If you want to be a driving instructor, there are certain things you should and shouldn’t do. Anyone can become a driving instructor, but it takes a certain type of person to become a good driving instructor. This post will talk you through a few things you should never do if you want to be a good driving instructor:
Swear at Your Students
I’ve heard horror stories where driving instructors get frustrated with their pupils and swear/shout at them. You’re there to teach them and guide them in the right direction; not get angry at them for taking a while to grasp things. You may lose their custom if you aren’t careful. Try to take some deep breaths and practice correcting your students in a calm way.
Say Inappropriate Things to Your Students
If you teach somebody for a long time, it can be easy to feel like they are a friend of yours. However, you are running a business and can never be too careful. Don’t say inappropriate things to your students, such as things they could take the wrong way or get offended by. Keep things professional. You can be lighthearted, but remember that they are your student.
Dress Sloppily
Although you may be your own boss and work your own hours, you still need to dress like you’re at work. You might not learn this during instructor training, but it’s important. This will help you to get your work head on, and students will be more likely to come to you for lessons. Teaching somebody to drive while wearing a comfortable tracksuit might sound like a dream job, but you’ll only get a reputation. Do you want to look as if you don’t care?
Turn Up Late
Being a little late occasionally is OK. However, you shouldn’t do it too often. It would also help to let your student know if you’re going to be a little late, as it could hinder their plans for the day too. Students will understand that road conditions vary all the time, so there’s no way you can be dead on time every single lesson. However, you should make punctuality a priority.
Hold Them Back
Some driving instructors seem as if they are trying to squeeze every last penny out of their students before sending them off to do their test. Some people naturally need more lessons than others, but some are naturals. You shouldn’t hold your students back if they are ready to start practicing their maneuvers. I know somebody who had over 20 lessons and never did 1 maneuver. She didn’t realise until she’d spent most of her money on lessons that her instructor was trying to get as much money out of her as possible! I started doing maneuvers on my second lesson. You need to be an instructor that has your student’s best interests at heart as well as your own.
Avoid these things if you want to be a driving instructor with a great reputation!