Joy of getting pupils on the road to independence
SEVEN years ago, Scott Cooper decided he wanted to retrain as a driving instructor.
The 45-year- old had worked in different transport posts for years, including driving a seven-and-ahalf-ton lorry the day after passing his test aged 17.
He went on to become a bus driver, followed by courier jobs that took him to countries all over the world, including america.
Scott, from Romford, East london, wanted a career change that enabled him still to pursue his love of driving. So, in 2011, he joined RED Driving School and trained as an instructor.
He is now making a huge difference to people’s lives, instructing four young people with special educational needs or disabilities.
Scott not only teaches his students to drive, but also helps improve their general skills and confidence. He says: ‘Being an instructor isn’t for everyone.
‘i know a lot of people think all we do is sit in a car and tell people to turn left and right, but it’s so much more than that. it’s such a demanding job, constantly watching and analysing what pupils are doing.’
One of his pupils is Jamie Dawson, 18, who was born with no limbs below the knees. He wants to learn to drive to give himself more independence, and looks forward to driving his friends to the cinema.
Jamie says that initially he was letting his fears hold him back, but he has broken through the barrier and is determined not to let his disability get in the way.
‘Everything has been going good so far,’ he says.
‘The main thing is that you can’t not try, because if you keep telling yourself that you can’t do it, and don’t even try, then you won’t ever be able to do it.’
Scott says: ‘Stories like Jamie’s can inspire people and show them you can do whatever you want.’
a RED Driving School spokesman says: ‘Our training is designed to make sure you don’t just qualify, but you also become a first- class instructor from both a teaching and a business perspective.’ RED Driving School 0330 332 2684