It is important to choose a driving instructor when learning how to drive. These are some things you should consider in order to find the right person to do the job.
According to the old saying, “a student is only good as their teacher” which is why it is so important to choose a driving instructor. This person is someone you trust with your money and hard earned cash. Continue reading to learn how to choose the right driving instructor.
How do you choose the best driving instructor for you?
You can find many driving instructors in your area by doing a quick Google search. It’s not a good idea, however, to choose the first name that comes up. As with all jobs, not all instructors are the same. Some are brilliant while others are less so. Here are 6 things to consider when selecting a driving instructor.
1. Is your driving instructor qualified?
It is important that you only hire an approved driving instructor (ADI) to ensure you receive top-quality instruction. Your instructor will have the latest knowledge and expertise to help you pass your driving test and become a competent driver. On the DVSA Website, you can find Approved Driving Instructions near to you.
A potential driving instructor (PDI) is a better option if you are looking for a more affordable option. A PDI is someone who is currently preparing to become an ADI. After passing their theory & hazard perception, and driving ability tests, PDI’s can begin charging for lessons. However, PDI’s cannot charge for lessons if they fail their instructional ability test. If you have the money, it might be worth hiring a qualified ADI to teach driving.
The license displayed in the instructor’s window can help you determine if they are fully qualified. An ADI will have a green octagon, while a PDI will have a pink triangle.
2. Do they have a good reputation?
Word of mouth is more powerful than any number of Google searches. Ask your friends who they used. A good reputation takes effort and time. You’re more likely to hear positive things about an instructor if they have helped others pass their tests.
Are you aware of anyone who is learning how to drive, or who has passed their driving test recently? Ask them if they would recommend their driving instructor. If you are the first person to learn how to drive, check out public reviews on sites like Trustpilot, Free Index, and Facebook. You will find the best instructors in driving with tons of excellent reviews.
3. Where are they located?
You’re likely to have a lot of options when it comes time to choose a driving instructor if you live in a larger city. You may have fewer options if you live in rural areas. You don’t have to settle for someone you are not happy with. They might be better suited for your learning style and personality.
4. The best driving instructor car
Are you looking to take your manual or automatic licence test? You should choose an instructor who has the right transmission, especially if you intend to drive a manual car after passing your test.
Are you certain which car you will drive after passing your test? It may be worth looking for an instructor who has a similar or identical car. You can then get to know your car before you take to the roads. Popular first cars are often used by instructors for this reason. You won’t be surprised to learn that the most popular driving instructor cars are the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa.
You may be interested in buying a car once you have passed your test, but aren’t sure what to buy. Check out our article on how to keep the cost down.
5. Driving lessons cost
It’s impossible to avoid it. Driving lessons are expensive. Prices vary depending on where you live and who your instructor is. Are you concerned about the cost of learning how to drive? Here are some tips to learn how to drive on a tight budget.
Look for special offers and discounts by doing your research. It’s often cheaper to buy blocks of lessons than to pay per lesson. However, you should make sure that you have had at least one lesson with your instructor prior to committing.
However, a cheap instructor will not necessarily result in you saving money. If you have to take more lessons or retake your test several times, a bad instructor can cost you more. A qualified and experienced driving instructor is worth every penny.
6. Do you get along?
We don’t mean to say that your driving instructor has to be your best friend. Driving lessons are not the time to have singalongs or stop for ice cream. This being said, you will be spending at most an hour per week in a car together. It is important to get along with each other and feel comfortable.
It is difficult to learn how to drive. You need a driving instructor who can communicate well, is supportive, and knows their stuff. It’s a good idea for students to take an introductory lesson before they commit to a set of lessons. This will allow them to get to know the instructor and their teaching style.
You can put lessons on hold if you are not able to get along with your instructor or their teaching style isn’t right for you. Don’t let a negative instructor ruin your learning experience.
What are some questions you should ask your driving instructor?
It’s a smart idea to ask questions when choosing a driving instructor to ensure they can provide everything you require. These are some questions you should ask to help guide your decision.
- Are you an ADI/PDI?
- What length of time have you been an instructor for?
- What number of hours would you recommend for a week’s worth of lessons?
- Are you flexible with lesson times?
- What is the average time it takes for your students to pass their exam?
- Are there any block booking offers?
- Are you familiar with local driving tests routes?
- Do I have to drive the same car every lesson? Can I take my test in this vehicle?
Find the best driving instructors
Now you are able to select the best driving instructor in Birmingham. Now you are one step closer to getting that pink driving license. Are you wondering what other things you should do? Here’s a guide to help you get started learning how to drive. If you want to pass quickly, read our post on how to pass your first driving test.
