‘Qmusic is looking for the best driving instructor in the Netherlands and maybe I am!’ writes Shadi Hijazi on his Facebook page. That makes you curious! Who is this Hoogezandster driving instructor and what makes him so much fun?
For people who have never gotten in your car, Shadi: who are you?
“My name is Shadi, I am 22 years old and I live on my own in the Planetenbuurt in Hoogezand. During the week I can mainly be found in the car and in the evenings in the gym or at home on the couch with a movie. In the weekend I play football at vv Kwiek 4, I am with friends or busy with cars.”
What do you like so much about driving?
“I have had a passion for cars from an early age. It started with looking up cars on the internet, then driving cars myself when I got my driver’s license at the age of 17. I almost immediately bought my own car and have now had eight different cars. The nice thing about driving is the freedom you have. You depend on nothing and no one. I also see it as a kind of therapy. In my spare time I drive around a lot, without a destination. Purely to just drive a bit and put all worries aside.”
What car do you have now and why did you choose it?
“At the moment I drive a manual Audi A3 diesel. I chose this car because it is a trusted and beautiful car. In 1 month I will receive my new car for driving lessons, a manual Mercedes-Benz CLA petrol. I am getting rid of the Audi because I want the students to learn to drive a petrol car, because diesel is gradually disappearing.”
You’re taking a shot at the title of ‘Best driving instructor in the Netherlands’, but what is actually fun about being a driving instructor?
“The best thing is that you help a student with something that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. They (usually) get into the car without any driving knowledge and after a few months in which you have guided them, they can drive independently.”
A clammy steering wheel… the smell of sweat in the car; there are also things that are NOT fun, aren’t there?
“Haha my least favorite part is when a rim is hit while parking. Not bad of course, that is the risk of the profession.”
What is the most common driving error if you take a critical look at other road users in and around Hoogezand?
“I think the most common driving mistake in Hoogezand is giving way to the right. I often see that on some 30 roads people drive a lot faster, so that priority is not given to the right. Pretty dangerous.”
And which intersection is the most difficult in this region?
“That is really the intersection where cyclists have priority from Kerkstraat to Erasmusweg. Many cars do not realize that there are shark teeth, or they approach them too quickly, despite the fact that there is a threshold. As a result, (near) accidents sometimes happen.”
Do you have a good tip for novice drivers?
“Stay calm! Often they are too tense in the car. This makes you more likely to make mistakes. Create a calm atmosphere, for example through your favorite playlist or the radio. That helps to stay calm, which also makes driving easier.”
Do you want to lose something yourself?
“Sometimes there are people who are (too) afraid to take driving lessons, which makes them regret it later in life. Take a trial lesson at a driving school in your area and experience it for yourself. Then you will see that it really isn’t too bad! Driving is great fun and anyone can learn it!”
And now perhaps the most important question: How can we vote for you to become the best driving instructor in the Netherlands?
“You can vote for me as ‘Best driving instructor in the Netherlands’ via Qmusic’s website or the Qmusic app! You can vote from now and until Thursday, February 2 at 6:59 p.m..”