History
2003 - 2004
Quicksilver was established in 2003 in the Rossendale area and is owned and managed by husband and wife team John and Margaret Atherton.
At Quicksilver we listen to what people tell us. We quickly realised that there was a need for a high quality local driving school not just in Rossendale but throughout the rest of east Lancashire and North Manchester.
For instance: Peter came to Quicksilver having had 16 lessons at a cost of £24 per lesson with a well known national driving school. He’d been told, quote” …you’ll never learn to drive in Bacup – it’s too hilly”
Utter nonsense ! Peter passed his test with Quicksilver - FIRST TIME – just 4 months later.
2005
Like all driving schools we ask you for money for your driving lessons.
Unlike some driving schools we believe we have a commitment both to Peter mentioned above, and to all of our pupils, to provide high quality, professional driving lessons.
Having this goal John Atherton qualified in 2005 as a Driving Standards Agency approved Driving Instructor Trainer with the intention of building a small but high quality team of driving instructors trained by ourselves – and this is what we achieved: Quicksilver expanded into other areas of east Lancashire and north Manchester. At this time Margaret ended her 25 year long nursing career, re-trained and began work in the role of organising and running the driving school.
2006
This year saw Quicksilver go from strength to strength, increasing the number of our instructors to three and maintaining our 100% pass rate for trainee instructors. Our pass rate for “L” test pupils reached new levels and in 2008 remains almost twice the national average.
2007
In 2007 Quicksilver achieved the highest possible grading from the Driving Standards Agency – a Grade 6 for our Instructor Training which included a close inspection of all of our business practice, conduct and records. Our instructor team increased to four to provide an improved service to pupils in Rossendale and north Manchester
2008
John now splits his time between training instructors, teaching “L” test pupils and providing advanced driving courses. Margaret is the main contact for new pupils enquiring about our school, books driving tests for pupils and looks after our team of 4 instructors.
Margaret also looks after our “continued professional development” programme and our day to day dealings with the various Driving Standards Agency departments. When you ring you’ll always hear a friendly voice !