About J.D. Automotion
With a passion for most mechanical masterpieces James Driscoll started out with a 5-year apprenticeship with Vauxhall Motors at Luton and Basingstoke college.
Following the completion of City and Guilds apprenticeship program James followed his passion and moved from F.G. Barnes Vauxhall (Maidstone) to Northgate Alfa Romeo in Canterbury City centre where he received further manufacturer training for Alfa Romeo, Fiat, and Jeep Chrysler co. Alongside carrying out all levels of repair to dealer standards.
James undertook DVLA/VOSA Mot tester training and certification becoming an authorized vehicle tester for class 4 & 7.
2014 James carried a short stint at Hardwoods JLR as a quality controller to resolve some underlying quality issues.
Following this James moved into motorcycle sales with The Bike Shop Faversham (Yamaha) which was customer facing, selling motorcycles new and used, along with parts and accessories. This was a new venture and gave the opportunity for some manufacturer-based sales and finance training too.
A request was sent to James to return to F.G. Barnes who were now Subaru, Infiniti and MG dealers. Again, attending manufacturer training and working towards Subaru mater technician status.
In late 2016 James moved to Scotland having fallen in love with the scenery and people. A position at Border cars Jeep on Terragles road was taken and James worked with border cars as a technician and MOT tester until the company fell into financial difficulties and went into administration.
Following the collapse of Border Cars James moved to Border Motor Group in Locharbriggs working predominantly with Skoda/Volkswagen but also Hyundai and Toyota.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, James became sick with long COVID. Having to retreat from the motor industry on a health basis.
This didn't last long and towards the end of 2020 James was offered a position working part time at James H Glen motor engineers at Parkgate, this was a new venture and gave the opportunity to see the motor trade in the aftermarket sector, generally dealing with much more involved repairs on older vehicles.
in early 2022 James received a call from Holywood Service Station who had worked out James was on a part time rotor, and they requested his assistance to carry out some mechanical repairs on Royal Enfield Motorcycles on a part time basis.
This only lasted 6 weeks and James was then employed back full time at Holywood.
Around 3 months later James revived the promotion to workshop/aftersales manager, overseeing the staff, bookings and parts departments within Holywood. Carrying out all levels of repair, as well as receiving manufacturer training from Royal Enfield. This included the start up and running of Holywood Wednesday Wobblers Motorcycle Group which now has in excess of 200 members!
James would also arrange the company PR events and marketing including build and design of the company's website and frequent social media updates.
The company went from strength to strength offering up to 8 brands as a multi-franchise dealer and with 5 mechanics in the workshop.
At the age of 36 James has now decided to give it a go himself and has formed J.D. Automotion in 2026.
The idea is to provide good honest garage services to the people of Dumfries and the surrounding areas.