Driving instructor

Instructor: Matthew McGrotty, a self-employed driving instructor.

Answers supplied by Matthew McGrotty, a self-employed driving instructor who as well as running his own business also carries out driving instruction for Driver Education and Training Services (DRETS), a new concept in learning to drive which uses classroom-based education alongside practical tuition to maximise the time learner drivers spend in the car and improve their road safety awareness to make them better all-round drivers.

What does the job entail?
With pupils who have little or no driving experience you will begin by teaching the basics and then build on each lesson as they progress until they are ready to take their driving test. Other pupils may come to you with some experience so you will need to assess their driving and correct any errors to bring them up to the necessary standard. You may also be asked to give refresher lessons to people who have not driven for a while and lost confidence and also to take Pass Plus training with newly qualified drivers to give them instruction in night time driving, motorway driving and other more advanced driving conditions.

What skills and qualifications are needed?
You need to have held a driving licence for four years before you can train as an instructor. There are several organisations as well as driving schools which carry out instructor training. Some just carry out the training and others will offer you work with their driving school when you qualify. There are three parts to the qualification process, first you need to pass the theory test, then you will be examined on your own driving ability which is an extended and more involved version of the ordinary driving test before finally being tested on how you instruct someone to drive.

What type of person will fit in?
Someone who is patient and can remain calm in all situations. You need to be a good communicator and listener and be able to inspire confidence in other people.

What are the pluses and minuses of the job?
On the plus side you have the freedom to run your own business either independently or as a franchise for a driving school. You also get to meet a variety of different people, each day is different and there is a great sense of satisfaction when a pupil passes their driving test. However you will have to give lessons in the evenings and at weekends so it can affect your social life.

What opportunities exist for career progression?
With further training it is possible to become an instructor who carries out training of instructors or you could expand your driving school and have other people working for you.

What can I expect to earn?
As you will be running your own business how much you earn will depend entirely on how hard you decide to work. With an average driving lesson costing £20 per hour, this is how much you will earn, but you need to allow for the costs of running a car and other business expenses. Most driving instructors will earn in the region of £18,000-£25,000 per year.

Any hints about getting a job in this area?
Look for advertisements in local newspapers for organisations offering driving instructor training or contact driving schools direct to find out more.
For further information on DRETS call (01603) 880988 or visit www.drets.co.uk