It’s not me it’s you

2 minute read  |  July 11, 2016

It’s a cruel world out there for driving instructors. Those individuals who dedicate their lives to the crippling uncertainty and fear that comes with teaching. There’s an old saying; “Don’t work with children or animals”, there should be an addendum to that phrase that says; “Don’t work with children, animals or people learning to drive.”

Recently, an instructor learnt that lesson the hard way when their public fall out with a student went viral. The instructor in question was notified by their student that they would be receiving additional tutelage from another instructor to ensure they were fully prepared for their test. Unfortunately, the instructor took this news like a scorned lover and proceeded to throw the ‘hissiest of fits’ over text message.

Now we’ve all been there, let down by those we least expect to. Those same questions reverberating around our heads; what did I do? Am I not good enough? What do they have that I don’t?

Taking your time

The average student requires 50 hours of tuition before they are in a position to take their driving test. Some will take longer and a small minority will fly through it in under 10. Either way, a driving instructor will not only teach a student to pass their test, they will also become resident therapist, relationship counsellor and financial advisor. A driving instructor will develop a bond with their student taking them from quivering wreck to Lewis Hamilton in a Corsa.

Instructors share in a student’s excitement when they pass, offer consolation if they fail, encouraging them at every opportunity, like Robin Williams in Good Will Hunting. “It’s not your fault, Will”

It’s difficult not to get attached when you spend so much time with someone. Unfortunately, situations can become emotionally charged when the student cancels a lesson at the last minute, or decides to employ another driving instructor who, by coincidence, is a little bit cheaper and promises a pass in fewer hours.

The problem is that students are fickle. This isn’t a bad thing and won’t always reflect negatively on the instructor. Often they just want to pass their test in the quickest time and who can blame them? If it’s a choice between sitting next to a fairly ripe individual on the 369 bus, or driving in comfort while listening to your favourite song on the radio, there’s no contest. Crank up that latest Taylor Swift track and enjoy!

To avoid your driving instructor clients becoming the next viral superstar, we’ve put together some tips for helping to keep the student – teacher relationship professional.

• Avoid table tennis texts. It’s easy to lose control in the moment but once it’s in black and white, it can’t be erased
• Take a minute before responding, don’t be blinded by the red mist
• If a student is looking elsewhere for additional help, could there be a reason behind it? Instructors can take on too much, meaning they are unable to compromise on booking slots and availability. While this is their livelihood, the student will have to balance lessons around work and social life
• Don’t take things personally. Every day business can, and will, change hands, treat any business lost as a potential learning experience and constantly ask; “what can I do better next time?”

Above all else, try to remain calm and to keep professional at all times. Remember, there’s plenty more learners on the road.

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