About Us

The-Driving-Academy is a local driving school business based in Bishop Auckland. Andy McDonald and Darran Shaw who run the business have been graded by the DVSA as top grade driving instructors. Both Andy and Darran are involved with not only teaching new pupils but also training and developing the team of instructors. They are both very passionate about driver training and want their customers to feel valued. The aim is to provide a fun environment so the pupils feel relaxed and enjoy their learning experience. The-Driving-Academy offer a fresh style of teaching using iPads, dash cams, interactive theory website and of course, in car training that they believe is of a very high quality.

Andy

Andy has a wealth of experience as a driving instructor and really enjoys the daily challenge teaching different people brings. Andy has a fun approach to teaching and always has a smile on his face (Probably from laughing at his own jokes)

Darran

Darran has over 25 years of experience as a driving instructor and is highly regarded not only by his pupils but by other instructors. Darran was founder and chairman of Bishop Auckland Driving Instructors Association for over 13 years. Darran not only teaches people to to drive but also teaches people to become driving instructors.

Joanna

Joanna joined The-Driving-Academy in 2022 and is a great addition to our team. Joanna worked for many years in a customer focused environment and she brings that experience into her lessons. Trained by our very own Darran Shaw gives Joanna a great start to her new career. Joanna passed all her 3 exams first time and that shows the dedication she put into her new career.

Adam

Adam has been a driving instructor for over 10 years, he joined The-Driving-Academy in 2017 and enjoys everything cars! A Toyota nut and a passion for safe driving Adam is a great addition to our team.

Simon

Simon began his training to become a driving instructor with The-Driving-Academy in early 2024, following a meeting with business partners Andy McDonald and Darran Shaw. Having spent most of his career working as part of a team, Simon was drawn to The-Driving-Academy’s collaborative approach.
A former member of the armed forces, Simon most recently worked in the public service sector. The skills he developed throughout his career have proven invaluable as he embarks on this new professional journey.

Megan

Megan joined The-Driving-Academy team in 2024 and has been training under the guidance of Darran Shaw to become a driving instructor. Before this, she gained valuable experience in a fast-paced customer service environment, where she managed client interactions and business administration tasks. These skills have proven highly transferable to her new role.
Megan embarked on this career path after becoming a new mam, appreciating the flexibility of self-employment and the opportunity to achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Ken

Ken joined The-Driving-Academy team in 2022 and has completed all his 3 parts of training with The-Driving-Academy trainer Darran Shaw. Ken has a very calming nature and has embraced his new career with some outstanding results. We are sure Ken will establish himself as one of our top instructors.

James

James is the latest ADI to join us as a Brand Partner! Joining in late spring 2025, James supports his colleague Adam to cover the Durham area. James brings a wealth of experience to the role. After leaving school, he served in the military, where he trained and specialised as an HGV professional. He then continued his HGV career in civilian life and also served in the prison service before deciding to channel his skills and discipline into becoming an ADI. When he’s not behind the wheel, James loves spending time with his young family and relaxing by the water with a fishing rod in hand. His mix of professionalism, life experience, and friendly approach makes him a fantastic addition to our team!