I came to driving late in life at 43, having given up on lessons several times- no road sense, little confidence. Managing to, very luckily, get lessons with Ian completely changed that.
Passing my test seemed unachievable, something that only others did. A teacher, I felt envious and embarrassed as my 17 year pupils passed me in their cars. I stood at bus stops, freezing. I had always just done what instructors said without really knowing why or how. It wasn´t real learning and got me nowhere.
However, Ian took the time to understand how I thought and what was the best way to get round the blocks getting in the way of my learning. In my job, I know it´s frustrating when others don´t understand what you find easy but Ian was not judgemental and was really patient, clear, calm and, as he had to be with me, determined! It was good, at last, to be completely honest about my difficulties knowing he would listen and be creative and imaginative enough to get round the problem somehow- sticking with it. This is teaching the individual not just as if from a textbook and takes great skill and tenacity. His sense of humour also kept us both sane at times!
I have managed to do something I never thought I could and it is down to Ian. He is right behind you, finding ways for it all to make sense to you when you feel like giving up. He´s relaxed but knows when to push you and sizes up quickly the best way for you to learn. That´s what makes him a genuine teacher and not just an instructor.
If I am half the teacher Ian is, I am more than happy.