How to Find the Perfect Driving Instructor

Finding the right professional driving instructor can greatly improve your chances of passing your driving test. You should choose someone you feel calm and confident with, as this will help you enjoy the driving instruction course. And when you enjoy learning, you take in more.

However, there are thousands of driving instructors operating in the UK, so how are you to find the right instructor for you? For a start, you can make enquiries about the instructors in your area and check their:

• Experience.
• Costs.
• Availability.
• Reputation among other learners.

Speaking to friends and family who have recently passed their test will give some insight into what it is like to receive driving instruction.

Anyone who is over 21 years old and who has held a driving license for over three years will be able to give you driving lessons, but it is advised that you combine this with private driving instruction.

Indeed the more experience you get behind the wheel, the more prepared you will be for your test. It is estimated that you will need 44 hours of lessons from a professional driving instructor, combined with 22 hours of private practice to pass your test.

This is only a guideline, however, and you need more or fewer lessons before you feel confident about your driving test.

The right driving instructor will put you at ease about your test, and can also give advice about:

• Any areas you need to work on.
• The theory test.
• Driving in different weather conditions.
• Recognizing hazards.

If you want to ensure you remain safe after you have passed your test, you may want to consider continuing driving instruction. The Pass Plus course is made up of practical modules aimed at new drivers, so they can get used to the realities of driving.

Whatever form of driving lessons you take, choosing the right driving instructor will have a massive impact on whether your lessons are enjoyable and successful.

If you choose a Driving school  

 Ask the following questions before you book. It may help you to see if this driving school is for YOU. How long have you been a driving Instructor?

Do you have male or female instructors?
Are all your instructors fully qualified?
Can I have the same instructor for all my lessons?
What type of cars do you use?
Are the cars dual controlled?
How old are the cars?
DO I have the same car for every lesson?
Do you have an individual pick up service?
Do you work weekends?
Can you pick me up after school, work or college?
How much are your lessons? (The cheapest hardly ever means the best!!! ).
Do you have discounts for block booking?
Which Test centre do you use?
What's your pass rate?
How long is each lesson?

• If you know of a relative or friend who has had or is having driving lessons ask them about the Driving School they use.
  Are they reliable?
  Are they friendly and patient?
  Does the instructor smoke?
  Is the car clean?
  Does the instructor do their shopping or visit the betting shop on your lessons?
• The best driving school can be the one that has been recommended to you by a friend or relative.
  ( A good instructor seldom has to advertise )

• Please Remember:- A driving instructor must have their name entered on the Register held by the Driving Standards Agency. They must display a green ADI identification certificate like the one below (or a red one if the instructor is a trainee).

• A driving instructor must pass a searching three-part examination to qualify, and they have to reach and maintain the high standards required by the Driving Standards Agency
  The standard of instruction of all ADIs is regularly checked by DSA. This is done by a DSA Supervising Examiner sitting in on a live lesson. The instructor is then graded:
  • grade 4 is competent
  • grade 5 is good
  • Grade 6 is a very high standard.

Ask any potential instructor for their grade before embarking on a course of lessons.