About Blackwood School of Motoring

At Blackwood School of Motoring, our goal is simple: to create safe, confident drivers — for life, not just test day.

We’re a proudly independent driving school, built on experience, patience, and a genuine passion for teaching. We take pride in giving each pupil the time, structure and guidance they deserve — without cutting corners.

Our lessons are grounded in the official DVSA syllabus — the national standard for safe driving. It’s a structured, progressive approach that helps you understand why you’re doing something, not just how. And it’s what sets us apart from many instructors who simply teach to the test.

Meet John

John Blackwood is a fully qualified Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) with over 20 years of experience behind the wheel — and beside it.

Known for his calm, clear, and thoughtful approach, John tailors each lesson to the individual. Whether you’re a complete beginner or returning after time away, you’ll find his teaching style encouraging, practical, and always focused on building real confidence.

John lives in Saline, with his wife and their three spaniels, Seren, Theo and Willow. When he’s not teaching, he’s either restoring vintage scooters (he’s currently rebuilding a custom Vespa PX200) or engraving intricate designs onto glass, slate, and metal — a craft he’s honed over many years.

And yes… he does have a serious weakness for chocolate….and the occasional whisky!

Five Things You Might Not Know About John

  • He once crashed into his comedy hero Billy Connolly. True story – outside a bar, years ago. (No drink involved. Just timing.)
  • He’s built a pub in his garden. It’s called Jack’s, named in honour of his Dad, a proud Jacobite in the gang scene of the 60s. These days it’s more pints and pool than punch-ups.
  • Every summer, he hosts the ‘Paralytic Games’. Think egg-and-spoon meets scooter limbo. It’s daft, it’s competitive, and it’s definitely not Olympic standard.
  • His scooter, WOB, is his pride and joy. Tent on the back, rally tickets in hand, he’s off the moment he gets a free weekend.
  • Theo, one of his spaniels, is obsessed with pool. Especially stealing the cue ball mid-game. It’s become a bit of a running joke.