Another Part 3 pass and congratulations to Matthew Leeden DVSA ADI!
Well done Matthew who qualified with us recently with an A grade!.
A special thanks and ‘well done’ too, to our Specialist ADI Trainers as well as the rest of the Training team.
Matthew has joined DriveJohnsons’ driving school to start his new career with.
He had this to say about his training:
“Why did you want to become an instructor?
I wanted to apply my teaching/training/coaching skills acquired in the IT industry to an industry that will make a difference to people’s lives. Also, I got fed up with the lack of motivation demonstrated by attendees on IT courses, who were often there because they were told to be there. Pupils wanting to learn to drive are generally highly motivated to want to learn to drive due to personal, social or career reasons.
What did you do at the time?
Before becoming a driving instructor, I spent over 15 years in the IT industry for a variety of software vendors focussing on training, including course delivery, development and management.
What made you choose us?
Primarily the price that was offered at the time of registration, and the ability to learn the concepts, techniques and processes of driving instruction in my own time through the distance learning program.
What did you enjoy about your training?
The ability to pick and choose when to cover different modules of the course and how long I spent on each module. I liked the ability to dip in and out based on my availability etc.
What advice would you give another person looking to be an instructor?
Research the different training providers available to provide the knowledge and choose the provider that is best for you in terms of your preferred learning style. Also, try and work with an instructor who is ORDIT registered for the in-car training components, and establish the schedule for the 40-hour part 3 training. I really benefitted from the training over 5 days, as I was able to fix any problems I encountered and apply them in the same day, so I was able to make very fast progress during my in-car training.
Also, when considering a driving school to be associated with if you choose the PDI route, do your research. Check the flexibility of pupil supply, the costs for being associated to the school, and what level of on-going support they will provide post-training. Finally, check their ability to provide you with pupils.
You need to hit the ground running when you start as a PDI in order to get as much teaching experience as you can in preparation for the part 3 test which does come round very quickly.
How has this changed your life so far?
My work-life balance is a lot better – you are your own boss, so you can implement business process changes very quickly and if you have a personal event to go to, you can clear your diary to make yourself available without having to check if the work’s covered etc.
Becoming a driving instructor is the best decision I could have made for a change of career.
Matthew”
Congratulations all round and good luck in your new career Matthew!
