Driving is an intrinsic part of our daily lives. Getting a driver’s license is a milestone that many dream about in their youth. But what we often forget is the responsibility that comes along with learning the skill of driving. Driving safely and preventing road mishaps is the responsibility of the drivers. Along with that, it is also the driver’s responsibility to bear the consequences when involved in an accident or mishap. New drivers need to be taught these things from the very beginning so that it becomes a part of their psyche. And this is where driving instructors play a vital role. They are the main pillars in making the novices into safe and responsible drivers. And in Australia, where road safety is of utmost importance, good driving instructors are invaluable. Many driving schools in Australia offer separate driving instructor courses to train good instructors. But how do you know which instructors are good? What qualities should a good driving instructor have? Read on to find out.
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Qualities to Look for in Driving Instructors
Here are some of the qualities that a good driving instructor must have:
Qualified and Certified Instructors
To become a driving instructor in Australia, you need to fulfill certain legal requirements and obtain the necessary certification. The TLI41222 – Certificate IV in Motor Vehicle Driver Training is one such course. Driving instructors also undergo rigorous training to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to become an instructor. Many driving education institutions offer driving instructor courses that cover techniques, road regulations, and methods to teach novice drivers. On completion of these courses, the instructors get certification. Having certification means the instructor is competent enough to teach other drivers.
Clear and Effective Communication
Effective communication skills are the first requirement for a good quality driving instructor. An instructor must be able to give clear instructions and present their thoughts and messages concisely so that they’re easy to understand. This helps the students to understand and maneuver driving skills correctly. They should give clear instructions and explanations wherever needed and stay patient when dealing with a novice or inexperienced driver. A good instructor would adapt their teaching style to suit the individual preferences of the users.
Being Patient and Supportive
Driving can be a stressful exercise and learning to drive is no different. Instructors need to stay patient and calm while teaching new drivers. They should be able to show patience and empathy for other drivers. A good instructor would not just teach you all the necessary techniques but also reassure and support you when you’re feeling lonely. Driving instructors in Sydney or any other city of Australia must be patient and supportive when teaching the students the necessary skills.
Proficiency in Driving Techniques
Along with strong communication, good instructors should also have great driving skills. They should be proficient in driving techniques. They should also be well-versed in the different road rules of their state. A driving instructor in Canberra must ensure the new drivers and fully aware of and intune with the road regulations of Canberra, and the same for all other cities. But what’s more important is that they must be good at imparting practical and relevant driving skills to their students.
Professional Approach to Teaching
Good driving instructors know the importance of taking a professional approach to teaching. With their model behavior, they can inculcate good ethics and values like punctuality, integrity, dependability, and responsibility in their students. Maintaining confidentiality, being adaptive in training techniques and flexible in teaching and timings is also important. And above all, it is very important to prioritize safety over everything else. They should teach the students the importance and necessity of driving safely and responsibly.
Conclusion
Good driving instructors go beyond technical expertise to inculcate good values and ethics in their students. With exceptional driving skills, effective communication, and professional approach, they can transform an average driver into an aware and proficient one. Driving schools like the Academy of Road Safety offer specially crafted driving instructor courses to teach driving instructors to stay patient, communicate effectively and impart moral and ethical values along with teaching driving techniques to students.
Alicia Adamczyk is a New York City-based senior writer at Zobuz, covering money and careers. Prior to her role at Zobuz, Alicia worked as a senior money reporter at CNBC, and she held reporting roles at British Magazine and Lifehacker. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan.
