Driving Instructor

Introduction

Driving instructors teach driving skills, road sense and safety to people who are learning to drive. They ensure that lesson routes are appropriate to the stage of learning that the learner has reached. They correct learner drivers' mistakes and teach them the Highway Code.

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Work Activities

Driving instructors teach people how to drive helping them to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding to pass their driving test. The instructor plans the lesson route so that it is appropriate to the stage of learning that the pupil has reached. Lessons are generally booked on an hourly basis.

The driving instructor sits next to the learner driver and explains and demonstrates good driving techniques, such as the correct use of gears. It is the instructor's responsibility to make sure that the lesson is run safely, and they use dual pedal controls to assist in this.

During lessons, instructors correct and advise learners when they make mistakes. They teach them the correct action to take at roundabouts, dual carriageways and junctions, for example. Instructors also advise learners on the Highway Code and ensure that they are prepared for their driving theory test.

All instructors must keep a record of lessons booked and money paid and owed. Most people learn to drive over a period of months. However, some driving schools also offer more intensive courses lasting a week or fortnight.

Instructors also provide post-test driver training and advanced training for clients who want to take an advanced driving test.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You will need to be a confident and skilled driver with the ability to pass your skills on to clients. It is important that you remain patient and calm with people who are nervous, have a pleasant manner and the ability to put people at ease.

You must be able to explain instructions and give directions clearly. You must also be able to gain a client's trust and confidence, and be alert to potential hazards.

Assessment skills are needed to identify whether a client is ready to take their driving test. It is also useful for you to have a basic knowledge of vehicle maintenance that you can pass on to learners.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Driving instructors earn in the range of £15,000 - £18,000 a year, rising to £22,000 - £25,000. Higher earners can make around £32,000 a year.

Most driving instructors' hours of work include weekends and evenings, in order to fit in with pupils' home and work commitments.

Most driving instructors are self-employed, although some work on a franchise basis for driving schools. They pay a set weekly franchise fee or give a percentage of their earnings to the school.

An area of growth has seen the increase in the number of female driving instructors; some concentrate solely on instructing female learners.

There may be opportunities for promotion to management or training posts within driving schools.

There are further career opportunities to train advanced fleet drivers and trainee instructors, as well as to become large goods vehicle (LGV) and passenger carrying vehicle (PCV) instructors.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Applicants must have held a driving licence for four out of the last six years. To work in this job you must declare any criminal convictions. Certain types of conviction may prevent you from getting in. Contact Disclosure Scotland for details.

A clean, current driving licence and several years' driving experience are essential.

Some previous experience working with the public, for example, in a training or teaching role is an advantage.

• 92% of driving instructors are self-employed.
• 21% work part-time.
• 3% have flexible hours.

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