Getting a driving licence can be expensive and time consuming, so picking your driving instructor is very important – both in making sure you get the best experience possible, and have the best instructor for you.
With this in mind, we have included a list of our top tips for choosing a driving instructor.
Ask friends or family
If you know someone who has recently passed their driving test, or has been taking lessons, ask if they would recommend their instructor. Though a recommended instructor does not necessarily mean that they will be the best option for you, it will however give you a good place to start – and help you to know what to look for from whoever you chose.
There is the additional option to practice with a family member or friend if you prefer this, however they will need to meet the following requirements:
- 21 years of age or over
- Held a full driving licence for at least three years
- Qualified to drive the vehicle you’re learning in
If you would like to find out more about who is eligible to give you driving lessons, take a look at the GOV.UK guide here.
Decide how often you want to do lessons
There are a number of different options when it comes to booking your lessons that you might want to consider. Most instructors offer their lessons on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, but there are also a number of instructors who focus on intensive blocks of lessons.
Which is the best option for you will very much depend on your preference, but other considerations such as if you are able to spend the time needed for the intensive block of lessons, or have the money to afford the lessons at once, will also affect your decision.
In addition, some instructors may offer discounts if you book double lessons or a block of lessons upfront, which may mean that you can save some money in the long run.
How much do you want to pay?
This follows on from our previous point, but a quick look at driving instructors will reveal that not everyone charges the same amount. The average price for an hour of driving lessons is currently around £24, but some instructors may be cheaper or more expensive, or offer deals that help make the lessons more affordable.
An extra thing to consider when choosing between instructors is their pass rate. At the end of the day, you probably don’t want to spend less money on an instructor who has a worse success rate – as this might mean spending more on tests in the long run.
Find the right driving instructor for you
When it comes to picking instructors, the power is in your hands. Unlike schools where your choice of teachers was out of your hands, now it is up to you to find an instructor who matches your preferred learning style. Some instructors may be more friendly and relaxed, whereas others might be more authoritative and formal – and again, this really comes down to which method helps you learn best.
If you are paying someone to instruct you to drive then they must be ADI (approved driving instructor) certified. It is important to ensure that your instructor meets this requirement.
Change instructors if needed
If you aren’t happy with your instructor, then change instructors. Whether you have had one lesson, or 20, it is important to remember that you are paying for your driving lessons – and if they aren’t as valuable to you as they could be, it is time for a change.
It is also important to know that if you are learning to drive in an automatic car, then make sure your instructor is able to instruct in this.
Learning to drive is a life changing milestone, which means that it’s worth investing some time and effort into ensuring that your experience is as good as possible.