RATIONALE

The Institute was formed in 1957.

Driving instruction has existed in the UK since 1903, and the driving test since 1935 (although suspended during the Second World War).  In 1956, the Suez Crisis created a fresh challenge to the industry when driving tests were again suspended and petrol rationed because of the threat to the nation’s petrol supplies.  Overnight, driving schools found themselves virtually out of business, and many driving instructors had to seek alternative employment.

IMTD’S FORMATION

Senior industry members were concerned that there had been no consultation over what had happened and felt that a stronger voice was needed, especially since the two organisations that represented driving instructors, the Motor Schools Association (MSA) and the RAC Register of Instructors, were not making progress.

Consequently, a member of the MSA Board, Mr Pat Murphy, proposed the formation of an organisation to represent long-established driving school proprietors who could lobby the government as appropriate.  Remember that there were many multi-car schools in those days and that their proprietors represented a significant voice in the industry.  So it was that in 1957, the Institute of Master Tutors of Driving (IMTD) was established under its motto, “Only the best shall serve” (and that is still valid today).

IMTD EVOLVES

Since those days, the make-up of the IMTD has changed, though not its purpose.  There has been a decline in the number of large multi-car driving schools since the mid-1950s, thanks to the effects of the compulsory qualification and registration of driving instructors and, secondly, the imposition of Selective Employment Tax followed by Value Added Tax.  Thus, IMTD is no longer, nor has been for many decades, an organisation for multi-car proprietors but for individual instructors (now more generally referred to as trainers) and those in supporting roles in driver education and training.  

IMTD recognises the important role played by the trade Associations ADINJC, DIA, and MSA) and enjoys a harmonious relationship with these bodies who deal with the mundane but never less important matters of commercial competition and professional problems which arise and who seek to gain advantageous deals for their members in terms of insurance, car purchase and leasing, and other benefits.

Today, IMTD comprises some of the most talented and experienced trainers in the industry. They are committed to training drivers of the future beyond simply passing the test and believe that broader knowledge must be shared with all drivers.

IMTD provides that knowledge via several channels to assist trainers in projecting that purpose. 

Accordingly, it will remain small and selective, true to the intention of its founders, but it will welcome those with a strong ethos of the importance of making the roads safer through education.