Success Stories

Becoming a driving instructor can be a big career change, so sometimes the best way to understand what the journey is really like is to hear from people who have already made it. Meet some of the instructors who trained with Geoff, discover what they were doing before, why they chose a new career and how becoming a qualified driving instructor has changed their working lives.

From Fish and Chips, and Parcel Deliveries to a Career He Loves

“I can honestly say it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made career-wise.”

Before becoming a driving instructor, Kevin was delivering parcels and running a fish and chip shop. He wanted something different — a career where he could make a difference to people’s lives, work more flexibly around his family and enjoy real job satisfaction.

And, as Kevin puts it, a job that didn’t leave him smelling of fish!

Finding the Right Instructor Training

Kevin initially started his instructor training with a large national company, but soon realised he wasn’t getting the level of training and support he needed.

That changed when he found Geoff.

“I knew I needed a local company that would give me the help I needed to become a good instructor, and I found that with Geoff Capes Driving School and his team.”

The Hard Work Paid Off

Kevin is the first to admit that becoming a driving instructor takes commitment.

“You get out what you put in. It really does take a lot of dedication, but once you’ve got the knowledge and training behind you, it becomes a great and satisfying career.”

Although he initially fitted his training around his existing work commitments, Kevin ultimately decided to concentrate fully on his new career and gave up his previous jobs.

Life After Qualifying

Today, Kevin has the rewarding career he was looking for — meeting new people, helping learners achieve their goals and enjoying the journey with them as they learn to drive.

“I now have a great job in a rewarding role. A big thank you to Geoff and his team for all the training and effort they’ve put into me — and now I look forward to being part of the team for years to come.”

Kevin — Trained with Geoff Capes Instructor Training

A Career that Puts Nick in Control

“Since becoming a driving instructor, I feel much more in control of my career.”

For Nick, becoming a driving instructor wasn’t just about changing jobs. It was about gaining more control over when he works, how much he works and where he takes his career next.

As a self-employed instructor, he can choose the hours and times that work for him, while making his own decisions about further training, development and the future of his business.

Finding the Gaps in His Training

Like many trainee instructors, Nick initially signed up with a large national driving school. His training included a mixture of classroom and in-car sessions and, although he enjoyed much of the experience, there were gaps that only became apparent later.

That’s where Geoff and the team came in.

“There were gaps in my training which were identified – and corrected – when I came to Geoff and his colleagues.”

With more focused, individual training, Nick was able to strengthen the areas he needed to work on and successfully progress through his instructor exams.

Support That Didn’t End When He Qualified

Passing the exams wasn’t the end of Nick’s relationship with the team.

“They did a fantastic job of getting me through my instructor exams and provide me with great ongoing support.”

Today, Nick has the freedom to manage his working life on his own terms and decide how he wants his career to develop.

Nick’s Advice to Future Instructors

Nick recommends speaking to people who are already working as driving instructors before deciding whether the career is right for you.

“Like all jobs and industries, there are pros and cons – and there may be some you haven’t considered, not just negative ones!”

Nick — Trained with Geoff Capes Instructor Training

Training Built Around Doug

“The best thing about the training was doing it one-to-one. I had dedicated support and always felt supported.”

For Doug, one of the biggest benefits of training with Geoff Capes Instructor Training was having personal, one-to-one support throughout each stage of his journey.

From Part 1 theory through to the more intensive Part 3 training, Doug worked closely with Geoff, Chris and Bob, putting what he learned into practice and receiving individual feedback along the way.

Support Through Every Part of the ADI Journey

Doug began with one-to-one classroom sessions for Part 1, followed by practical in-car training where he could apply what he’d learned.

For Part 2, the training covered the different areas he needed to prepare for his test, with Chris and Bob bringing different perspectives to the sessions.

“Chris offered the instructor’s view and Bob the trainer/examiner’s view. The training was comprehensive and supported me in passing my test.”

Training That Adapted When He Needed It

Part 3 was more challenging, but rather than following a fixed training programme, Chris adapted the sessions around the way Doug learned.

“I felt that I struggled sometimes, and he changed things up to help me get my bearings and back on track.”

That individual approach meant areas of difficulty could be identified, discussed and worked on rather than simply moving on to the next part of the programme.

Learning From Real Lessons

An especially valuable part of Doug’s training was having Chris and Bob observe him teaching real pupils.

Their feedback allowed him to analyse what had happened during an actual lesson, understand what worked and identify exactly what he needed to improve.

“This proved valuable, as this is where you learn more – by getting feedback on your lesson.”

Dedicated One-to-One Support

Looking back, it’s the individual attention that stands out most for Doug.

“Any issues that came up were addressed and analysed by Chris and Bob, so I fully understood what I needed to work on.”

“All of my training has been first class from Geoff, Chris and Bob, and I would recommend any potential PDI or ADI to Geoff Capes Driving School.”

Doug — Trained with Geoff Capes Instructor Training

From a Part 3 Setback to a Qualified Driving Instructor

“The training I received was tailored to me. I was seen as a person rather than a number.”

Paul began his driving instructor training in 2016 after making a complete career change from working as a mobile car technician and running his own business.

He initially trained with a large national company, but as he progressed through the process, he began to feel increasingly unsure and isolated.

Feeling Unsure and Unsupported

Although Paul had an instructor helping with his training, contact with the wider training team was limited and there was little opportunity to connect with other trainees going through the same experience.

“I felt unsure if I was doing the job correctly and giving the right information to my pupils.”

Things became particularly difficult after Paul failed his first attempt at Part 3. With changes to the Part 3 test approaching, he wasn’t sure what his next move should be and felt he wasn’t receiving the support he needed to prepare properly.

That’s when he was introduced to Geoff.

A Fresh Pair of Eyes

Rather than rushing Paul towards another test, Geoff introduced him to Chris, one of the training team.

Chris assessed Paul’s existing skills, identified what he was already doing well and, importantly, pinpointed the areas that needed more work.

“Chris was able to assess where I was up to, explain what I was doing well and give me some pointers on areas where I needed to improve.”

With focused training and the right support behind him, Paul was able to move forward with confidence.

In January 2018, he passed his Part 3 and became a fully qualified Approved Driving Instructor.

From Feeling Isolated to Being Part of a Team

The difference for Paul wasn’t only the training.

He became part of a team where instructors could communicate, ask questions, share experiences and support one another.

Regular communication, team meetings, updates and one-to-one support meant he no longer felt as though he was trying to figure everything out by himself.

“The training I received was more tailored to the individual and I was seen as a person rather than a number.”

For Paul, finding the right support after his Part 3 setback made all the difference.

Paul — Approved Driving Instructor

From the Armed Forces to a Career with Freedom and Purpose

“I wanted to become my own boss, meet new people every day and pass on one of life’s most important skills.”

After spending 12 years serving in the Armed Forces and a further two years working as a youth worker, Dave was ready for a new challenge.

Becoming a driving instructor offered something very different – the opportunity to work for himself, enjoy greater flexibility and use his experience of working with people to help others achieve an important milestone.

Looking for a Different Kind of Career

For Dave, becoming a driving instructor wasn’t simply about finding another job.

He wanted the independence of being his own boss, while still having a career where he could meet and help different people every day.

Teaching someone to drive gave him exactly that

Freedom Without Every Day Feeling the Same
One of the things Dave values most about his new career is the flexibility it provides.

But flexibility doesn’t mean routine.

“No two days are ever the same and there is always a challenge for me to help someone overcome.”

Every learner is different, bringing their own personality, ability and challenges. For Dave, finding the right way to help someone overcome those challenges is a big part of what makes the job rewarding.

Helping People Gain a Skill for Life

After careers in both the Armed Forces and youth work, helping and supporting people was already familiar territory for Dave.

Now, he gets to combine that experience with the independence of working for himself – while helping people learn a skill that can change their everyday lives.

Dave — Driving Instructor

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“I made the decision to become my own boss and be rewarded for my efforts. The decision has proved to be life changing and it’s without doubt, one of the best decisions that I have ever made.

Do I have any regrets?

Yes, I wish I hadn’t wasted several years of my life that are now irreplaceable”.

Geoff Capes