KEY POINTS:
Name: Martin Harper
Age: 50
Role: AA Driving Instructor
Working hours: 40 to 60 hours a week, including Saturday mornings
Average net income: $28,000 to $38,000 after expenses, taxes, franchise fees etc (earn $60 per hour)
Qualifications: 'I' Endorsement (driving instructor's licence) authorised by Land Transport New Zealand. (There are three training courses for 'I' endorsement in New Zealand; AA, PassRite and correspondence course ASL)
What do you do?
I teach people how to drive or to improve their driving skills using an automatic dual control car. Clients are all ages and come from different ethnic backgrounds.
Some have no driving skills; some have learned a bit with family or friends. Some have overseas licences and don't know the standards here. Sometimes we get people with full overseas licences who have never sat behind a wheel of a car!
We also get contracts with training courses and high schools. Some come through the AA but we develop our own as well.
Who do you work for?
I am self employed but work under licence to the AA. This gives me autonomy, along with all the back up and professionalism that goes with the AA brand.
Why this line of work?
Driver instructing brings together things I really enjoy. I started five years ago after deciding I needed a change of pace from catering which I'd done since leaving school. I always enjoyed the training side of catering and got good feedback about my training abilities and my approach with people.
I also wanted flexibility. Here I can work as much as I want.
What training is involved to be a driving instructor?
You need to be an experienced driver and pass a fit and proper (police vetting) and a full medical examination.
Then you need your 'I' endorsement which I did through by correspondence. You learn things like road legislation and people's learning styles. You also do a training plan - working out a route that incorporates all the things you need to teach. Then you do a practical test with a Land Transport NZ officer demonstrating how you'd teach different driving skills. Things like demonstrating the controls of the car to a total beginner, or teaching a manoeuvre required for a restricted or a full licence.
Assessment is ongoing. I can get a call anytime from Land Transport NZ saying it will be assessing me on a certain date which means someone will observe a lesson from the back of the car. The AA also assesses its drivers.
What skills or qualities do you need?
Well, at times you need nerves of steel on the road! You must be a people person and have really good communication skills. You have to be organised and methodical about bookings and client notes. You have to be honest and direct. Sometimes you have to tell your client that they're going to need more lessons than expected to be ready to sit their licence. They may not like it but you've got to be honest with them. You also have to instil in people, especially young people, learning to drive is about discipline and practice. I can tell them to check their mirrors again and again, but they have to practise until it becomes second nature. I can't do that for them.
Best part of the job?
People coming back with a beam all over their face after passing their test. A recent rewarding client was a girl who was completely deaf. She had a sign interpreter for two lessons and then we worked out our own communication. I would tap her on the shoulder and hand sign. She took a sign interpreter when she did her test and she passed.
With young people in particular I often see personal progress, as well as improved driving skills. Sometimes we teach kids from youth courses who are lacking self confidence and it is very satisfying to help them get their licence. It may well be the first test they've ever passed.
Some of the challenges?
There is always the possibility of accidents while on the road, particularly with new drivers. You need to be able to read situations around you and make judgement calls on your students' skill and ability. Like the time I was teaching a new driver who accidentally accelerated instead of braking when someone illegally turned in front of them. Having dual control meant we averted hitting anyone.
How would you define success in this job?
By referrals of other family and friends. Sometimes, with overseas clients, I teach mum and dad and then the rest of the family are sent along.
Advice to someone wanting to do same thing?
You need to really enjoy people and enjoy driving. It can be a stressful job.
Where would you like to be in five years?
Hopefully still instructing. I'll keep going until I stop enjoying it.
