When Paul Foster swapped his hospital scrubs for a steering wheel greater than three a long time in the past, he couldn’t have imagined that someday his daughter could be following in his footsteps – fairly actually down the identical street.
At simply 21 years previous, Hanna Foster from Inverness has change into one of many youngest driving instructors with the AA Driving College, proudly following the tyre tracks of her father, who celebrates 31 years within the career this July.
Beginning out as a nurse earlier than coaching to change into an teacher, Paul’s profession has taken him from city centres like London and Luton to the agricultural roads of Grantown-on-Spey, Morayshire, the place he’s now primarily based. He began coaching aged 24 with BSM earlier than becoming a member of the AA Driving College on a car-only ‘Solo’ franchise. His daughter Hanna expressed an early curiosity in driving instruction, and after passing her driving check, she started her coaching with the AA Driving College.
Now absolutely certified, Hanna is constructing a shopper base of learners in Thurso in Caithness, within the Highlands of Scotland. She at present balances her instruction work with a part-time job at an area surgical procedure, with plans to transition to full-time instruction later this 12 months. Her age and approachability have made her common amongst youthful learners, who typically describe her classes as relaxed and pleasant.
The Foster household’s story highlights the intergenerational enchantment of driving instruction as a profession. With flexibility, job safety, and the chance to make a significant affect on learners’ lives, each Paul and Hanna see the career as a rewarding long-term path.
Paul stated: “I used to be searching for a extra rewarding and unbiased profession. A buddy inspired me to coach as an teacher, and as soon as I began, I knew I’d discovered the precise path.”
On Hanna’s resolution to hold on the household commerce, he stated: “We’re immensely happy with her. Each time she will get a move, it’s like reliving that pleasure yet again. She’s doing brilliantly, and it’s pretty to have the ability to help her – even when I warn her my recommendation is likely to be a bit old style!”
“It’s wonderful to see her carry it ahead. It’s not one thing you see typically as of late – children following their mother and father right into a commerce – however it’s a legacy I’m proud to share.”
Hanna stated: “I feel I used to be about 10 after I first stated I needed to be a driving teacher. I’ve all the time beloved automobiles and driving. As soon as I handed my check, I knew this was what I needed to do.
“That is my long-term plan. It’s a profession that offers me flexibility and safety. Folks will all the time have to study to drive.
“It’s not one thing individuals my age take into consideration sufficient. I’ve secured a future profession with flexibility and independence. It’s not only a job – it’s a life-style.”
Each Hanna and Paul encourage others to contemplate driving instruction as a profession. They emphasise that it gives independence, flexibility, and the prospect to make an actual distinction in individuals’s lives.
Hanna highlights the accessibility of the career for younger individuals and the satisfaction of serving to others acquire confidence behind the wheel. “Being nearer in age to my pupils helps. They really feel relaxed, like they’re driving with a buddy. One in every of my college students stated she’d by no means felt so comfortable behind the wheel.”
