A helping hand when learning to drive

LEARNING to drive in a foreign country can be a daunting prospect, but help is at hand on the roads of Mallorca in the shape of Charles McCartney.

Charles, a Scotsman based in Santa Maria, runs the English speaking branch of the  driving school  Groc Auto Escoles, and covers the whole of Mallorca.

Charles, who has more than 11 years of driving tuition  in Scotland and five years here in Spain , explained: “We are a little unusual in that we offer one to one tuition. We have all seen the learner drivers being put through their paces with the car full of other learners waiting for their lesson to begin. You book an hour’s tuition, but it takes three hours in total. It’s ridiculous.”

He also understands the importance of teaching people to drive, rather than simply learning to pass their test. He provides all round assistance which include refresher courses so you can brush up on your skills, courses in re- training so you can obtain your Spanish driving licence, as well as lessons to novices who have never been behind the wheel.

Driving can be fun in the new Mini car for driving schools the first in Mallorca and fully equiped for pupils safety.

Charles also offers learner drivers assistance with their theory tests which may be taken  in English and German as well as Spanish.

An added incentive to people, whether considering sharpening their driving skills or starting from scratch,  with a 50 per cent discount on all new registrations, plus, if you pay up front for 20 classes, there is a  5 per cent discount.

He offers tailor-made driving lessons for all abilities and has a pickup and drop off service for his pupils, be it from work or home. Charles’ first lesson is available at 7am and he works until 9pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. He finishes at 6.30pm on Tuesdays and at 4.30pm on Fridays.

More information is available at the company website – which also has information in English: http://www.autoescolesgroc.com/, or you can contact Charles direct by telephone on 648 133 929 or by email: charles.mccartney@casacharlin.com