Here are some of our top tips for choosing a driving instructor.
1) Automatic or manual car?
The first decision is whether you should drive in an automatic or manual car – an automatic car may be easier to learn how to drive in, however if you pass your test in an automatic car your licence is solely restricted to automatic vehicles, so you will not be able to drive a manual car. Whereas if you pass the test in a manual you will be able to drive both automatic and manual cars.
2) The length of time
If you want to pass your driving test quickly, then you may want to consider an intensive learner driving “crash” course.
An intensive course usually involves a block of lessons spread over a couple of weeks where a learner is taught how to drive extremely quickly. This may have a higher short-term cost than spreading lessons over a longer period of time but could mean you get to be on the road sooner than you thought.
However, if you are a slower learner (as not everyone learns as quickly as others) or wish to spread the cost then this option may not be for you.
3) Cost
Obviously cost is a significant factor for many learner drivers but it is worth being wary of choosing a driving instructor just because they are the cheapest as often there will be a reason behind this – maybe they charge less per hour but teach at a slower pace, meaning it is more expensive overall to drive or perhaps the quality of teaching may not be as effective.
4) Protect yourself from a fraudulent instructor
Another reason to be suspicious of instructors offering cheaper lessons is that they may also be offering them fraudulently. To become a driving instructor in the UK, candidates have to go through several exams and background checks, as well as be registered with the DVSA (Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency).
Choosing a fraudulent instructor can have many impacts on a learner driver. As they are untrained instructors, a potential student could miss out on key information meaning they pose a safety risk to other road users. Furthermore, if an accident were to occur during your lessons, it is unlikely you will be covered by the correct insurance.
If they are a genuine driving instructor, they will have either a PDI (Potential Driving Instructor) or an ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) badge which they must display prominently in the vehicle.
5) Take a trial lesson
Many driving instructors and driving schools offer discounted trial lessons – make sure to take advantage of this to see what the instructor is like, whether you feel comfortable in the car and whether you feel they will be the right fit for you.
At 4 Wheelz, all of our franchised instructors are registered with the DVSA and we have many competitive packages for students learning to drive, including discounts on block booking your first lessons. Find out more here and if you would like to find out more, call us on 0800 44 88 288.