If you love driving and teaching, becoming a driving instructor might be a rewarding career choice for you. Driving instructors help learners acquire the skills and confidence they need to pass their driving tests and drive safely on the road. But what does a driving instructor do exactly? Here are some of the main aspects of this profession.
Driving instructors need to plan their lessons according to the needs and goals of their students. They have to assess the level of their students, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and design a learning plan that covers the theory and practice of driving. They also have to prepare their students for the different types of tests they will face, such as the written exam, the practical test, and the hazard perception test.
A driving instructor is meant to train an individual the basics of a car and driving as a skill. Understand the driving student's weakness and position at a spot to make correction. The starting point is having the training outline, what and what would be taught daily and weekly and ultimately the end goal of the driving lesson.
You are basically passing on your experience, hard earned knowledge, real world proven skills and industry proven techniques onto your students, or as I prefer to call them, future peers. Your one job is to make sure they and the drivers around them make it home at night. Be it precision, defensive or tactical driving, you are there to give them the tools to operate smoothly and safely. Period.
In addition to teaching driving skills, the instructor must carefully organise and structure courses on road safety, traffic laws and defensive driving. To help pupils understand and apply these principles during practical driving lessons, they communicate clearly. Driving instructors also assess student progress and adjust training to unique learning requirements and problems. Beyond technical education, they instill responsibility, confidence and awareness in new drivers, making them safe and competent.
I am a former driving instructor both in my country and in Qatar a few years ago, here is my take: 1. As a driving instructor, we all have different learning modalities, and an Instructor should carefully assess and tailor-fit the course based on the student's learning adaptability. 2. Always be patient with the student, learning takes time and we as instructors should give them time to get used to our activities like: "Ok, our target achievement today is to not to stall the engine and work your way on how to manage the clutch, don't worry, I'm here to help you". 3. Assess and discuss to the student his/her strengths and weaknesses, this will help him/her see what areas are needed for improvement. Keep their fire burning.
Driving instructors need to teach their students the essential skills of driving, such as steering, braking, changing gears, parking, reversing, and manoeuvring. They also need to teach them the rules of the road, the traffic signs and signals, and the best practices for safe and responsible driving. They have to use various methods and tools to explain and demonstrate the skills, such as diagrams, videos, models, and feedback.
Skills can’t be taught Lessons and Principles are taught Skills are developed by implementing those lessons and principles in Practice
Driving instructors need to monitor the progress of their students and provide them with constructive and supportive feedback. They have to evaluate their students' performance, identify their errors and areas of improvement, and praise their achievements and efforts. They also have to keep records of their students' attendance, payments, and test results. They have to communicate with their students and their parents or guardians regularly and honestly.
It’s a mentoring phase to measuring current state using various parameters (metrics) mentioned above which will help to perform better - measure and grow!
Driving instructors need to manage the risks involved in teaching someone how to drive. They have to ensure that their vehicle is safe, well-maintained, and equipped with dual controls and other safety features. They also have to ensure that they and their students have the appropriate insurance, licenses, and permits. They have to be alert and ready to intervene in case of any emergency or danger on the road. They have to follow the health and safety guidelines and protocols of their industry.
Driving instructors need to update their knowledge and skills regularly to keep up with the changes and developments in the driving industry. They have to attend courses, workshops, seminars, and conferences to learn new techniques, methods, and technologies. They also have to renew their qualifications and certifications periodically to maintain their professional standards and credibility. They have to follow the regulations and policies of their governing bodies and associations.
Driving instructors need to grow their business and attract new customers. They have to market their services, build their reputation, and network with other professionals. They have to offer competitive prices, flexible schedules, and quality instruction. They also have to deal with the administrative and financial aspects of running their own business, such as accounting, invoicing, taxes, and expenses. They have to balance their work and personal life and cope with the stress and challenges of their job.
é inteerssante notar que todo instrutor experiente, quando efetivamente compromissado com o desenvolvimento dos clientes, naturalmente assume o rol de Mentor. Compartilhando sua experiência e buscando formas de promover um desenvolvimento efetivo em seu mentorado.