Black to Business
11
J.M.S. Driving Academy Creating a Better Generation of Drivers
Summer 2009 Sunjay Mathuria
Paul Adams
The school also offers courses to remove the “N” from Class 5 licenses. Whether it’s his music or the driving school, Lawrence says his main motivation is passion. “You got to be passionate and believe in what you do,” he says. While music is still his first love, Lawrence says he is happy staying put at J.M.S. Driving Academy for now. His dream would be “to have a successful business that takes care of itself.”
Steve Lawrence, J.M.S. Driving Academy
J.M.S. Driving Academy
cars have been making appearances throughout HRM over the past few years. And it is no surprise why this driving school has become so popular. As one of the fastest growing schools in the city with the cheapest rates, J.M.S. Driving Academy’s main goal is to have graduates with the safest driving records in the HRM. So for the past two years, J.M.S. Driving Academy owner, Steve Lawrence has been “creating a better generations of drivers” in Halifax. Apart from his music career as a singer/pianist, Lawrence has been busier than ever with his driving school. “I’m focussing more on the driving school now, trying to develop that more,” he says. With his in-class lessons, Lawrence hopes to make learning to drive a more enjoyable experience for new learners. “My methods are different from other schools. We try to make
the classroom more exciting and flexible for students. We try playing games. We try to have fun,” says Lawrence. It is becoming increasingly difficult to acquire a driver’s licence in Nova Scotia, with government regulations clamping down on conditions for new drivers. This is why Lawrence hopes to train his students to be safe, defensive drivers.
To new business owners, Lawrence provides some valuable advice. “Don’t take no for an answer. If the front door doesn’t work, knock on the back door.”
“But the main thing is to watch your own mistakes. Always know what you’re doing,” he says. And attending J.M.S. Driving Academy definitely has its advantages. After completing the in-class and in-car lessons, students can obtain their Class 5N Newly Licensed Driver’s License up to three months earlier than those who haven’t attended driving school.
J.M.S. Driving Academy Steve and Michelle Lawrence
902 209 8081 www.jmsdriving.com