Finding the best driving instructor near you can make all the difference when learning to drive. Whether you’re a nervous beginner or you’re getting ready for a retest, the right driving test instructor will help you build your confidence, tailor lessons to your needs and help you pass your driving test. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the best driving test instructor to suit you and your needs.
How do I find the best driving instructor near me?
Your search for the best driving instructor nearby should begin with gathering recommendations and doing your own research. Here are some top tips to get you started:
- Ask friends or family: personal recommendations from people you know, and trust can be a reliable way to find a great driving instructor near you.
- Use social media: local Facebook groups or community forums are often filled with real-time suggestions on tried and tested driving instructors, and allow you to look through feedback from previous customers.
- Online search: searching ‘driver instructor near me’ on Google or using directories like the DVSA’s official list of approved driving instructors (ADI) can show you relevant options nearby.
- Check reviews: sites like Trustpilot or reviews on Google can provide honest insights into other learners’ experiences with certain driving instructors to help you make your decision.
- Visit instructor websites or social media pages: look for information on teaching style, experience, and any niche specialities if you’re looking for something specific from your driving instructor.
Automatic driving instructor vs manual
Choosing between a manual or automatic driving instructor can depend on your goals and comfort levels. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
For more information on learning to drive in an automatic, check out our helpful guide.
No matter which decision you make, you’ll still need the correct insurance to cover you whilst you’re learning to drive. Find out more about Dayinsure’s short-term learner driver insurance and how it can help you learning to drive in your own or a friend or family member’s car.
Specialist driving instructors
Some learner drivers benefit from working with specialist driving instructors, especially if they need additional support or specific guidance. These instructors will be experienced working in a specific niche or to specific needs, these can include:
- Driving instructors for disabled drivers: tailored vehicles and teaching techniques designed for different physical or special educational needs.
- Female driving instructors: ideal for learners who feel more comfortable with a female instructor.
- Driving instructors for nervous drivers: patient, understanding instructors who are experienced teaching nervous drivers and can work at your pace to help build your confidence.
If you find yourself fitting into one of these categories, you can use phrases such as ‘female driver instructor near me’ or ‘driving instructors for nervous drivers’ when searching online to find the right instructor for you.
Different types of car insurance available
When learning to drive, having the right insurance is essential; learner drivers must have valid car insurance before driving on public roads. There are different types of car insurance for learner drivers practising outside of driving lessons, depending on your preferences:
- Shorter-term temporary learner driver insurance: If you only want to insure yourself for days, or even weeks, at a time, short-term learner insurance offers the flexibility you need. Dayinsure learner policies can range from just one day, allowing you to get cover only for when you need it. This is a handy option if you’re practising in a car you don’t always have access to.
- Longer-term temporary learner driver insurance: If you own your own car, or are learning to drive in a friend or family member’s car you have regular access to, temporary learner driver insurance can provide the coverage you need at an affordable price. Dayinsure learner policies can cover you for up to 5 months at a time, with the option to buy as many policies you need until you pass your test.
- Annual policy: If you’re going to be practising in your own car, it can be a good idea to take out an annual insurance policy. This can often be more expensive, but it will allow you to build up your no claims bonus.
- Named driver on an annual policy: If you’re learning to drive in your parent’s car for example, this can be a more cost-effective choice than your own annual policy. However, it will increase the premium and there is also the chance that some insurers could refuse the policy change altogether. It is also worth bearing in mind that if an accident were to happen whilst you were driving, it could affect the no claims bonus of the policyholder.
Questions to ask potential driving instructors
Choosing a driving test instructor is a big decision and could affect how quickly you pass your driving test. Every instructor will have a slightly different approach, from personality to teaching style, so we’ve put together these questions to help you choose the best instructor for you.
How much do lessons cost?
Whilst it can be tempting to go for the cheapest option, the most affordable lessons may not always be the best value. You should look for driving instructors near you that have competitive pricing, but who also have experience, good pass rates and any other qualities you are looking for in an instructor.
What are your qualifications
You should make sure that any driving test instructor you are considering is DVSA approved, and ask about any additional certifications they may have. An easy way of ensuring this is by checking the DVSA’s database. To do this, you need the instructor’s name and ADI number, then you can email, call, whatsapp or webchat the DVSA to find out whether the instructor is listed on their database.
Are you flexible with days and times of lessons?
Finding the best driving instructor for you means finding one that can fit in around your schedule. When looking for potential instructors you should ask about evening or weekend availabilities to ensure lessons can fit in around your schedule or lifestyle.
What is your pass rate with your learners?
A driving instructor’s pass rate will give a clear picture of how successful their teaching methods are. Many of the best driving instructors will proudly share their success rates with you.
What is your cancellation policy?
Make sure you understand any cancellation terms your driving instructor may have as you may need to cancel or rearrange lessons for various reasons. Transparent policies are a good sign of a professional driving instructor.
The ‘good driving instructor’ checklist
When finding a good driving instructor, there are a number of traits and qualifications that you should look out for, including:
- DVSA approved and fully qualified
- Clear communicator
- Patient
- Punctual and reliable
- Offers structured lesson plans with constructive feedback
- High pass rate and good reputation
- Flexible scheduling
- Fair and affordable pricing
- Has a clean and well-maintained car
- Will tailor lessons to your learning style
- Accommodates any specific needs you require
- Offers mock tests and tracks your progress
Use this checklist when looking for your new driving instructor to see if they’re the right fit for your needs.
Get insured on your parents’ car today
It’s always helpful to get some extra practice in around your driving lessons, with the DVSA recommending at least 22 hours of private practice, in addition to driving lessons, to help pass your driving test.
Get covered for private practice with our learner driver insurance, available from 1 day to 5 months. Find out more here and get a quote today.
