Driving lesson. Is this normal?

[CoffeeLover90]

So I started lessons 6 months ago. In that time I've had around 10 lessons cancelled. For a variety of reasons. On 2 or 3 occasions this has been because another learner has their test during my usual slot.
Lessons are once a week but I stated at the beginning I'd like to do 2 a week. I don't have the opportunity to drive outside of lessons. This was agreed when slots opened up but was then brushed off.
I have a test booked. And another cancelled lesson this week. With an upcoming holiday.
I appreciate there's a high chance I won't pass first time and I'd have to pay for more lessons anyway but at this point, I thought I would have been further forward than I am.
Friends, family have said for weeks to find a new instructor. I kept giving the benefit of the doubt. Also, those giving opinion learned to drive years ago, before the long wait lists for instructors etc. So I wasn't sure if this was the norm now? Or is it time to look elsewhere?
Thanks in advance.

My ds took lessons recently. The only time they were cancelled was when the instructor was on holiday. He had 1 x 2 hour lesson per week and passed first time.

My DS had lessons cancelled due to other tests, but was always offered an alternative date/time so he still got a lesson that week.

Instructor is taking the piss. I was ready and raring to go after 6 months of tuition. Can the instructor not reschedule rather than cancelling?

I was learning for about eight months last year and I don't think my instructor ever cancelled a lesson, as far as I remember.

If one fell during someone else's test or the instructor's holidays, he rebooked them for another time rather than cancelling. We'd look at our diaries for the next month to get the rebooking in if necessary (ie it wasn't just "I can't do any other days that week" "tough luck then"). And he was a responsible person who had his holidays planned months in advance so he wasn't surprising or inconveniencing anyone.

When is your test booked for? The only issue with switching instructors is that new instructors don't like taking people on when they're very close to their test (say a month out or so) as they want to be assured you're test ready before they take you.

Definitely not normal. I passed my test last year and my instructor only cancelled when on holiday and gave lots of notice, occasionally he asked me to switch times because of another student's test. As we got closer to my test he offered longer lessons and extra lessons each week if I wanted them.

I'd look elsewhere, but if your test is soon, they may not have the car available that day... usually students have quite a bit of notice of test day, so things can be rearranged around the test dates.

Dd23 went with a second instructor, for her last 4 weeks but kept her original one, had 8 lessons with the new guy and ended up with 2 plus test day with the original one. Passed first time.

He’s taking the Mickey. I passed a year and a half ago. My 1st lesson my instructor told me the date of his holiday he had planned 5 months later. If he has a test on your time slot can he not jig it around to fit you in later in the week? I’d be expecting to do mock tests every week now ready for my own test

Obviously dump your current instruction if you don't pass. People who get away with taking the piss carry on taking the piss.

Thanks for the advice.
I've not been offered a reschedule 9/10 the lessons cancelled last minute and it's too late for me to rearrange work with lesson being later in the week.
Appreciate some pass with weekly lessons but I know I'm not a fast learner, not slow either, but I do have to practice things as much as possible.
Test is middle of August. Originally booked for this week but pushed it back 3 weeks ago. Because I hadn't done any manoeuvres at that point. Since then I've had one lesson.

I was told of the holidays on my first lesson, of course I understand that and it's fine, but the rest were cancelled either the night before or morning of. No offer to reschedule and wouldn't have been able to anyway.

I work full time, little flexibility in hours, so I'll work long shifts Monday to Wednesday to allow a late start for the driving lesson. So if its cancelled last minute I've already worked those hours and can't switch shifts last minute.
Also have a young child so need to arrange babysitting during school holidays.

I had lessons on and off for years and the only time any of my instructors cancelled was due to the weather (heavy snow) or illness. I think it happened three times total across all three instructors.

Lessons were re-arranged for tests etc. but we never missed one completely.

Think you lot have made my mind up. I'll look elsewhere. Even if it means pushing test back again. Feel awful because he is a good instructor but I can't let it drag out.
Also I've paid 4 lessons in advance. Found nothing on cancellation policy.

That’s really unprofessional. He must know in advance if he’s got a test booked.

try to use up your paid lessons whilst trying to get another instructor.

Why did instructor get you to book your test when you hadnt done maneuvers?

Just keep the lessons already paid for with the original instructor and have another one running alongside it.

Personally I paid for 2 x1.5 lessons a week for a full calendar year, no I didn't need that many but as far as I was concerned I was paying for driving experience and getting to do it in all weather conditions and times of day was useful if expensive. This was important to me as I didn't have anyone else to go out with and I knew I'd be driving with DD in the car fairly soon after passing.

Booking a test without mastering manoeuvres was silly, why did he let you do that. Or was it because of the waiting list you hedged your bets?

My DS recently passed and his 90 minute lesson was the same day & time every week, well organised instructor.

No, that's not normal. DS has been learning with AA for 8 months and only had two lessons cancelled due to other pupils test changes.

A good instructor would tell you you're not ready and to not book your test so soon. Unless you did this on your own and not on their advice? Also, when I did mine a few years back, the instructors wouldn't want to be attached to a test for a student who wasn't ready - it would affect their stats.

Thanks all. I only booked the test due to there being a 3 month wait time. At the instructors advice. At that point, if I'd progressed at the same speed, I would have been test ready. Instead with lessons cancelled, this meant the structure was delayed. Hence me pushing it back, obviously I was happy to.

Understand those saying to stick to this one until hours used but as he's on holiday for the next two weeks and slots get filled quickly, this is risky.
I'm meeting an instructor this week, I made it clear when he called that I want 2 lessons a week. Hes happy to try and organise this when we meet. I asked for bank details to pay, he declined until first lesson was over.
Will have a think about whether I stick with the original as well as someone else.
The problem with that is, the cancellations piss me off and it's hard not to say that to him. The last thing I want is a frosty atmosphere.
Also if the potential new instructor can get me into the same slot as the original, I'd have no choice but to cancel.

Have found the school cancellation policy and terms and conditions. Firstly, I haven't signed anything. Secondly, it's full of contradictions. Don't think I'll have trouble getting my money back.