The Right Driving School For You? Things To Consider
The Cheapest Option Is Rarely The Best Option
Everyone knows the old saying: 'you get what you pay for'. It's all very well saving a few pounds a week, but if you're not progressing at a decent rate toward being test-ready, then are you really being clever with your money?
Lesson Length - How Much Time Do You Have?
Do check that you are going to be paying 'per hour' rather than 'per lesson' (or that lesson lengths are clearly stated). Anything under an hour is not really going to help you very much. Don't let any significant period of time during which you are not receiving direct instruction be counted as part of your lesson time.
A Suitably Qualified Professional?
The law states that paid driving lessons can only be given by an Approved Driving Instructor (or ADI for short). This qualification is not permanent (there is an expiry date on the licence in your teacher's windscreen); ADIs must keeping passing regular DVSA assessments of their teaching proficiency to stay licensed.
Is The Car Set Up Correctly?
There should be 'dual control' pedals installed for the instructor to use (another brake and clutch certainly, occasionally another accelerator).
Theory Test
Uncertain how to prepare for your Theory Test? You should be able to ask your teacher.
Is There a Lesson Plan Governing What Goes On?
Exactly what happens from session to session is going to be determined by how well you're doing and your specific needs; no two people learn in exactly the same way. However all your training should be devised to help you develop the neccessary proficiency, as set out in the official syllabus.
What Interval are Your Lessons At?
Above all, your practice should be regular. If it is too far apart then you might not be learning as efficiently as you could. Many driving schools offer intensive courses: we don't, because most people need time to 'process' their time behind the wheel. Our advice is to book a weekly two-hour lesson.
The Driving Lesson that Counts the Most
We're talking about the one just before you take your Practical Test. You need to run through all your manouevres, and get a bit of time on the road to arrive at the test centre as prepared as you can be. Does your driving school make this a priority?
Find out more about Taking Your Test