About Lin Webb of 1nfluence Driver Training

I grew up in South London, with the finest Dad to ever roam this land. He had the ability to put people at their ease. They trusted him and were able to open up and talk through their hopes, fears and anxieties, safe in the knowledge that he would give them his full attention and support them to the best of his ability. He passed away a number of years ago now, but I’d like to think part of him lives on in me.

My pre-driver training background was largely involved in helping, supporting, encouraging and motivating primary school children who had learning and behavioural issues. One of the most important things I learnt is that each individual learns differently, so applying the same techniques to everyone isn’t going to work.

When I started working in the driver training sector back in 1998, I trained largely with BSM. I then transferred to AA Driving School where I became an instructor coach and mentor, supporting other instructors in the area to create what they wanted from their businesses. While with AA Driving School I became a Fleet Registered Trainer, an ORDIT Trainer, and ran some of the company’s Induction and Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) development courses.

Following a period of time working independently and with a business partner, I set up 1nfluence Driver Trainers Ltd, which became 1nfluence Driver Training Ltd at the beginning of 2017.

I’ve always been very slightly ‘addicted’ to taking further training and in 2011, I became curious about using coaching techniques to improve road safety. I started the BTEC Level 4 Professional Award in Coaching for Driver Development… in fact, I did it twice as my understanding and goals altered as I progressed. Producing ‘thinking’ drivers by sharing ideas and coming up with solutions together encourages them be more self-aware, more responsible and better able to make independent decisions for a lifetime.

Around this time I also took a 3 day Approved Driving Instructor course at Queen Elizabeth Foundation (a leading disability charity) in Carshalton in Surrey. This course inspired me to take an interest in more challenging customers. I feel it’s important not to ‘label’ people but to be creative in finding a learning style which works for that individual. My diary has gradually become full with pupils with dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism and various other learning differences, mobility difficulties and those with high anxiety.

Lin says:

“Driver training is more than a job to me. I love helping others achieve success, whatever that is to them. It’s a fantastic feeling when you see the smiles on their faces when they reach their goal. I am committed to carry on learning, and I’d love to help YOU.”