We've said that good instructors, need subject knowledge and teaching skill, but there is also another essential element for training and business success - an appropriate attitude. But what is an appropriate attitude?

As you work through the final parts of your course watch out for other driving instructors when you are 'out-and-about'. Notice stories that arise in the ADI MasterClass news, on social media, in online forums or anywhere else that you get information and news about driving instructors. Use the information you discover to determine your own idea of what an 'appropriate attitude' might be.

Driving instructors, like all humans, come with different 'shades' of attitude - over time you might be surprised or even shocked by some of the things you see or hear about (for example: instructors using phones when driving or drink-driving); if you do see something that surprises you ask yourself "Is that the sort of instructor I want to be?"

An instructor's attitude must demonstrate concern, understanding, responsibility and professionalism when:

Dealing with pupils
Choosing methods of instruction
Maintaining/presenting the training vehicle
Dealing with other road users
Dealing with the authorities

As an instructor it's important to remember that your customers are the people who are paying your wages. You are not a school teacher, your learners have a choice about who they take lessons with and if they are not happy, they will exercise that choice.

Your customers will have also have differing attitudes, skills and knowledge too, but they all have one thing in common – they want to learn to drive. It's your responsibility to create a learning environment in which the customer is able to progress and mature as a driver.

Your skills and knowledge

The road to becoming a skilled driving instructor starts with the basic knowledge of driving rules and regulations and becoming a skilled driver – you have already achieved these steps (assuming that you are reading this after passing ADI Part-Two). However, it's important to remember that you did not work hard to gain the knowledge and driving skills simply to pass the first two parts of the exam – the main reason was to prepare for what comes next, Part-Three and your new career. With this in mind, continue to revise your learning from earlier parts of the course and keep developing and practising your driving skill. It's worth noting that the most successful instructors continue to learn throughout their careers (CPD - Continuing Professional Development).

Driving standards

High standards of driving should be demonstrated at all times, both at work and 'off duty'.

Unfortunately, driving schools cars can sometimes be seen exceeding the speed limits, jumping lights, driving recklessly, etc. These instructors may only be a minority, but they affect the public image of the profession as a whole. They also create a poor image for themselves which can lead to them ending up in a 'low price trap'.

Maintaining your driving skills at the highest level is one of the key factors for success after you qualify. If you are not in the habit of driving to a high standard you will not expect high standards of driving from your pupils.

Look professional – Act professional - Be professional

Follow this simple rule from day one: 'Look professional – Act professional – Be professional'.

This course, coupled with your previous life experience, has equipped you with a wide range of knowledge of both driving and teaching theory. During your Part-Three preparation you now need to learn how to apply that knowledge efficiently and effectively.

Spend a few minutes (or an hour) thinking about the following questions – they will help you to think about some of the things that constitute an 'appropriate attitude'. You might want to write out your answers.

Some of these things might seem like basic common-sense, but they are extremely serious and of great importance to your future career. Taking the time to think about the instructor's role now could be the factor that enables you to earn several £1000's more per year once you become established than might otherwise be the case.

What attributes should the truly professional driving instructor possess?
How would you describe a professional attitude towards:
- Customers?
- Competitors?
- Driving test examiners?

What are your thoughts about the following questions?

How important is appearance?
What sort of appearance is most acceptable to pupils?
What effect could a very formal appearance have?
What effect could a very casual appearance have?
Why is personal hygiene so important in driver training?
Smoking in driving school cars is illegal at all times (including domestic use) - How do you feel about this?
How important is punctuality?
How valuable is the customer’s time?
How can instructors demonstrate that they appreciate the value of time?
How important is courtesy and politeness, and why?

Enthusiasm

Why is enthusiasm an important attribute for a driving instructor?

To answer this question think about enthusiastic teachers that you might have had in the past. Did those teachers make their lessons more enjoyable than others? Did you look forward to learning with them?

During both your Part-Three preparation and in future lessons, continue to ask yourself whether you are communicating your own enthusiasm for driver training. (If you haven’t got any – why do you want to be a driving instructor?)

Next: Step 2: The instructor's workplace...