Learning to drive in Toronto is no small feat, and yet Monique Abbott’s students consistently leave their lessons confident and ready for whatever the road throws at them.
We sat down with Monique, one of Kruzee’s top-rated instructors serving High Park and Etobicoke, to talk about why she got into teaching, what she does to make lessons genuinely fun, and the one piece of road test advice that most students get completely wrong.
Why Monique Became a Driving Instructor
Monique has always been drawn to teaching, but it took a deliberate step away from a corporate job to turn that passion into a profession.
“I’ve always been passionate about helping people learn and grow,” she says. “Becoming a driving instructor has been a fantastic way to feed this passion, while giving me the freedom to work without the constraints of the corporate world.”
She’s found a particular energy in working with younger drivers. “Young people are just inspiring to be around,” she says. For Monique, every lesson is a chance to do work that actually matters to her.
How Monique Keeps Lessons Fun
To keep things interesting, Monique says that she and her students “have fun observing the common mistakes made by other drivers on the road.” This turns abstract road rules into vivid, real-world examples. Students don’t just get told what not to do – they see it, talk about it, and remember it.
But what really sets Monique’s approach apart is how she starts every lesson. Rather than following a fixed script, Monique aligns with each student on their specific needs and involves them in planning how they’ll meet their goals. “When students are involved in the lesson planning, they’re much more engaged,” she explains.
It’s a small shift that makes a big difference — students who have a say in what they’re working on show up differently than students who are just along for the ride.
Monique’s Number One Piece of Road Test Advice
When it comes to test day, Monique’s biggest piece of advice is simple: arrive at the test centre well-rested and relaxed.
In practice, this means resisting the urge to cram the night before. “With a good instructor, students can trust they already have the skills and knowledge needed to pass with flying colours.”
Monique suggests “having a relaxing evening before the test, doing something enjoyable rather than stressing, getting a good night’s sleep, and arriving early to avoid feeling rushed.”
What Monique’s Students Have to Say
Monique’s students say it best:
- Nikki came to Monique feeling intimidated by the whole prospect of learning to drive. Monique “makes you feel at ease and creates a great environment for learning,” she said. “I would recommend her to anyone learning to drive.”
- Katharine valued how Monique “is patient and clear in her instruction” and said that they “always had a great time driving through the city together.”
- Mirjana put it most directly: “She made me feel confident from day one and helped me absolutely crush my test. I’m now a strong, confident driver because of her.”
The common thread? Monique’s students don’t feel like they’re being processed through a rigid curriculum. They’re being taught based on their own unique needs, which makes all the difference.
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