Name: Ros Rusted
Business: A* Rosalyn Rusted
How did you first develop a passion for what you do?
My passion has grown over the years! At first it was a job that I was growing into! For the past 10-15 years, it’s been a job that I love.
What were you doing before?
Before having children, I worked in an office mainly with a small stint as a dental nurse. Immediately prior to becoming a driving instructor, I had been a stay at home Mum of four for about 12 years. When my youngest child was about 2, I started to think about what job I could do when he went to school that would fit around school hours. I wouldn’t have dreamed of becoming a driving instructor had I not randomly seen an advert saying there was a need for female driving instructors. I went along to learn about the training process and decided it could be a perfect job to fit around a family!
What gave you the courage to step out and do your own thing?
I am not sure where I got the courage from, but I certainly soon discovered that I needed plenty, as it was such a demanding process. Not least because I was looking after my toddler plus three older children plus childminding a baby at the time!
A* Rosalyn Rusted
What have been some of the struggles along the way?
The training was in three parts and each part became harder! The part 3 was a nightmare and you are only given 3 chances to pass it. I failed the first 2 and was absolutely desperate to pass on the third attempt having put SO much work and effort into it for months, not to mention the money! Also I had been a trainee instructor for 6 months at that stage and my first pupil had passed first time. I enjoyed the job and knew I could do it!! But could I get through that test which was all done by role play and so different to the ‘real thing!?!
I changed driving schools at this point and had someone new to teach me what they were actually looking for in order to pass in my final attempt!!!! It worked! I made it!!!’
That was 23 years ago!
What do you love about what you do?
I love working with young people. Some of my pupils are older but mostly 17/18. I always seem to get along well with each one and I endeavour to make their learning to drive experience a good one! I love the freedom of working for myself (I only worked for a school for the first few years).
What’s made you feel proud of what you’ve achieved?
I am proud of keeping my business going all these years on ‘word of mouth’ recommendation only. I never advertise, the one occasion I tried, it brought in nothing!
What would you say to another woman contemplating doing her own thing?
I would encourage anyone to take that step and put 100% effort into making it work for them. The rewards are huge , especially in terms of confidence building!
