Never Drive Faster Than Your Guardian Angel Can Fly
What can you learn about a person within the first ten minutes of watching them drive?
“The first lesson says a lot about a student. I can usually tell which transmission would suit them best, whether they’re likely to learn quickly or need more time, and sometimes even get a sense of their character.”
What fears do people bring into the car that have very little to do with driving itself?
“Many students put pressure on themselves from day one. They worry about disappointing their parents, keeping up with their friends, or not progressing quickly enough. Some are afraid of making mistakes or being judged – especially if they fear their instructor will be strict with them or yell at them.”
Have you ever had a student who was convinced they would never be able to drive? What changed them?
“Yes, quite often. I introduce them to the car controls gradually in a safe environment, make the lessons enjoyable, and encourage every small improvement. Step by step, their confidence grows, and they realise that driving is not as impossible as they first thought.”
At what moment do you usually see someone transform from a nervous learner into a driver who trusts themselves?
“It’s usually when they start understanding why they’re doing things, rather than just how to do them or doing them ‘by heart’. Once theory and practice come together, the bigger picture starts to make sense, and their confidence grows significantly.”
What is harder to teach: control of the car or control of fear?
“Car control is easier for me to teach, as that’s my profession. Fear is more personal, but I always do my best to help students overcome it.”
Do women and men approach learning to drive differently? What patterns have you personally noticed?
“Everyone is different. Some men can be more confident or have a bigger ego, whereas others prefer learning with a female instructor. In the end, once trust is established, personality matters more than gender.”
Have you taught women for whom getting a driving licence represented something much bigger than transportation – freedom, independence, or a new life?
“Absolutely. I often ask students whether they want the licence or truly need one, as there’s a big difference. For many women, driving represents freedom, independence, and new opportunities.”
What mistakes reveal overconfidence, and which ones reveal insecurity?
“Ignoring observations, road markings, or speed limits often shows overconfidence. Hesitation and lack of steering control usually point to insecurity.”
What behaviour on the road tells you most about someone’s character?
“Road rage says a lot about a person’s character. With students, it takes longer to understand them, but how someone reacts under pressure reveals a lot.”
Has being a driving instructor changed the way you judge people in everyday life?
“Definitely. Over the years, I’ve learnt not to judge a book by its cover. Some challenges aren’t immediately visible, yet they can have a big impact on someone’s driving and daily life.”
What makes a technically good driver different from a genuinely safe driver?
“A technically good driver knows how to operate a vehicle properly. A genuinely safe driver goes one step further by staying alert, anticipating risks, and making responsible decisions. Skill is important, but attitude and awareness are what keep people safe.”
What is something experienced drivers often do badly without realising it?
“Experienced drivers often pick up bad habits without realising it, such as clutch coasting in manual cars or crossing their hands when steering.”
What is the most difficult habit to remove from someone who already knows how to drive?
“Honestly, it’s better to teach someone from scratch than to correct bad habits. Clutch coasting, clutch riding, and poor steering techniques are among the most difficult habits to change. We teach the push-pull steering method, as it’s the safest technique.”
Have you ever refused to tell someone they were ready when they believed they were? How do you handle that responsibility?
“Yes, and it’s never an easy conversation. But my responsibility is to be honest, as safety must always come first. If a student isn’t ready, I explain what still needs improvement, support them through it, and help them build the skills and confidence they need before taking the test.”
What goes through your mind when a former student drives away alone for the first time?
“Nothing gives me more satisfaction than seeing former students driving independently. I often remember a favourite lesson and hope they’ll stay safe and remember the advice I gave them. Many tell me they still hear my voice in their heads when driving.”
What student story has stayed with you emotionally long after the lessons ended?
“During my 20 years as an instructor, I’ve had many memorable experiences, but one story has always stayed with me. A mother of four forgot to tell her husband that she had a driving lesson, and he repeatedly called during the lesson. I answered the calls to confirm that she was attending her lesson, but he continued demanding that she return home immediately. Months later, I learnt that she had suffered severe domestic abuse and that he was eventually arrested and sentenced to prison. Once she was free from that situation, she returned to her lessons and passed her test on her first attempt. That was a victory for both of us and a reminder that driving can represent so much more than transport.”
Running a driving school means your reputation depends directly on trust and results. What has been the hardest part of building that reputation?
“Every beginning is difficult. Punctuality, accountability, and consistency are essential. Once students trust you, building a strong reputation becomes much easier.”
You spend your working life sitting next to people who are making mistakes in real time. What has this profession taught you about patience?
“It has taught me to practise what I preach. Staying calm helps people concentrate and learn more effectively. I often use a running commentary exercise in which students say out loud what they see and what they plan to do. It naturally slows them down and helps them stay focused and calm.”
With cars becoming increasingly automated, what human driving skills do you think we must never lose?
“No matter how advanced cars become, we must never lose observation, awareness, smooth steering, speed control, safe following distances, and the proper use of indicators. Technology can assist us, but responsibility behind the wheel will always be a human skill.”
After teaching so many people to take control of a car, what has this profession taught you about taking control of your own life?
“Teaching driving has taught me a great deal about self-control. Every lesson requires planning, from routes and timing to adapting to each student’s needs. Outside of work, I’m a wife and mother of two, and when my children were younger, balancing everything was not always easy. I’ve learnt the importance of managing my time, making time for family, and looking after my own well-being through exercise. For me, good time management is the foundation of self-control, and when you have that balance, everything else becomes much easier.”
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