👉 Ask friends and family for recommendations
👉 Research instructors in the local area
👉 What to look out for in a driving instructor
👉 Final words
👉 Choosing a driving instructor FAQs
You’re at the start of your car journey and might be wondering what you need to look for in a driving instructor. Getting the right instructor for you is important, as they are going to teach you everything you need to know about driving. With that in mind, we've put together a guide that breaks down how to choose an instructor, and everything you should look out for in a good instructor.
Ask Friends And Family For Recommendations
Asking your friends and family who they used and if they’d recommend them is a really good start in finding an instructor. Your close friends and family are people you can trust and who will be completely honest with you. Make sure you ask about how they communicated in lessons and get a feel of what your lessons might look like. Getting an initial idea from those close to you is a good start in the instructor search process.
Research Instructors In The Local Area
Do a quick google search to kickstart your online research! This will give you a better idea of what driving instructors are available. Look for instructors with good reviews and that seem popular.
Don’t be fooled by statistics, either. If an instructor boasts a near 100% pass rate, this doesn’t necessarily mean their customers pass the first time. Look out for stats around first-time pass rates.
Learning To Drive With A Disability
If you have a disability and are looking to start your driving journey, you will need to look for a specialist driving instructor. Driving Mobility is a fantastic company that has plenty of specialist instructors ready to help you. For more information on learning to drive with a disability, visit our dedicated blog here.
What To Look Out For In A Driving Instructor
- Check they are qualified: This sounds obvious, but making sure your instructor is qualified ensures you receive high-quality driving guidance and support. Also, it is illegal for an instructor to charge you for lessons without being qualified by the DVSA. You can check if your instructor is an ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) by contacting the DVSA at enquiries@dvsa.gov.uk or 0800 030 4103. There, of course, is a much simpler way of checking too: simply ask your instructor for their DVSA licence. If you have your doubts, it’s best to check with the DVSA.
- Lesson prices: Get a good idea of what the lessons will cost. The average for a driving lesson in the UK is between £25 and £45 for an hour, so if you’re getting charged more, you won’t be getting a good deal. Don’t be afraid to get multiple quotes from different instructors, too, as this will help you get the best deal possible.
- Ask about lesson plans: Any good driving instructor will have set lesson plans that they have used for other learners. Make sure you ask about progression and how long it will take to be test-ready. For an instructor that has never seen you drive this question is tricky to answer, but they should be able to give you an estimate.
- Calm approach: Having a driving instructor who is calm is key. Learning to drive can be stressful, and this can be made worse by an agitated instructor. Having someone who can remain calm when you’re struggling is one of the most important features of a good driving instructor.
- Experience: You want an instructor who knows the ropes and can see mistakes before they happen. An experienced instructor will help you learn faster and give you more confidence on the road.
- Communication: It's just you and your instructor in the car, so it's important to have someone you can chat with and who explains things clearly. This is your first time driving, so clear instructions and guidance are essential.
- Will you be a good fit? Your instructor could have fantastic first-time pass rates and a lot of experience, but you just don’t feel you are a good fit, that's okay. Everyone is different and finding someone who you get along with is just as important as all the steps above.
- Do you have the option of an intensive course? For some people, being able to accelerate through the learning journey and pack everything into two weeks is the best way to get test ready. If this is you, consider looking for instructors that offer crash courses.
Final Words
Make sure you take your time when it comes to finding an instructor. Rushing the process might leave you wanting a change further down the line, and this can be messy. Trust the recommendations of others and combine this with your own research to find an instructor that you feel comfortable learning from. If you employ all of these tips, you should be able to find a driving instructor that is the right fit for you.
Choosing A Driving Instructor FAQs