Our Top Tips to Identify a Quality Driving School
Cheap Lessons Might Not Be Good Lessons
Why is a good quality driving instructor worth paying a little more for? First, because you probably won't need so many lessons. Second, because you will likely increase your chances of success at the Practical Test.
How Much Time is Devoted to a Lesson?
If it's not at least one hour then you're better looking elsewhere. And, once you have made a little progress, two hours is usually the best length for driving practice. Plus, only one-to-one supervision and instruction should be counted as 'lesson time'.
Is There a Licence in the Teacher's Car?
This is proof that they are an ADI (or Approved Driving Instructor) - that is, a professional regulated by the DVSA. ADIs do more than gain their qualification once: they have to keep passing further practical exams to keep it.
Are You Learning in a 'Dual Control' Car?
There should be an extra set of foot pedals on the passenger side. These allow the instructor to apply the brakes or help you change gear.
Theory Test
If you're unsure how to go about studying for the Theory Test, your instructor should help.
Is the Instructor Making & Keeping Lesson Notes?
These are important, because they are a record of your preparedness to pass your practical driving test by demonstrating, in the words of the DVSA, "the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to be a safe and responsible car or light van driver".
Are You Learning at a Steady Pace?
It's widely agreed that a pupil should have 'on the road' experience at least once a week, (although crash courses with practice every day don't actually work for that many people either). Our personal recommendation is for a two hour lesson every week.
Is a Pre-Test Lesson a Priority?
Any reputable driving school knows that the best chance of Practical Test success comes right after a lesson, when the pupil has already been put through their paces on everything they might be asked to do.
Find out more about Taking Your Test