More and more people are enjoying the benefits that becoming a driving instructor has to offer. You have the potential to make strong earnings, work a schedule that fits around your life, and enjoy the job satisfaction that comes with teaching students a genuinely useful life-skill. But have you got what it takes?
To become a driving instructor you are required to be at least 21 years old and need to have held a full driving license for a minimum of 3 years.
You are not required to have any previous experience to set course for a fulfilling new career as a driving instructor. While everyone has the same opportunities, however, there are some key things you’ll need to know.
As a driving instructor, it’s your job to oversee your student, but not to take control. Gone are the days of telling pupils; being a driving instructor is all about steering your pupil in the right direction while letting them take responsibility for their own learning.
When it comes to driving lessons, the pupil will get out what they put in. They are in control of their own learning and destiny, but you’re on hand to help guide them. To be a driving instructor you’ll have to be aware of what your pupil wants to learn, what they need to learn and how to overcome it.
Learning to drive is daunting, so you'll need to be the rock in the car to keep your student calm through every situation they might face behind the wheel. Students learn best when information is delivered in a gentle, natural, and straightforward way. If you're easily flustered, it's not for you.
As a driving instructor, you'll need to be good at managing time to run an efficient diary. Also, have good communication skills that are adaptable to the pupil.
A driving instructor needs to be able to focus on multiple things at a time. You'll need to monitor your student's driving, provide instruction and theory explanations where needed, all while keeping them safe.
To become a fully qualified driving instructor you must first pass the ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) tests. Part 1 tests your knowledge of the theory, part 2 tests your driving ability and part 3 is your teaching ability.
If you exhibit the key skills mentioned, a rewarding career as a driving instructor could await you! Take your first step to an exciting new opportunity by contacting Julie Murphy to find out about our driving instructor training and the opportunities of working with us.