One of the most important parts of learning to drive is to choose a competent driving instructor who has the experience and patience to help you pass your test first time. This is particularly imperative if you are specifically looking for driving lessons as an anxious driver.
Ultimately you are investing not just your hard earned money in your chosen driving instructor or driving school but also your life, so finding the right person is vital. Here are six guidelines to consider when making your final selection:
Check Their Qualifications
If you want to undertake the best possible training you will need to find an ADI (Approved Driving Instructor). To acquire an ADI badge the instructor is required to pass three individual tests which covers theory, driving and fitness and instructional techniques. Approved driving instructors in your area can be found on the DVSA website.
There is also the option to use a PDI (Potential driving instructor), some PDI’s who become driving instructors already have transferable skills from other training roles that they previously held. These transferable skills may often be within another sector of the transport industry.
PDI’s provide driving instruction whist holding a Trainee Licence.
You have to hold a valid ADI or PDI Licence to provide driving instruction for reward i.e. to receive lesson payment.
Check Their Reputation
Many driving instructors and driving schools gain their students partly through word of mouth, so it is wise to ask around about any driving instructor or driving school you are considering for driving lessons. It’s important to get an instructor that you are comfortable with, so asking friends who they used can be very beneficial. It takes time to build up a good reputation so if they have already established themselves as reliable, experienced and with a good pass rate, then you may be on to a winner.
Another way of checking out your chosen instructor or driving school is to see if there are any online reviews that could be helpful, generally the best instructors and driving schools will have some great reviews.
Where are they Located?
Town and city dwellers are typically spoilt for choice when it comes to finding a driving instructor, but for those living in a more rural setting there may be a lot less choice available. Choose someone who is fairly close to your location and who knows the areas you will be most likely to drive, bearing in mind that city driving, and rural driving can be significantly different.
Is the Instructor’s Car Important?
When you decide to take driving lessons it is important to establish whether you are intending to get a manual or an automatic licence. With this in mind, if you choose automatic then it is vital that the instructor has a car with an automatic transmission. It is wise to note that people with manual licences can drive both manual and automatic, however if you have an automatic licence you will only be legally permitted to drive an automatic transmission.
Another consideration is to choose an instructor with a similar type of car that you will be driving once you have passed your test.
Driving Lesson Costs
Learning to drive has never been cheap and this doesn’t look set to change any time soon. This makes it especially important to not waste your hard earned money on the wrong instructor. The average cost for an hour’s lesson is around £25 to £30 however many driving schools/instructors will have various offers, such as introductory offers, block booking discounts etc., which will help to reduce the overall cost.
You should ideally undertake the first lesson before committing to any deals or upfront payments to make sure you are happy with the service. It’s worth mentioning that going for the cheapest instructor could cost you more in the long run should you need extra lessons or don’t pass your test.
Do You and Your Instructor Get Along?
Last but not least, how do you get along with your instructor? Whilst they don’t have to be your best friend, it is wise to find someone that you feel completely at ease with in order to get the best out of your lessons (particularly if you are requiring driving lessons for anxious drivers). If their teaching style does not fit with you, don’t be afraid to stop the lessons and find another instructor that you relate better to.
Author – Craig Upton
Craig Upton supports UK businesses by increasing sales growth using various marketing solutions online. Creating strategic partnerships and keen focus to detail, Craig equips websites with the right tools to rank in organic search. Craig is also the CEO of iCONQUER, a UK based SEO firm and has been working in the digital marketing arena for many years. A trusted SEO consultant and trainer, Craig has worked with British brands such as FT.com, djkit.com, UK Property Finance, Serimax and also supported UK doctors, solicitors and property developers, gain more exposure online. Craig has gained a wealth of knowledge using Google and is committed to creating new opportunities and partnerships
