20/05/2025
Reflection On My Journey After Entering My Fifteenth Year in this Profession
After nearly one and a half decades in this profession, when I look back on my time with a bittersweet taste in my mouth. I never once regretted being part of male dominated profession. It has had its challenges (and still does) but I’ve also found great joy and fulfillment in the journey.
I’ve grown significantly in my career. From teaching standard driving lessons, I moved into delivering lessons for learners with special needs, using my modified car to support individuals with physical challenges. Helping them gain independence through driving has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.
Over time, I became an Older Driver Assessor, a coach and facilitator for the government’s Safer Drivers Course for young drivers, and eventually a trainer for future driving instructors. I’ve trained many female driving instructors since then and its’ great to see the female participation is increasing in this industry. But we need more females come out and join the profession as we are facing huge demand of female instructors. What I'm basically saying is that this industry has a lot to offer if you are really keen to work on yourself with time.
Nothing compares to the satisfaction of seeing a learner pass their driving test and drive away confidently, knowing they’re equipped with the knowledge and skills to stay safe on the road.
Recently, while looking back on this journey, The Senior newspaper gave me the opportunity to share my story. I’m thankful to Rowan Cowley the interview and for shedding light on ongoing stereotypes, particularly around women drivers and female instructors. Even in the 21st century, these outdated perceptions persist.
If you'd like to read more, I’ve included the link to the article in The Senior.
https://www.thesenior.com.au/story/8960226/why-sexism-is-keeping-female-driving-instructors-off-the-road/
