A website designed to help learner drivers search, compare and book driving lessons online is being launched in Nottingham.
Quick-growing start-up GoRoadie is described as being like Airbnb for driving instructors and has so far helped more than 1,500 students find a teacher since it launched in 2018.
Originally based in Scotland, the company has chosen Nottingham to be the first large English city it will operate in, with a number of instructors already signed up.
Barry White, co-founder of GoRoadie, said: “Launching in Nottingham is a significant milestone for us. This is our first foray into a large English city and the response has been extremely positive. Instructors have been jumping on the platform with a high level of enthusiasm - it's our fastest grown city since we launched.
“Our model has already proven to be successful in three of Scotland’s cities. The number of bookings and instructors is now increasing month on month.
“This launch is in line with our national growth plan with our ultimate goal being job creation. In the next 12 months we aim to recruit five employees, while continuing to support instructors who work for national franchises become independent. Our ambition is to be synonymous with driving lessons, such that Airbnb is with flat shares."
In addition to helping students find lessons, the system also allows instructors to manage students and hold contact details.
Several instructors have already signed up to the platform, including Nottingham-based Waseem Haider, of Smartpass Driving School, who said: "It's very easy to use and that's coming from me, someone not tech savvy. I am pleased I have already received prospective learners, with whom I can pass on my skills ensuring that they come safe and responsible drivers for life."
Early this year, GoRoadie was announced as SME100's Most Innovative Solution for Locating Driving Instructors.
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