In The Driving Seat with…Glen Fairhurst

Jamie Daly - Apr 4 2022 3:12PM
In The Driving Seat with…Glen Fairhurst img

This month we are in the drivers seat with Glen Fairhurst a driving instructor based in Hertfordshire with over 25 years experience.

1.   What has been your most memorable driving lesson so far?

Probably the very first one, as it was the start of a long and enjoyable career. There have been loads where pupils answers or questions have been “unusual” shall we say. One that sticks in my mind is when I had to open the sunroof to let a lads hair through,(Mohican type of thing !) Or another when it started to rain and I asked “do you know where the window wipers are?” They replied, “yes, there’s two on the front, and one on the back!”

Now I ask “do you know how to switch the wipers on?”

2.   What do you find the most challenging part of being a driving instructor?

The lessons themselves aren’t really challenging, I enjoy teaching pupils generally, even the cheeky one’s. In fact especially the cheeky ones!

3. Do you find the tests are getting tougher? What advise would you give a student who is struggling?

Yes, I would say the test gets tougher with time as the length of the test is extended and exercises are added, and of course there’s more traffic on the roads. The only advice to someone who is struggling is to stick at it, you’ll get there in the end. They always do! 

4.   What is the most common challenge you have to overcome with learner drivers?

The most common challenge is probably helping pupils to stay patient. Most want to learn as quickly as possible, which is not always achievable.

5. What’s the biggest drama you have had to deal with in a driving lesson?

A few near misses over the years! I’ve been a driving instructor for 25 years so that’s to be expected I guess. But thats my job and everything is under control with the dual controls. Had a couple of rear shunts but can’t do much about that. Oh and a girl who’s hair kept falling in front of her eyes.

6.   Have any of your students given you a nickname?

Yes plenty! For some reason Glenda keeps popping up!

7. Describe your style of teaching in three words?  

Relaxed, enjoyable, patient. 

8.   How much would you say that private practice helps with learning to drive? Do you often recommend it to your students?

Private practice helps enormously; I always recommend it once a certain standard is reached.

To book in for a lesson with Glen School of Motoring, find him on Facebook or call 07702 022399.

Or if you are a driving instructor and would like to appear on this feature next month contact chloechivers@skyinsurance.co.uk for more information.