Meet Guðrún Kristín – Driving Instructor at Ekill Driving School

Guðrún Kristín has been teaching learner drivers since 1998 (yes, in Hafnarfjörður, back when everyone was rocking flared jeans). She can hardly remember why she started – most likely because the job fit perfectly alongside her main work – but ever since, she’s been guiding students with patience, humor, and a healthy dose of sarcasm.

Recharging in the countryside

When she gets a free weekend, she switches off her phone, disappears to the summer cabin and, as she puts it, “shut my brain down.” That’s where she tops up her energy – although camping, wood carving and a bit of peace and quiet in the countryside also sound appealing (now that she’s no longer working 24/7).

Guðrún’s little guilty pleasures

The soundtrack that keeps her going? A mix of Butterfly (Crazy Town), Happy (Pharrell), and Stolen Dance (Milky Chance). The food that makes her say “OH MY GOD” – and she means it literally – is roast ptarmigan or goose breast with wild game sauce.

Not a fan of big crowds, but loves meeting all kinds of people

In her work, she loves meeting people from every walk of life, but admits that when she’s tired, her fuse tends to run short. She emphasizes one golden quality: patience, patience… and more patience. If you’re in her lesson, you can count on a stress-free environment – though she once was so tired she accidentally took a guy for a bus-driving lesson when he was actually supposed to be in a trailer session. Yes, that’s how the best stories happen.

The future is digital – but the teacher matters more than ever

Her view of the future? More online learning, less chit-chat except during practical training. She sees both pros and cons – but promises to keep sending well-prepared drivers out on the roads.

Start slow – but don’t think she won’t set the bar high

Her advice to new instructors? Take it easy at first; don’t try to cram the entire dashboard into a student’s head in the first lesson – they won’t remember anyway. Show patience, ask more experienced instructors if you’re unsure, and if you don’t know the answer: don’t bluff. Find it out and share it next time.

That’s probably the best way to describe Guðrún Kristín: grounded, honest, and with humor always close at hand. Her students feel safe – and usually end up laughing too. We’re certainly grateful to have her (and her sharp wit) on our team – and it doesn’t hurt that she brings a wealth of experience as both a teacher and a manager 😉