Is driving instructor BU?

[Sighing000]

I booked and had my very first introductory driving lesson this week. Went fine. I've rode motorbikes for years, so the first lesson was more showing what I can do rather than teaching anything, and getting to know the instructor. Which is what I expected, no problem there. At the end of the lesson she seemed happy and told me she had quite a few customers already, but give her a message when I know what I'd like to book next.

I messaged the day after and said I'd like to go ahead with regular lessons, when could she fit me in?

She replied to say she's fully booked and doesn't want any more students.

Aibu to feel like she shouldn't of booked an introduction if she didn't want another student??
Surely I've wasted my money here

That's not good. Yes it's a waste of your money. If she had no space for more students she shouldn't have let you have an introductory lesson. I'd tell her as much too

I imagine that something about the lesson made her think that the student/teacher relationship wouldn’t go well tbh. What she said as the end of the session doesn’t exactly seem to be ringing with enthusiasm about taking you on as a new student, and if she’s running her own business then she’s under no obligation to if she feels that things wouldn’t go well after the first session.

Tbh the introductory lesson is as much for the instructor as the learner. I'd be pleased she has realised it won't be the best instructor/student relationship so I wouldn't be wasting my money.

Hm maybe she just didn't want to teach me then. Seems odd as we had good conversation, had a laugh and a joke.

If it makes a difference she was from a big driving company not a small private instructor. But I suppose she's entitled to change her mind. I'm just a bit sad at the waste of time.

But if - for whatever reason - she’s identified that she wouldn’t be able to effectively teach you, then it’s not really a waste of time (even though I do appreciate that it will feel like it, along with potentially feeling a bit personal). It’s actually saved time in a load of lessons which wouldn’t have been as productive as they should have been.

Seems unfair. If she doesn't think the relationship will work out, she needs to grow some and tell you. I'd ask her why she took your money that you could spend with an instructor who is actually taking on clients?! Assume lessons aren't cheap now.

Unless you think she could have filled up with others on a list in the space between your lesson and your text.

You haven't lost any money, though. You had an hour of her time and you had an experience of driving so that you can see if you want to learn to drive in a car. I would go with BSM for your first few lessons as they give you a booklet that sets out all the driving skills and the instructor will assess where you are already. That way you are not going to waste time 'learning' skills that you have.

I think that is really unreasonable of her.

She should have told you when you rang up to book that she didn't actually have any space. Then you obviously would have gone elsewhere! How annoying.

Review her honestly online...

She's just not that into you.

I disagree @growinggreyer

That first hour will need to be redone with the next potential DI. She may have got to drive for an hour or two but is it really a help?

DFIL was a driving instructor for a big company which offered an introductory lesson He often found his own clients, but before they could book a series of lessons, the parent company would fill his diary. Often not about the original client, but rather the overall company.

Just ask her what the situation is. It maybe something completely different from what you imagine. But worth telling her you are puzzled as she gave you an introductory lesson.