You dumb, me dumber

When a driving instructor takes on the “master” role in the relationship with pupils, one of the pitfalls with the approach is that it is very easy to have the mindset that the pupil has to then work to satisfy the needs of the “master”.  As outlandish as this might at first appear, I have been in the industry long enough to know that this is happening out there. 

In actual fact, what makes smart training smart, is the fact that the instructor is working really hard to develop meaningful training to the PUPIL.  “Smart” does not mean squeezing in one more manoeuvre so that the session runs 10 minutes over the allotted time.  It does not mean giving a pupil a reward of being allowed to drive further afield than would normally be accepted. 

“Smart” training means creating a learning environment that is effective for your pupil.  It means you have to listen to what the pupil tells you in their feedback, you have to watch their actions to spot when anxiety levels are raising.  For training to be clever, it means your pupil is recognising improvement, they can sense progress, and they are very happy with the experience.  For it to be clever there would need to be a recognition of obstacles to learning, an appreciation of strengths and weaknesses in ability and a shared responsibility for seeking out solutions. 

When a working relationship is “smart” you will be truly amazed at what can be achieved.  But it doesn’t just happen.  The instructor has to work really hard to create this effective learning environment.

Stop playing the “master” and start to truly master your trade. There is more to running a successful driving school than working incredibly long hours in a very unproductive manner.

Tom Ingram provides driving instructor training to existing and trainee driving instructors.