Former traffic cop using driving school to create better drivers
Eldon Baggot and his vehicle.
Eldon Baggot and his vehicle.

 By Michel Outridge
FORMER traffic police Eldon Baggot wanted a new challenge, but he was good at his old job and it was close to his heart.  So he decided to do something he loves, while helping to keep Guyana safe.
In 2014, after spending 24 years in the Guyana Police Force, the former cop started the Baggot’s Driving School and Transportation Services.
The school is housed at his home in Stewartville, West Coast Demerara.  Baggot teaches with his fully air-conditioned Toyota Spacio, while he uses a comfortable 35-seater bus to do his transportation.
“Being a traffic cop for 24 years I decided to exit the force and do my own business, and with the knowledge gained on the job, I was able to put that into practice.”

Baggot’s Driving School in Stewartville, West Coast Demerara. (Carl Croker photos)

Baggot told the Pepperpot Magazine that his business has bloomed over the years and although small, he is managing quite well.
Due to the pandemic though, his transportation service, which attracts both locals and foreigners, was put on hold.

Baggot said that while he does the practical lessons in his Spacio, the theoretical lessons are done at home.
The course runs for 16 hours at a cost of $30,000.

“Being a cop, it is still in me you know, so I have the patience to teach people to drive from scratch. I would first tell them about the vehicle then eventually as they learn, I would take them on the road to drive.”
The Stewartville resident related that his driving course is intense and he would take the driver on a walk around of the vehicle and point out the know-how, even before they get inside.

Baggot disclosed that he would only teach a person who is the holder of a provisional licence to drive, since he does things the legal way.

Former traffic cop Eldon Baggot

The father of two stated that working with himself has been a blessing in so many ways, because he can earn and still spend quality time with his family.

As a cop, his work often took him away from home.

Baggot reported that he would advertise his small business via Whatsapp and has adopted the ‘meet-and-greet’ technique so the word gets around about his small business.

However, in giving back to society, Baggot would from time to time volunteer his time and visit the Leonora Primary School, where he would enlighten the pupils about road safety and use of the roadway, to bring about awareness.

“As a former cop, I always try to promote road safety and I would ensure the children are aware of how to use the roads in an effort to minimise the incidents of road accidents and fatalities among children.”

Baggot, with his easy-going demeanour and positive outlook on life, is the perfect driving teacher.

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