Meet the Instructor: Nick Salzen

By Blind Spot DriveBlog

Meet the Instructor: Nick Salzen

Nick Salzen’s journey from a successful banking career to becoming a driving instructor is nothing short of inspiring. He walked away from the world of finance to build a fulfilling career teaching people to become better and safer drivers. Today, Nick Salzen runs 17 Plus Driving School in Kent, a thriving business he’s nurtured over the last 12 years. Let’s dive into his story and discover what makes him stand out as a driving instructor.

Outline

1. Introduction
   • Brief overview of Nick Salzen’s career transition.
   • Introduction to his driving school.
2. Nick’s Background
   • Early career in banking.
   • Challenges in the corporate world.
   • Motivation for change.
3. Why Nick Salzen Became a Driving Instructor
   • Love for cars and teaching.
   • Combining passions into a career.
4. Nick’s Early Days as an Instructor
   • Joining local driving schools.
   • Moving to a franchise model.
   • The decision to go independent.
5. The Journey to Success
   • Building his business from scratch.
   • The importance of student loyalty and recommendations.
6. Advice for New Driving Instructors
   • Starting with a franchise.
   • Transitioning to independence.
7. Nick’s Favorite Aspects of Instructing
   • Watching students improve.
   • Sharing the joy of passing a test.
8. Challenges in the Profession
   • Dealing with impatient drivers.
   • Distracted driving and its dangers.
9. Nick’s Teaching Style
   • Traditional instructing versus client-centered learning.
   • Encouraging self-reflection among students.
10. Common Learner Bad Habits
    • Overconfidence and test readiness misconceptions.
    • Teaching moments for improvement.
11. The Changing Driving Test
    • Nick’s views on new test requirements.
    • Advocating for useful skills like turning in the road.
12. What Sets Nick Salzen Apart as an Instructor
    • Dedication to customer service.
    • Innovative teaching techniques.
13. Student Success Stories
    • Memorable moments with students.
    • Impact on their lives.
14. Future Goals for 17 Plus Driving School
    • Plans for growth and innovation.
15. Conclusion
    • Reflections on a fulfilling career.
16. FAQs
    • Common questions about Nick Salzen and his driving school.

Nick’s Background

Nick Salzen’s professional life began in banking. Fresh out of school at 18, he worked with prestigious investment houses in London for 25 years. Despite his success, the corporate world presented significant challenges. Redundancies and the daily grind of commuting eventually left Nick Salzen disillusioned.

“It was the stress of working in London that pushed me to find something more meaningful,” Nick Salzen recalls.

Why Nick Became a Driving Instructor

From a young age, Nick Salzen had a fascination with cars. As a child, he would sit in the passenger seat, watching his father drive and absorbing the intricacies of road safety and vehicle control. This early interest laid the foundation for his career shift.

“I discovered I loved teaching while mentoring staff in banking,” he says. Combining his passion for cars and teaching was a natural choice.

Nick’s Early Days as an Instructor

After becoming a qualified Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), Nick Salzen joined a small driving school. While he gained valuable experience, there wasn’t enough work to sustain him. He later joined a larger franchise, which offered more opportunities but came with its own set of challenges.

In 2006, Nick decided to strike out on his own, launching 17 Plus Driving School. “Going independent was the best decision I ever made,” he shares.

The Journey to Success

Nick’s reputation grew quickly, thanks to his dedication and the loyalty of his students. He emphasizes that the instructor, not the company, is the true asset. “If you’re doing a good job, people will recommend you,” he says.

Advice for New Driving Instructors

Nick advises new instructors to start with a franchise to build their client base. “Once you have a steady stream of recommendations, consider going independent,” he suggests, typically after 18–24 months.

Nick’s Favorite Aspects of Instructing

Watching students improve and gain confidence behind the wheel is what Nick loves most. “Seeing things click for a student is incredibly rewarding,” he says. Sharing the joy of their success, especially when they pass their test, makes the hard work worthwhile.

Challenges in the Profession

Dealing with impatient drivers is a constant struggle. Nick points out how tailgaters and aggressive motorists create a stressful environment for learners.

Another major concern is distracted driving, particularly by mobile phone use. “It’s dangerous and increases the risk of accidents,” Nick warns.

Nick’s Teaching Style

Nick employs a mix of traditional and client-centered teaching techniques. He encourages students to reflect on their mistakes and come up with solutions. “Self-reflection is key,” he says, describing how he uses scaled ratings to help students evaluate their performance.

Common Learner Bad Habits

Nick highlights overconfidence as a common issue among learners. He often takes such students on challenging routes to show them areas for improvement. “Let me be the judge of your readiness,” he advises.

The Changing Driving Test

Nick has strong opinions about recent changes to the driving test, such as replacing the “turn in the road” with “pulling up on the right.” He believes traditional skills are more practical and continues to teach them.

Conclusion

Nick Salzen’s journey from banking to becoming a successful driving instructor showcases the power of passion and perseverance. His dedication to his students and innovative teaching methods make him a standout professional in the industry.

FAQs

1. How long has Nick been a driving instructor?
Nick has been an instructor for over 12 years.

2. What is Nick’s teaching style?
He uses a blend of traditional methods and client-centered learning to encourage self-reflection.

3. What makes 17 Plus Driving School unique?
Nick’s personalized approach and dedication to customer service set his school apart.

4. Does Nick still teach traditional maneuvers like turning in the road?
Yes, Nick believes in teaching practical skills that benefit learners in real-life situations.

5. What advice does Nick have for aspiring driving instructors?
Start with a franchise to build your client base, then consider going independent when you’re established.

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