Thinking of becoming a Driving Instructor? - What's in a day's work?

For those thinking of becoming a driving instructor, this article gives an insight into the day to day life in this job. It also provides some ideas of career opportunities for more experienced driving instructors. This will provide an insight to those considering taking driving instructor training prior to deciding to invest in an ORDIT driving instructor course.

As might be expected, a driving instructor's day centres on teaching pupils how to drive safely, and develop the skills necessary to pass their driving test.

The Driving Instructor starts by assessing the learner's driving knowledge and skills, then planning lessons based on this assessment, focused on getting to the point where the pupil can take their driving test.

Most lessons follow a similar pattern, with the instructor teaching pupils:
How to use vehicle controls with confidence
The correct approach to road safety
How to safely manoeuvre, turn, reverse and park
Driving law and the Highway Code
How to deal with emergency situations
How to undertake basic vehicle checks.

Most instructor vehicles have dual controls so that the Driving Instructor can make any necessary adjustments to the learner's driving technique. As the pupil becomes more competent, they are introduced to more challenging driving situations.

Once the instructor believes a pupil has reached the necessary standard, they would recommend that the pupil apply for a driving test date. Any lessons beyond this are likely to cover theory and law in more depth.

Additional lessons might be given after a pupil has passed their test ? such as in night driving or motorway driving.

Ready for a change ? become a specialist driving instructors

Specialist instructors usually have further professional qualifications. Some employers in road haulage and bus and coach services train their experienced drivers to become instructors within the company or at a specialist training school.

A voluntary DSA register for LGV instructors has been introduced, and there is a similar register within the Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) industry.

An alternative career path is to become a certified motorcycle instructor.

There are also various continuing professional development (CPD) schemes on offer from the Driving Instructors' Association (DIA) and Driving Standards Agency (DSA).