Operating in and around Kingston Upon Thames, former bank worker Andy qualified as an instructor back in 1993. First working with BSM, he made the move to the AA Driving School in 1996 and hasn’t looked back since.
Here we discuss how Andy has forged such a successful career over nearly three decades – and explore his emerging career as an author who writes books designed to help both learners and instructors.
Why did you move into instructing?
I was working at a bank for 13 years and didn’t get the promotion I was hoping for. I decided that I should try another career. After pursuing a couple of ventures, I realised that driving instructing would be a great choice.
“I had been told I was a good teacher plus I’ve always enjoyed driving so I put the two together – and here we are nearly thirty years later!”
What kind of instructor are you?
I’m very calm and encouraging without swamping the learner with instructions and advice. For instance, when situations are developing on the road during a lesson, I like pupils to decide what they are going to do when confronted by, say, a lorry up ahead.
I suggest what oncoming traffic might be intending to do – but leave it up to the pupil to decide how they’re going to deal with it.
What’s the best part of your job?
Without a doubt when my students pass their tests. There can also be an emotional aspect to it. For instance, soon after lockdown last year, I was approached by a son who wanted to pass his test fairly quickly because his father had cancer and didn’t have much time left.
The son wanted to pass his test so that he could take his father to various hospital appointments. This was the son’s way of helping support his dad during his final months.
“We put in a lot of hours to get him test ready and I had tears in my eyes when he passed first time. It meant the son could drive his dad round before he passed away.”
What’s the worst part of your job?
Teaching in very cold weather – not snow because teaching in that is actually quite fun! No, it’s when you’ve got a very early test and you have to leave before six o’clock in the morning sometimes. Doing that in extremely cold weather is really, really unpleasant!
What advice would you give to students wanting to get the most out of their lessons?
Always ask your instructor questions if you have any. Some students can be really quiet and you don’t get a question out of them for ages and ages.
Everyone has questions though but are reluctant to ask them perhaps because of shyness? However, the more a learner is encouraged to ask questions, the better!
Turning to the pandemic, how have you coped over the last two years?
Fortunately, the AA offered support during the first lockdown by not charging any franchise fees. Understandably, they couldn’t sustain that during the subsequent lockdowns but did allow instructors to defer payments if they needed to.
I decided not to and absorbed the cost. I was also able to claim the self employment grants offered by the government, which helped make the situation more bearable.
How did you spend time during the lockdowns?
I worked on completing my book Drive On When You’re Ready, which I finished in December 2020. In it, I detail the techniques and strategies that I have developed over my career but explained in a way that is designed to complement the learner’s lessons.
Ultimately, I want the book to trigger discussions between pupil and instructor – as well as the student’s parents – with the aim of making the pupil more confident plus well prepared for the practical test. All that while recognising the need for continual practice and improvement. It’s also being read by instructors too, which is great!
How has the book been received?
I launched it on Amazon in the middle of last year and so far, I have sold over 300 copies without paid advertising. I’ve also donated 33 books to worthy causes, including 10 to my youngest son’s former secondary school.
The book has been getting really good reviews too. The Driving Instructors Association is also currently preparing a review of my book and could feature it soon in one of their publications.
Do you have other books in the pipeline?
I am now working on a companion book called Driving On: Are You Really Ready?. It’s about what to expect once you have passed your test.
Think about it – most pupils have done their driving in or near their own locality and not ventured that far away. Once they pass though, they can suddenly go anywhere!
The book will offer guidance about all the emotions that you might affect how you drive at first plus the many distractions you’ll face. I am also in the planning phase of a huge series of ebooks – so watch this space!
Why are you so committed to writing?
I’m 65. That means retirement is not too far away and I have to consider how I will replace my income.
Yes, I’ll have a pension but I need something else to top it up so I can continue enjoying my standard of living when I finally hang my ADI keys for good!
Finally, what would you like to change about the industry?
The driving test booking system. Whether it’s not enough examiners being available or learners not turning up to their tests, some elements of the system aren’t hitting their mark and need rethinking urgently.
“Also, we’ve got to tackle those businesses that buy up driving test slots before selling them on at an extortionate price to learners desperate to take their test. That’s got to be stopped.”
Got a great instructor like Andy?
