Driving instructor Mike Cairns believes in constantly pushing yourself as an ADI to get the very most from your instructing career.
ADI, fleet instructor, Institute of Advanced Motorists observer – BayView Driving School Mike Cairns’ list of accreditations are impressive. But why has Mike pushed himself so far? Theory Test Pro talked with the ADI about how he got started – and where he is heading.
Why did you make the move into instructing? I fell into instructing by chance when I went along with a friend to a local training school looking for something to do. I thought instructing would suit me and I signed up and studied alongside my mechanics job. While I do many other things now, teaching learners is still my default setting.
What kind of ADI are you? I have always been told that I have a calming manner. I would also say I am patient and like to listen. Ultimately, I try to get learners to problem solve and think for themselves – and make good safe decisions. I also enjoy what I do – if you don’t, your client will pick up on it and that’s not fair on them!
What’s your favourite – and least favourite – part of your job? The best part is seeing that look on someone’s face when they get it right and go home smiling. The worst part would be short-notice cancelations and the price slashing by other driving schools. I think it makes us all look cheap and unprofessional.
As an ADI, you have pushed yourself into many different areas of driver training – or in your case, riding too. Yes, I am a keen motorcyclist and joined Blood Bikes a few years ago. It’s a voluntary motorcycle courier service for hospitals who help with the transport of urgent blood, tissue and organs. I did it in part to help fill my spare time but also to give a little back.
And it was while taking a riding assessment that I was encouraged to take the advanced test. I enrolled on a Skills-for-Life program with the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) for bikes and then cars. It was time-consuming but I passed both tests with really good results and I was hooked. I went on to take my RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) advanced tests for cars and bikes and trained as an observer for the IAM too which I really enjoyed and still do.
Why push yourself so hard though? The more you do, the more doors start to open for you. For instance, I joined the fleet register and now work for several companies – I love the challenge because it’s so different from driving lessons. I’ve also found time to train and pass my minibus test and take my coach/bus test as I believe you need more than just advanced qualifications. As for the future, I hope to work abroad as I know there’s work all over the world, training the trainers. There are also opportunities to qualify as a close protection trainer. We will see!
Sometimes I look back and ask why did I not do this all sooner? Well, I think it was fear! I was scared of failing, but all it took was people to give me a little encouragement and point me in the right direction. And I can honestly say I have enjoyed it all so much and met so many interesting people.'
– Mike Cairns on whether he has any regrets in spite of his achievements to date.
Why do you believe continued development is essential for ADIs? I would say to any instructor who just teaches learners and complains about the industry (as I used to), do more as there are so many changes happening that it’s easy to get left behind. I think it’s essential for any professional to develop their skills and keep up with the times. My learners benefit from my training and coaching too, and I feel more confident about charging for what I am worth.
As a longterm user of Theory Test Pro, how do you find the system helps your students? Theory Test Pro has enabled me to concentrate on what I do best and I would say it doubles the chances of pass success. It also means there is no need to buy discs and books anymore. Theory Test Pro is also up-to-date and features the new CGI clips which is important. The whole package just makes my job so much easier.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone considering becoming an ADI? Think carefully and do your homework. The career isn’t for everybody – and prospective ADIs shouldn’t believe the rubbish about earning £30,000 a year – but the upside is that a career in instructing can be so rewarding.