What’s Missing in the World of Driving Instructors?

Let me get straight to it: The driving instructor industry feels like a highway with missing signs. We’ve got passion, we’ve got experience, but somewhere along the way, we missed a few key exits—like unity, professionalism, and meaningful support. These gaps are holding us back from becoming not just good, but great at what we do—for our learners, for each other, and for the industry as a whole.

Let’s break down what’s lacking (and imagine what could be).

1. Unity: Every Instructor for Themselves?

It feels like we’re stuck in a race, but instead of waving each other through the finish line, we’re treating the industry like a game of Survivor: Driving Edition. Some instructors are undercutting others as if there aren’t enough students to go around. Spoiler alert: There are.

And then there’s that one Facebook group with 1,000 instructors where most conversations devolve into arguments—or debates about the same brake pedal installation that’s already been answered 47 times. Seriously, people, just use the search bar!

What if we changed lanes—literally and figuratively? Instead of treating each other as competitors, we could be collaborators. Sharing ideas, refining our teaching methods, and lifting each other up wouldn’t just benefit us; it would make a noticeable impact on our students too. Imagine a world where driving instructors and schools work as a team, offering consistent, high-quality education no matter which school a learner chooses.

2. Professionalism: Keeping Up with the Times

Here’s a reality check: Our job isn’t just about knowing the rules of the road; it’s about evolving with the world around us. Yet many instructors are stuck in the past, thinking that what worked 20 years ago is still relevant today. Ever hear someone say, “Did you see that guy change lanes without signaling?”

Now, let’s pause—what stands out in that sentence? Yep, some of you may have caught it, it's the use of “guy.” Language is changing. Terms like "he" and "she" are often swapped for more inclusive language like "they." These shifts reflect the way people prefer to communicate today. And just like traffic laws, language evolves too. If we want to connect with the next generation of drivers, we need to be fluent in more than just road rules—we need to understand how they think and speak.

And it’s not just about words; it’s about how we teach. Are we still asking closed questions like, “Did you check your blind spot?” Or are we evolving our teaching to use open-ended questions, like, “What’s your process for checking your mirrors before a lane change?” Open-ended questioning is a skill—one that requires practice and continuous improvement, just like defensive driving itself. We preach that good drivers never stop learning, so why should we stop improving our teaching methods?

3. Support: We Need More Than Just Policy Updates

We work closely with our provincial licensing bodies (let’s just say they’ll remain nameless). But let’s be honest—how much support do we actually get? We might receive the occasional email about policy changes, but wouldn’t it be nice to have a steady stream of useful information?

What if we had a reliable, trusted source offering insights into new laws, coaching techniques, or even marketing strategies? A system that didn’t just leave us to figure it all out on our own but gave us tools to grow. We could get emails about how to better connect with today’s learners—like updates on SOGI or tips on relating to younger generations without accidentally aging ourselves by saying, “Back in my day…”

As a former school owner, I know how lonely it can feel. At times, it felt like I was running a one-person operation, just trying to keep up and compete with the driving school down the street. But now I see the industry differently. Imagine if all schools—big and small—had access to the same insights and resources. Imagine a community where driving schools weren’t just competitors but collaborators. Wouldn’t that make us all better?

And hey, if you’re looking for ways to improve, there are new programs out there—like Thinking Driver’s Pilot Instructor Training Course (ITC), with seats open now! (Yes, shameless plug—but if we don’t promote growth opportunities, who will?)

4. Teaching Isn’t Static: Practice What We Preach

We always tell learners that good driving requires constant attention and improvement. The same applies to teaching. Just as new drivers develop habits over time, so do instructors.

The question is: Are we developing good ones or bad ones?

Professional development isn’t just for teachers in classrooms—it’s for us too. Whether it’s learning new terminology, refining our coaching techniques, or understanding the cultural shifts shaping today’s students, we need to stay ahead of the curve. Our job isn’t just about teaching people to drive safely—it’s about connecting with them in a way that makes the lesson stick.

Venting or Vision?

Now, maybe this post sounds like a bit of venting. But the goal here isn’t to complain—it’s to open a conversation about what could be. There’s so much potential for this industry to grow, but it starts with recognizing where we’re falling short.

We need unity instead of competition. We need to embrace professionalism and stay up to date with new ideas. We need better support—more than just policy memos and occasional updates. And we need to practice what we preach: growth, improvement, and continuous learning.

So, here’s to the driving instructor world I hope to see: one that’s united, professional, and well-supported. One where instructors share knowledge instead of guarding it. One where we lift each other up rather than undercutting. And one where we keep evolving, just like we tell our students to do.

Who’s with me?