Meet the Instructor: Ellis Wood

By Blind Spot DriveBlog

Meet the Instructor: Ellis Wood

Meet the Instructor: Ellis Wood

Outline:

1. Introduction
   1.1 Overview of Ellis Wood and his driving school
   1.2 The journey from web development to driving instructor
   1.3 A quick insight into his approach to teaching
2. Ellis Wood’s Career Before Becoming an ADI
   2.1 Early career in electronics and lorry driving
   2.2 Transition to web development
   2.3 The shift to becoming an ADI in 2016
3. Why Ellis Wood Chose to Become a Driving Instructor
   3.1 Lifelong passion for teaching driving
   3.2 The desire to help people achieve a lifelong skill
   3.3 The fulfillment of seeing students pass their test
4. Ellis Wood’s Teaching Style
   4.1 Patient and caring approach
   4.2 Encouraging self-learning
   4.3 Letting students learn from mistakes
5. Ellis’s Favourite and Least Favourite Parts of the Job
   5.1 The excitement of test day
   5.2 The nerves of being involved in the test
   5.3 The challenge of overcoming difficult students
6. The Struggles Ellis Faced in Becoming an ADI
   6.1 Initial challenges with training and certifications
   6.2 Problems with misleading trainers and unethical practices
   6.3 The experience with untrustworthy companies in the training process
7. Ellis Wood’s Advice for Aspiring ADIs
   7.1 The importance of choosing a reputable trainer
   7.2 The need for thorough research
   7.3 The value of perseverance
8. How Ellis Wood Would Tackle the Issue of Bad Trainers in the Industry
   8.1 The need for ORDIT registration
   8.2 Regular inspections and random checks
   8.3 Importance of keeping accurate records
9. The Impact of Theory Test Pro on Ellis’s Students
   9.1 Why Ellis uses Theory Test Pro with his students
   9.2 Success stories from using the software
   9.3 How it enhances the learning experience
   9.4 The benefits of free access for pupils
10. Conclusion
    10.1 Reflecting on Ellis Wood’s journey and values
    10.2 The impact of good training and teaching on students
    10.3 Ellis’s dedication to improving the driving education industry
11. FAQs
    11.1 What makes Ellis Wood’s teaching style unique?
    11.2 What advice would Ellis give to someone interested in becoming a driving instructor?
    11.3 How does Theory Test Pro help learners?
    11.4 What are some of the biggest challenges for new driving instructors?
    11.5 How can driving schools ensure they’re providing quality training?

Article:

Meet the Instructor: Ellis Wood

Ellis Wood is not just another driving instructor. Operating across Hartlepool and the Teesside area, Ellis has built a reputation as a patient, caring, and highly effective ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) since 2016. His driving school, Driving with Ellis, has seen many students pass their driving tests, but the road to becoming an instructor wasn’t as smooth as some might think. From a career in web development to dealing with unethical training practices, Ellis has had quite the journey. But, his love for teaching driving is what has kept him motivated all along.

Ellis Wood’s Career Before Becoming an ADI

Before Ellis became a driving instructor, his career path took several unexpected turns. He started in electronics, working as an assembly worker, before moving on to become a 7.5-tonne lorry driver. His last major career shift was into web development, where he worked on websites for high-profile clients like NEC, Marlboro Yamaha Racing Team, and Northern Power Grid. But, despite working with big names in the IT world, Ellis didn’t feel truly fulfilled.

“I just didn’t feel like I was making a real difference in people’s lives,” he shares. “So, I decided to make the leap into becoming a driving instructor, a lifelong dream of mine.”

Why Ellis Chose to Become a Driving Instructor

Ellis’s passion for teaching people how to drive came from a deep-rooted desire to make a meaningful impact. He realized that teaching people to drive would not only change their lives but would also provide a skill they could use forever.

“I’ve always wanted to be an ADI. I wanted to help people achieve something they’ll carry with them for a lifetime. It’s rewarding seeing my pupils pass their test – it’s a skill that truly benefits them,” says Ellis.

But, it wasn’t just about the practical aspects of driving. He wanted a career where he could see tangible results of his efforts, and web development wasn’t cutting it. “There was no real connection with the people I was helping, and that bothered me,” he reflects.

Ellis Wood’s Teaching Style

Ellis’s pupils describe his teaching style as laid-back but effective. He’s patient and caring, offering a calm environment where students feel at ease. “I think only my students can truly answer that question,” he laughs, “but from what I hear, they say I’m patient and that I don’t pressure them too much.”

Rather than forcing students into rigid, cookie-cutter techniques, Ellis encourages them to work things out for themselves. “If they can figure it out, they won’t forget it,” he explains. “Making mistakes is part of learning, and I let them make those mistakes in a safe environment, of course. If it’s a safety issue, we address it right away.”

Ellis’s Favourite and Least Favourite Parts of the Job

Ellis has both highs and lows when it comes to his job. The excitement of test day, when a student passes after months of hard work, is one of his favorite moments. “It’s an amazing feeling when a pupil passes, especially if they’ve had a hard time during their lessons. I had one guy who couldn’t steer to save his life. We worked on it for weeks, and then suddenly, he just got it. He passed first time!”

But, like many instructors, Ellis’s least favorite part of the job is the nerves on test day. “I’m more nervous than my pupils,” he admits. “When they make a serious mistake, it feels like a little piece of me dies inside.”

The Struggles Ellis Faced in Becoming an ADI

Becoming an ADI wasn’t without its challenges. Ellis initially had a rough experience with some trainers who, in his words, “just wanted your money.” He signed up for a training package that promised a guaranteed pass, only to find that the trainer didn’t live up to the promises.

“I paid £3,000 for books and a trainer who wasn’t really qualified to teach me. It was a nightmare,” Ellis recalls. Fortunately, he was able to recover most of his money and move forward with different trainers who were more professional.

Ellis Wood’s Advice for Aspiring ADIs

For those looking to become driving instructors, Ellis has some key advice. “Do your research. Don’t just sign up for the first training program you see. Make sure the trainer is reputable, and remember, there’s no shortcut to success. It’s a challenging industry, but perseverance pays off.”

How Ellis Wood Would Tackle the Issue of Bad Trainers in the Industry

Ellis is passionate about improving the quality of training within the driving school industry. He believes that all trainers should be ORDIT-registered (Official Register of Driving Instructor Trainers), and that training suppliers should undergo regular inspections by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency). “There need to be checks in place. If trainers and schools don’t meet certain standards, they shouldn’t be allowed to operate,” he says.

The Impact of Theory Test Pro on Ellis’s Students

One tool that Ellis swears by for helping his students is Theory Test Pro, a comprehensive online system that prepares learners for their theory test. “My pupils love it because it’s included in the cost of their lessons. They don’t have to spend extra money on books or apps,” Ellis explains.

Ellis uses the system to track his students’ progress and identify areas where they’re struggling. “I had a pupil who couldn’t remember how reflective studs were placed. So, we went to the A19, saw them in real life, and it made a huge difference. That’s the kind of hands-on learning I believe in.”

Conclusion

Ellis Wood’s journey from web developer to driving instructor may have been unconventional, but it has allowed him to pursue his passion for teaching and making a real difference in people’s lives. His commitment to high-quality, compassionate instruction shines through in the many students he’s helped pass their driving tests. And as an advocate for better training standards, Ellis is working to ensure that the next generation of driving instructors is well-equipped to guide their students to success.

FAQs

1. What makes Ellis Wood’s teaching style unique?
Ellis’s laid-back, patient, and encouraging approach makes his teaching style stand out. He focuses on letting students learn through experience and reflection.

2. What advice would Ellis give to someone interested in becoming a driving instructor?
Ellis advises aspiring instructors to do thorough research on training programs, choose reputable trainers, and be prepared for a challenging but rewarding career.

3. How does Theory Test Pro help learners?
Theory Test Pro provides students with an accessible, interactive platform to study for their theory test, helping them track progress and focus on weak areas.

4. What are some of the biggest challenges for new driving instructors?
New driving instructors often face challenges in finding trustworthy training programs, dealing with the financial aspects of running a business, and maintaining patience with difficult students.

5. How can driving schools ensure they’re providing quality training?
By ensuring that trainers are ORDIT-registered, keeping up with industry regulations, and conducting regular checks on training practices, driving schools can maintain high standards.

Main image by https://www.theorytestpro.co.uk/posts/meet-instructor-ellis-wood/