If you were wondering who is behind the wheel of this driving school, the answer is Juan Carlos, director, teacher and responsible for turning beginners into safe drivers. He has more experience teaching driving than GPS recalculating routes. He is passionate about motors in all their forms, so If there's anything that moves on wheels, he's probably already driven it.We asked him some questions and you will get to know him better.
How and why did you decide to open the driving school? Was it always your dream or did it just happen?
The truth is that it wasn't something I had in mind from the beginning, but I've always liked teaching and connecting with people. It came about when I was working as a teacher at another driving school and I realized that I wanted to do things differently, with a more personal approach and methods more in line with what I believe in as a trainer. Today I can say that it was one of the best decisions I've made in my life.
What do you enjoy most about teaching driving?
What I enjoy most is seeing how students acquire the skills they need. And, in the case of those who face some difficulty, such as when they have fears or insecurities, they go from being nervous to driving with confidence. It is very rewarding and it is what I like to do most: teach. In all these years of experience, it is a satisfaction to see how our students achieve both personal and, above all, professional goals, a good part of which involves obtaining their driving license.
What makes our driving school different? What is the secret that makes so many students trust us?
Well, we have no secret other than personalized treatment. Here each student is unique, we know them well and we adapt to their needs. Learning to drive should be, yes or yes, a positive experience, because it will improve their life opportunities in many aspects, and it should not be a cause of stress. There are students who, from the first class, you see a level of natural ability. But the most normal thing in the world is to start with doubts and gradually build confidence. And both of them impress me. The skilled ones leave you speechless, and those who overcome their fears and insecurities are super gratifying, because you see them achieve their goal with their motivation to train well.
What do you think is students' biggest fear when learning to drive, and how do you help them overcome it?
The biggest fear is usually making mistakes. Many people come to the competition thinking they have to be perfect from the start, and that blocks them. I always tell them: “This is like when you learn to ride a bike: you will fall sometimes, but in the end, it will come naturally.” My job is to give them the confidence they need and the best tools they will use as drivers, so they can see that they are fully capable. We have all been beginners here.
With so many technological advances, how has training in driving schools changed? And what about digital tools?
Technology has changed everything. Digital applications have made the study of theory easier. That is the future, or rather, it is the present, and access to theoretical preparation must be immediate and from any digital platform. That is why in our school we have the best application so that training is complete and accessible. With ABA Road Pro, students can prepare the theory 100% from anywhere, and they have the best training support 24/7. Everything is on the mobile, computer or tablet, so it is much more efficient.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in running your driving school, and how did you overcome it?
Without a doubt, the pandemic. Like the rest of our colleagues and friends, we had to close temporarily and quickly adapt to the situation when we came out of confinement. They were tough times, but we learned a lot and came out stronger. And now we continue to combine traditional and digital methods. Online training has suddenly taken us to the future of teaching. At our driving school we believe in it one hundred percent, and the results are already there to see.
What do you think about the future of cars and driving?
For a technology enthusiast like me, this is certainly getting very interesting. We are already seeing more and more electric cars and revolutionary driving assistance systems. The advances in autonomous vehicles are becoming faster and faster. We will have to be prepared for these changes. Technology is our ally and facilitates many issues of safety, energy efficiency, system diagnosis, etc. But what really matters is training responsible and safe drivers.
What values do you try to convey to students at the driving school?
There is no doubt about it: respect and responsibility. Driving is not about moving a car from one place to another, it is about being part of a community on the road. I try to convey empathy and the importance of taking care of yourself and others when you are behind the wheel. And, of course, being patient. As instructors, we must always be patient.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about learning to drive but is hesitant to take the first step?
I would say that the first step is the most difficult, but also the most important. Here at the driving school we are here to help you and make the process as easy and pleasant as possible. It doesn't matter if you have any fears or doubts, we all started like this. You will be surprised at what you are capable of achieving with good training. And, of course, we are waiting for you!
If you had to give just one piece of advice for passing the driving test on the first try, what would it be?
Practice and listen to our teachers. Trust in yourself and in what you have learned. If you get nervous at the exam, which is the most normal thing in the world, remember that they are not asking you to be an F1 driver, but someone who drives safely. And don't think about it any longer, get a good night's sleep beforehand.