When Paul Foster swapped his hospital scrubs for a steering wheel greater than three many years in the past, he couldn’t have imagined that at some point his daughter could be following in his footsteps – fairly actually down the identical highway.
At simply 21 years outdated, Hanna Foster from Inverness has change into one of many youngest driving instructors with the AA Driving Faculty, proudly following the tyre tracks of her father, who celebrates 31 years within the occupation 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 Faculty 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 Faculty.
Now absolutely certified, Hanna is constructing a consumer base of learners in Thurso in Caithness, within the Highlands of Scotland. She presently 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 in style amongst youthful learners, who typically describe her classes as relaxed and pleasant.
The Foster household’s story highlights the intergenerational attraction 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 occupation as a rewarding long-term path.
Paul mentioned: “I used to be searching for a extra rewarding and unbiased profession. A pal inspired me to coach as an teacher, and as soon as I began, I knew I’d discovered the best path.”
On Hanna’s determination to hold on the household commerce, he mentioned: “We’re immensely happy with her. Each time she will get a go, it’s like reliving that pleasure once more. She’s doing brilliantly, and it’s beautiful to have the ability to help her – even when I warn her my recommendation could be a bit old school!”
“It’s superb to see her carry it ahead. It’s not one thing you see typically nowadays – youngsters following their mother and father right into a commerce – nevertheless it’s a legacy I’m proud to share.”
Hanna mentioned: “I believe I used to be about 10 after I first mentioned I needed to be a driving teacher. I’ve at all times beloved vehicles 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 at all times have to be taught 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 way of life.”
Each Hanna and Paul encourage others to think about 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 occupation for younger individuals and the satisfaction of serving to others achieve confidence behind the wheel. “Being nearer in age to my pupils helps. They really feel relaxed, like they’re driving with a pal. One in every of my college students mentioned she’d by no means felt so comfortable behind the wheel.”
