Am I driving instructor material?
Having read about the job, you will already have some idea about whether you are the kind of person that can succeed as a driving instructor (just like Nigel, right, who qualified as one of the uK's youngest instructors).
The fact that you have browsed this far through the site, suggests that that the answer to the question "Am I driving instructor material?" will be "Yes, I think I am". But just to make sure, read on ...
Beware of some driving assessments!
Our view is that this is often a simple sales ploy to boost your ego and make you more likely to purchase a course from them: "Your driving skills are meet our requirements - you will make a great driving instructor!"
Honest assessments can be very useful, but being a driving instructor takes more than just driving ability.
If you are an average driver, a good driving instructor trainer will be able to raise your driving to the advanced standard required for the Approved Driving Instructor examination. With training and practise, most people can meet the advanced driving standard required fairly easily.
If your driving assessor gives the impression that you are the best driver on the planet you should be suspicious!
Whilst your driving ability is an important consideration that must be taken into account, it is not nearly as important as your personality. Often 'mad keen' drivers make poor instructors because they can't bear the thought of someone crunching their precious gears or being a bit harsh with their brakes etc.!
To be a good teacher you need to be interested in people. This doesn't mean that you have to be a 'socialite'. You will be working one-to-one with people most of the time, so the ability to gain and maintain rapport is essential. A calm personality also helps - you will often have nervous learners to deal with!
Personal qualities suggested by the DSA
Be patient, inspire confidence, and be tolerant of the mistakes of clients
Be an effective communicator, capable of adapting to different methods of communication according to the needs of individual clients
Be aware of the importance of feedback from clients in sustaining and improving levels of delivery
Be positive, good natured and sympathetic in relations with others, especially with regard to working with others
Show a proper concern for the safety and well-being of self, clients, passengers and other road users
Be willing to continually re-assess their needs in relation to present practice and future development and training
Apart from your personal qualities, you also need to be professional and knowledgeable. You can get detailed information about all the qualities of a good instructor from the Department for Transport. (Opens in new window/tab)
Click the forward arrow below to find out the realistic financial outlay that you might expect ...
