By Blind Spot DriveBlog

Meet the Instructor: Les Hopkinson

Meet the Instructor: Les Hopkinson

Operating in the vibrant Newcastle upon Tyne area, Les Hopkinson is a name synonymous with excellence in driving instruction. Since qualifying as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) in October 2017, Les has been making waves in the industry, thanks to his inclusive and friendly teaching style. With years of dedication and a passion for helping students thrive, Les has built a stellar reputation as a trusted instructor.

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Outline of the Article

H1: Meet the Instructor: Les Hopkinson

• Introduction to Les Hopkinson
• Overview of his career journey

H2: Les Hopkinson’s Background

• Early career in the tenpin bowling industry
• Transition to becoming an ADI
• Inspiration for entering the driving instruction field

H2: Becoming an ADI

• The challenges of qualifying as an instructor
• Insights into his training experience

H3: Overcoming Difficulties

• Adapting to the old-style part 3 test
• Learning Client-Centered Learning on the job

H2: A Unique Approach to Driving Instruction

• Teaching style and philosophy
• Importance of letting students learn at their own pace

H3: Emphasis on Visual Aids

• Transition from traditional tools to modern apps
• Benefits of interactive learning

H2: Building Rapport with Students

• One-on-one training: the secret to success
• Maintaining a positive and respectful environment

H2: Challenges of Being an ADI

• Managing motivation and irregular schedules
• Financial uncertainties as a self-employed instructor

H3: Lessons from RED Driving School

• Support during training
• The role of mentorship in his journey

H2: Ambitions for the Future

• Plans to go independent
• Considering a role as an instructor trainer

H3: Vision for the Industry

• Suggested changes to the standards check
• Advocacy for compulsory professional development

H2: The Role of Technology in Driving Instruction

• Using Theory Test Pro to monitor student progress
• The impact of technology on student success

H2: Final Thoughts from Les Hopkinson

• Reflecting on his career
• Advice for aspiring instructors

H2: Conclusion

• Summarizing Les’s journey and philosophy

FAQs

• What inspired Les to become a driving instructor?
• How does Les ensure a positive learning environment?
• What challenges do new ADIs face?
• Why is Theory Test Pro valuable for students?
• What changes does Les hope to see in the industry?

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Meet the Instructor: Les Hopkinson

Les Hopkinson’s Background

Before becoming an ADI, Les spent 16 years in the tenpin bowling industry. However, the demands of the job, including unsociable hours, took a toll after the birth of his second child. This pivotal moment inspired him to pursue a career that aligned with his passion for driving and his desire to improve road safety.

Les’s decision wasn’t just about finding a new career—it was about making a meaningful impact by sharing his high driving standards with future motorists.

Becoming an ADI

Qualifying as a driving instructor was no easy feat for Les. Training for the old-style part 3 test presented significant challenges. Unlike modern training programs that emphasize Client-Centered Learning, Les had to adapt and learn these skills independently through experience and peer collaboration.

Overcoming Difficulties

Les’s journey to becoming an ADI was marked by perseverance. The outdated part 3 test, which lacked a focus on personalized teaching methods, required him to rely on his resourcefulness. Over time, he mastered essential skills such as adapting to different learning styles and managing the nuances of running a business. These experiences not only shaped his teaching approach but also prepared him to navigate the complexities of the industry.

A Unique Approach to Driving Instruction

Les’s teaching style stands out in a field where patience and understanding are often overlooked. His philosophy is simple: students learn best when given the freedom to explore and solve problems themselves. By encouraging them to think through tasks, Les fosters independence and confidence in his learners.

Emphasis on Visual Aids

Gone are the days of relying solely on pen and paper. Les has embraced technology by integrating interactive apps on an iPad into his lessons. These tools provide students with a clearer understanding of road scenarios and driving techniques, making the learning process more engaging and effective.

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Building Rapport with Students

One of Les’s strengths is his ability to connect with students on a personal level. He believes in maintaining a calm and respectful environment, a stark contrast to instructors who resort to shouting when mistakes are made.

“I was always the ‘Good Cop’ as a manager,” Les shares, reflecting on his time in the bowling industry. This approach has translated seamlessly into his role as an instructor, where mutual respect forms the cornerstone of his teaching methodology.

One-on-One Training: The Secret to Success

Les thrives in a one-to-one teaching environment. By focusing on individual learners, he builds strong relationships that make lessons enjoyable and productive. This personalized approach allows him to cater to each student’s unique needs, ensuring they progress at a comfortable pace.

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Challenges of Being an ADI

Like any career, being a driving instructor comes with its own set of hurdles. Les candidly discusses the challenges of staying motivated during irregular schedules.

Managing Motivation

Gaps in his daily schedule, such as long intervals between lessons, can be frustrating. Les admits that maintaining enthusiasm during these periods can be tough, especially when lessons are scattered throughout the day.

Financial Uncertainties

As a self-employed instructor, income can be unpredictable. Seasonal factors like holidays and bad weather, such as the “Beast from the East” storm, have a significant impact on business. However, Les remains resilient, adapting to these challenges with determination.

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Lessons from RED Driving School

Les credits RED Driving School for providing valuable support during his training. Despite the difficulties he faced, the school’s trainers offered extra hours of guidance, helping him build the foundation for his career. This mentorship has been instrumental in shaping his professional journey.

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Ambitions for the Future

Looking ahead, Les envisions new milestones in his career.

Plans to Go Independent

In the next few years, he hopes to establish himself as an independent instructor. By doing so, he aims to save on franchise fees and gain more control over his business operations.

Becoming an Instructor Trainer

Les also has aspirations to train future instructors. While this goal is still in the early stages, it reflects his commitment to contributing to the industry’s growth.

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Vision for the Industry

Les is passionate about improving the driving instruction field. One change he advocates for is a revamp of the standards check process.

Challenges of Standards Checks

The current system, which assesses instructors through rigid criteria, can be overly stressful. Les suggests that the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) should consider additional factors like business reputation and test pass rates when evaluating ADIs.

Compulsory Professional Development

Les believes that mandatory Continued Professional Development (CPD) could benefit instructors and their students alike. By setting a standard for ongoing learning, the industry could ensure that all ADIs remain equipped with the latest teaching methods.

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The Role of Technology in Driving Instruction

Technology has become an integral part of Les’s teaching strategy.

Using Theory Test Pro

As a fan of Theory Test Pro, Les appreciates its ability to track student progress. This tool not only helps students prepare effectively for their theory tests but also allows instructors to address their specific weak areas during lessons.

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Final Thoughts from Les Hopkinson

Reflecting on his career, Les feels a deep sense of satisfaction in helping students become safe and confident drivers. His advice to aspiring instructors is simple: stay patient, embrace change, and prioritize your students’ success.

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Conclusion

Les Hopkinson’s journey from the tenpin bowling industry to a thriving career as an ADI is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and a genuine passion for teaching. His dedication to his craft, combined with his innovative approach and focus on student well-being, sets him apart as an exceptional driving instructor.

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FAQs

1. What inspired Les to become a driving instructor?
Les’s love for driving and a desire to improve road safety motivated him to pursue a career as an ADI.

2. How does Les ensure a positive learning environment?
By maintaining a calm, respectful demeanor and encouraging students to learn at their own pace, Les creates a supportive atmosphere for learning.

3. What challenges do new ADIs face?
New instructors often struggle with irregular schedules, financial uncertainties, and adapting to the demands of self-employment.

4. Why is Theory Test Pro valuable for students?
Theory Test Pro allows instructors to monitor student progress and tailor lessons to address specific weak areas, enhancing test preparedness.

5. What changes does Les hope to see in the industry?
Les advocates for a revised standards check process and mandatory Continued Professional Development to enhance the quality of driving instruction.

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