To ask about driving lessons

[OunceOfFlounce]

I'm finally going to have to learn to drive for a new job. I never bothered before because I'm from London and haven't needed to.

I'm finding it a bit intimidating though. Even the very basic, first hurdle of who to go to for lessons is causing me to procrastinate. Do I go with a big company or a local driving school?

Good luck! I was scared as hell of driving when I started learning, 3 years later and it's chill coasting. I'd go local but don't be afraid to change instructors if the one you get doesn't make you feel relaxed and supported. Having the right instructor makes all the difference. If you're anxious about driving then tell them before they give you an instructor, they can make sure you get one that suits you if they're any good :)

'I'd go local but don't be afraid to change instructors if the one you get doesn't make you feel relaxed and supported'

I agree. I had my ups and downs with my instructor and I wish I had changed to someone else as soon as I had doubts. Your instructor should build up your confidence and you should be able to trust them. Don't be afraid to change to someone else if you feel it's not working

I passed by test 2 weeks ago and I'm nearly 40. You can do it!

What LottaPianos said!

I was a very nervous driver and it didn't help that I moved areas twice during the learning process. I had four instructors in total. Only one turned out to not be right for me. Like LottaPianos, I wish I'd switched when I started having doubts. The other three were marvellous and infinitely patient!

Try asking for recommendations in your local area. Even if none of your friends have taken their test recently, they may have a DP/DH/DW/D-Whoever who has.

Have you got a Facebook community page where you can ask others for recommendations in your area? I'm in Greater London and my DD passed her test a couple of weeks ago using AA. I agree with PP that you should try a school and if you don't get on with the instructor, or aren't happy in any way, then change to someone else. Once you've had that first lesson you will feel much more at ease and it won't seem so scary. Good luck OP!

Definatley agree with everyone else about changing instructors if you dont gel with them! Yoy might find yourself in a car for 1-2 hours a week for quite some time. Id also say make sure youve got the time and money to see it through, stopping and starting can be a killer.

Just to confuse the issue I failed five times with local instructors, then went with the AA and passed.

I wanted an intensive course, and only one school near to me offered it, so I went with them. Which turned out to be a good decision, as I started lessons on the Friday and passed my test on the Monday! I would ask locally for recommendations (for the school/company as well as individual instructors), decide on how often you want lessons, and see what their prices are like and go from there.

Thanks, and congrats to all those who've passed their test!

It actually wouldn't have occurred to me to think about changing instructor. I was thinking all the decision making would be about which company to go with. Seems obvious now you've all said it, but it takes a lot of pressure off to think I can just change if I'm not happy!