Brian Granger, who has taught thousands to drive over 55 years, is hanging up his keys for good this Easter
Brian Granger, who runs Elm School of Motoring, has been a driving instructor for the last 55 years. - Credit: Archant
Remember when £1 would get you a driving test, or when one gallon of petrol would set you back just five shillings?
Cars that came to life in 1963 - Triumph 2000. Photo: Wiki - Credit: Archant
Brian Granger recalls those days better than most, having taught more than 6,500 people to drive over the last 55 years.
After more than five decades running the Brian Granger Elm School of Motoring, the 77-year-old is hanging up his keys for good this Easter.
“My family have been getting on at me since Christmas and I’ve given in,” he said.
“If I don’t retire soon I’ll be dead before I pack up work.”
Cars that came to life in 1963 - Opel Rekord Seria A. Photo: Wiki - Credit: Archant
Brian became a driving instructor when he quit his job as a shoe shop manager in Thetford in 1963 after his neighbour asked if he was interested in a career change.
“I’ve stuck at it ever since,” said Brian, who moved to Wisbech in 1967.
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“I just enjoy it, I love doing the job and I feel proud that I’ve been doing it for so long,” he added.
“I don’t think many more people will stick at it for that long.”
Cars that came to life in 1963 - Vauxhall Viva. Photo: Wiki - Credit: Archant
Brian’s daughter even set up a Facebook page in honour of him: The Elm School of Motoring - Brian Granger Appreciation Society.
He remembers the first car he used in Wisbech was an Austin 1100 that he brought for £700. Since then, he’s driven 30 cars during his time as an instructor.
Brian has a wife, Gillian, three children, Mark, Jane and Clair, and five grandchildren, William, Edward, Abbie, Matthew and Alex.
Cars that came to life in 1963 - Jaguar S type. Photo: Wiki - Credit: Archant
Cars that came to life in 1963 - Lotus Cortina. Photo: Wiki - Credit: Archant
Cars that came to life in 1963 - Trabant 601. Photo: Wiki - Credit: Archant
Cars that came to life in 1963 - Alfa Romeon Giulia TZ. Photo: Wiki - Credit: Archant
Cars that came to life in 1963 - Humber Sceptre. Photo: Wiki - Credit: Archant
Cars that came to life in 1963 - Hillman Imp. Photo: Wiki - Credit: Archant
Cars that came to life in 1963 - Bristol 408. Photo: Wiki - Credit: Archant
