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Ultimate destination for top-quality disabled driving lessons in Aberdeenshire.
Meet the ADI – Iain Gray
Driving instructor Iain reveals why time, patience and understanding are crucial to successfully teaching learner drivers, no matter their aptitude or needs.
I went independent immediately on the advice of my ADI tutor who had started out with a franchise. He said it was actually his biggest mistake because the company he was working for did not consider where he was based in Scotland. The area the company covered – and still covers – stretches about 150 miles from end to end! It means you could be giving lessons to someone 50 miles away with the company not giving you enough time to get there. However, as an independent, almost all of my clientele are within a 15-mile radius.
My teaching style
To take it at the student’s pace and adapt my approach to whatever works for them. For instance, this can mean drawing pictures on a whiteboard to explain how to navigate roundabouts. In some cases, I’ll pull up at the side of the road with the learner near a roundabout so we can observe together. Sometimes, we’ll even swap over with me as the learner and them instructing me on when it is safe to go. Having such an adaptable approach really helps people learn.
What motivated me to help and support neurodiverse people to learn to drive
It’s because of my daughter who has high functioning autism. She is very capable and has a degree but she has no filter when it comes to the truth – it’s great! – and I had to help her through various things when she was growing up. Also, my wife works with autistic adults and others with more severe learning difficulties. This inspired me to start down the route of special education. I did training courses on ADHD and autism with renowned trainer Dr Julia Malkin MBE. For me, helping those who perhaps need a little extra assistance, time and patience has been very rewarding.
Now get Disabled Driving Lessons in Aberdeenshire. Double your chances of theory test success with the award-winning Theory Test Pro at The Wee Red Car. Contact Us 07854305218