Driving instructor

You would teach people how to drive safely and get the skills they need to pass their driving test.

You'll need to be patient and calm with learners. You’d give your instructions clearly and constructively explain when they make a mistake.

You would start by assessing a learner's driving knowledge and ability. Based on your assessment, you’d then plan a series of lessons to get the person to a standard where they can take their driving test.

Most driving lessons follow a similar pattern.

You would teach:

• How to use vehicle controls with confidence

• The correct approach to road safety

• How to manoeuvre, turn, reverse and park safely

• About driving laws and the Highway Code

• How to deal with emergency situations

• Basic vehicle checks

You’d adapt your teaching style to suit each person. Some learners may be very nervous about driving and panic if something unexpected happens.

You would normally use dual controls in the vehicle to make slight adjustments to the learner's driving. You’d observe what they do and react quickly and safely to any problems.

As a learner becomes more competent, you would take them on to busier roads, dual carriageways and more complex junctions like roundabouts.

As well as normal road driving, you might also give lessons in night driving and, for people who have passed their test, motorway driving.

You might also cover driving theory with your clients.

• UK Government - Become a driving instructor information

• Disclosure Scotland – more about the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme