121 Instructor Training - About The Job

The work
A driving instructor’s job is to teach people to drive safely and to prepare them for their test.

The instructor introduces the pupil to the controls and the basics of driving, but the rest of the lessons are usually held on the road with the learner driving the car and carrying out manoeuvres. Before the lesson, the instructor plans a route. During the lesson, they monitor the learner, the road and other vehicles very carefully. The car will have dual controls so that the instructor can stop if necessary.

They teach general road craft, including knowledge of the Highway Code. When the pupil is ready for the test, they apply for a driving test date.

The driving test has recently changed to include questions about checking fluid levels and tyre pressures. There is also a separate theory test. Part of a driving instructors job may be to prepare learners for these parts of the test.

Instructors who are self-employed are responsible for keeping their own paperwork.

Specialist Instruction
Some instructors may specialise in particular area of driving instruction. This could be advanced or high-performance driving, tuition for passenger carrying vehicle (PCV) or large goods vehicle (LGV) driving. They might also be asked to assess newly recruited drivers before a company takes them on.

Hours and Environment
Working hours vary and can often include weekends and evenings. Part-time work is possible.

Most of the instructor’s time is spent in the car, driving to collect pupils and then sitting in the passenger seat during the lesson.

Skills and Interests
To be a driving instructor you should:

-have excellent driving skills and enthusiasm for driving
-be able to give directions and tuition clearly and concisely
-be able to adapt your teaching style to suit all kinds of pupils, such as nervous learners
-have patience and good interpersonal skills
-be able to stay calm and point out errors in a constructive way
-have a sense of humour
-be able to react quickly and safely to any problems
-be able to assess when not to intervene and when to encourage the learner
-have a basic knowledge of car mechanics for explaining the use of gears, steering and so on.

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