Weighing Up Your Prospective Driving School
Don't Make 'Lesson Price' Your Sole Consideration
The true measure of how much driving lessons cost you comes from:
- the progress you make;
- your ability to be test-ready in the shortest time; and
- whether or not you succeed in passing at your first attempt.
Paying Per Lesson? Find Out Exactly What You Get
If the price you see is not 'per hour' then make sure you know how long a lesson is in advance. It should be at least one hour in our opinion. And your lesson should only start once you're actually in the driver's seat.
Look For The ADI Licence
It's illegal to charge money for driving lessons unless you are an Approved Driving Instructor. ADIs are regularly re-assessed by the Driver Vehicle Standards Agency, which means an assessor sitting in on teaching. Your ADI's licence must be visible.
Check the Instructor's Car
It's important that the car is what's known as 'dual control' - that is, your instructor can brake and use the clutch from the passenger seat.
Theory Test
Does your teacher offer to help with your Theory Test?
Is There a Proper Lesson Plan In Operation?
The DVSA are in charge of driving standards in the UK, and they publish guidelines on the level of competence and awareness expected of a licensed driver. Your lessons should be working towards this level of achievement, and your instructor should know how ready you are.
Can You Get a Lesson When You Want One?
The evidence shows that nearly every learner driver does best with between one and two hours' practice per every week. At Atlas we favour two-hour lessons, as close to seven days apart as possible.
What About a Lesson Before Your Test?
To stand the best chance of passing your Practical Test you need a lesson immediately before; one that ends as you pull into the test centre. Any driving school that cares knows this.
Find out more about Taking Your Test