Page 17 | Had an accident in driving instructors car - he said I have to pay for it

Yupbabs · 2023-03-15T14:48:03+00:00

A question for uk learner drivers I had a driving lesson today and I had an accident, I took the wing mirror off when passing a parked car. Instructor said he’ll try to lower the price as much as possible but he’ll be in touch with how much I need to pay. Is this right? Do I need to pay? My previous driving instructor said if there was an accident then his insurance covers the damage I feel like he’s trying to con me. This was the first lesson I ever had with the guy, I had about 50 lessons with my other instructor and he made sure I didn’t have any accidents by using the dual control. This guy today just tilted the steering wheel away from the parked car and it still hit it.

Theeaglesoared · 16/03/2023 09:19

OP don't give up learning to drive! You'll be fine in an automatic. It's just a one off incident you'll be laughing about one day.

Gincan · 16/03/2023 09:21

Ignore the people who are being shitty OP, you've reported it to the police and the driving school, there's not much else you can do. Please don't let it put you off driving, I didn't pass my test until I was 25 and it took a year of lessons but I got there. I have 10 years no claims so can't be that bad.

As a side note - My instructor had me sit on a cushion to get a better view and it actually really helped! The car I have now has a hight adjustable seat which is ideal for short arses.

MamaDollyorJesus · 16/03/2023 10:46

Yupbabs · 15/03/2023 23:39

@Shamdyhandy because that’s the car the fucking instructor provided for my lessons. And I’m only 5’1.
I could’ve, but I didn’t. I took the wing mirror off I didn’t mow somebody down so I don’t know what your fucking issue is pal.
you clearly live under a rock if you think I’m the only one who struggled with lessons, give me a break ya twat.

Irrespective of the car provided by the instructor it's your responsibility to ensure your seat & mirrors are adjusted to the correct position to enable you to drive safely - I don't jump into my dads car & just drive off without adjusting the seat/mirrors/steering wheel & I certainly don't expect him to do it for me because I'm the only one who can see out of my eyes!

Reading this thread has made me realise how there are so many shit drivers on the road these days. FFS someone upthread said something about 21 attempts to pass 😱😱😱 - hoping that's a typo!

GoodChat · 16/03/2023 10:47

@Changeitupnelly I don't know why you're being so snippy.

Yes it's a drivers responsibility to learn the Highway Code. Driving instructors teach in line with the Highway Code, but don't teach the full code. That's the learner's responsibility.

Mamamia7962 · 16/03/2023 10:57

Wow there are some harsh comments on here. The whole point of having a driving instructor is they are there to make sure that accidents don't happen which is why there are dual controls. Whilst it is the OP's responsibility to make sure that the seat is adjusted so that she can see properly, rear view mirror, wing mirrors etc, a good instructor would point this out at the beginning of each lesson until it became automatic for the learner.

The instructor's insurance should cover this.

AskingQuestionsAllTheTime · 16/03/2023 12:45

TerrysNeapolitan · 15/03/2023 23:11

All I know I have been driving for 35 years and never taken a wing mirror off. Jeez.

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How lucky you are. When you do, you'll find they are no longer cheap.

I say "when" because as you can see from the post above yours, it may not be you who is driving too close, it may be some gink coming the other way. Some super-confidant gink who has been driving for 35 years and never taken a wing-mirror off before, which clearly means to him that (like a fatal RTI) it will never happen to him.

Iamdobby63 · 16/03/2023 12:51

Wow, some people just love to turn the knife, the OP was clearly upset and shaken by the incident anyway and has stated it has put her off driving. Also she has contacted the driving school and the police who have advised her, yet these comments continue.

OP, ignore these comments, perhaps one day we can all be as perfect as them. Hope you are having a better day today. x

whynotwhatknot · 16/03/2023 14:18

have you heard from him or the driving school yet op

dont be put off altogether i switched to an auto as i couldnt cope with gears in the end

Original poster

Yupbabs · 16/03/2023 14:54

MamaDollyorJesus · 16/03/2023 10:46

Irrespective of the car provided by the instructor it's your responsibility to ensure your seat & mirrors are adjusted to the correct position to enable you to drive safely - I don't jump into my dads car & just drive off without adjusting the seat/mirrors/steering wheel & I certainly don't expect him to do it for me because I'm the only one who can see out of my eyes!

Reading this thread has made me realise how there are so many shit drivers on the road these days. FFS someone upthread said something about 21 attempts to pass 😱😱😱 - hoping that's a typo!

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Obviously I adjusted the mirrors and the seat. You’re not understanding. I’m too low down to see. No amount of adjusting would change that unless I purchased a booster seat lol

OP posts:

Original poster

Yupbabs · 16/03/2023 14:55

whynotwhatknot · 16/03/2023 14:18

have you heard from him or the driving school yet op

dont be put off altogether i switched to an auto as i couldnt cope with gears in the end

The driving school left a voicemail saying there will be no charge on my end and that is all on the instructor, and that the instructor will be in touch to arrange the next lesson 🙄 yeah no thanks I’m blocking the guy now

OP posts:

MamaDollyorJesus · 16/03/2023 15:02

@Yupbabs I understand completely... my DD is 4ft10 - it means she's restricted to the type of car she can drive.

If you can't adjust the seat to a position where you can see clearly then you shouldn't be driving that car & the only person who can make that decision is you (whether you're 17 & on your very first driving lesson, a 45yo with almost 30 years experience or an F1 driver).

workinmums · 16/03/2023 15:07

Yupbabs · 16/03/2023 14:55

The driving school left a voicemail saying there will be no charge on my end and that is all on the instructor, and that the instructor will be in touch to arrange the next lesson 🙄 yeah no thanks I’m blocking the guy now

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Yeah don't do another lesson with him. I agree with other saying to try auto, honestly it did the trick for me.

bigbluebus · 16/03/2023 15:23

So sorry some people have given you a hard time on here OP, and completely missed the point of your post. Glad that you've now been told there's nothing for you to pay.

Please now take some time to ask around (local Facebook pages) for an instructor who is good with nervous drivers. Preferably one with many years experience under their belt. They will probably have a waiting list so you may have to wait a few months - but that is usually the sign of a good instructor. A good instructor will also make sure everything is adjusted so you are properly seated in the car too - the seat should be height adjustable as well as going forwards and backwards - to give you the best driving position.

Don't be disheartened, some people grasp it quicker than others but you will get there with the right instructor. There's obviously a reason why you wanted/needed to learn to drive. Persevere.

MyOldFriendTime · 16/03/2023 15:50

The driving school left a voicemail saying there will be no charge on my end and that is all on the instructor, and that the instructor will be in touch to arrange the next lesson 🙄 yeah no thanks I’m blocking the guy now

Ha ha cheeky git, as if you'd have anymore lessons with him 😆

OP if you do want to try again in an automatic car I would advise that you do it asap. Grab the bull by the horns, otherwise you'll never do it. Don't let this put you off.

whynotwhatknot · 16/03/2023 15:55

i would just tell them sorry not interested in lessons now

GoodChat · 16/03/2023 17:03

@Yupbabs good outcome. Keep that voicemail saved just in case.

I hope you're feeling a little happier now.

I can't believe they're continuing to let him work with them though!

Original poster

Yupbabs · 16/03/2023 17:11

@MamaDollyorJesus i don’t know how it is with the driving schools in your area, but if I were to cancel the lesson on the basis that I can’t see over the bonnet properly, I would’ve been charged the £35.
if I strained my neck upwards I had a better view, but still wasn’t great.
what cars suit your daughter, out of interest? It seems as though almost every car I get into I feel too short.

OP posts:

Original poster

Yupbabs · 16/03/2023 17:15

bigbluebus · 16/03/2023 15:23

So sorry some people have given you a hard time on here OP, and completely missed the point of your post. Glad that you've now been told there's nothing for you to pay.

Please now take some time to ask around (local Facebook pages) for an instructor who is good with nervous drivers. Preferably one with many years experience under their belt. They will probably have a waiting list so you may have to wait a few months - but that is usually the sign of a good instructor. A good instructor will also make sure everything is adjusted so you are properly seated in the car too - the seat should be height adjustable as well as going forwards and backwards - to give you the best driving position.

Don't be disheartened, some people grasp it quicker than others but you will get there with the right instructor. There's obviously a reason why you wanted/needed to learn to drive. Persevere.

Yeah I have an 8 month old, I really want to drive her places. There’s nothing for us to do around here, we spend 99% of our time in the house. I’d love to take her to the beach.

a manual car has too many things to remember in my opinion , I guess I’m just not built for manual lol I’ll try in an automatic next time

and thank you

OP posts:

Original poster

Yupbabs · 16/03/2023 17:17

MyOldFriendTime · 16/03/2023 15:50

The driving school left a voicemail saying there will be no charge on my end and that is all on the instructor, and that the instructor will be in touch to arrange the next lesson 🙄 yeah no thanks I’m blocking the guy now

Ha ha cheeky git, as if you'd have anymore lessons with him 😆

OP if you do want to try again in an automatic car I would advise that you do it asap. Grab the bull by the horns, otherwise you'll never do it. Don't let this put you off.

I know!! The cheek of it

the manager on the phone said that “there must have been some wires crossed” no the guy was just trying to con me 🤦🏻‍♀️

thank you I will try with automatic next time. The lessons are more expensive but I know I’ll be able to deal with automatic a lot better. The gears, handbrake and clutch seem to distract me from focusing on the road properly and I think that’s the problem here

OP posts:

strawberryicecreamice · 16/03/2023 17:18

Sit on a cushion OP I had to
But with my actual car I'm ok
But it will help

MamaDollyorJesus · 16/03/2023 17:27

@Yupbabs she currently drives a Vauxhall Adam but had a Corsa before that & she managed in my old Hyundai i20 but anything bigger & she really struggles to see properly & be able to reach the pedals at the same time.

I know it's a bit shit as I see most driving instructors seem to have a medium sized car these days & cars are bigger in general - when I learned how to drive 27 years ago it was in a Nissan Micra which was at least a third smaller than the current version of a Micra on the roads today.

PrincessofWellies · 16/03/2023 17:35

Hi Op, ex instructor here, as others have said, use a cushion or two, change instructor, preferably one with a small car. When you ring around for a new instructor, ask them about driving positions, how adjustable the seat is etc. I always used to ask potential new clients for approx height and weight, and whether there are any disabilities. It is definitely more difficult for autistic people to learn driving. An automatic will help quite a lot. Good luck, and don't give up 😎

angela99999 · 16/03/2023 17:44

This sounds like a con, don't pay. He has to have insurance to drive, he was legally in charge of the car, it's his choice if he's only got 3rd party which sounds likely.

finished31 · 16/03/2023 17:49

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

Barney60 · 16/03/2023 17:51

Driving instructor should pay, it is possible the cost will probably be under his excess which is probably why he wants you to pay, id still not pay though, his fault if not covered enough.