How to find a good driving instructor/school?

[kokoalemon]

I want to learn to drive, have done for a while but was waylaid by the pandemic. I’m hoping to pick up now, renewed my provisional, got my theory test kit, but no idea how to work out which driving instructor or school to go with.

I know I can move if it doesn’t work out, but obviously would like to try and find something reasonable up front if I can. But I’ve no idea what I’m looking for!

All of the local ones have loads of positive reviews, cynical me thinks these have just been manufactured in part. That or I’m surrounded by lots of amazing instructors, I guess. The bigger national ones (like AA, BSM) just have booking info, not so much on testimonials. I don’t know anyone who has learned remotely recently and if I ask on local FB I’ll just be inundated with ads.

Are the big companies (more) reliable? How do I know?! Any advice appreciated!

I don't think there is any way to know, other than by booking a session and seeing how you get on. What worked for one person may not work for you, so reviews can only take you so far. Also, ime they ask you to do a review immediately after you pass the driving test, and any review you do at that point is likely to be ecstatic with relief.

There's not One Right Instructor out there for you, so don't get too bogged down in looking for them. If you try one and you're not gelling, you can try another, but most of them should be reasonably competent to help you.

I was a driving instructor for 7 years. One thing to look for is the Instructor's licence, which has to be displayed in the windscreen. If the licence has a green background, they're a fully qualified instructor ( Approved Driving Instructor, or ADI )
If the licence has a pink background, this means that the instructor has NOT passed the third test ( ability to instruct ) - they're a Potential Driving Instructor, or PDI ). They are allowed to instruct for 6 months to get some experience.
I'm not saying they'll be a poor instructor, but just thought this info may help.

I think the problem right now is finding one with availability! My husband has been trying since the start of the year and can't even get on to waiting lists as they are all full. We really hoped he'd have passed before I'm due in October but it's looking less and less likely now

Don’t pay upfront for an intensive course they are a rip off and you lose control. It’s a hard one I admit. I am an automatic instructor and I charge £40 to £45 for 1 hour lessons with a minimum 1 and a half hour lesson as I am only very part time (I also have another job). The in demand manual instructors I know charge £35 to £40 for 1 hour lessons. A PDI on a pink license may charge a bit less. I don’t advertise I get my new students from past student referrals. My advice, shop around and if you are not satisfied after 1 or 2 lessons that it is a good fit for you change instructors. You may have to adjust your expectations on when you will likely start and finish though as waiting lists are very long and test slots are scarce too. Good luck 🤞

Word of mouth is probably the best recommendation if you can ask anyone who's learned recently. Bear in mind that someone who is thought wonderful by person A may not have got on with person B - though I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that.

A friend used an instructor who taught her sons all right but she couldn't get on with him at all, hated it. lost heart and gave up entirely instead of trying someone else.

I was damn lucky as I picked someone out of yellow pages. Are you looking for a woman instructor, or someone who has a good reputation with nervous learners? Maybe try four or five lessons with one person with an option to go elsewhere if it doesn't work out. Patience and perseverance are required in any case. Anyway, best of luck.

Thank you everyone for your input, it’s really helpful! Thanks for the insider info @KimMG and @Fit50 🙂

Not looking specifically for a female instructor or as a nervous driver @prettyteapotsplease but I am starting completely from scratch so definitely need someone who can help me from pretty much zero. I mean I know what cars look like and the general names for the bits inside but that’s about it 😅

Understand on the waiting lists, it’s one of the reasons I’ve waited until now as there’s been such a backlog. However some of the local schools/instructors seem to have availability from about a month from now so I’m doing some advanced research and will book in once I’ve got a bit further with the theory side.

Booking a couple of lessons before committing sounds much more sensible than jumping all in, I agree, so will definitely do that to make sure I find the right person. Thanks!

Ask for word of mouth recommendations.

And if you feel even slightly uncomfortable trust your gut, don't be polite, just stop. I wasted so much money sticking with an instructor I didn't like when I should have just ditched him and switched school.

My daughter wanted a female instructor, we asked around and then phoned the most recommended. She had a long waiting list but suggested 2 others who she knew well, we picked one and she was great. Was very happy to recommend her to other neighbours.