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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Should I change driving instructor

26 replies

Samcj02 · 02/05/2022 16:49

Hi,
i have a driving instructor and my test is booked for august! I booked my test a few weeks back as she had asked me to. Ive not done any test route and only have an hour a week, I seem to be doing the same things every week, she says I’m a good driver I just need to build on my confidence. She’s a good instructor however she seems to be missing lessons more and more, going on holidays etc which is fine but she said this week she’ll message me my new lesson time when she knows she’ll be back!
I have a feeling she’s moving from the area aswell as she’s sold her house and a few things I know which make me think she’ll leave the area once she’s purchased a property. Whenever I bring up my test she avoids the question or will talk about something else. I’ve spoken to a new instructor today and she has stated if I were her pupil I’d definitely be doing yeh test route now as it’s a large area. Not sure what answer I’m looking for but I’d feel bad telling my instructor that I no longer need her! Just a bit of reassurance it’s okay and I should change I suppose!

OP posts:
PritiPatelsMaker · 02/05/2022 16:52

Of course you can swap if you're not happy. You're paying for a service and if you don't have to even have a reason to swap.

Topseyt123 · 02/05/2022 16:58

It is fine to change if the current arrangement is not working for you, and it doesn't sound as though it is. Your current instructor sounds rather half hearted.

Get some lessons in with the new instructor if available and just cancel with the present one. Try to postpone your test if you would prefer more time. A good instructor can sometimes help with this, as they may have other clients who would be interested in swapping with you.

Original poster
Samcj02 · 02/05/2022 17:47

Thanks for the advice! I suppose I’m worried about offending my current instructor, but I need to pass my test ASAP really as do a lot of people!

OP posts:
PritiPatelsMaker · 02/05/2022 18:20

Are you usually a people pleaser? Smile

Original poster
Samcj02 · 02/05/2022 19:10

PritiPatelsMaker · 02/05/2022 18:20

Are you usually a people pleaser? Smile

I am ta definitely a weakness, I’m trying to work on it. 🙈

OP posts:
Cakecakecheese · 02/05/2022 19:47

Who cares if she's offended or not? You're paying her to get you ready for your test and she's not doing that to your satisfaction.

Original poster
Samcj02 · 02/05/2022 19:49

Exactly! I need to just get my big girl pants on and tell her!

OP posts:
PritiPatelsMaker · 02/05/2022 19:58

Exactly! I need to just get my big girl pants on and tell her

Make sure the new Instructor is happy to take you on then message her to say that you've decided to go with someone else.

You'll feel much better Smile

Original poster
Samcj02 · 02/05/2022 20:34

PritiPatelsMaker · 02/05/2022 19:58

Exactly! I need to just get my big girl pants on and tell her

Make sure the new Instructor is happy to take you on then message her to say that you've decided to go with someone else.

You'll feel much better Smile

Thank you! I’m just waiting on confirmation From my new instructor to see if she can fit me in around work!

OP posts:
Original poster
Samcj02 · 02/05/2022 20:39

Oh my goodness my cousin has just called and told me that she noticed the instructors licence or permit I can’t remember what it’s called is out of date! When she bought it up with the instructor she said not to worry it didn’t matter 🙈

OP posts:
PritiPatelsMaker · 02/05/2022 20:50

Definitely let her go.

Original poster
Samcj02 · 02/05/2022 20:51

PritiPatelsMaker · 02/05/2022 20:50

Definitely let her go.

Absolutely will do, It’s a bit unprofessional

OP posts:
Original poster
Samcj02 · 07/05/2022 18:16

Thanks everyone had my lesson today and she’s so much more “on it” than my old instructor. She told me not to rearrange my test as I’ll be ready for august probably sooner! We are starting test routes and independent driving now.
Anyone else thinking of changing instructors if something seems off! Do it!

OP posts:
NumberTheory · 07/05/2022 19:11

If your previous instructor is no longer an Approved Driving Instructor she’s committed fraud and you can sue her for the cost of your lessons with her.

NumberTheory · 07/05/2022 19:12

And well done on changing instructor. Good luck!

Original poster
Samcj02 · 07/05/2022 20:12

NumberTheory · 07/05/2022 19:11

If your previous instructor is no longer an Approved Driving Instructor she’s committed fraud and you can sue her for the cost of your lessons with her.

Really? I’m not sure how I can find out how far out of date her ADI licence is?

OP posts:
Duchess379 · 07/05/2022 20:27

So glad the new instructor is working for you. Good luck 🤞🏻

Original poster
Samcj02 · 07/05/2022 20:29

Thank you!

OP posts:
Original poster
Samcj02 · 07/05/2022 20:31

Omg! So I’ve checked the ADI register and her name isn’t on there! I can’t believe it! I’ve wasted time and money and it appears she’s definitely no longer a ADI

OP posts:
NumberTheory · 09/05/2022 21:56

Samcj02 · 07/05/2022 20:31

Omg! So I’ve checked the ADI register and her name isn’t on there! I can’t believe it! I’ve wasted time and money and it appears she’s definitely no longer a ADI

This is your new instructor or the old one?

Original poster
Samcj02 · 10/05/2022 07:13

NumberTheory · 09/05/2022 21:56

This is your new instructor or the old one?

Show quote history

Old one!

OP posts:
NumberTheory · 10/05/2022 14:30

Phew! I was worried you meant your new one was also not registered, which would have been very bad luck.

Do you want to do anything about the old one?

Original poster
Samcj02 · 10/05/2022 18:59

NumberTheory · 10/05/2022 14:30

Phew! I was worried you meant your new one was also not registered, which would have been very bad luck.

Do you want to do anything about the old one?

I would like to, but not sure of what to do other than reporting her to dvsa. I’m not sure how long she’s not been registered for as I did read online that instructors have 12 months to renew after it runs out!

OP posts:
NumberTheory · 10/05/2022 22:43

There are a few things you could try but I have no idea how effective they'd be, or how time consuming.

Report to DVSA.

Report to the police for fraud.

Write her asking for evidence of her registration during the time you took lessons with her and stating that you have discovered she wasn't registered as a driving instructor and so you require a refund of [however much you've paid her] within 14 days or you will take her to small claims court. And see how she responds. Not sure how you would evidence her lack of registration at court, though. A print out from the website might be enough but some sort of letter from DVSA saying she wasn't registered between given dates or evidence from the police would be better.

NumberTheory · 10/05/2022 22:45

In case it isn't clear, Samcj02, I'm not a lawyer. So don't rely on my ramblings.

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