Although you can be taught to drive by a friend or relative if they are over 21 years old and have held a full licence for at least 3 years, it is highly recommended that you use an approved and registered instructor.
They are called Approved Driving Instructors (ADI’s) and are registered with the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).
They must show their green certificate of approval by the DSA on the windscreen of the tuition car.
Approved instructors will provide a high level of tuition and give you the best possible guidance on driving and safety. This in turn gives you the greatest chance of passing your driving test, so you can get on the road sooner.
Approved instructors also have to pass tough theory and driving tests, as well as having their tuition standards checked regularly.
You can ask them about all aspects of driving, including when to sit your driving test, what to read to help you pass the theory test and what is the best way to practice your driving.
There are a number of ways to find an approved driving instructor:
- Look in the local papers for instructors in your area
- Yellow Pages/Directory
- Local test centre
- Driving Standards Agency (www.dsa.gov.uk)
- Word of Mouth – friends or family who have used an instructor and found them to be very good
A good driving instructor should also be punctual, reliable, have a good reputation and have a car that is suitable for you.
The best way to find an instructor is by recommendation. Your friend or family member that has used an instructor will know the instructor and you enough to know if you will get along together.
I agree with the above comment, go with recommendations.
Something else to consider when you are looking for an Approved Driving Instructor, you will find a lot of trainee instructors out there, their licence in the window will be pink and information set in a triangle as opposed to the fully qualified instructor who’s licence will be green and information set in an octagonal shape.
A lot of the large national Driving Schools use trainee’s, they make their money from training Potential Driving Instructors, and most will fail the required level to teach for money.
I would highly recommend 1st choice driving academy the lessons allow you to progress rather than wasting time and money. My instructor made me feel relaxed and confident, driving became something that was fun rather than just a necessity. I experienced other driving instructors and never came close to passing my test. My instructors aim was to allow me to pass as soon as possible with individually tailored lessons- an absolute pleasure!
Adding to the comment mentioning trainee driving instructors,
Do not assume that trainee’s aren’t any good. My driving instructor is a trainee from BSM and is FANTASTIC! I suppose it’s partly because trainee’s are watched very carefully so haven’t learnt any bad habits. A bit like some drivers have been driving for years but wouldn’t pass their test now because they’ve got into bad habits.
BSM do have some issues like their lack of organisation but at the end of the day that’s more to do with bad communication with levels of admin and complaints are dealt with quickly and well.
I would go with recommendations as the best approach to find a driving instructor, a lot of driving schools these days have a website so you can check out their prices first, but it’s not all just about the cost of a lesson;
. Can you get on with the instructor
. Is he on time and if not does he add time on for being late
. Does the school have any offers that work in your favour
. Can they do lessons when you need them, flexible times
Just a few things to consider but there are many more