OVERVIEW
Problem
Finding qualified driving instructors and booking lessons was time-consuming, with learners lacking a simple way to track their progress.
Outcome
Designed and built the app from scratch, creating an intuitive platform where instructors can offer lessons and learners can easily find, book, and prepare for the exam.
CLIENT
SimplyDrive
A UK-based startup aimed to create a platform connecting driving instructors with learners, offering a way to arrange lessons, gain more on-road practice, and prepare for the driving exam.
INFO
Role
UI/UX Designer
Team
2 Product Manager, 1 Product Owner, 3 Engineers, & Me
RESEARCH
Understanding the problem
In a tight timeframe, we analyzed data sources for quick insights on product direction. Collaborating with the product owner, we found a correlation between the UK’s right-wheel driving and increased demand for lessons among expatriates from left-wheel countries. This validated our target audience and shaped platform features for expats preparing for UK driving exams.
KEY FINDINGS
Major insights and findings
1
High demand among expats
Expats from left-wheel driving countries need more practice to adapt to UK road rules.
2
Lack of practice in driving schools
After the completion of driving school, students still need more driving practice.
3
Instructors need more students
Instructors want the way of making money on the rate they choose, not the driving school they are working in.
OPPORTUNITY
We can create a digital platform that connects people who need driving practice —particularly expatriates adapting to the UK’s right-wheel driving — with certified instructors, giving learners an accessible way to book lessons and instructors a new channel to teach and earn income.
PERSONAS
Who I was designing for
Learner
Recently moved to the UK from Canada; has prior driving experience but is unfamiliar with right-wheel driving and UK traffic rules.
Motivation
Pass the UK driving test quickly to commute and travel independently.
Behaviour
Searches for instructors, prefers flexible scheduling, values progress tracking, likely to use mobile apps.
Pain Points
Finding reliable instructors, inconsistent lesson availability, lack of guidance for expats.
Design
Easy instructor search, clear booking, progress tracking, education
Instructor
Certified UK driving instructor with 15 years of experience; currently works at a driving school and is seeking more students.
Motivation
Increase client base, reduce downtime, manage scheduling efficiently.
Behaviour
Uses mainly a mobile phone for communication; open to tools that save time, prefers simplicity.
Pain Points
Inefficient scheduling, cancellations, payments, and limited visibility.
Design
Easy calendar management, booking notifications, profile showcasing credentials and reviews.
USER STORIES
Explaining our user’s perspective
To ensure the platform met the needs of both learners and instructors, we first needed to understand what features would deliver the most value. We chose to write user stories because they clearly describe what a user wants to do and why it matters, making the design process focused on real-world needs.
1
“I want to easily find and compare driving instructors so that I can choose the one that best fit.”
By enabling search and filtering by location, price, availability, and reviews, learners can quickly identify the right instructor without the frustration of endless calls or outdated listings.
2
“I want to track my progress toward the driving exam so that I feel confident and prepared on test day.”
A built-in progress tracker and learning resources give learners a clear view of their readiness, helping them focus on areas that need improvement.
3
“I want to manage my schedule and receive instant booking notifications so that I can maximize my availability and income.”
Instructors can update their calendars, confirm bookings, and fill last-minute slots, ensuring minimal downtime and better earning potential.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Identifying opportunities
We analyzed competitors in the UK market to identify opportunities. This highlights each product’s strengths and gaps that our platform can address.
Feature
Primary purpose
Booking & scheduling
Instructor features
Progress tracking
Learning mode/ content
Unique value proposition
SimplyDrive
Connect learners with instructors for practical driving lessons
Yes, with instructor filters and calendar
Yes, with instructor filters and calendar
Lesson history, learning progress and feedback tracking
Live instructor-led lessons
Expat-focused, seamless practice & instructor access
AA Driving
Theory test preparation
–
–
Theory test readiness tracking
Self-study modules, mock tests, flashcards
DVSA-aligned theory prep tools with offline content
FlexiDrive
Practical lessons
booking
Real-time booking, flexible scheduling, payments
Profiles, reviews, geolocation match, diary, earnings dashboard
Lesson history and feedback tracking
Live instructor-led lessons
End-to-end lesson booking platform
EzLicence
Online marketplace for instructor booking
Booking via platform, instructor match saved search time
Instructor profiles, expanded UK reach
–
Lesson booking marketplace
Established UK footprint with growing instructor base
CORE FEATURES
Brainstorm and ideate
My design goals: Generate innovative ideas, ensure solutions aligned with user needs, and establish a clear direction for a phased release strategy. Looking at our user stories, I focused on three core features.
1
Seamless lesson booking
Learners can easily search for instructors, choose a date, time, and pickup location, and confirm bookings instantly once accepted by the instructor.
2
Real-time communication & tracking
Instructors can update learners when they are “on the way,” with GPS showing their live location, while learners can share trip details for safety.
3
Progress tracking & feedback
After each lesson, instructors log skills practiced (e.g., hill start, roundabouts) and rate performance, giving learners a clear history of their progress over time.
SOLUTION 1
Easy booking of lessons
Designed an intuitive booking flow with minimal steps, ensuring learners can find and secure lessons in under two minutes, reducing drop-offs.
SOLUTION 2
Real-time communication & tracking
Integrated push notifications and live GPS tracking so both parties stay informed, improving punctuality and enhancing safety.
SOLUTION 3
Progress tracking & feedback
Created a structured feedback system of specific driving skills, enabling learners to see measurable progress and instructors to maintain consistent evaluation.
