared passion for teaching and a strong father-son bond led them to create WrightStart, an award-winning driving school that has not only transformed their lives but has earned them recognition in the business world. In this article, we take a deep dive into their journey, their teaching methods, and what has contributed to their impressive success.

The Early Days: How Andy and Lewis Wright Became ADIs

Both Andy and Lewis Wright have unique stories when it comes to their path to becoming Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs). Lewis, inspired by his own driving experience, knew from a young age that he wanted to be a driving instructor. After passing his driving test, he realized he was a natural behind the wheel and loved sharing that skill with others. This led him to enroll in an ADI training course as soon as he turned 21.

On the other hand, Andy had a career as a computer engineer, a job he enjoyed, but he felt something was missing. When his son decided to pursue a career as a driving instructor, Andy saw the potential in the profession and made a significant career change. Despite his previous success in engineering, Andy wanted something more fulfilling, and becoming an ADI provided him with the opportunity to both teach and be his own boss.

The Birth of Wright Start

Wright Start was born in 2013 when both father and son decided to team up and form a driving school. Lewis, with his youthful drive and modern approach, and Andy, with his experience and wisdom, created a synergy that quickly proved successful. What started as a small operation has now grown into a thriving business, gaining a reputation for excellence in the driving instruction industry.

The Power of Family in Business

The father-son dynamic has been crucial to the success of Wright Start. Lewis explains that having two people with different strengths — his own fresh perspective and Andy’s extensive business knowledge — has been key to their progress. Not only do they bring diverse ideas to the table, but they also offer mutual support, which has been vital as they faced the challenges of growing a business together.

While working Andy and Lewis as a father and son duo has its benefits, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Lewis admits that sometimes it can be difficult to switch off, especially during family events, but the positives far outweigh the negatives. The ability to collaborate on business strategies, share responsibilities, and brainstorm ideas has been a crucial factor in their success.

Creating a Successful Teaching Environment

One of the cornerstones of WrightStart’s success is their consistent approach to teaching. Andy and Lewis Wright both share a similar teaching style, which they attribute to being trained by the same instructor. They use the same lesson plans and often discuss new techniques to ensure their students receive the best possible experience.

Despite their similarities, there are a few areas where they differ. For instance, Lewis prefers his own approach to teaching parallel parking, a small but telling difference that showcases how both have developed their personal style within the framework of the same company. This consistency in teaching is what has allowed them to offer flexible solutions, such as accommodating one another’s students when one of them is unavailable.

What’s the Appeal of Being an ADI?

For both Andy and Lewis, the appeal of being a driving instructor lies in the rewarding nature of the work. Lewis enjoys seeing his students’ progress and takes pride in helping them become confident and competent drivers. The joy of passing on knowledge, particularly when it leads to a test pass, is one of the most satisfying aspects of the job.

Andy shares similar sentiments, with the added benefit of knowing that he’s building a business that provides stability and growth for his family. The opportunity to see the direct impact of his teaching on students’ lives is incredibly fulfilling, and the ability to manage his own time and business has brought him a sense of autonomy and pride.

Expanding the Business: Wright Start’s Growth Story

As Wright Start grew, so did the responsibilities. To manage the increasing demand for driving lessons and to ensure the business ran smoothly, Andy and Lewis began dividing tasks. Lewis took charge of the business development side, focusing on expanding WrightStart’s reach and overseeing their junior driving school, WrightStart Experiences, which offers driving lessons for those under 17.

Meanwhile, Andy handles the day-to-day operations, managing bookings, the fleet of vehicles, and relationships with affiliate companies. This division of labor has allowed them to scale the business effectively while maintaining a high level of customer service and attention to detail.

The Road Ahead: WrightStart’s Future Plans

Looking to the future, WrightStart has big plans. Currently, the business is thriving, with a steady stream of pupil referrals and the need for additional instructors to join their growing team. Andy and Lewis are also preparing to launch a new project that could potentially revolutionize the driving industry, although they remain tight-lipped about the details for now.

Why Has WrightStart Been So Successful?

The success of WrightStart can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, consistency and professionalism have played a huge role. They have maintained high standards and a strong work ethic, and their customers recognize and appreciate this. Their innovative website, which helps students prepare for their driving tests, is also a key asset that sets them apart from other driving schools.

Andy attributes some of their success to their unique status as a father-and-son team. Their bond and shared goals add a personal touch to their business that resonates with clients, making them more relatable and approachable.

Recognition and Awards: Wright Start’s Big Win

In 2024, Wright Start was honored by being included in the Small Business Saturday 100, an annual event that celebrates the best of British small businesses. This prestigious recognition highlighted the impact that WrightStart has had on its local community and the driving instruction industry as a whole.

For Lewis, being part of Small Business Saturday represents more than just an award. It’s about supporting local businesses and collaborating with other small enterprises to create a positive, sustainable community. He sees this as part of WrightStart’s core mission — not only teaching students to drive but also contributing to a larger movement of local, independent businesses.

How Wright Start Stands Out from the Crowd

When it comes to competing in the crowded driving school market, Wright Start differentiates itself through its commitment to customer care and a strong community-oriented approach. Andy and Lewis work hard to ensure that their pupils are supported even after they pass their driving tests, offering guidance on how to maintain and improve their driving skills.

Their use of Theory Test Pro, a comprehensive theory test preparation tool, is another example of how they go above and beyond for Andy and Lewis’s students. Integrated into their website, this system helps pupils study for their theory tests and provides a seamless experience that enhances the learning process.

Advice for Aspiring ADIs

When asked for advice for aspiring ADIs, Andy and Lewis emphasizes the importance of treating driving instruction as a business. He encourages new instructors to be strategic, set clear goals, and build a business plan. Moving with the times and understanding what the market needs are essential for long-term success. For Andy, he advises ADIs to seek mentorship and learn from others in the industry to avoid common pitfalls.

Conclusion: The WrightStart Legacy

The story of Andy and Lewis Wright is one of hard work, dedication, and the power of family. Andy and Lewis, they have built a business that not only trains the next generation of drivers but also inspires others to pursue their passions and dreams. WrightStart’s future looks bright, with continued growth and innovation on the horizon.

FAQs

1. What makes WrightStart different from other driving schools?
   WrightStart stands out due to its personal approach, high standards, and commitment to both student success and community involvement.
2. How do Andy and Lewis divide their responsibilities at WrightStart?
   Andy and Lewis focuses on business development and the junior driving school, while Andy manages day-to-day operations, including bookings and vehicle management.
3. What is WrightStart Experiences?
   WrightStart Experiences is a junior driving school for under-17s, providing early driving lessons to young people before they can take their official driving tests.
4. How does Theory Test Pro help WrightStart students?
   Theory Test Pro is integrated into WrightStart’s website and helps students prepare for their theory tests, making the learning process more efficient and effective.
5. What are the future plans for WrightStart?
   Wright Start plans to expand further, adding new instructors to their team and launching an exciting new project that could change the driving industry.

   Main Image By Pexels