The instructor's role and workplace
Instructor's role: Notes
It is not enough to possess skill and knowledge alone. A good instructor, like a good driver, must have the right attitude. Keep this thought in mind as you work through your training course and watch other instructors out on the road.
The instructor's attitude must reflect 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 pupils are the people who are paying your wages – you are not a school teacher, your customers have a choice about who they learn with - and if they are not happy for any reason, they will exercise that choice.
All of your pupils will 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 pupil is able to progress and mature as a driver.
Your skills and knowledge...
A skilled driving instructor must become a skilled driver first - you have already achieved this step if you are preparing for Part-Three, but remember, you must now maintain your Part-Two driving standard as a minimum.
Driving standards
High standards of driving should be demonstrated at all times, both at work and 'off duty'.
Unfortunately many driving schools cars can be seen in many towns and cities 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.
You already have all of the basic driving skills required, these must be maintained at the highest level if you want to be successful 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.
In addition to driving skill, your course and/or previous life experience so far, has equipped you with a wide range of knowledge relating to both driving and teaching. During your Part-Three preparation you now need to learn how to apply that knowledge efficiently and effectively in order to fulfil your role as a professional instructor.
Spend a few minutes (or an hour) thinking about the following questions - they cover the example that you need to set as a professional driving instructor. You might want to write out your answers.
Some of this might seem like basic common-sense, but it is extremely serious and of great importance to your career. Taking the time to think about the instructor's role now could be the factor that enables you to earn five, ten or even as much as fifteen thousand pounds more per year once you become established.
In answering the questions it might help to think about teachers or business people that you have had dealings with in the past - both good and bad.
- What constitutes a good example a professional driving instructor?
- What constitutes a bad example a professional driving instructor?
- What steps do you intend to take, as a qualified instructor, to set a good example?
When thinking about the questions above it might help to consider the following points:
- What attributes should the truly professional driving instructor possess?
How would you describe a professional attitude towards:
- Customers?
- Competitors?
- Driving 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 an 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 - How do you feel about this?
- How important is punctuality?
- How valuable is the pupil’s time?
- How can the instructor demonstrate that he appreciates the value of time?
- How large a role does courtesy and politeness play in professionalism?
Enthusiasm
Why is enthusiasm an important attribute of an instructor?
To answer this question think about particularly enthusiastic teachers that you might have had in the past? Did these teachers make their subjects more enjoyable? Did you look forward to their lessons?
Ask yourself, both in your Part-Three preparation and in future lessons, 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...