From the fun to the serious, the pledges made by ADIs have given the Driving Instructor Positivity Week a fantastic start. Now the week is over, we highlight some of the best pledges, activities and statements put forward by participating instructors – not only to celebrate the week but to offer others inspiration for what is surely set to become a yearly event.

Independence Day

Owner of the Excel Driver and Instructor Academy, Julia Malkin MBE, has pledged to help professionals assess and train older drivers. The aim? To understand their needs and ascertain whether those experiencing the early stages of dementia are able to continue driving.Julia explained that,“this will hopefully help our ageing population stay independent for longer, while at the same time giving ADIs the know-how on dementia issues, older drivers and when to advise them to hang up their car keys.'

“I love this job – the freedom of self employment, a decent wage and the personal gratification of seeing someone pass their driving test, knowing it has changed their life.”

Callie Lawrence, an ADI for seven years, perfectly sums up what’s great about being a instructor.

Papa the Rappa

Take those keys out of the ignition, Eminem. Pull over to the kerb, Kanye West. Because there’s new rapper in town going by the name of Papa G who’s set to race to the top of the charts. Well, actually, it’s ADI veteran Gareth Marchant who’s taken time out to pen a light-hearted rap dedicated to the power of Positivity Week – and it’s a cracker. Here’s an excerpt: “This little rhyme is a small contribution To show positivity’s a solid constitution Look to the future, to make things better For yourself or the industry – be a goal setter!” **For the full version, head to the DIPW Facebook page

**.

Exmouth-based instructor Pennie Hughes offers an inspirational tip for bringing local instructors together.

Pudsey Pledge

Reflecting the spirit of DIPW, midwife-turned-driving instructor Louise Walsh has come up with a fantastic idea for Children in Need 2014 – the Big Learner Relay. The plan is to relay a Pudsey Top Box across the country, from instructor to instructor and from lesson to lesson.The reaction to Louise’s original posting about her idea proved to be overwhelming –some 600 instructors in 48 hours responded– and as part of DIPW, she and a group of fellow ADIs have now officially launched the fundraising event.

‘The Positivity Week has given many instructors the motivation to develop and make changes. We may stand as rivals in business, but we have proven we are united in spirit.”

Chris Bensted, founder of DIPW

Let Us Know Your Pledges

We’d love to feature update blogs on DIPW’s ongoing activities over the following months so do keep us informed of any pledges you’re undertaking by dropping us an email or posting updates to our Facebook page.