driving instructor

[KevTM]

so i'm looking for a new job now as i was thinking about becoming a driving instructor. Phoned up a company that was in the recruitment paper today- they're sending me out an information pack.

at 25k to 30k per year + serviced car it seems ok.

I've been driving for about 4 and a half years and have 3 points- he said the points are ok, no problem.

Just wondering how long the training usually takes and if there's any driving instructors out there that can comment on the job.

[Frost]

I'm not an instructor, but i was the very first student of a guy who has recently become one. in our hours of driving he has talked alot about the training and certification he had to go through to become an instructor.

from the sounds of it you have to pass quite a few tests, including a few practicals and a theory test. Before your test(s) you have to have lessons from someone qualified. it is hard to find somebody qualified and lessons are expensive (£40+ per hour). the tests are also VERY strict! you have to do a reverse around a corner keeping the car exactly 6 inches away the whole way.
Wages are not brilliant, especially if you work for an agency. insurance is an complete fucker as you need the highest level of cover. finance on the car is also a sod, together with petrol prices.

basically: overheads are high, certification is expensive, hours are quite long
But you sit on your arse doing very little alot of the time, and if your good at it the money can improve

[KevTM]

well i had my talk today with a very fit lady at the centre! it all sounds pretty good. The first two tests, the theory and the driving test seem very straight forward and shouldn't cause any problems.

The only bit i think i may find difficult is the teaching section where you role play having an examiner playing the learner driver and you have to teach them accordingly, but i'll see how it goes.

Good thing is though one you've past the first two and have had 40 hours training on the 3rd part you can go out and work as a trainee making money

Funding shouldn't be too much of a problem as they're lots of schemes out there, even one by the government, a deffered repayment scheme.

Looks like i may have found my new career!

[tgabber]

[KevTM]

lol yeah the training part is what it's all about, i just don't like the idea of role playing and getting tested on it (i hate role playing). The teaching part itself shouldn't be too bad, probably easier than i think it is- just a little daunting i suppose.

Yeah they actually guarantee you a car and job straight after the training. If not, they put you onto BSM and the likes.

[headlamp]

Good luck with it!

Just a small word of caution, before you proceed. Just check with any friends or acquaintances that might have some inside track to make sure that they are a reputable company or a search on the Internet. Finally before you sign up, just ask them if you could talk to any people who would act as their referees that have done the Course and see what their experiences and how easy they got a job afterwards.

H
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Using a mobile phone while driving a car should be made a capital offence!

[KevTM]

the company is has been running for 16 years, they started out just doing the training then putting people on to driving schools but recently they've opened their own school and have centre all around the country. They seem ligit enough to me, plus she also said that i could come back and discuss points with instructors and talk to people that have already got a job with them.

just hope all goes well!

[billy whizz]

Good luck! if they send you to Cardington D.S.A centre you're going to need it Trust me!
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Here comes the summer!

[KevTM]

[billy whizz]

Yeah i had to go there when i was training to become a CBT instructor, worst two days of my life. I wouldnt send my worst enemy there!
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Here comes the summer!