A Day In The Life of a Driving Instructor
25th August 2006

Recently an article appeared in the Longford Leader, entitled "A Day In The Life" where Noel Quinn was interviewed and asked "What is it like to be a Driving Instructor?"

How did you first become a driving instructor?

When I first had an interest in lorries and trucks, I got driving instruction from a friend of mine, Michael Hynes of Hynes Driving School which is also linked to Dublin Airport School of Motoring. Seemingly he must have been impressed with my driving, as he suggested I should go down the driver instructor route. I then purchased a grey Toyota Corina, resprayed it red, canvassed for my first pupil and got the school launched.

For how long have you been working in Longford?

I am working in Longford since 1990. However our network also covers Roscommon, Carrick-on-Shannon, Athlone and Sligo.

How many vehicles and staff do you have in the company?

At the moment our vehicles consist of four cars, four lorries, a mini bus plus heavy plant machinery including excavators, arctic dumper, site dumper, fork lift, teleporter and quad. There are six full time staff, plus one office person.

What’s a typical working day like for you?

First the day starts 8am by updating instructors on their day’s diary, meeting pupils for heavy plant training (excavator, dumpers etc) and complete practical and theory tests on these. After lunch there is office work to be done dealing with individuals, agencies and secondary schools. Instructors are then contacted to get an update on pupils’ progress in all vehicles. The day concludes by checking emails and phone messages that need urgent attention. We also give lessons until 11pm if necessary.

What do you think are the biggest problems learner drivers face in driving around Longford?

The biggest problem facing young drivers in the area is the absence of an off-road facility where beginners can learn the basic starting and stopping procedures as well as acquainting themselves with vehicle controls before they go on the road.

If a first time driver is nervous how do you help put them at ease behind the wheel?

After completing the standard introductory tuition for beginners, you assure the pupil that you have dual controls and that they can relax. A good sense of humour usually relaxes a pupil.

How many classes do people usually take before they do their driving test?

At the moment insurance companies are demanding that drivers have tuition taken from a recognised school. The number of lessons varies from one company to another but the minimum would be 10 lessons.

What’s your busiest time of year?

The school is busy all year round with the exception of peak holiday periods.

Is there a sense of achievement when you help somebody to pass their test?

There is a tremendous sense of achievement when a pupil passes their test first time. I suppose you could call it "job satisfaction".

Do you think that driving lessons should be taught in secondary schools?

Definitely. At the moment we have a package for secondary schools (transition year) which includes beginner tuition in the outdoor sports area, and discussion with personnel from the rescue services such as the fire crew and also accident victims.

Have you had any funny experiences with people taking lessons?

One day I was on a driving lesson with a nervous elderly lady in her own car. After turning into a local housing estate there was a cat sitting on the edge of the road. Immediately the cat leaped for a nearby tree and raced up to the very top of it as cats do. The woman saw the funny side of it and wondered did the cat want an aerial view of road traffic or did it decide that it may not have had nine lives after all!

What are the qualities that help to make a good driver?

A good driver must be alert, relaxed and have a good knowledge of the rules of the road.

What do you think of the standard of driving on our roads today?

It’s poor. A refresher course should be introduced for full license holders. This should lead to an improvement in road driving behaviour.

Do you enjoy your job?

Yes. There is nothing to equate to the joy and fulfillment of a person passing their driving test for the first time. I’d like to thank the Longford Leader and all the people who have taken lessons with us over the years.