Meet the ADI: Chris Jones
By Blind Spot DriveBlog
Meet the ADI: Chris Jones
Meet the ADI: Chris Jones
Outline
- Introduction
- Overview of Chris Jones and his driving school
- Background on becoming an ADI (Approved Driving Instructor)
- Who is Chris Jones?
- Chris’s journey from the Royal Navy to driving instruction
- Motivation for career change to focus on family
- Transition to Teaching
- Chris Jones’s experience training as a primary school teacher
- Challenges with teaching and decision to pursue driving instruction
- Building CTJ Driver Training
- Founding of CTJ Driver Training in Luton
- Unique approach in a competitive market
- Going Independent
- Why Chris Jones chose to avoid national driving schools
- Advantages of an independent approach for personal flexibility
- Understanding the Driving Market in Luton
- Challenges with over 200 driving schools in the area
- Importance of standing out in a crowded field
- Teaching Philosophy and Methodology
- Adapting lessons to individual learning styles
- Balancing structure with customization
- Importance of Word-of-Mouth Marketing
- Initial struggles with finding clients
- Growth through referrals and repeat business
- Expanding Beyond Standard Driving Lessons
- Introduction of fleet driver training
- Training aspiring ADIs (Approved Driving Instructors)
- Success Stories with Students
- Memorable success story of a dyslexic student
- Importance of tailoring instruction for students with learning difficulties
- The Rewarding Aspects of the Job
- The joy of seeing students pass their driving tests
- Satisfaction from helping long-term drivers improve their skills
- Challenges of Running a Business
- Balancing teaching with business administration
- Struggles with paperwork and financial management
- Using Theory Test Pro for Enhanced Learning
- How Theory Test Pro aids in theory preparation
- Benefits of tracking student progress
- Why Theory Test Pro Stands Out
- Advantages over other theory test preparation tools
- Chris’s endorsement of Theory Test Pro for its impact on pass rates
- Conclusion
- Recap of Chris Jones’s journey and philosophy
- CTJ Driver Training’s future goals
- FAQs
- What is an ADI?
- How long has Chris Jones been instructing?
- What sets CTJ Driver Training apart?
- How can new students enroll?
- What other services does Chris Jones offer?
Meet the ADI: Chris Jones
Introduction
Based in Luton, Chris Jones is a successful, independent driving instructor who has built CTJ Driver Training from the ground up. Competing against more than 200 local driving schools, Chris’s unique teaching style, tailored approach, and dedication to his students have enabled him to stand out in a saturated market. After qualifying in 2016, Chris chose an unconventional path, declining offers from national driving schools to create a school that puts students’ needs at the forefront.
Who is Chris Jones?
Chris’s path to becoming a driving instructor began after a 12-year career in the Royal Navy, where he worked as an engineer. Driven by a desire to spend more time with his growing family, Chris looked for a profession that would align with his family goals and values.
Transition to Teaching
Initially, Chris tried a career in education by retraining as a primary school teacher. Although he found fulfillment in teaching, the profession came with challenges. Long hours and administrative demands left him feeling stretched, leading Chris to rethink his path. At a friend’s suggestion, he trained as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), realizing this career offered more flexibility and control over his schedule.
Building CTJ Driver Training
When Chris founded CTJ Driver Training, he entered a competitive market. His focus was clear: offer a personalized approach to driving instruction that national schools often lack. His ability to adapt lessons to each student’s needs quickly became the hallmark of his school’s reputation.
Going Independent
Instead of joining a larger driving school franchise, Chris chose the independent route. This decision enabled him to work on his own terms, ensuring that family life took priority. It also gave him the freedom to expand CTJ Driver Training’s offerings, including fleet training and mentorship for trainee instructors.
Understanding the Driving Market in Luton
With over 200 driving schools in Luton, Chris faced intense competition. However, he realized that his unique approach and word-of-mouth referrals could set him apart. Rather than relying on high-cost advertising, Chris worked to build a reputation based on trust, quality, and effective teaching.
Teaching Philosophy and Methodology
At CTJ Driver Training, Chris balances structured learning with customization. His teaching philosophy, grounded in experience and psychology, allows him to connect with students in ways traditional methods don’t always achieve. His psychology degree aids him in understanding and responding to each student’s unique learning style, whether they’re a new learner or someone returning to driving.
Importance of Word-of-Mouth Marketing
Securing clients was a struggle at first, but Chris Jones soon found success through word-of-mouth referrals. Many students, after passing their tests, would recommend him to family and friends. This referral network has become essential for his business, with past students returning with new clients or coming back for advanced training.
Expanding Beyond Standard Driving Lessons
Chris doesn’t limit CTJ Driver Training to basic driving lessons. By offering fleet driver training and instructor training, he has diversified his services, enhancing his skillset and expanding his client base. Fleet training has been particularly fulfilling, as it allows him to assist seasoned drivers in improving their skills and safety practices.
Success Stories with Students
Chris has guided numerous students to success, including those with learning difficulties. One notable story involved a student with dyslexia who had struggled in previous lessons. Chris’s ability to tailor lessons to meet this student’s needs enabled him to build confidence, ultimately helping him pass his driving test with zero faults.
The Rewarding Aspects of the Job
For Chris, seeing his students pass their driving tests is incredibly fulfilling. Beyond test passes, he also enjoys helping long-time drivers enhance their road safety through fleet training, knowing his work has a broader impact on road safety.
Challenges of Running a Business
While Chris thrives on teaching, the administrative side of CTJ Driver Training can be challenging. Managing paperwork and finances requires attention to detail, yet he prioritizes this aspect of the business to ensure smooth operations.
Using Theory Test Pro for Enhanced Learning
Theory Test Pro has been a valuable tool for both Chris and his students. The app allows him to track students’ progress and address specific areas they might be struggling with. Students appreciate the instant feedback and direct communication, which fosters a supportive learning environment.
Why Theory Test Pro Stands Out
Compared to other tools, Theory Test Pro has proven to be more effective, with many of Chris’s students passing their theory tests more efficiently. Chris appreciates the accessibility and ease of use, which benefits his students and supports their overall progress.
Conclusion
Chris Jones’s journey from the Royal Navy to a thriving career as an ADI exemplifies resilience, dedication, and a passion for teaching. CTJ Driver Training stands out not just for the high-quality instruction it provides, but for the personal approach Chris brings to every lesson. With continued success and an eye on the future, Chris looks forward to expanding his school’s impact even further.
FAQs
What is an ADI?
An ADI, or Approved Driving Instructor, is a certified individual qualified to teach driving lessons in the UK.
How long has Chris been instructing?
Chris has been a driving instructor since 2016, building CTJ Driver Training from scratch.
What sets CTJ Driver Training apart?
CTJ Driver Training tailors lessons to individual learning needs, offering both standard driving lessons and specialized training like fleet driving and ADI training.
How can new students enroll?
New students can contact Chris through his website or via phone to book their lessons.
What other services does Chris offer?
In addition to standard lessons, Chris offers fleet driver training and training for aspiring driving instructors.
Main image by https://www.theorytestpro.co.uk/posts/meet-adi-chris-jones
Related Posts
Nov 30, 2024
Meet the ADI: Mike Cairns
