04 July 2025
When Paul Foster swapped his hospital scrubs for a steering wheel more than three decades ago, he couldn’t have imagined that one day his daughter would be following in his footsteps -quite literally down the same road.
At just 21 years old, Hanna Foster from Inverness has become one of the youngest driving instructors with the AA Driving School, proudly following the tyre tracks of her father, who celebrates 31 years in the profession this July.
“It’s not something you see often these days - kids following their parents into a trade - but it’s a legacy I’m proud to share.”
Starting out as a nurse before training to become an instructor, Paul’s career has taken him from urban centres like London and Luton to the rural roads of Grantown-on-Spey, Morayshire where he is now based. He started training aged 24 with BSM before joining the AA Driving School on a car-only, ‘Solo’ franchise. His daughter Hanna expressed an early interest in driving instruction, and after passing her driving test, she began her training with the AA Driving School.
Now fully qualified, Hanna is building a client base of learners in Thurso in Caithness in the Highlands of Scotland. She currently balances her instruction work with a part-time job at a local surgery, with plans to transition to full-time instruction later this year. Her age and approachability have made her popular among younger learners, who often describe her lessons as relaxed and friendly.
“This is my long-term plan. It’s a career that gives me flexibility and security. People will always need to learn to drive.”
The Foster family’s story highlights the intergenerational appeal of driving instruction as a career. With flexibility, job security, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on learners’ lives, both Paul and Hanna see the profession as a rewarding long-term path.
Paul said: “I was looking for a more rewarding and independent career. A friend encouraged me to train as an instructor, and once I started, I knew I’d found the right path.”
On Hanna’s decision to carry on the family trade, he said: “We’re immensely proud of her. Every time she gets a pass; it’s like reliving that excitement all over again. She’s doing brilliantly, and it’s lovely to be able to support her - even if I warn her my advice might be a bit old-fashioned!
“It’s amazing to see her carry it forward. It’s not something you see often these days - kids following their parents into a trade - but it’s a legacy I’m proud to share.”
Hanna said: “I think I was about 10 when I first said I wanted to be a driving instructor. I’ve always loved cars and driving. Once I passed my test, I knew this was what I wanted to do.
“This is my long-term plan. It’s a career that gives me flexibility and security. People will always need to learn to drive.
“It’s not something people my age think about enough. I’ve secured a future career with flexibility and independence. It’s not just a job - it’s a lifestyle.”
Both Hanna and Paul encourage others to consider driving instruction as a career. They emphasise that it offers independence, flexibility, and the chance to make a real difference in people's lives.
Paul advises those interested to give it a try and see if it suits them.
Meanwhile, Hanna highlights the accessibility of the profession for young people and the satisfaction of helping others gain confidence behind the wheel. “Being closer in age to my pupils helps. They feel relaxed, like they’re driving with a friend. One of my students said she’d never felt so at ease behind the wheel.”
Mark Born, Head of AA Driving School Academy, said: “It’s fantastic that Hanna has followed her father’s career by becoming the next generation of driving instructor in the Foster family.
“AA Driving School offers flexible training options, expert guidance, and a trusted national brand for those who are looking to become driving instructors.”