By Blind Spot DriveBlog

Meet the ADI: Andy Langford

Meet the ADI: Andy Langford

The veteran instructor reveals how writing books for learners is helping secure his future.

Outline:

1. Introduction
   • Overview of Andy Langford’s career as a driving instructor
   • Brief on Andy’s transition to becoming an author
2. Andy Langford’s Journey to Instructing
   • Background in banking
   • Decision to switch careers
3. Finding a New Path: The Move to Driving Instruction
   • Initial challenges and motivations
   • Transition from banking to instructing
4. Andy Langford’s Teaching Style
   • Emphasis on calm and encouraging instruction
   • Allowing learners to make independent decisions
5. The Best Part of the Job
   • Success stories from students passing tests
   • Emotional aspects of helping students achieve goals
6. Challenges in the Profession
   • Coping with early mornings and cold weather
   • Unique challenges in driving instruction
7. Tips for Learners
   • Importance of asking questions
   • Advice for maximizing learning during lessons
8. Impact of the Pandemic on Driving Instruction
   • Lockdown challenges and how the AA supported instructors
   • Financial adjustments and strategies
9. Making the Most of Lockdown: Writing His First Book
   • Inspiration behind Drive On When You’re Ready
   • Content of the book: Techniques and strategies for learners
10. Reception of Andy’s Book
    • Success on Amazon and reviews
    • Donations and community impact
11. The Next Book: Driving On: Are You Really Ready?
    • Preview of the companion book
    • What learners can expect from this book
12. Andy Langford’s Vision for Future Publications
    • Plans for a series of ebooks
    • Potential topics for new learners and instructors
13. Why Writing is Important to Andy Langford 
    • Securing financial stability for retirement
    • Passion for teaching and sharing knowledge
14. Concerns About the Driving Instruction Industry
    • Issues with the driving test booking system
    • Problems with test slot reselling
15. Conclusion
    • Summary of Andy Langford’s dedication to driving instruction and writing
    • Future outlook and encouragement for learners
16. FAQs
    • How did Andy become an instructor?
    • What inspired him to write books?
    • How can learners get the most out of their lessons?
    • Why is Andy concerned about the industry’s future?
    • What’s next for Andy as an author?

Meet the ADI: Andy Langford

Introduction

In the world of driving instruction, few names are as respected as Andy Langford. A veteran instructor with nearly three decades of experience, Andy has spent much of his career helping learners build confidence and skills on the road. Now, he’s taking his expertise to a new platform: writing books aimed at learners and fellow instructors. Operating around Kingston Upon Thames, Andy’s journey from bank worker to driving instructor to author is as inspiring as it is instructive.

Andy’s Journey to Instructing

Andy’s professional journey didn’t start with driving; it began in banking. After 13 years in the industry, hoping for a promotion that never came, Andy decided it was time for a change. Driven by a passion for teaching and a love for driving, Andy ventured into driving instruction.

“I had been told I was a good teacher plus I’ve always enjoyed driving, so I put the two together – and here we are nearly thirty years later!” he says.

Finding a New Path: The Move to Driving Instruction

Switching from banking to driving instruction was no easy task. Learning the ropes of an entirely new profession required dedication and resilience, but Andy knew it was the right choice. By 1993, he had qualified as a driving instructor, initially with BSM, before moving to AA Driving School in 1996, where he’s remained ever since.

Andy’s Teaching Style

Andy describes himself as a calm and encouraging instructor who lets students make decisions on their own. He believes that giving learners space to choose their actions helps them build confidence. For instance, when a lorry appears in the learner’s lane, Andy guides them by suggesting what other drivers might do but leaves the final decision to the learner.

The Best Part of the Job

For Andy, the best part of being a driving instructor is witnessing his students succeed. Every time a student passes their test, he feels a sense of accomplishment. Some stories are especially touching, like a recent experience involving a young man whose father was battling cancer. Andy helped the son get ready to pass his test quickly so he could drive his father to hospital appointments. When the student passed on his first attempt, Andy couldn’t help but feel emotional.

Challenges in the Profession

Like any job, driving instruction has its challenges. Andy finds teaching in extremely cold weather especially difficult. Early morning lessons, sometimes before six o’clock, can be uncomfortable when the temperature drops, but he’s learned to power through – after all, a little discomfort is part of the job.

Tips for Learners

Andy has some straightforward advice for students: ask questions! He’s noticed that some learners tend to stay quiet, perhaps out of shyness. But the more a student engages by asking questions, the faster they’ll progress. “The more a learner is encouraged to ask questions, the better!” he says.

Impact of the Pandemic on Driving Instruction

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unique challenges to the driving instruction industry. During the first lockdown, the AA offered support by waiving franchise fees, which helped instructors like Andy. For subsequent lockdowns, franchise fee deferment was allowed, which, along with government grants, helped Andy manage the financial strain.

Making the Most of Lockdown: Writing His First Book

The lockdowns also gave Andy time to work on his first book, Drive On When You’re Ready. In this book, he shares his insights, techniques, and strategies in a way that supports and complements traditional driving lessons. His goal was to create a resource that could foster discussion between students, instructors, and even parents. For Andy Langford, the book’s success has been a bonus – helping learners prepare better for their practical test.

Reception of Andy Langford’s Book

Andy’s book has received positive feedback, with over 300 copies sold on Amazon. Without relying on paid advertising, his book has found an appreciative audience. He’s even donated several copies to local schools and charities, hoping to make a difference in his community.

The Next Book: Driving On: Are You Really Ready?

Inspired by his first book’s success, Andy is now working on a follow-up titled Driving On: Are You Really Ready?. This book is for those who have recently passed their test and are about to face the freedom – and the challenges – of driving independently. It covers everything from managing emotions to handling new distractions on the road.

Andy’s Vision for Future Publications

Beyond these two books, Andy envisions a larger series of ebooks aimed at various aspects of driving. By sharing his years of experience, he hopes to help both learners and fellow instructors navigate the world of driving instruction with greater confidence.

Why Writing is Important to Andy Langford

At 65, Andy is preparing for his eventual retirement, and writing has become an essential part of his future plans. While he’ll have a pension, Andy wants to ensure he can maintain his lifestyle, and book sales provide an additional income source. More than that, he loves the idea of leaving a legacy, helping future generations of drivers and instructors long after he’s retired.

Concerns About the Driving Instruction Industry

Andy has a few concerns about the driving instruction industry. He believes the driving test booking system needs a major overhaul, especially regarding test slot availability and no-shows. One issue he feels strongly about is the reselling of test slots at inflated prices, which puts undue pressure on learners who are eager to take their test.

“We’ve got to tackle those businesses that buy up driving test slots before selling them on at an extortionate price to learners desperate to take their test. That’s got to be stopped.”

Conclusion

Andy Langford’s career as a driving instructor is a testament to dedication, patience, and resilience. Through his teaching, he’s impacted countless learners, and with his books, he’s ensuring that his knowledge will continue to benefit others. For Andy, the journey isn’t over yet – he’s just found a new way to continue doing what he loves: teaching, guiding, and inspiring.

FAQs

How did Andy Langford become an instructor?
Andy left a banking career of 13 years and pursued driving instruction, combining his love for teaching and driving.

What inspired him to write books?
The pandemic lockdowns gave Andy time to write his first book, allowing him to share his knowledge and help learners even beyond the driving lesson.

How can learners get the most out of their lessons?
Andy encourages learners to ask questions and engage actively in lessons for faster progress.

Why is Andy concerned about the industry’s future?
Andy feels the driving test booking system and the reselling of test slots are issues that need to be addressed for fairness in the industry.

What’s next for Andy Langford as an author?
Andy plans to continue writing, with several ebooks in the pipeline, aiming to

Main image by https://www.theorytestpro.co.uk/posts/meet-the-adi-andrew-langford/