►Some driving schools employ a number of instructors and operate a fleet of cars, while others prefer to work on their own.
► I work independently, but network with other professionals through the large national Driving Instructors' Association (DIA)* and our own Gloucestershire Driving Instructors' Association.
Your coach's qualifications
- This entails passing a theory test, a practical driving test to become a PDI and finally a test of instructional ability to qualify as an ADI.
- In addition to this legal requirement, my own driving is kept up to a very high standard as I have also passed the stringent practical driving tests to become a member of:
- Institute of Advanced Motorists*
- DIAmond Advanced Motorists*
- RoSPA Advanced Drivers Association (Gold Class - 1st test and compulsory retest 3 years later)*
Further educational qualifications
- 2-day Smartdriving Master-Class course for Driving Instructors in Teaching and Assessment Skills (see Smart Driving link on home page)
- The DIA's Diploma in Driving Instruction (Dip DI)
- BA and a master's degree in education (MEd)
- Currently enrolled on the first-ever BTEC course in Driver Coaching.
Keeping up to date through Continuing Professional Development
- Membership of the national Driving Instructors' Association and the Gloucestershire Association;
- Reading publications from the various advanced driving, driver-training organisations and BRAKE;
- Regular contact with the Driving Standards Agency through Twitter and by sitting in on tests when invited by pupils.
- Attending meetings and seminars organised by the DIA and DSA.
Other background
- Primary and secondary school teaching
- Travel and tourism
- Licences to drive cars, coaches and motorcycles
- Cycling and swimming for fitness
(My experience of driving and riding other vehicles and of teaching at different levels gives you a great advantage and my level of physical fitness keeps me alert and enthusiastic.)
Your car - a very important factor
You want your learning environment to feel comfortable and safe, so much care went into selecting a car with learner drivers and the environment in mind.
My 5-door Ford Focus Zetec TDCi is proving a popular choice with all my pupils - in fact many have said they'll miss driving it when they've passed their test!
Comfortable, spacious, air-conditioned and easy to handle, its controls are light and responsive, and instrumentation easy to read.
Most importantly, the driver's seat and steering wheel are fully adjustable to accommodate everyone, no matter what size you are. The spacious interior and central console mean you won't have me or your test examiner sitting too close to you - and if a parent or friend wants to come on lessons with you, the back seat is perfect.
In addition, its economical diesel engine is eco-friendly, emitting less CO2 than a petrol car. In common with all tuition cars, it is fitted with dual controls.
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