What I'm fascinated to know is how this excellent channel of yours got started, how it's grown and developed, as well as how it fits into your daily life and your time. Including the time taken to edit your footage and an idea of the volume of submissions you get from viewers etc. And as this channel has grown, so have the number of comments (and yes I know, I'm partly to blame for that). Would be really interesting to have a video as a look back to how this all started and developed. I still remember when your intro had no music and folks would think their sound was on mute!
Love listening to your comment on driving, I’ve learned so much and I’m 72 and have been driving since I was 17 - Not proud to say it took me four attempts. I didn’t pass until I had proper lessons, prior to that it was mum and dad and the farmers field! Cheers buddy. I think you have made me a better driver at my age, it’s never too late to learn!
Great video, I don’t have the confidence to be a driving instructor not just because I’ve only held my licence just over two years but I lack the confidence of telling someone what they should do. Think this goes back to my high school years where I was easy target as I came from a junior school no one else came from. On the plus side I’ve learned so much from watching your channel and as you can see I still watch your uploads. A big thumbs up from me 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Good video. Seemed to have popped up on my feed so whilst in the clinic i had a listen. The process can be time consuming especially if you are holding down a full time job. You need to be totally commited. Earnings vary. My area has always been slow. But i work hard to gain the students and work i need. Advertising is a must and it needs to be constant. Its either time consuming or expensive. I would say there is not one week where i have every student in my diary. I dont work at full capacity but its not uncommon to have 10+hours missing. Odd test times can wipe out 2/3 lessons. Its a decent job i love the flexibility but i dont expect to get rich.
Really good video and a great insight into the process of becoming an ADI. I will admit it was something I thought about in my younger years but I knew at the time I didn’t have the appropriate people skills to be able to teach someone from knowing nothing. That has changed over the years and while I now have those skills, other things in my life dictate that I cannot be away from my family all day, every day for 5-6 days a week I admire anyone that does this job, and I say job as I know for most it is enjoyed and it becomes a paid 40 hour hobby more than a job. Utmost respect you all 👊
Great video Ash! It is really interesting to hear about your backstory and I might have been one of the few subs who wasn’t aware of your footballing career. I really admire the way you conduct yourself and the fact that you have the courage to stand up for what you believe in, even when it might mean a loss of revenue or support from some. Thank you for sharing.
Interesting that you took your test outside your own local area. I've heard a fair number of learners are doing that to reduce their wait time. Also for the Roadsmart Advanced Master test, they specifically test you outside your own area. As you said, if you can drive, you should be able to drive anywhere, though obviously local knowledge always helps.
I actually did the same thing, live in west London and passed my test in north London, still had to wait, but not as long as I would have to locally. Maybe I heard Ashley saying it or maybe had the same view point on passing in the area I didn'tknow at the time, but my instructor was very surprised I wanted 'to take that risk'. I always encourage everyone to do the same thing
Loving your videos Ashley and didn't know you were an ex-pro until now. Saw you played for my team Huddersfield I was a season ticket holder when you were there 96-97
You have the perfect attitude for this, and I point to your videos for all road users. If everyone adopted the same mindset, there would be far less accidents on our roads
Excellent content for those of us who may have considered this as an alternative career! In my case, I switched from professional Defence Analyst to become a contract Taxi driver (for less than 6 months, because the minimum wage was not sufficient compensation for my time with the wheels turning) then a local council bus driver taking the elderly and/or infirm passengers to local day centres for my final most rewarding 2.5 years before age and dodgy knees took their toll and I finally retired, age 66 years, when I could have been one of the few people eligible to retire one year earlier! Now happily retired, aged 70! Well done Ashley, your content continues to inform and inspire your regular subscribers!
Really great video Ash, I’ve been subscribing to your channel since I was a PDI. I didn’t get through passing my part 3 before Covid. That turned out to be a blessing as the pandemic would’ve been a financial catastrophe to a new business. I’ve been hiring a dual control car with my nephew recently as he can’t get an instructor so I’m getting him grounded, my elder son turns 17 soon so will do the same for him. This “school of Mum & Dad” is a bit better than most 😂, between teaching my nephew and watching this video my interest in being an ADI is returning.
Thank you for sharing your experience, that's precious. I've just recently passed my part 1 in Ireland and looking forward to move on to the driving. If I make it I'm going to aim to top class level of teaching, so I was really happy to come across your channel. Thank you for the inspiration!
Although this video isn't to demonstrate driving technique, at around 2:56, a very good example of looking both ways when emerging left out of a side street onto a main road. Many drivers only look to the right (in the UK) and in the absence of traffic from that direction, pull out without checking to the left as well.
Just last night I was pulling out of a petrol station, as I was near traffic light cross roads I could see to the right I had a lot of time to pull out but on a quick glance left (traffic coming from the left was at a standstill for the traffic lights) a car was on the wrong side of the road trying to bypass the standing traffic to get into the petrol station, I have to admit I only gave a quick glance left just as I was starting to move!
That was great Ashley, really appreciate your insights and candor on the career/vocation. 3 Months ago I got myself to the point where I am ADI registered but not yet commited to taking Test Pt1 or any formal training. It is still my ambition to become a Driving Instructor and I thank you for raising some very important points regarding the training. I have of course explored numerous options for training available to me in my area, including one of the businesses you mentioned. Obviously it is a descision for each individual to make for themeselves, but I thank you for giving me pause in this area.
This another good video Ashley! My Mum wanted to be a driving instructor years ago but due to other reasons she couldn't do it 😊 she would of been a very good instructor 😊
Great summary Ashley, thank you. I had an intro day with the Instructor College in 2000, but didn't pursue at that time. In 2003, I signed up with BSM. Great training, and qualified in 7 months, when test wait times were acceptable. Stayed with BSM until late 2010, then moved to the AA, where I moved towards fleet training. Stayed franchised until end 2018. A franchise can bring great peace of mind, with a replacement vehicle next day if needed, plus their sickness insurance was brilliant when I needed it for 6 months. Have to work a lot more hours to pay a franchise though. Now independent, and avoiding learners, only working 2 days a week, about to be nicely subsidised by a pension, thank you all for contributing. While training in Reading, we witnessed Instructor College trainers stood with trainees on the pavement, watching another trainee reverse around a corner. They would train 3 at a time. With a trainee instructor being a qualified driver, that was odd, but ok. However, subsequently I've seen instructors doing the same with learners, which is very wrong, as well as offences being committed. Still see this occasionally now, so many years on. A good example of the need to ensure instructions are properly understood. With Instructor College, you'd pay the training fees upfront, often with their finance, but if you dropped out, there was no refund, but still a big debt. No idea if that still happens. In the early 2000s, the fees were around £3500, with no payments due until drop out or qualification. Total could go beyond £7000, even if you dropped out. Ouch. So anyone looking at this, needs to be completely aware of costs.
When I trained in the mid 1980's in the Midlands I received some excellent tuition for all 3 parts from Margaret Stacey who ran a training school with her husband Nigel Stacey, co-author of the The Driving Instructors Handbook with John Miller. I stayed 10 yrs in the industry and then moved on to a different office based career but still fondly remember my days out on the road with pupils from all walks of life.
Hat off to you mate, you're a star in more ways than one. Even though I've been driving for over 40 years, I still learn something with every video I watch. I also admire you for your ability to do what you do; I just don't have the temperament to teach, even if it's a subject I know well, I'd just run out of patience in 5 minutes flat 😂
Very interesting watch. Thanks for putting it together. Becoming an instructor was something I did consider once (with one of the national chains) but like you say you need to be aware of what you’re signing up for. I didn’t feel comfortable doing that and have never pursued it since. BTW interesting to note lesson prices. I learned to drive in 2002. My instructor was semi retired. He charged me £10 an hour. I don’t think I even spent £100 learning before I passed. (First time)
I passed my Driving Test first try thanks to you Ashley. I come from Northampton, live near Stratford upon Avon and did my test in Peterborough. So as you say, if you can drive then you should be able to drive anywhere.
Thanks for the insights Ash. I wonder if you can help, I'm not wanting to become a ADI but would love to improve my driving and Parts 1 and 2 sound of interest. Is there other driving courses that could be of benefit or is it worth doing parts 1 and 2 without part 3?
One thing I have fundamentally changed from the way my instructor taught me to drive is regarding use of gears when slowing down or stopping. Back in the day, I was taught to change down sequentially through each and every gear. But I subsequently modified that to remain in the existing higher gear and only select the appropriate lower gear once I actually need it. Times have changed and this latter method is now the official advice I believe, especially with the increase of disc brakes.
I have only a couple of snapshot photo memories of my driving instruction and test . Can't remember what was said in detail I must admit . It was 45 calendar years now.
Using the gears to slow was necessary in the early years of motor cars, as brakes were very poor. Not been necessary since the early 1950s, but some instructors still teach it. IAM Roadsmart and the police, were using the 'gears to go, brakes to slow' principle in the mid 50s. Some things can be slow to change.
@@nigelcox1451 One situation where I do use the gears to control speed is on a downhill stretch for engine braking if it would mean constant or considerable use of brakes. Another situation is to be in 3rd gear rather than 4th to help keep within a 30 mph limit. But that's more a case of using gears to keep at a constant speed rather than for slowing down.
Wow,listening to this video re living my qualifiction process with the Instructor college Brentwood essex 2001,passed 1st-2nd-1st then unfortunately had my last test sept 2018 finally having to retire due to MS,finished as a grade A.Loved my time as an ADI and of course enjoy watching your great productions on here.👍
I’d be really interested to hear your thoughts on the merits or demerits of learning to drive a manual versus an automatic as a new 17 year old driver. Most vehicles will be automatic in the future- does it make it easier to learn and pass, or is it still a good plan to learn in a manual? Really interested to know your thoughts & appreciate it may vary by person etc.
Can’t say the job is for me but after 5 years of properly driving and a few days here and there before that I’ve learnt my approach into situations wasn’t always the best approach for everybody, I’ve encouraged colleagues at work to check the channel out as today I’m still learning
I have a great deal of sympathy for all the folk that went through this whole process to get qualified...and then Covid hit. I sure hope they bounced back after all that effort. Either way, must have been incredibly frustrating.
I didn’t get through it before Covid hit but I’m glad as I feel I dodged a bullet. I did enjoy my training and have been thinking about doing it again but had I passed and started up just before the pandemic it would’ve been a financial disaster.
I got my ADI badge on 27th February 2020 and therefore couldn’t claim any support at all. I started as soon as I could. I abided by the law but anything that was called guidance I felt free to ignore. As a result people beat a path to my door because I was one of the few instructors to start again at the point I wasn’t breaking the law. I didn’t insist on masks or any of the other stuff providing my learners were happy with that. Not a single one was bothered, which I still find interesting.
@@dickyr3295 I still had to mask up for the test in 2022. I didn't care as long as I could get the test out of the way. Most instructors who I had contact with were very persistent about wearing a mask but didn't insist on whether I did or not.
Hi Ash only recently found the channel around the time you had the issues with the Golf GTi. Please pass on my best regards to your Dad, you are his double by the way. Ur Dad was always extremely kind to me and very generous with his time with my family. I've lost his phone number since last having him over for an after dinner. Happy New Year and best wishes to you all for 2024.
If you can drive in one town, you can drive in _any_ town. True. My son took his test in a town 30 miles from where he took lessons and passed first time.
Back in 2000 i trained to be a ADI, funny enough with the instructor college. it was promised to train around your current job, but trying to do the second part of the training showed you couldn't, i couldn't get any training done on this because of limited availability being snapped up before my shifts at work were even on the board!! cut a long story short they went under and took my money with them!!! Red driving school took over but refused to let me continue without paying them the thousands of pounds again!!! so i became a bus driver instead, I was looking at becoming a instructor for pcv but don't know where to start.
It would be interesting to learn how you made the transition into being a driving school owner. What kind of money does one need to do this, how did you get that money together working on an instructors wage etc, what else is involved? I would imagine there are alot of instructors who aspire to owning a school. Thank you.
Would love to hear some more about your time in professional football and how that might've help shape your driving instructor career. Ever done any podcasts on it?
It sounds like the completion rate is around 25% rather than the pass rate if it includes people that do not fully complete the courses…although it could just be semantics I love how wording in language changes between people and professions. You as a driving instructor see a pass at the end, whereas me as a computer engineer see a process being completed 👍
No it is pass rate, I just think Ash is misinformed or has misunderstood the data, hence the inaccurate explanation. What should have been said is it's the fact that you have 3 attempts that increases your odds, so the overall pass rate (of part 3) is more like 50-60%, even though the per test average is only 25% (probably slightly higher, but I can't be bothered to crunch the latest figures to check). No idea what the overall completion from start to end is though, maybe something like 40%?
The helpful driver at 22:44 who held back for you must have been one of your subscribers, spotted your car and knew you were filming! I'd love to claim it was me but it wasn't. 😊
I had a little chuckle around 31:35 when Ashley spotted someone and asked if they had seen him…in a bright green car wearing a bright orange (maybe red, camera colour distortion can be problematic sometimes) top 😉 Reminds me of a time when I was walking and trying to zone out from everyone I didn’t notice one of my friends standing in front me 🤦♂️
@@smilerbob I remember Jasper Carrot commenting how it's a thing when 8 people get into a lift, they are all looking in 8 different directions to avoid eye contact. The missing horse Shergar is probably in a lift somewhere but nobody's noticed! Same for Lord Lucan.
Does anyone here still occasionally / regularly drive along the route you had for your driving test all those years or decades ago? And if so, does it bring back memories of your test? It happens to me.
Not me, I try to avoid the area as much as I can as it brings back nightmares 🤣 Joking aside, I have travelled the area occasionally and it is a lot different from passing the test to taking the test. Less pressure or more experience? Or maybe a little bit of both
As I'm listening to all this, I'm wondering how the UK compares to driving instructor qualifications around the world. It actually sounds quite rigorous and of a high standard here in the UK with ongoing checks.
Although the standard expected of instructors here is reasonably high, a lot of instructors unfortunately don't seem to stick to that after they've passed the test. From what I've seen on the Facebook groups, many seem to spend a lot of time worrying about the current standards check "trigger" system, rather than just keeping their standards up so that a standards check is a non-issue.
So, The Instructor College are no more.. think it was back in the 80s I had the initial interview with them in Croydon (Croydon Airport?) But, in the end I didn't have the confidence to start the course and go self employed and was dubious about the company, so remained as a fire engineer for the next 30 odd years which I knew was a reasonably safe job, but uninteresting..
Great insight Ash. I’m been an ADI 16 years and, like you said, it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I did Part 1 on my own using the books and DVD’s. Theory test pro wasn’t around then. Did Part 2 with the AA and then stayed with that trainer for my part 3 but he had left the AA then & was independent. Looking back, I should have tied all the Parts together like you said you do with Parts 1 & 2. I treated them as separate hurdles which, on reflection, isn’t the best way as I should have learned the theory side of it then tied it into either the Part 2 or 3 as I would have been easier to understand. I did my 40 hours to get my trainee licence and chose a local school that had a 2 week franchise cancellation policy as I didn’t want to be tied in. I was with them 9 months then went independent. I don’t want to sound negative but I feel you should have touched on pupils cancelling lessons. Every instructor has their own ways of dealing with this but it is a fact. I know some who are adamant that if a pupil cancels they charge and some who are more flexible. I personally find it’s a balance & you find out who the messers are and you have to be realistic. I’m doing half learners, half Fleet these days and it’s a nice balance for me.
@@ashley_neal it’s a good subject to cover and one of the few downsides to the job. It’s a difficult one in my opinion as, if you charge, they can turn up full of a cold, have a crap lesson and give you a bug. If you don’t charge, you can be walked all over.
Interseting that you mention big companies. All those years ago when I learned to drive I went with a well known three letter abbreviation for a School of Motoring that is British and after a few lessons my instructor went independent from them. He was an absolutely fantastic instructor and I do hope he is still doing well as his attitude and teaching style is the same as yours. There is then a lesser known national franchise that operates in my area where the level of instruction, at least from one instructor, is questionable to say the least.
I remember I had booked my first driving lesson with Red. Came to the day, it's getting closer to the lesson time, and I hadn't heard anything. Got to 5 minutes, nothing. 10 minutes after / late, nothing. I called up only to be told I hadn't even been booked in for a lesson. Would never recommend them to someone wanting to drive.
It was a fiver an hour with me in 1982..! Only had 12 lessons and passed 1st time, although I think 3 years on a bike previous to that helped. Went out with my dad a lot too, he was a brilliant driver.
Very interesting it's not something I personally would want to do . When I learned to drive I paid £12 and if I remember correctly I was on a second year apprenticeship wage for a joiner which was £70 to give some context
So you trained to be an instructor/trainer for learner drivers and learner instructors. Have you considered to train to be an examiner for learner drivers and learner instructors?
Not all that many instructors want to switch to being examiners. For one thing, examiners tend to earn less, but I also suspect most of us who decide to be an instructor because we enjoy teaching wouldn't find being an examiner as fulfilling.
Ashley, would you ever consider taking the Roadsmart Advanced test and thereafter the Masters? You would ace both and as an added bonus, it would make for a very interesting video (or two) regarding the whole experience. "How to pass the Advanced Roadsmart test like a driving instructor".
I came to this from the opposite direction. I passed my advanced test on a motorcycle in 1979, and then taught learner motorcyclists, as a hobby, for 5 years, then progressed to coaching motorcyclists to take their advanced test. Also passed the advanced car test in 1980, later coaching for that. Took redundancy late 2003, became an instructor, through the processes Ashley has described, turned a hobby into a living.
@@ashley_neal Oh I will most definitely be "Watching this space" with interest Ash. I realise you can't video the actual test, let alone post it publicly but a follow up video would be fantastic.
I remember I paid 50 quid an hour for my driving lessons up in Kendal, Cumbria back in 2019. Great instructor though and I passed first time after a few months. I'd call myself an enthusiastic and "skilled" driver though, I picked it up relatively quickly I think.
After three years you are not skilled driver,you are too inexperienced to be one. You sound a bit arragant to me. It takes years to become skilled driver You need over 100,000 miles to be a skilled driver. Have you had your driving assessed lately,or have had more driver coaching? Have you read the Police drivers manual Roadcraft? If you do all these things in a few years you may be a skilled driver...Good luck and happy driving.
The instructor college were a massive scam, I paid to do a course with them, started the classroom training. they they went bust taking my money. And the money I had paid to be registered as a trainee instructor disappeared as well. I went into working in hospitality instead (I needed to do something as I had to replenish my savings.)
Ashley talked about leasing when calculating the cost, which would likely mean dual controls are already fitted (definitely with the AA route). The cost of fitting duals if you buy your own car is noteworthy, but if you own the car for a couple of years is not too significant.
I think driving instructor competence has dropped like a stone in recent years, i have had learners pull out of junctions in front of me flash there hazards so that makes it ok, in the last week i have had learners pull across the front of me at mini roundabouts, they just go with no indication if there is no indication i say you are going straight on but the instructor said i should have waited, i would still be there now if i did, special mention to passmaster, i was on a main road, he pulled out causing me to jam on then said i should have given way, another one blamed his pupil, i asked if he had dual controls he said he did. i did have one outside the doctors, i was reverse parking into a tight space he reversed back to make it easier.
So you're "49 in a week or so" Ash. Very interesting, because my mum's birthday is on January 12th when she turns 88. I wonder if you both share the same birthday. I appreciate you may want to keep your specific date under wraps but just a thought.
Well, put it this way. It doesn't matter if they have electric cars. Petrol cars or flying cars they will always need driving instructors. So I don't think it's a career. What's going to disappear in 20 years time , say ? 🏴
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What I'm fascinated to know is how this excellent channel of yours got started, how it's grown and developed, as well as how it fits into your daily life and your time. Including the time taken to edit your footage and an idea of the volume of submissions you get from viewers etc. And as this channel has grown, so have the number of comments (and yes I know, I'm partly to blame for that). Would be really interesting to have a video as a look back to how this all started and developed. I still remember when your intro had no music and folks would think their sound was on mute!
Love listening to your comment on driving, I’ve learned so much and I’m 72 and have been driving since I was 17 - Not proud to say it took me four attempts. I didn’t pass until I had proper lessons, prior to that it was mum and dad and the farmers field! Cheers buddy. I think you have made me a better driver at my age, it’s never too late to learn!
Great video, I don’t have the confidence to be a driving instructor not just because I’ve only held my licence just over two years but I lack the confidence of telling someone what they should do. Think this goes back to my high school years where I was easy target as I came from a junior school no one else came from. On the plus side I’ve learned so much from watching your channel and as you can see I still watch your uploads. A big thumbs up from me 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Good video. Seemed to have popped up on my feed so whilst in the clinic i had a listen.
The process can be time consuming especially if you are holding down a full time job. You need to be totally commited.
Earnings vary. My area has always been slow. But i work hard to gain the students and work i need. Advertising is a must and it needs to be constant. Its either time consuming or expensive.
I would say there is not one week where i have every student in my diary. I dont work at full capacity but its not uncommon to have 10+hours missing. Odd test times can wipe out 2/3 lessons.
Its a decent job i love the flexibility but i dont expect to get rich.
You're an absolute legend! It's great to hear how you started out as an instructor.
Really good video and a great insight into the process of becoming an ADI. I will admit it was something I thought about in my younger years but I knew at the time I didn’t have the appropriate people skills to be able to teach someone from knowing nothing. That has changed over the years and while I now have those skills, other things in my life dictate that I cannot be away from my family all day, every day for 5-6 days a week
I admire anyone that does this job, and I say job as I know for most it is enjoyed and it becomes a paid 40 hour hobby more than a job. Utmost respect you all 👊
Great video Ash! It is really interesting to hear about your backstory and I might have been one of the few subs who wasn’t aware of your footballing career. I really admire the way you conduct yourself and the fact that you have the courage to stand up for what you believe in, even when it might mean a loss of revenue or support from some. Thank you for sharing.
I always recommend you ash because of my experience you made the whole thing enjoyable and interesting...this video brought it all back
🙌🏻
Interesting that you took your test outside your own local area. I've heard a fair number of learners are doing that to reduce their wait time. Also for the Roadsmart Advanced Master test, they specifically test you outside your own area. As you said, if you can drive, you should be able to drive anywhere, though obviously local knowledge always helps.
I actually did the same thing, live in west London and passed my test in north London, still had to wait, but not as long as I would have to locally. Maybe I heard Ashley saying it or maybe had the same view point on passing in the area I didn'tknow at the time, but my instructor was very surprised I wanted 'to take that risk'. I always encourage everyone to do the same thing
I very proudly am a member of the IAM, watch your videos to keep me up to date, so thanks.
Loving your videos Ashley and didn't know you were an ex-pro until now. Saw you played for my team Huddersfield I was a season ticket holder when you were there 96-97
You have the perfect attitude for this, and I point to your videos for all road users. If everyone adopted the same mindset, there would be far less accidents on our roads
Excellent content for those of us who may have considered this as an alternative career! In my case, I switched from professional Defence Analyst to become a contract Taxi driver (for less than 6 months, because the minimum wage was not sufficient compensation for my time with the wheels turning) then a local council bus driver taking the elderly and/or infirm passengers to local day centres for my final most rewarding 2.5 years before age and dodgy knees took their toll and I finally retired, age 66 years, when I could have been one of the few people eligible to retire one year earlier! Now happily retired, aged 70! Well done Ashley, your content continues to inform and inspire your regular subscribers!
I’m only 20 years of age, but I’m considering becoming a driving instructor when I turn 21 later this year.
Really great video Ash, I’ve been subscribing to your channel since I was a PDI. I didn’t get through passing my part 3 before Covid. That turned out to be a blessing as the pandemic would’ve been a financial catastrophe to a new business. I’ve been hiring a dual control car with my nephew recently as he can’t get an instructor so I’m getting him grounded, my elder son turns 17 soon so will do the same for him. This “school of Mum & Dad” is a bit better than most 😂, between teaching my nephew and watching this video my interest in being an ADI is returning.
Thank you for sharing your experience, that's precious. I've just recently passed my part 1 in Ireland and looking forward to move on to the driving. If I make it I'm going to aim to top class level of teaching, so I was really happy to come across your channel. Thank you for the inspiration!
I have recently been looking into becoming an instructor this video is super helpful. Thank you
Although this video isn't to demonstrate driving technique, at around 2:56, a very good example of looking both ways when emerging left out of a side street onto a main road. Many drivers only look to the right (in the UK) and in the absence of traffic from that direction, pull out without checking to the left as well.
Just last night I was pulling out of a petrol station, as I was near traffic light cross roads I could see to the right I had a lot of time to pull out but on a quick glance left (traffic coming from the left was at a standstill for the traffic lights) a car was on the wrong side of the road trying to bypass the standing traffic to get into the petrol station, I have to admit I only gave a quick glance left just as I was starting to move!
That was great Ashley, really appreciate your insights and candor on the career/vocation. 3 Months ago I got myself to the point where I am ADI registered but not yet commited to taking Test Pt1 or any formal training. It is still my ambition to become a Driving Instructor and I thank you for raising some very important points regarding the training. I have of course explored numerous options for training available to me in my area, including one of the businesses you mentioned. Obviously it is a descision for each individual to make for themeselves, but I thank you for giving me pause in this area.
This another good video Ashley! My Mum wanted to be a driving instructor years ago but due to other reasons she couldn't do it 😊 she would of been a very good instructor 😊
Great summary Ashley, thank you.
I had an intro day with the Instructor College in 2000, but didn't pursue at that time. In 2003, I signed up with BSM. Great training, and qualified in 7 months, when test wait times were acceptable. Stayed with BSM until late 2010, then moved to the AA, where I moved towards fleet training. Stayed franchised until end 2018. A franchise can bring great peace of mind, with a replacement vehicle next day if needed, plus their sickness insurance was brilliant when I needed it for 6 months. Have to work a lot more hours to pay a franchise though. Now independent, and avoiding learners, only working 2 days a week, about to be nicely subsidised by a pension, thank you all for contributing.
While training in Reading, we witnessed Instructor College trainers stood with trainees on the pavement, watching another trainee reverse around a corner. They would train 3 at a time. With a trainee instructor being a qualified driver, that was odd, but ok. However, subsequently I've seen instructors doing the same with learners, which is very wrong, as well as offences being committed. Still see this occasionally now, so many years on. A good example of the need to ensure instructions are properly understood.
With Instructor College, you'd pay the training fees upfront, often with their finance, but if you dropped out, there was no refund, but still a big debt. No idea if that still happens. In the early 2000s, the fees were around £3500, with no payments due until drop out or qualification. Total could go beyond £7000, even if you dropped out. Ouch. So anyone looking at this, needs to be completely aware of costs.
When I trained in the mid 1980's in the Midlands I received some excellent tuition for all 3 parts from Margaret Stacey who ran a training school with her husband Nigel Stacey, co-author of the The Driving Instructors Handbook with John Miller. I stayed 10 yrs in the industry and then moved on to a different office based career but still fondly remember my days out on the road with pupils from all walks of life.
Hat off to you mate, you're a star in more ways than one. Even though I've been driving for over 40 years, I still learn something with every video I watch. I also admire you for your ability to do what you do; I just don't have the temperament to teach, even if it's a subject I know well, I'd just run out of patience in 5 minutes flat 😂
Very interesting watch. Thanks for putting it together. Becoming an instructor was something I did consider once (with one of the national chains) but like you say you need to be aware of what you’re signing up for. I didn’t feel comfortable doing that and have never pursued it since.
BTW interesting to note lesson prices. I learned to drive in 2002. My instructor was semi retired. He charged me £10 an hour. I don’t think I even spent £100 learning before I passed. (First time)
I passed my Driving Test first try thanks to you Ashley.
I come from Northampton, live near Stratford upon Avon and did my test in Peterborough. So as you say, if you can drive then you should be able to drive anywhere.
Heh. Peterborough is another world, on a par with Milton Keynes 😵💫😋
Thanks Ashley.
Thanks for the insights Ash. I wonder if you can help, I'm not wanting to become a ADI but would love to improve my driving and Parts 1 and 2 sound of interest. Is there other driving courses that could be of benefit or is it worth doing parts 1 and 2 without part 3?
Take a look at IAM and RoSPA courses as they are a similar level (although sometimes slightly different style) to Part 2
@@ashley_neal Thank you for that. Much appricated for the time.
One thing I have fundamentally changed from the way my instructor taught me to drive is regarding use of gears when slowing down or stopping. Back in the day, I was taught to change down sequentially through each and every gear. But I subsequently modified that to remain in the existing higher gear and only select the appropriate lower gear once I actually need it. Times have changed and this latter method is now the official advice I believe, especially with the increase of disc brakes.
I have only a couple of snapshot photo memories of my driving instruction and test . Can't remember what was said in detail I must admit . It was 45 calendar years now.
Using the gears to slow was necessary in the early years of motor cars, as brakes were very poor. Not been necessary since the early 1950s, but some instructors still teach it. IAM Roadsmart and the police, were using the 'gears to go, brakes to slow' principle in the mid 50s. Some things can be slow to change.
@@nigelcox1451 One situation where I do use the gears to control speed is on a downhill stretch for engine braking if it would mean constant or considerable use of brakes. Another situation is to be in 3rd gear rather than 4th to help keep within a 30 mph limit. But that's more a case of using gears to keep at a constant speed rather than for slowing down.
Wow,listening to this video re living my qualifiction process with the Instructor college Brentwood essex 2001,passed 1st-2nd-1st then unfortunately had my last test sept 2018 finally having to retire due to MS,finished as a grade A.Loved my time as an ADI and of course enjoy watching your great productions on here.👍
Sad to hear about the MS, something quite close to home for me
I just looked you up on Wikipedia. I didn't know Phil Neal is your dad!
I’d be really interested to hear your thoughts on the merits or demerits of learning to drive a manual versus an automatic as a new 17 year old driver.
Most vehicles will be automatic in the future- does it make it easier to learn and pass, or is it still a good plan to learn in a manual?
Really interested to know your thoughts & appreciate it may vary by person etc.
Can’t say the job is for me but after 5 years of properly driving and a few days here and there before that I’ve learnt my approach into situations wasn’t always the best approach for everybody, I’ve encouraged colleagues at work to check the channel out as today I’m still learning
Greetings from Canterbury. This will be most interesting to learn more of Ashley's background. I did already know about his football background.
Cantebury*
@@123MondayTuesday I was fully expecting the usual friendly wind up from you today...and you did not disappoint. 😃
I have a great deal of sympathy for all the folk that went through this whole process to get qualified...and then Covid hit. I sure hope they bounced back after all that effort. Either way, must have been incredibly frustrating.
I didn’t get through it before Covid hit but I’m glad as I feel I dodged a bullet. I did enjoy my training and have been thinking about doing it again but had I passed and started up just before the pandemic it would’ve been a financial disaster.
I got my ADI badge on 27th February 2020 and therefore couldn’t claim any support at all. I started as soon as I could. I abided by the law but anything that was called guidance I felt free to ignore. As a result people beat a path to my door because I was one of the few instructors to start again at the point I wasn’t breaking the law. I didn’t insist on masks or any of the other stuff providing my learners were happy with that. Not a single one was bothered, which I still find interesting.
@@dickyr3295
I still had to mask up for the test in 2022. I didn't care as long as I could get the test out of the way. Most instructors who I had contact with were very persistent about wearing a mask but didn't insist on whether I did or not.
Hi Ash only recently found the channel around the time you had the issues with the Golf GTi. Please pass on my best regards to your Dad, you are his double by the way. Ur Dad was always extremely kind to me and very generous with his time with my family. I've lost his phone number since last having him over for an after dinner. Happy New Year and best wishes to you all for 2024.
If you can drive in one town, you can drive in _any_ town. True. My son took his test in a town 30 miles from where he took lessons and passed first time.
Back in 2000 i trained to be a ADI, funny enough with the instructor college. it was promised to train around your current job, but trying to do the second part of the training showed you couldn't, i couldn't get any training done on this because of limited availability being snapped up before my shifts at work were even on the board!! cut a long story short they went under and took my money with them!!! Red driving school took over but refused to let me continue without paying them the thousands of pounds again!!! so i became a bus driver instead, I was looking at becoming a instructor for pcv but don't know where to start.
It would be interesting to learn how you made the transition into being a driving school owner. What kind of money does one need to do this, how did you get that money together working on an instructors wage etc, what else is involved? I would imagine there are alot of instructors who aspire to owning a school. Thank you.
Would love to hear some more about your time in professional football and how that might've help shape your driving instructor career. Ever done any podcasts on it?
It sounds like the completion rate is around 25% rather than the pass rate if it includes people that do not fully complete the courses…although it could just be semantics
I love how wording in language changes between people and professions. You as a driving instructor see a pass at the end, whereas me as a computer engineer see a process being completed 👍
No it is pass rate, I just think Ash is misinformed or has misunderstood the data, hence the inaccurate explanation.
What should have been said is it's the fact that you have 3 attempts that increases your odds, so the overall pass rate (of part 3) is more like 50-60%, even though the per test average is only 25% (probably slightly higher, but I can't be bothered to crunch the latest figures to check).
No idea what the overall completion from start to end is though, maybe something like 40%?
The helpful driver at 22:44 who held back for you must have been one of your subscribers, spotted your car and knew you were filming! I'd love to claim it was me but it wasn't. 😊
I had a little chuckle around 31:35 when Ashley spotted someone and asked if they had seen him…in a bright green car wearing a bright orange (maybe red, camera colour distortion can be problematic sometimes) top 😉
Reminds me of a time when I was walking and trying to zone out from everyone I didn’t notice one of my friends standing in front me 🤦♂️
@@smilerbob I remember Jasper Carrot commenting how it's a thing when 8 people get into a lift, they are all looking in 8 different directions to avoid eye contact. The missing horse Shergar is probably in a lift somewhere but nobody's noticed! Same for Lord Lucan.
@@ibs5080Oh yes, I remember that sketch and I am one of those looking around avoiding eye contact
@@smilerbob Lord Lucan might be before your very eyes.
@@smilerbob Would you believe, I'm currently watching a documentary about the year 1974 and there's quite a lengthy mention about Lord Lucan.
Does anyone here still occasionally / regularly drive along the route you had for your driving test all those years or decades ago? And if so, does it bring back memories of your test? It happens to me.
Not me, I try to avoid the area as much as I can as it brings back nightmares 🤣
Joking aside, I have travelled the area occasionally and it is a lot different from passing the test to taking the test. Less pressure or more experience? Or maybe a little bit of both
As I'm listening to all this, I'm wondering how the UK compares to driving instructor qualifications around the world. It actually sounds quite rigorous and of a high standard here in the UK with ongoing checks.
What a great shame it is that this same level of rigour isn’t applied to other fields and qualifications.
Although the standard expected of instructors here is reasonably high, a lot of instructors unfortunately don't seem to stick to that after they've passed the test.
From what I've seen on the Facebook groups, many seem to spend a lot of time worrying about the current standards check "trigger" system, rather than just keeping their standards up so that a standards check is a non-issue.
So, The Instructor College are no more.. think it was back in the 80s I had the initial interview with them in Croydon (Croydon Airport?) But, in the end I didn't have the confidence to start the course and go self employed and was dubious about the company, so remained as a fire engineer for the next 30 odd years which I knew was a reasonably safe job, but uninteresting..
Great insight Ash. I’m been an ADI 16 years and, like you said, it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I did Part 1 on my own using the books and DVD’s. Theory test pro wasn’t around then. Did Part 2 with the AA and then stayed with that trainer for my part 3 but he had left the AA then & was independent. Looking back, I should have tied all the Parts together like you said you do with Parts 1 & 2. I treated them as separate hurdles which, on reflection, isn’t the best way as I should have learned the theory side of it then tied it into either the Part 2 or 3 as I would have been easier to understand.
I did my 40 hours to get my trainee licence and chose a local school that had a 2 week franchise cancellation policy as I didn’t want to be tied in. I was with them 9 months then went independent.
I don’t want to sound negative but I feel you should have touched on pupils cancelling lessons. Every instructor has their own ways of dealing with this but it is a fact. I know some who are adamant that if a pupil cancels they charge and some who are more flexible. I personally find it’s a balance & you find out who the messers are and you have to be realistic.
I’m doing half learners, half Fleet these days and it’s a nice balance for me.
Lesson cancellations would be a good topic for a short video 👍
@@ashley_neal it’s a good subject to cover and one of the few downsides to the job. It’s a difficult one in my opinion as, if you charge, they can turn up full of a cold, have a crap lesson and give you a bug. If you don’t charge, you can be walked all over.
Interseting that you mention big companies. All those years ago when I learned to drive I went with a well known three letter abbreviation for a School of Motoring that is British and after a few lessons my instructor went independent from them. He was an absolutely fantastic instructor and I do hope he is still doing well as his attitude and teaching style is the same as yours.
There is then a lesser known national franchise that operates in my area where the level of instruction, at least from one instructor, is questionable to say the least.
I remember I had booked my first driving lesson with Red. Came to the day, it's getting closer to the lesson time, and I hadn't heard anything. Got to 5 minutes, nothing. 10 minutes after / late, nothing. I called up only to be told I hadn't even been booked in for a lesson. Would never recommend them to someone wanting to drive.
I have a new name for the colour of your Focus. How about "Norris Green"? 😊
Ashley I paid 25 shillings an hour 30shillings an hour on a Sunday with BSM do you think I was ripped off 🤔
It was a fiver an hour with me in 1982..! Only had 12 lessons and passed 1st time, although I think 3 years on a bike previous to that helped. Went out with my dad a lot too, he was a brilliant driver.
Very interesting it's not something I personally would want to do . When I learned to drive I paid £12 and if I remember correctly I was on a second year apprenticeship wage for a joiner which was £70 to give some context
So you trained to be an instructor/trainer for learner drivers and learner instructors. Have you considered to train to be an examiner for learner drivers and learner instructors?
You can’t be an examiner and an instructor. Conflict of interests 👍
Not all that many instructors want to switch to being examiners. For one thing, examiners tend to earn less, but I also suspect most of us who decide to be an instructor because we enjoy teaching wouldn't find being an examiner as fulfilling.
Ashley, would you ever consider taking the Roadsmart Advanced test and thereafter the Masters? You would ace both and as an added bonus, it would make for a very interesting video (or two) regarding the whole experience. "How to pass the Advanced Roadsmart test like a driving instructor".
One of the many things planned Ibrahim 👍
I came to this from the opposite direction. I passed my advanced test on a motorcycle in 1979, and then taught learner motorcyclists, as a hobby, for 5 years, then progressed to coaching motorcyclists to take their advanced test. Also passed the advanced car test in 1980, later coaching for that. Took redundancy late 2003, became an instructor, through the processes Ashley has described, turned a hobby into a living.
@@ashley_neal Oh I will most definitely be "Watching this space" with interest Ash. I realise you can't video the actual test, let alone post it publicly but a follow up video would be fantastic.
My partner can't get a few refresher lessons...long waiting list apparently.
I'm not an ADI my only concern would be though is getting students, seems like a fair bit of competition, and dunno how/what time I'd find to market
In the present there are more students than ADI’s can take. It is a sellers market.
@@ArnoldClarke is that since COVID? or before COVID?
because if was just since COVID I assume levels will go back to normal eventually?
Presently
I remember I paid 50 quid an hour for my driving lessons up in Kendal, Cumbria back in 2019. Great instructor though and I passed first time after a few months. I'd call myself an enthusiastic and "skilled" driver though, I picked it up relatively quickly I think.
After three years you are not skilled driver,you are too inexperienced to be one.
You sound a bit arragant to me.
It takes years to become skilled driver You need over 100,000 miles to be a skilled driver.
Have you had your driving assessed lately,or have had more driver coaching?
Have you read the Police drivers manual Roadcraft?
If you do all these things in a few years you may be a skilled driver...Good luck and happy driving.
The instructor college were a massive scam, I paid to do a course with them, started the classroom training. they they went bust taking my money. And the money I had paid to be registered as a trainee instructor disappeared as well.
I went into working in hospitality instead (I needed to do something as I had to replenish my savings.)
What is the cost to modify a car for two sets of pedals, i am guessing not significant since it wasn't touched on... But another consideration
Around £600 👍
Ashley talked about leasing when calculating the cost, which would likely mean dual controls are already fitted (definitely with the AA route). The cost of fitting duals if you buy your own car is noteworthy, but if you own the car for a couple of years is not too significant.
I think driving instructor competence has dropped like a stone in recent years, i have had learners pull out of junctions in front of me flash there hazards so that makes it ok, in the last week i have had learners pull across the front of me at mini roundabouts, they just go with no indication if there is no indication i say you are going straight on but the instructor said i should have waited, i would still be there now if i did, special mention to passmaster, i was on a main road, he pulled out causing me to jam on then said i should have given way, another one blamed his pupil, i asked if he had dual controls he said he did. i did have one outside the doctors, i was reverse parking into a tight space he reversed back to make it easier.
Cheers dits
Unique video
I wish i had friends that would offer me a 25k job with a company car 😅
So you're "49 in a week or so" Ash. Very interesting, because my mum's birthday is on January 12th when she turns 88. I wonder if you both share the same birthday. I appreciate you may want to keep your specific date under wraps but just a thought.
This was recorded early December 🙂
@@thomaselliot2257 Oh goodness, what was I thinking! It's not as if it's live!
@@ibs5080 his birthday is in December. It's past 🙂
Costs - the £700 a week is then taxable so your net pay is less
Give this thing a biscuit.....
I think we were all green when we were younger ash .😂🇬🇧 .
👍
He's the best thing since sliced bread. 🍞
You didn’t fancy football management then?
Well, put it this way. It doesn't matter if they have electric cars. Petrol cars or flying cars they will always need driving instructors.
So I don't think it's a career. What's going to disappear in 20 years time , say ? 🏴
Ashley, I can't help but focus on how much your seatbelt looks photoshopped!
Booo Now I’ve found out you’re the son of a former red, I’m unsubscribing 😂 Only joking, keep up the fine work
These bots are getting out of control
Ashley joked that he would pin one of them 😂
@@thomaselliot2257he should do it
I noticed that. There were already two of them when I made my Hello comment.