Are you ready to start your driving lessons but aren’t sure how to pick the right instructor? Choosing a driving instructor can be a daunting process, so we’ve put together a list of essential questions you can ask to make sure you’re choosing an instructor who is the right fit for you.
Are you DVSA approved?
This should be your first question to any potential driving instructor. If an instructor is DVSA approved this means that they have been qualified and registered by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency), the government agency that carries out driving tests.
Only instructors that are DVSA approved and registered are qualified to teach driving lessons, and by law only these instructors are allowed to charge for their services. It’s essential to choose a DVSA approved instructor to make sure that you receive safe and accurate driving instruction in your lessons.
To check if a driving instructor is DVSA approved, you can go to the DVSA website and search for approved driving instructors. Here you can enter the instructor’s name or ADI number and if the instructor is DVSA approved, their information will appear in the search results. If the instructor you’ve searched for is not DVSA approved, there will be no results found relating to the information you entered.
How long have you been teaching people to drive for?
Who you choose based on the answer to this question is personal preference. You may prefer someone who has recently qualified, as you may find they have a newer approach to driving lessons. Or you may prefer someone who has a proven track record and has a lot of experience teaching people how to drive.
What is your first-time pass rate?
You’ll never find a driving instructor with a 100% pass rate as there are so many things that could contribute to someone failing their driving test, such as nerves or circumstances on the day. But asking this question is a good way to get an idea of how successful the driving instructor is at passing their students. A good instructor will be more than happy to tell you their pass rate and talk about it openly.
What will my lesson plan look like?
This is a good question to find out what the driving instructor’s teaching method is like and whether it will fit in with how you learn.
Everyone learns in different ways so it can be helpful to find an instructor who teaches in a way that makes sense to you. There are no minimum or maximum number of lessons you must have before you take your test, but you will be spending a significant amount of time with the person you choose as your driving instructor, so making sure you’re happy in the way they will be teaching you is a must.
How much does a driving lesson cost?
People will have different budgets for learning to drive, just as instructors will charge different rates for their lessons.
According to recent data, the average cost for a driving lesson in the UK is £36 per hour, depending on the region. Many instructors offer bulk discounts if you purchase a certain amount of lessons in one go. It is always worth asking an instructor whether this is something that they offer as this can help to make learning to drive a bit more affordable.
Do you have knowledge of the local driving test routes?
Having a driving instructor that has a good knowledge of the driving test routes for your local test centre can give you a big advantage on the day of your test. Driving these routes in your lessons means you can feel more confident on the day of your test. The test routes might be ones you’d have otherwise found difficult if you hadn’t have practised them.
The more practice you can get on potential test routes means you’ll have a better understanding of the types of situations and hazards you might find on your test, and be prepared for how to deal with them calmly.
Can you provide a mock test?
When you’ve been having lessons for a while, a mock test can be a great way to gauge whether you’re ready to take your test or not. If you choose a driving instructor who will carry out a mock test with you, you’ll be able to receive more tailored advice from your instructor on areas you need to improve on or practise a bit more to ensure you are test ready.
Whilst your driving test will likely not look exactly the same as a mock test, mock tests are also a great way to prepare yourself for the big day. It will allow you to get used to the format of the driving test so you will know what to expect on the day of your test.
Can you accommodate my specific requirements?
Everyone is different and some people may have more specific requirements when looking for a driving instructor than others. If you have certain health or medical conditions, you may need to take these into account when choosing an instructor.
Make sure to make it clear to your instructor what requirements you have and what you might need from them so they can accurately answer whether they can accommodate your needs. If you have a disability, you may need a specialist driving instructor with an adapted car. You can search for local disability driving instructors online to find one that suits your needs.
Learning to drive without a driving instructor
It isn’t a necessity to learn to drive with a driving instructor. There are lots of reasons why you might choose to drive independently, including being able to learn on your own terms and in your own car.
It can even save you a lot of money if you choose not to learn to drive with an instructor and instead practise with family or friends. Our learner driver insurance covers learner drivers on a provisional licence from 1 day up to 140 days, under proper supervision by a qualified driver aged between 25 and 75 (that holds a full GB licence and has done so for at least 3 years,.
The DVSA also recommends around 22 hours of private practice before you take your driving test, so whether you choose to use a driving instructor or learn to drive with family or friends, our learner driver insurance can help you to gain valuable experience behind the wheel in preparation for passing your driving test.
Get a quote and start practising for your driving test today.
