Peter was both my and my boyfriend's driving instructor and is the reason we both passed first time within a month of each other! I started learning with another instructor but I felt I couldn't learn from them. I switched to Peter after my boyfriend recommended him. Best instructor ever! He is very adaptable. I am quite a perfectionist. Peter recognised this, so he made sure I had every manouevre practiced to the letter and pushed me to the best of my abilities. Although frustrating at times, this really paid off in the end. He's very flexible with times for lessons, which was good as we were both students at the time. My boyfriend passed his test with 3 minor errors after 5 months; I passed with 6 minor errors after 6 months. I was always worried I wouldn't get on with my instructor and would struggle to adapt to their teaching style, but he is an amazing instructor who will adapt to you, plus he has the best stories to apply to each situation. I'd recommend him to anyone.Janine, Orpington
The first instructor who really encouraged me to keep at it. He was patient, even when he had to repeat a few things to me over and over again to try to break me out of bad habits. I would describe his technique as firm but fair. He wants you to do well, and not just for your test - he wants you to be a great driver beyond that. I've had a few instructors in the past and can honestly say that he was by far the best. I now have a driving licence because of him. Thanks Peter - you're a star!Miss M, Sidcup
Our local coverage includes...
Orpington (BR2), Dartford, (BR8) & Sidcup (DA14) plus Bromley Common, Hayes, North Cray, Ruxley, Swanley and surrounding areas.
To be positive that we can give you driving lessons, you can search using your postcode. We'll show you today's prices.
The most important factor when considering the cost of lessons is not so much what you pay for them, but how many you need. Re-taking your test costs a lot more than the few pounds per lesson you might save with the cheapest driving schools.
Do They Tell You Exactly How Long a Lesson Lasts?
Some driving school prices are 'per lesson' rather than 'per hour', making them seem cheaper than they really are. At Atlas, we believe that all lessons should be 60 minutes minimum. Also, the clock shouldn't start ticking on your lesson time until you are behind the wheel.
Make Sure You'll Be Learning With an ADI
The law requires that driving schools employ Approved Driving Instructors. This is a qualification that involves ongoing assessment by the DVSA during a driving lesson (to rate the quality of teaching). Look for the ADI licence, which has to be on display.
Make Sure The Car is Appropriate
You should be in a 'dual control' vehicle. By this we mean that there are foot pedals on both sides in the front. This is important for safety while you're learning.
Theory Test
Can you get help from your instructor with the Theory Test?
Is Your Progress Being Set Down By The Instructor?
The UK driving test is an official exam and therefore it has an official syllabus and you can view this online. Your instructor should be training you to meet these standards, and have a good idea of where you are with regards to them.
How Often Are Your Driving Lessons?
It's important to practice for a minimum of one hour per week. Our experience at Atlas is that a single two-hour lesson suits most people best. If you want more then of course we'll oblige, but we should point out that we don't really endorse 'intensive' courses as the best way to learn.
Be Sure You Get a Pre-Test Lesson
The most important driving lesson you'll ever have is the one just before your Practical Test; the right instructor will make time for it and use it as a 'dry run' for the actual examination.
