Meet AJ.

Internationally experienced trainer and workplace assessor.

 

Your trainer and assessor

With a career spanning 12 years in the UK Gloucestershire Regiment where he was an Acting Sergeant, ‘AJ’ Longbottom took his knowledge and expertise of operating large vehicles, and turned it into his own business. Now, having owned and operated his own driving school in the UK for over 17 years to working as a workplace assessor for 17 years in New Zealand, it’s fair to say AJ knows a thing or two!

AJ is passionate about teaching people the skills and knowledge of becoming a great driver of all vehicles. AJ’s driver training covers a wide range of transport subjects – from theory to practical training and management.

Ride or drive with confidence 

As a knowledgeable instructor with over 30 years’ experience in the industry as a driver, operator, trainer and workplace assessor, you’re in the right hands with AJ!

If you’re looking to begin or develop your driving career in the road transport industry, or if you’re after practical driver training for new or existing drivers – whether you’re an individual or if you operate a large company – give AJ a call today.

 

1:1 training specialist

  • HVG – classes 2, 4 and 5

  • Motorcycle

  • Forklift

  • Wheels, Rollers, Tracks

All training is NZTA registered and approved.Class 6 CBTA assessor.

Transport Industry Training Organisation (ITO) partners:
Competenz – Forklift Trainer
Connexis – Wheels, Tracks, Rollers
MITO Registered Independent Assessor – Transport

 

Driving and Transport Management magazine 2004

  • After 12 years in the Glouceshire Regiment Acting Sergeant ‘AJ’ Longbottom left the Army taking with him ‘team leadership, man management, education, self-discipline, personal pride, and the strength to make a go of things.’

    He already held a Class 2 HGV licence and had done some instructing in his battalion MT and at the recruit training depot. So he took his Class 1 as well as other driving qualifications so that he ended up abel to teach LGV, PCV, car, motorcycle, and forklift truck students. He trained with CITEC and MOTEC, having been advised that he needed to translate his Army experiences into ones that were accepted by the civilian authorities.

    His first job was with a major west of England driver training company, that prompty collapsed. However, some of its customers were very big companies that still needed their drivers trained. Longbottom bought his first ruck at an auction and his business started from there.

    Ten years on, he runs a company with an annual turnover of the best part of 500,00 pounds, and owns four properties. His 14-vehicle fleet operates on the airfield that featured in the ‘Band of Brothers’ TV series, and he also teaches sheeting and roping, hazardous substances, tachnograph, and the Certificate of Professional Competence.

    ‘AJ’ is doing fine.