Think back to when you were learning to drive — can you remember your first lesson?

You probably felt both nervous and excited, but if your driving instructor was personable, patient and calm, it’s likely that your nerves faded away pretty quickly. Learning to drive probably provided you with your first real taste of freedom, and represented a step closer towards adulthood, helping you to gain some independence. Therefore, the help, support and guidance that you got from your driving instructor might have made a lasting impression on you and perhaps it has prompted you to become a driving instructor yourself. 

If you’re wanting to pursue a career that is rewarding, sociable and flexible, then you might want to consider driving instruction. You’re far more likely to perform to the best of your ability in your work if you enjoy what you do, and if you’re thinking about making a career change, here’s some ways that becoming a driving instructor could add to your life. 

1. Develop A Work-Life Balance

You might currently be slogging it out, working a nine-till-five shift each day, only to come home exhausted and deflated, since your salary doesn’t reflect the effort that you’re putting in. As a driving instructor you’ll become your own boss, meaning you can control your workflow, hours and determine how much you earn. 

As long as you can remain somewhat flexible to cater to your pupils’ schedules, you can work the hours that you want, meaning you can make time for the things that matter to you. Once you’ve developed a work-life balance, you’ll be able to see the things that your job adds to your life, rather than the aspects that it detracts from. 

2. Socialize With New People

If you’re a people-person, then teaching new drivers could be the perfect career option for you. You’ll be able to meet and socialise with new people, getting to know them whilst teaching them a valuable life skill. 

To make them feel comfortable and to gain their trust, you’ll want to develop a relationship with your pupils, finding out more about them and just generally having a natter (when it’s safe to do so, of course). Who knows, you might make some long-lasting friendships and since many of your clients will find out about you through word-of-mouth recommendations, being sociable and friendly could help you to gain new habits in the future. 

3. Feel Satisfied at Work

Cast your mind back to the day that you passed your own driving test. You were probably elated and extremely grateful, knowing that you owe your success to your own hard work, and to the guidance and quality teaching that you got from your instructor. There’s something deeply satisfying about transforming someone from a nervous beginner into a proficient driver, who’s ready to take on the open road alone. Driving instruction can add to your life because you can walk away from your car each day knowing that you’re making a difference, teaching a skill that your pupils will most likely use their whole lives!