Take back control of your life as a driving instructor

AFTER Robin Aston was made redundant for the second time, he decided he’d be better off being his own boss.

So four years ago the 29-year- old from Hull began a RED Driving School course to retrain as a driving instructor.

Robin says: ‘Being made redundant twice was tough, and I knew I would do anything in my power to stop that happening again.

‘In my previous job, I travelled a lot, so I was a confident driver, and becoming an instructor seemed like a great way of taking control of my own destiny and utilising my skill set.’

He adds: ‘ As an instructor, every day is different, and each pupil learns at a different rate, which which keeps the job varied. Everyone also has a different background and story. My previous job was relatively solitary at times, so teaching driving makes a welcome change.’

Robin was recently selected by RED to join a group of instructors who were part of a trial of the company’s new fleet of Mini Coopers. He says: ‘Since joining RED, I’ve always held a full franchise and had a fleet car, but the Mini feels like a real step up.’

‘I’d say to anyone looking to set their own schedule, and have a little more control over their working day to consider becoming a driving instructor — it’s an incredibly rewarding career, and the freedom to set my own working hours is fantastic.’

Guy Martin, 54, from Sale, Manchester, also retrained with RED Driving School after he was made redundant twice. His old job was head of IT at a tour operator company.

Referring to his new career, he said: ‘I’ve been an instructor and trained other instructors, but teaching pupils is what I’ve found most enjoyable.’