Who are you and what do you do?

Hi, my name is Carol and I offer manual lessons in Hamilton and surrounding areas. I am currently a trainee driving instructor with Caledonian.

After watching my husband go through all of the training to become an ADI, I found myself gaining a real interest in driver training. My husband persuaded me to consider it as a career choice. He always said I should train with Caledonian as they were the best in his eyes. He had completed his training elsewhere but had contacted Andy from Caledonian whilst training for his Part 3 for additional coaching and support, which was invaluable and helped him to pass.

After speaking with Stewart, I decided this was definitely the right choice for me. Caledonian’s ethos, their passion for creating safe drivers for life and not just to pass a test, really appealed to me.

For the last 17 years I have been a Personal Assistant for a Financial Adviser. I also run the Estate Planning side of the business. These roles have provided me with many skills that will help when it comes to being a driving instructor, including patience, empathy, attention to detail and good communication skills. I believe these qualities are important when teaching someone to drive.

What is the best thing about being a driving instructor?

I believe driving is a life skill, and I take pride in helping learners become safe, responsible and confident drivers who have the skills to continue driving safely long after they pass.

I have a passion for helping and supporting others to develop their skills and confidence, whilst exploring an approach to suit each person in a calm and positive manner.

I am looking forward to developing my own skills through my training, ultimately allowing me to help others achieve something that can give them greater independence and confidence.

What is the best advice you could give your learners?

Everything is life learnable; we are not born being able to do anything. From our first steps and words to the things we can now do. Everything is developed through practice, making mistakes and patience.

What do you like to do when you're not working?

Outside of work I enjoy going to the gym. In a job that’s quite sedentary, I find this really helps me maintain a healthy body and positive mindset.

One interesting fact about you...

My husband is also a driving instructor! It was through watching him train and qualify that I became interested in doing the same.