By Julie Hughes, BACP Accredited Counsellor & Co-Director, Mind Matters Counselling LLP
Introduction
As driving instructors, we are responsible not only for teaching essential technical skills but also for supporting the emotional confidence of our learners. Mental health, our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influences how we think, feel, and act. It affects how we handle stress, how we relate to others, and the decisions we make both inside and outside the vehicle.
When it comes to driver training, mental health awareness is vital. Learners often bring anxiety, low confidence, or fear of failure to lessons. Instructors themselves face unique pressures too: irregular schedules, performance expectations, financial uncertainty, and the ongoing emotional demands of supporting a wide range of students.
Why Mental Health Matters in Driving Instruction
- Learner Anxiety
- Many learners experience heightened stress, particularly around test preparation. Recognising this helps instructors create calmer, more reassuring environments.
- Instructor Pressures
- From fluctuating income and rising fuel costs to unpredictable seasonal demand, instructors face stressors that can directly affect well-being. These challenges, if left unaddressed, may impact both teaching quality and personal resilience.
- Shared Emotional Load
- Instructors are not only teachers, but also guides through what can be an emotional journey. The balance of professionalism and empathy is key to keeping both learners and instructors healthy.
Practical Approaches to Support Wellbeing
Drawing on more than 20 years’ experience of promoting wellbeing in the workplace, I have seen how small but consistent actions can make a real difference. For instructors, this might include:
- Listening Actively – Being present and attentive to learners’ concerns helps reduce anxiety and builds trust.
- Exploring Coping Strategies – Encouraging learners to breathe, pause, or reframe situations can reduce fear and improve confidence.
- Self-Awareness for Instructors – Recognising when you are under pressure allows you to take proactive steps, such as scheduling breaks or seeking peer support.
- Encouraging Open Conversation – Normalising discussions around mental health reduces stigma and creates a supportive learning atmosphere.
A Balanced Perspective
The well-being of both instructors and learners is central to safe, effective driver education. When instructors are aware of mental health challenges, their own and their learners’, it creates a more compassionate, understanding, and ultimately more productive environment.
ADINJC Comment
“Mental health is a cornerstone of effective driver training. Supporting instructors and learners alike ensures a safer, more confident driving experience for everyone.”
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