Is my DS's driving instructor taking the piss?

[IAmElizaCook]

He has had a few lessons now and is doing ok.

At my last lesson, DI asked to pick him up 30 mins earlier as was passing through area. There was another student in the car who drove them to where they needed to go; DI then chatted for a while (in the drivers seat) while DS sat and listened, just about family stuff apparently so not actual driving. DSthen had a half hour/forty mins of actual driving practice out of an hour so not that bad.

Fast forward to today. DI messaged at the time DS was supposed to be picked up asking to schedule for an hour later. Agin, another learner was in the car. Took half an hour for him to get behind the driving seat once faffing was over and learner dropped off. Then had approx forty mins of good driving practice before yet another learner was picked up to drive DS home...

He is very reluctant to say anything and so far seems to be progressing well. But I feel that he's being taken for a ride (if you'll excuse the pun)...

Opinions?

Thanks everyone, glad you agree!

Does anyone have any recommendations by any chance?

We are based in the SW (Cotswolds)

Well we live in Bristol but DS is based in Gloycestershire area for 6th form so that would be more convenient if anyone can help

on offer for those who can

Ahh I see, I'm in North London but had an instructor exactly as you described to a tee! I ditched him in the end despite him being good as he was forever arriving with students and making me collect the following student!

Mountain - it looks like there's a few of them about!!

How was your next instructor if you don't mind me asking?

Oh and best of luck in your test Exasperated

Is it BSM?

Round here they book the lessons for 3 people with all getting 20 minutes of the time driving, and 40 minutes observing.
They pay roughly the same as independent instructors do for an hour of driving and take about twice plus as long to pass the test.

"Bring Some Money" was how one police chap referred to them as.

BF is a DI. He will occasionally do piggy back if he is running late due to unforeseen circumstances but always with the permission of pupil. Each learner still gets their allotted 1 hour.

To the pp who mentioned that this would make the learners go off the 'test route'. A decent DI does not stick to test routes. Their job is to teach the pupil how to drive safely and be able to read all roads because after all, once they have passed they will not be just using test route would they?

Ohnocourting, I do understand why piggy backing may take place but it seems that twice now DS' DI has rearranged lessons to his own convenience specifically so that he can piggy back (and therefore I'm assuming save time/money)... Which seems a bit off

So it has become the norm rather than the exception as it is with your BF

Witchend, no not BSM, an independent DI. Have been having a lurk around on FB and it seems that he's got a reputation treading his customers like this. Pretty shocking, you'd think he would have learnt

I honestly think some DIs (like people of any profession really) just do not give a shit. I guess because many of their clients are younger they are easier to take advantage of? Makes me so annoyed

Not on at all. Even if my instructor was running late i'd always get my full hour. Totally unprofessional. Deffo change

Client confidentiality is being breached here.

None of his other students should know where you live. And the same for your ds not needing to know where any of his other students live.

Data protection...

Driving instructor should drop one off before collecting the next one.

Also gives the instructor a few minutes break for food/drink/toilet/stretch legs etc to refresh concentration.

Good point WhyCantI.

Yes this DI is a bit of a joke. Apparently he has asked DS to drop him off at his house (DI's) for loo breaks and often eats in the car too. You're right - that should really be done in break times...

So i was reading the OP and thinking "jesus, is she really talking about Dear Instructor" then i realised what DI meant.

I'm conditioned.

Jeremy from Gloucestershire driving school is absolutely fantastic! He came very highly recommended to me and I've sent a few people to him since. I was in the Cheltenham/Gloucester area while learning if that's any good to your son?

OP As you DI is piggy backing all the time, I would certainly change. Also, be wary of ones that do more talking than driving (in order to save on fuel).

There should be a 5 minute recap of last lesson at the beginning and 5 minute analysis at the end. Some DI do take the piss, Im afraid its like all professions, you get some good and some bad.

Cloppy My feelings for DI are anything but dear atm

OhNo - DI chats on about family stuff and his pets apparently! So not even constructive driving advice

In every job some people will do what they can get away with. Change definitely.

Thank you beenawhile! I will get DS to give him a call

He is now thinking about changing to a female driving instructor but there's not many where he is. Does anyone have a recommendation please?

Will definitely give Jeremy a bell too though

This is shocking behaviour OP!

Ugh my last driving instructor did the constant rearranging, and was often late, it was because the lessons were all back to back so I have stopped learning with him and am about to arrange lessons with a new instructor. I think that some instructors take on far more students than they can handle.

Thanks everyone, he has just returned from another lesson and same again

The course of lessons will be finishing in the next few days so he will definitely be moving!