Meet the ADI: Phil Jones

By Blind Spot DriveBlog

Meet the ADI: Phil Jones

Former army man and Heavy Goods Vehicles driver turned driving instructor, Phil Jones, reveals the secrets behind the success of his driving school.

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Outline

Introduction

1. Overview of Phil Jones’ journey
2. Transition from previous careers to becoming an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)

Phil’s Background

1. Life in the Army
   • Joining at 16
   • Serving in the 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
2. Transitioning to Civilian Life
   • Work as a motorcycle courier
   • Career as an HGV driver
3. Why Driving Instruction?
   • Seeking new challenges

The Birth of Go Learn 2 Drive

1. Realizing the limitations of a franchise
2. Deciding to go solo
3. Building a driving school in North Wales

Influences and Teaching Philosophy

1. Army values and HGV experience shaping teaching
2. Confidence, decision-making, and accountability
3. Firm yet fair approach

Industry Challenges and Solutions

1. Importance of setting a fair hourly rate
2. Combating cut-price lessons

What Phil Jones Loves About His Job

1. Celebrating pupil success
2. Challenges of administrative work

Professional Growth

1. Learning business essentials
2. Insights from small business courses

Striking Out Independently

1. Balancing manual and automatic instruction
2. Expanding by training new instructors
3. Advantages of molding trainees

Advice for Aspiring Driving School Owners

1. Importance of a business plan and USP
2. Strategies for managing payments

Theory Test Pro and Its Benefits

1. Accelerating student success in theory tests
2. Supporting instructor training

Conclusion

1. Phil’s philosophy: Business first, teaching second
2. Continuing to grow Go Learn 2 Drive

FAQs

1. What motivated Phil Jones to switch careers?
2. How does Phil’s military background benefit his teaching?
3. What makes Go Learn 2 Drive unique?
4. What advice does Phil Jones offer aspiring ADIs?
5. How does Theory Test Pro help students?

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Meet the ADI: Phil Jones

Former Army Man and HGV Driver Turned Driving Instructor

Starting a business is never easy, but for Phil Jones, the journey from military service and HGV driving to founding a successful driving school in North Wales has been nothing short of inspiring. Here’s how he did it—and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

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Phil’s Background

Life in the Army

Phil’s journey began at the age of 16 when he joined the 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery. His eight years of service offered him an adventurous and disciplined lifestyle. However, he knew that he needed to make a choice: either commit to a full military career or transition to civilian life while still young enough to adapt.

Transitioning to Civilian Life

After leaving the army, Phil Jones became a self-employed motorcycle courier to fund his Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) training. He later passed his Class 1 license and embarked on a 15-year career driving across Europe and the UK. While exciting, the lifestyle eventually wore thin, and Phil yearned for stability.

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Why Driving Instruction?

Phil discovered an interest in becoming a driving instructor through various articles. It offered the challenge he sought and the chance to work on something meaningful closer to home. In May 2006, he passed his part 3 ADI qualification and started with a local franchise, though it didn’t take long to realize he could do better on his own.

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The Birth of Go Learn 2 Drive

Frustrated with the limitations of his franchise, Phil decided to create Go Learn 2 Drive. His vision was to provide high-quality instruction and embrace modern marketing strategies. Based in North Wales, his school quickly became popular, offering both manual and automatic lessons.

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Influences and Teaching Philosophy

Army Discipline and HGV Expertise

Phil’s military background and extensive driving experience taught him confidence, quick decision-making, and accountability. These qualities are now hallmarks of his teaching style.

Firm but Fair Approach

Known for his straightforward communication, Phil believes in avoiding sugar-coating. His pupils appreciate his honesty, which builds trust and fosters learning.

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Industry Challenges and Solutions

Fair Hourly Rates

Phil advocates for a national or local minimum hourly rate of £26. This would ensure instructors earn a sustainable wage and prevent undercutting.

Avoiding Cut-Price Lessons

Low-cost lessons often compromise quality. Phil encourages instructors to charge appropriately, valuing their expertise and time.

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What Phil Loves About His Job

Celebrating Success

For Phil, nothing beats seeing a student pass their test, particularly when it’s someone who has struggled or has special needs.

Administrative Challenges

Bookkeeping and tax returns are less enjoyable aspects of the job, though modern IT tools have made this easier.

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Professional Growth

The Importance of Business Knowledge

Phil’s biggest learning curve came from attending small business courses. He stresses that success depends on understanding business principles, not just being a good instructor.

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Striking Out Independently

Expanding the Business

Initially offering both manual and automatic lessons, Phil soon needed additional instructors. Instead of hiring established ADIs, he began training his own, ensuring they fit his business model.

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Advice for Aspiring Driving School Owners

1. Create a Business Plan: Have clear goals and a unique selling point (USP).
2. Manage Payments Effectively: Phil recommends pre-paid lessons to avoid last-minute cancellations affecting income.

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Theory Test Pro and Its Benefits

Theory Test Pro has been instrumental in helping Phil’s students succeed in their theory exams. Its user-friendly design also supports part 1 training for instructors.

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Conclusion

Phil Jones’ journey from soldier to successful driving school owner highlights the importance of adaptability, discipline, and business acumen. His firm yet fair approach, coupled with a strong business foundation, continues to set Go Learn 2 Drive apart.

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FAQs

1. What motivated Phil Jones to switch careers?
   Phil sought stability and a new challenge after years of military and HGV work.
2. How does Phil’s military background benefit his teaching?
   His army experience instilled confidence, decision-making skills, and accountability, all essential for instructing.
3. What makes Go Learn 2 Drive unique?
   The school combines traditional values with modern marketing, offering tailored training by instructors personally trained by Phil.
4. What advice does Phil Jones offer aspiring ADIs?
   Develop a business plan, set a fair rate, and ensure pre-paid lessons to maintain financial stability.
5. How does Theory Test Pro help students?
   It accelerates theory test preparation and supports instructor training.

   Main Image By Pexels