When Paul Foster swapped his hospital scrubs for a steering wheel greater than three a long time in the past, he couldn’t have imagined that in the future his daughter can be following in his footsteps – fairly actually down the identical highway.
At simply 21 years previous, Hanna Foster from Inverness has turn 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 turn 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 based mostly. 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 take a look at, 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 at present balances her instruction work with a part-time job at a neighborhood surgical procedure, with plans to transition to full-time instruction later this yr. Her age and approachability have made her fashionable amongst youthful learners, who usually describe her classes as relaxed and pleasant.
The Foster household’s story highlights the intergenerational enchantment of driving instruction as a profession. With flexibility, job safety, and the chance to make a significant influence on learners’ lives, each Paul and Hanna see the occupation as a rewarding long-term path.
Paul stated: “I used to be searching for a extra rewarding and impartial profession. A buddy inspired me to coach as an teacher, and as soon as I began, I knew I’d discovered the fitting path.”
On Hanna’s determination to hold on the household commerce, he stated: “We’re immensely pleased with her. Each time she will get a move, 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 may be a bit old style!”
“It’s superb to see her carry it ahead. It’s not one thing you see usually today – youngsters following their mother and father right into a commerce – however it’s a legacy I’m proud to share.”
Hanna stated: “I feel I used to be about 10 once I first stated I wished to be a driving teacher. I’ve at all times beloved vehicles and driving. As soon as I handed my take a look at, I knew this was what I wished to do.
“That is my long-term plan. It’s a profession that provides me flexibility and safety. Individuals will at all times have to study 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 contemplate driving instruction as a profession. They emphasise that it affords 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 acquire confidence behind the wheel. “Being nearer in age to my pupils helps. They really feel relaxed, like they’re driving with a buddy. Considered one of my college students stated she’d by no means felt so relaxed behind the wheel.”
