Driving instructor stringing us along

[Foreverfrustrated97]

I need some help mumsnetters.
Our DD is having driving lessons currently with an instructor recommended to us. She isn't the most confident person in the world and can be quite nervous. However she has been having lessons since August and has not even done right turns out of a junction. Barely done any dual carriageway and just seems to do basic road work. She has also filled the car up with fuel a couple of times.
I am concerned that she isn't progressing very much. I have asked the instructor who said they are preparing her the best he can for the test and is looking for consistent safe driving. Surely in 6 months we would have more progress? For context she does 1.5 hours each week.

What we are also considering is Pass Me Fast or National Intensive for a better experience and get her through the driving. Does anyone have any experience with these companies? They have good reviews on Trustpilot. My AIBU is should I sack off the instructor or is my daughter just not a driver?

All a test proves is that you can control a car safely. When my husband passed his test the driving instructor said Well done son now go and learn to drive .

Don’t use National Intensive. The instructor they put me with was frankly a madman.

Given how long waiting lists are for driving instructors I don’t think there’s a need for any to be stringing people along at the moment…..
It could be the instructors style doesn’t suit your DD or could be she is needing to take things slower.
Agree that practice in between lessons would be better- do you have access to a family members car you could take her out with? My DD was put on DB’s insurance as ours is an automatic.

I would definitely change instructor and see if it makes any difference. Also - I know you can’t use your own cars but some of the car hire places near us (I think it’s Arnold Clark 🤔) allow you to hire dual control cars. That could be an option to allow you to see what her driving level is for yourself?

I started lessons Jan 2020 just before all the covid lockdowns and really didn’t get on my instructor. He was honestly useless!!

I don't think there's anything to stop you using your own car providing you've updated your insurance etc.

I remember many years ago taking my actual test in my Mum's car as the one I'd been learning in had a massive prang on the morning of my test.

We’ve had a very similar situation with our DD who has ASD and diagnosed anxiety. After a 4th fail with a disinterested instructor we decided a change of instructor would give a fresh set of eyes and it was horrible to discover the first instructor had not given adequate instruction on the basics. Ten hours with a new instructor who really understood anxiety and I’m delighted to say she passed this morning!

Talk to the school, ask them who they would choose for an anxious person and switch, DD felt so much more confident going back to basics with a fresh face

@MalewhoisLaffinalltheway I don’t know the ins and outs to be honest. I know it’s fine to use cars normally but OP said it one post that they can’t use theirs as they are hybrids 🤷🏻‍♀️

@emmaempenadas dds had about 10 lessons with young driver. She's 17 in March and should only need road craft. They're expensive lessons but so worth it.

@amalfilemonpie the driving instructor dd has chosen for March when she's 17 told us the same. He's told us to book 10 lessons to see of he's a good fit. He also said after 10 lessons she should be OK without dual controls and can drive dhs car.

I would definitely change instructors. I had my lessons 25 years ago but the instructor( always smelt of alcohol and couldn't tell the difference between the gearstick and my knee) encouraged me to push myself even when he could see I was terrified.

I think a lot of driving instructors went into the profession thinking it would be a bit of a doddle and easy money. Despite having no actual ability to teach others.

Why are MNetters so keen to think this instructor is not taking the piss? Of course he is! Your DD should be test ready now. He's laughing all the way to the bank.

Definitely swap instructors.

I think they vary in quality. But they are not above taking it slower to get themselves extra work if they think they can get away with it.

I remember when I passed my test I went a long time before driving again and I didn't have much experience and needed to drive. So I booked 5 lessons to get some time in.

I ran the 5 lessons at the end of it I thought I was doing OK and felt pretty confident. The instructor said I needed many more and wasn't ready.

I felt I was ready and already had the licence. So that, as they say, was that.

It's actually VERY hard now to pass your instructor test. Only a third get all the way through. That should give you an idea of how many try because they think it's easy. It's not. However those who already teach don't always get checked up on often enough because of dvsa backlogs and staff shortages. It's a fact.
Yes you can take your own car to test and actually I shouldn't say this but it appears "private runners" as they're referred to in the business, get easier test routes etc. The dvsa would of course say this isn't the case.

Yes he's taking the p. Find a new teacher.

DS passed recently and said the examiner wouldn't shut up. Sounds like they chatted about all sorts.