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“I am curious as to whether the world will still need driving instructors in 20 years.”
09.11.2020
Driving instructor Daniel Fehmann from Bern talks about nerves of steel, the self-driving car being a job killer and the nonsense of new traffic laws.
Mr Fehlmann, you teach others how to drive. A dream job?
For me, yes. I have been fascinated by vehicles ever since I was a child. For me, mobility has always meant a piece of freedom. Nevertheless, my first job as a chauffeur become too lonely at some point. As a driving instructor, I can work with people and pursue my passion – the perfect combination.
Personally, I don’t just have good memories: My driving instructor would often be noisy.
These are not ideal conditions. A driving instructor has to be able to stay calm in difficult situations too. In addition, everyone has different talents. Some learn quickly, while others need more time and patience.
Those who practice privately will certainly make faster progress. What do you think of Mobility’s learner driver offer?
I recommend the Mobility learner driver subscription my apprentices again and again. After all, some families don’t have their own car or they don't have a vehicle of a suitable category. Mobility offers the ideal solution in this respect. I am also a fan of the car-sharing philosophy, as a car of one’s own is expensive to buy and maintain.
Should learner drivers take advantage of the opportunity to book different models with Mobility?
It’s an advantage to take turns. In the long term, this makes you more flexible, experienced and self-confident.
«I recommend Mobility to my students time and time again.»Daniel Fehlmann, driving instructor
Since February, people who have passed their driving tests with automatic cars have also been allowed to drive manual ones. Do you think this poses any safety risks?
I find it dangerous without specific training, yes. So far, however, I don’t know of anyone who would have sat in a hand-shifted car and set off without driving lessons. The handling is too different compared to an automatic machine for this, starting with the start-up. I therefore recommend everyone takes a couple of practice lessons with a driving instructor.
Isn’t it the case that you are against this change in the law because you could lose revenue?
Most of my customers continue to learn manually, which I recommend anyway. This makes them flexible and easy to switch to automatic machines at a later date. The bottom line is that the machine test takes fewer lessons, which is true. However, it takes just as much practice to behave correctly and safely in traffic.
Cars are no longer a symbol of status for younger people. Is that right?
That’s right. Gone are the days when the 18-year-olds rammed your place. Owning your own car is no longer equally important for everyone. My customers mainly travel in urban areas with well-developed public transport. Here, young people are often involved in longer-term training. Therefore, it is important to consider whether owning a vehicle in a city makes sense and is affordable. If not, Mobility comes full circle.
How do you teach environmentally conscious driving?
In theory lessons, we address this question in an overarching way: When does the car make sense as a means of transport? In which case should public transport be preferred? On the road itself, we practice shifting as early as possible, turning off the engine in front of traffic lights or barriers and, above all, driving with foresight.
Speaking of foresight: Do you think your job will last for a long time?
What do you mean?
Because self-driving cars are just around the corner.
I’m looking forward to this development. I think that traditional driving instructors will still be needed for another 10 to 20 years. But after that? Perhaps our work will shift towards consulting activities around the introduction of such vehicles. In any case, I am looking forward to the future with curiosity and a positive attitude.
Driving lessons with Daniel Fehlmann: www.fahrschule-bern-west.ch