It’s important to remember that everyone learns differently and that applies to learning to drive as well.

It is crucial to find a driving instructor that is not only experienced, but also caters to your learning style.

Here are 8 things to consider when it comes to deciding on your driving instructor.

Initial Qualification

To have the best experience whilst learning to drive, it’s important to find a driving instructor that is tailored to you. A good place to start is the direct.gov page, where you can search a database of driving instructors approved by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), just by using your postcode.

The website also informs you of which instructors are committed to the voluntary Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme, and those who have agreed to abide by the Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) code of practice.

Assessment Grade

Qualified driving instructors are required to take a test every few years, which ensures they are instructing to a high standard. The following grades are awarded:

Grade A: Total score of 43-51 (85% or over) – an overall high standard of instruction. They have shown a high standard of instruction and they will stay on the ADI register.

Grade B: Total score of 31-42 (60% or over) – a sufficient level of competence. They will stay on the approved driving instructors register.

Anything less than 60% is an unsatisfactory performance and results in a fail.

Reputation

You have probably overheard someone who is also learning to drive, or already passed, talk about their driving instructor. Take these opinions into consideration and don’t hesitate to ask them about their experience. Hopefully they should give an honest and unbiased opinion.

Location

It makes sense to find a driving instructor that is located near you. However, it may be the case that there are better quality instructors in the next town. Be open-minded and remember that the quality of the driving lesson is what counts.

Vehicle

If you know what car you’d like to drive upon passing your test, it might be a good idea to find an instructor with the same car (for preparation purposes). Familiarising yourself with a specific make of car will potentially make you feel safer when you’re a legal driver.

Cost of lessons

This depends on location and can vary between instructors. Do your research and be sure to look out for discounted prices for booking lessons in blocks. But be careful, cheap doesn’t always mean cheerful. Cheaper instructors, or buying fewer lessons, won’t save you money in the long run if you end up having to retake your driving test.

Don’t block book right away

Sometimes driving schools and instructors will offer discounts for booking several sessions in advance. Whilst it can save you money, be wary of booking right away. In some cases these are non-refundable, it’s best to have a few lessons with that instructor before committing to a package.

Personality & behaviour

When you’re learning to drive, it’ll be no surprise that you’ll be spending a lot of time with your chosen instructor. It is important that they are not only a good teacher but you feel comfortable around them.

The process of learning to drive is based on good communication between the learner and the instructor. In order to improve your driving you need to feel comfortable to bring up any issues that concern you to your driving instructor, with ease.

It is also important to consider your driving instructor‘s behaviour during the lessons, for example, whether they turn up to lessons promptly, or whether they take precautions to reduce as many distractions to your driving as possible.

Make the most of your driving lessons

The main aim of a good driving instructor should be to improve your driving skills at a steady pace that is suited to you. Driving lessons aren’t cheap, so it’s vital that you find someone who can offer a high standard of education.

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