Interview With The Owner

My first question is why did you choose to own a Driver's Education Company?

 I have always been a teacher and like making a difference in the lives of teenagers and youth. I like teaching hands-on skills and teaching lessons that students can use after the classroom. Teaching people to drive enables me to make a positive difference in the community. I also like getting to know the students and chatting about their plans and dreams.

What is the biggest challenge of owning a driving school?

Staffing is always the biggest challenge in owning any small business, but I have been very fortunate to have a great staff that works hard and interacts well with the students. Being able to teach someone how to drive in a cool, calm, and educational manner is sometimes difficult for many people, but I have found a wonderful group of individuals who can do just that. 

What is the biggest joy of owning a driving school?

Personally, I love seeing students outside of the driving school. They tell me they passed their driving test, and the joy I see in their faces makes my day. 

What type of vehicles do you have here at Drivers Edge School of Driving?

We pick vehicles that would be easy and comfortable for most people to drive. We don't want large SUVs or trucks since they would intimate some new drivers. We also pick vehicles that are fuel efficient, since we drive on average 20 miles each trip and have about 60 hours of drive times each week. 

How has driver's education changed in the last 20 years?

When Drivers Edge opened technology was much different. Some cars still had manual roll-down windows, CD players were a luxury, and power seats were hard to come by. In the classroom, we now have the ability to use technology to assist in education. Videos and interactive review games make it more fun for the students. We also can give instant feedback on tests when we do them online, which allows students to know what they got correct and incorrect right away so there is less confusion or doubt when they go home. Driving is still driving, you still need to pay attention, know the rules, and anticipate what other people are doing. Even if things have changed, driving is still hard work, and it is the main thing we want to prepare our students for. 

What could parents do to help their students learn to drive?

Driving is a complicated task that uses mental and physical skills. The best thing a parent could do is spend time talking about driving skills while the student is in the passenger seat. Let them see what the mental skills are to be able to drive before they have to use the physical skills. The second thing is to be patient and calm. It is hard for a parent to teach their "baby" how to drive. The stress of teaching, the stress of a potential accident, the financial cost of the car, and the loss of control are a lot for parents to deal with. Remember they are scared and nervous, so start slow and build up their confidence and your trust in them. 

What can a student do to prepare to drive? 

Start driving anything sooner- drive the riding lawn mower, a golf cart, a go-cart, or even a bike or scooter. All of this will help with the physical aspect of driving. Then start paying attention when parents drive you around, ask questions, and pretend you are driving. This will help with the mental and social aspects of driving. Then when you get your permit- practice!! Listen to your parents and teachers about how to drive and why we do those things. 

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Comment down below any questions you have for the owner. A second installment of “Interview with the Owner” will be out soon.