Absolutely rubbish! Qualification takes a lot longer than you think; in many countries there are three stages to the driving instructor test that site; the theory, the in car driving practical test and the instructional ability test where another examiner watches you conducting a ‘live’ lesson. It is this third test that many find so difficult, yes you may be a great driver, however, being able to explain it is something quite different. Simply ask a sports teacher what goes into coaching their teams!
Different parts of the brain are at play; those used when we are doing a skill versus those used to describe it!
For many aspiring driving instructors another factor that is often drastically underestimated is the psychology involved in teaching, it’s not always up to you to be discussing mirrors with a student! You are dealing with their anxiety, their over-confidence, their stubbornness, and their white-knuckle grip! A lot of these will get their learning in the first six months after qualification… or go back into other areas!
And then there’s the business side, this also trips up many a new driving teacher, it’s expensive insurance! The dual controls alone on a car are quite an investment, and it isn’t exactly simple learning a booking system! Or getting 12 local businesses on facebook to notice you when everyone else is also trying!
The spreadsheet isn’t always discussed!
Of course the requirements are different in various regions, it may be that in certain countries or states, or even areas within countries you are required to do hundreds of hours of supervised training before you are let loose on your own, in other areas it can be quite a lot quicker. It is essential that you research the exact local transport authority requirement prior to investing time and money in a training course, as many training course providers do not inform you and have refund clauses. One point to remember is that any reputable driving school will be teaching you to spot those signs that tell you to be careful with your 17 year old students, alongside the required skills and how to drive defensively; this is something that comes with experience, from making (usually) humorous anecdotes later down the line, not from a book!