If you like assisting others, are a good driver, and are seeking an exciting work schedule, then you must learn how to become a driving school instructor. This is a highly demanded job with good career prospects because there are always individuals who want to obtain their license, either for personal or business purposes. Find tips in this article to pursue this career and be a standout in the market.
The ability to drive is crucial. Since highways connect many locations, cars, buses, and trucks are the principal means of moving people and products. This indicates that a large number of people look for a Driver Training Centre, sometimes referred to as a driving school, each year to obtain their ideal license.
Teaching driving is a job that requires a lot of preparation to ensure the safety of students and quality education. After all, it is the instructors’ job to teach traffic laws, show how to drive a car, and also apply all theoretical knowledge and correct practices in practice.
This professional is responsible for monitoring and providing all necessary guidance to students throughout the entire licensing process. Therefore, those who work in this position have the mission of teaching driving, providing necessary information, answering questions, identifying students’ difficulties, and training them. This involves constantly evaluating the person’s progress to help them truly learn how to behave in the best way possible in traffic.
What skills are needed to work in this profession?
The work of driving school instructors is very similar to that of a teacher. Just like other activities, teaching requires specific skills to perform the job well. These are characteristics that help the person to have good teaching skills and to deal with students’ learning difficulties. We have selected the three main ones below.
Enjoy learning
Driving school instructors need to enjoy learning and stay up-to-date on traffic laws and driving instruction practices. In addition to teaching students in a real car, students can also train on simulators, which requires instructors who are trained to do so.
Another important aspect is that this role requires mastery of all theoretical driving content. Therefore, it is important to review the material frequently so as not to forget the details. The person must also keep up to date with the functioning and particularities of vehicles since new models appear every year.
Be patience
Teaching always requires patience, especially during practical classes. Driving school Dunbartonshire Driving Instructors teach people of all ages, with different profiles, and who respond to the learning process in different ways. It is very common for some students to have fears and traumas about driving, so these professionals need to know how to deal with this.
The person working in this position must adapt to the student so that each class is more beneficial. Therefore, patience is essential, as some may have a slower pace while others do not.
Be creative
Teaching also requires creativity. Driving school instructors must always be looking for better ways to facilitate learning so that students achieve effective results and feel confident. For example, they need to think of ways to make classes more dynamic and interesting, such as improving presentations, using videos, bringing real cases to classes, and so on.
And how do you become a driving school instructor, after all?
If you are considering the possibility of teaching driving to other people, you should know that it is not enough just to know how to drive. A driving lesson Southside Glasgow instructor requires a process with steps that involve everything from obtaining your driver’s license to finally being able to send your resume to schools. You can check out the entire necessary step-by-step process below.
Have held a driving license for at least two years
The first step in a career as a driving school instructor is, of course, obtaining your license. People interested in this role must complete the entire process required to obtain a license in the categories they intend to teach. Therefore, they must take a course at a driving school and complete the necessary procedures and tests.
After two years, which is considered a good amount of time to practice driving, it is possible to continue the process of becoming an instructor.
Pass the psychological analysis for educational purposes
The second stage involves a psychological assessment for educational purposes. This exam is required for all candidates for this position, and passing it is required to begin the training course. The assessment determines whether or not the person is fit for the job and is valid for five years. Therefore, if someone is considered temporarily unfit, they can retake the test after this period.
It is important to note that the procedures for carrying out the assessment may vary. Therefore, check the relevant agency’s website for more information.
Take the driving instructor training course
To apply to this profession, you need to undergo an instructor course provided by certain establishments, including training schools and vocational schools. Note that these establishments should be certified by the concerned regulatory body to guarantee that they follow professional standards.
To enroll in the course, you must present the following documents:
Proof of high school education (usually transcript or certificate);
Copy of national driver’s license;
Psycho Pedagogical examination (the appropriate regulatory body must accredit the psychologist).
The goal of training as a traffic instructor is to prepare professionals with a solid knowledge base of traffic regulations. In addition, the course also guides the teaching methods of this future professional teaching technique so that they can convey theoretical and practical content clearly and efficiently to students.
The standard course load for this course is 180 hours and includes the following subjects:
- Traffic legislation;
- Defensive driving;
- Notions of first aid;
- Traffic medicine;
- Notions of environmental protection and social responsibility in traffic;
- Psychology applied to traffic safety;
- Notions of social interaction in traffic;
- Basic mechanics.
At the end of the course, the professional receives a certificate proving that they have passed and are qualified to practice the profession.
Being hired by a driving school
The most awaited moment has arrived: it’s time to apply for job openings at driving schools. To do this, check the available opportunities on specialized websites and send your application documents. Prepare a good resume with your education and practical experience, including those in which you developed skills that are also considered important for instructors.
An interesting tip is to send a cover letter along with your resume, showing your interest in joining the team and highlighting your skills and strengths. This letter can make a big difference in your application, setting you apart from other candidates.
Also, pay special attention to the interview. Recruiters need to get to know you better, and it can be a determining factor in your success. Prepare well for the interview, highlighting your experiences, strengths, and results.
Get accreditation
Every driving school instructor must register with the relevant authority to work in the role. This process must be done through the appropriate agency’s website. The required documents include:
- National driver’s license;
- Identification documents;
- High school diploma or certificate;
- Certificate of completion of the driving instructor training course;
- Proof of residence;
- Employment contract with a Driver Training Center;
- Certificate of no criminal record.
After approval, some fees must be paid for accreditation. The accreditation is sent to the address indicated by the professional within the specified deadline.
Although it is not Obligatory, driving school instructors can specialize in specific courses to expand their possibilities in the market. These courses enhance the knowledge and update the professionals on methods and skills demanded in the market, providing chances of acquiring better prospects.
Knowing how to become a driving school instructor is key to mapping out your career and getting your job as quickly as possible. Now it’s your turn!
