About usA community of driving instructors united by a shared vision

What began as a social gathering in Tower Hamlets, East London, grew into a movement to support and unite driving instructors across the region.

UDIA (initially named BBDIA) was originally established by a group of driving instructors who got together for a social gathering. Like many gatherings, the conversations began to flow with ideas being exchanged. Individuals expressed an interest in forming an Association where everyone can support each other, share ideas, keep each other motivated and possibly have other social gatherings to celebrate religious and cultural festivals.

It was decided a Driving Instructors Association be formed to help and share information between fellow colleagues and to support new driving instructors joining the industry. The objectives of the association was to create a platform for all driving instructors and hold regular workshops related to teaching and supporting fellow colleagues.

In January, a follow-up meeting was convened at the Red Coat Community Centre to discuss this idea further. During this meeting, the name BBDIA was adopted, with the aim of uniting as many driving instructors as possible. In autumn, an Executive Committee was selected to oversee the association with Khasru Zzaman as Chairman and Shamim Shomrat as General Secretary. The new association set out to arrange workshops to support members in their working lives, and to celebrate various social/religious events.

In 2024, BBDIA rebranded as UDIA (United Driving Instructors Association). The goal is still the same - to unite as many driving instructors as possible. UDIA seeks to spread across the UK. It wishes to arrange workshops to support members in their working lives, and to celebrate various social/religious events within the community.

Founded: 2007
Members nationwide: 1,000+
Workshops & events annually: 15+

Our cultureSupporting each other, sharing ideas, keeping each other motivated.

We are a group of like-minded driving instructors who share the same core values and commitment to supporting our community. From our first gathering in Tower Hamlets, we have built a platform where everyone can support each other and celebrate our shared journey together.

Support. We support fellow colleagues and new driving instructors joining the industry. Our association creates a platform where everyone can help each other, share information, and provide guidance to those starting their careers as driving instructors.
Community. We come together for social gatherings and celebrate religious and cultural festivals as a community. These gatherings strengthen our bonds and remind us that we are more than just colleagues—we are a family united by our shared profession and values.
Growth. We hold regular workshops related to teaching and share information between colleagues to help everyone improve their skills and stay motivated. Continuous learning and professional development are at the heart of what we do.