Meet the ADI: Kathy Higgins
By Blind Spot DriveBlog
Meet the ADI: Kathy Higgins
Outline
Introduction
- Brief introduction to Kathy Higgins
- Overview of her journey as an ADI
The Journey to Becoming an ADI
- Inspiration behind choosing the profession
- Transition from sales to driving instruction
Teaching Style and Philosophy
- Simplified and direct approach to teaching
- Training methods for aspiring instructors
Essential Skills for an ADI
- Adaptability and personalization
- Business acumen for managing finances
Challenges in the ADI Profession
- Dealing with underpricing in the industry
- Managing customer expectations effectively
Insights on Driving Standards
- Comparing driving standards over the years
- Impact of reduced law enforcement on road safety
Motivation and Success
- Kathy’s drive to keep improving
- Lessons learned from her early struggles
Tools of the Trade
- The role of Theory Test Pro in training
Conclusion
- Summary of Kathy’s contributions and insights
FAQs
- What inspired Kathy Higgins to become an ADI?
- How does Kathy describe her teaching style?
- What advice does Kathy give about pricing lessons?
- What is Theory Test Pro, and why does Kathy recommend it?
- What motivates Kathy Higgins to continue pushing herself?
Meet the ADI: Kathy Higgins
Kathy Higgins has been a cornerstone of the UK’s driving instruction industry since 1999. As the owner of Insight 2 Drive, she has built an award-winning business with expertise ranging from teaching learners and training instructors to fleet driver education. With her Liverpool-based company employing multiple Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs), Kathy also runs Speed Awareness courses and continues to train aspiring instructors. Let’s explore her journey, philosophy, and invaluable insights into the profession.
The Journey to Becoming an ADI
Inspiration Behind the Career Change
In the 1990s, Kathy was a sales representative, constantly on the road, and fed up with the grind. One pivotal moment came when she returned to the office in her old Ford and saw her boss flaunting a new car he barely needed. Frustrated, Kathy realized she needed to carve out her own path.
Driving had always been her strength—she had already completed an IAM Advanced Motoring Course. This realization led her to pursue a career as a driving instructor, merging her passion with a new business opportunity.
Teaching Style and Philosophy
Keeping It Simple
Kathy’s teaching philosophy revolves around simplicity. She firmly believes in avoiding overcomplications, especially when training ADIs. Her mantra? Spot the fault, address it, understand its cause, and implement a solution.
Training Aspiring ADIs
Kathy highlights how some trainers unintentionally make the process overly complex. Her approach ensures trainees feel confident and equipped to handle real-world scenarios without unnecessary jargon.
Essential Skills for an ADI
Adaptability Is Key
For Kathy, adaptability is non-negotiable. Every learner is unique, and an instructor must tailor their teaching style accordingly. Kathy often inherits students from other instructors who have given up on them. Her success with these students lies in her ability to adapt and instill confidence.
Understanding Business Basics
Kathy emphasizes that ADIs are essentially business owners. She teaches trainees about cash management, urging them to save a portion of their earnings to handle tax bills and reinvest in their business.
Challenges in the ADI Profession
The Pitfall of Underpricing
Kathy strongly advises against offering cut-rate lessons to attract clients. She explains that such a strategy can lead to financial struggles and attract the wrong type of customers. Instead, she advocates for maintaining fair pricing to ensure quality over quantity.
Working Smarter, Not Harder
Through anecdotes like the comparison of Barbara and Tom, Kathy illustrates the importance of charging proper rates. This approach not only ensures profitability but also fosters a sustainable business model.
Insights on Driving Standards
Declining Standards
Kathy observes a noticeable decline in driving standards over the past decade. The lack of police presence on the roads has emboldened drivers to disregard rules, creating a vicious cycle of bad behavior.
The Need for Accountability
Kathy believes that fostering respect for traffic laws requires stricter enforcement and education. Her Speed Awareness courses aim to bridge this gap by promoting responsible driving habits.
Motivation and Success
A Lifelong Drive to Improve
Kathy’s motivation stems from her school days, where she felt overlooked by teachers. This fueled her determination to prove herself and continually push her limits.
A Passion for Learning
Kathy thrives on exploring new ideas and being inventive. This mindset has been instrumental in her journey, keeping her ahead in a competitive industry.
Tools of the Trade
Why Kathy Recommends Theory Test Pro
Kathy is a staunch advocate of Theory Test Pro, a tool that significantly enhances learning outcomes. She notes that students who use it diligently often pass their tests on the first attempt, making it an indispensable resource for both learners and instructors.
Conclusion
Kathy Higgins exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and excellence in the driving instruction industry. From her humble beginnings to building a thriving business, her story is a testament to hard work and passion. Kathy’s insights not only inspire aspiring ADIs but also emphasize the importance of quality education in creating safer roads.
FAQs
1. What inspired Kathy Higgins to become an ADI?
Her frustration with her previous sales job and her passion for driving led Kathy to pursue a career as an ADI.
2. How does Kathy describe her teaching style?
Kathy’s teaching style is simple, direct, and tailored to the needs of each student.
3. What advice does Kathy give about pricing lessons?
She advises against underpricing, emphasizing the importance of fair rates to ensure sustainable income and attract serious learners.
4. What is Theory Test Pro, and why does Kathy recommend it?
Theory Test Pro is an online tool that helps learners prepare effectively for their driving theory tests. Kathy finds it invaluable for improving pass rates.
5. What motivates Kathy Higgins to continue pushing herself?
Kathy’s drive comes from her desire to prove herself, learn new skills, and continuously innovate in her field.
Main Image BY Pexels
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