Do your research

Intelligent Instructor is proud to have brought together industry experts to produce ‘The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Driving Instructor’.

It has been created in association with Drive.Day, a free magazine offering advice and guidance for those wishing to train and qualify as professional driving instructors.

This FREE 68-page digital magazine is packed with impartial, comprehensive, and detailed information for individuals looking to become driving instructors, and those who have already started out on the road to becoming a professional driver trainer.

Over the next ten weeks, we will publish a small selection of the articles in this guide.

This week, Laura Morris drills down into the importance of research before investing in instructor training services and providers

Do your Research

There are so many training options available, it’s important to know what it includes and
how it’s structured.

Looking for a local trainer early on is beneficial so that you have support, a point of
contact to ask questions and help you network in your local area, and so you can start your
practical Part 2 training early on. L
ocal trainers will often be happy for you to observe their lessons to gain experience.
Having a trainer who isn’t local is also an option, especially if they come highly
recommended and you wish to train with them. There’s nothing wrong with this and
buddying up with a local instructor too.

Different franchise options will suit different PDIs, depending on your circumstances. For
example, some franchises include the use of a car and insurance, though often with a higher
franchise fee. Smaller or local franchises may offer cheaper franchise rates but you need to
source your own car.

Doing your research is vital. You may have had good recommendations for a national
franchise, yet the local trainer might not suit your needs and style. Ask to speak to the
trainer you will be allocated, especially if you are training through a franchise. Furthermore,
ask to speak to PDIs who are training with your trainer, and seek other recommendations
and reviews. Don’t feel pressured into making a decision – take time to think about it and
speak to several trainers or training organisations. Check contracts and the small print, look
for the length of the contract, and the cancellation period too.

Aim for a training package with a clear structure, so you know what’s included. Know what
you are getting for your money and what training to expect, with no hidden surprises. Your
training should be up to date, relevant, balance theory and practice, and be flexible and
accommodating to your needs. Training sessions should be fun, inspiring, use your
transferrable skills, professional, and provide you with training materials and reflective logs
and feedback.

There’s also nothing wrong with having more than one trainer. Different trainers can provide
varying yet valuable insight and experience. However, you may receive conflicting
information, so having a trainer who can back up their answers with publications or further
resources is crucial. If you feel a trainer isn’t working for you, speak to them or the franchise
to resolve any issues. Ultimately, the quality of your training will affect your success as a
driving instructor, so having a trainer or training structure that works for you is a must.

The nature of the job is a practical skill, so quality in-car training is essential. However, there
are many good online resources and courses tailored to driving instructors and suited to PDIs
at different stages. Some offer a structured, comprehensive course, such as our Go Green
Driving Instructor Training courses, while others offer one-off courses or interactive online
sessions. Online courses can be a good option if you are struggling to find a quality local
trainer that suits your needs. You may also find that while you are getting decent training,
you want to ‘fill in the missing gaps’ and learn in your spare time.

Laura Morris

Go Green Driving Instructor Training

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