To think my driving instructor is stringing me along

[ElbiTut]

I am an experienced driver, over 10 years, now looking to get UK driving licence.
The plan was to take 5 two hour sessions (perhaps a few more if deemed required) to flush out any bad habits and get rid of them before the exam) get familiar with test routes etc.

I did the first class a few months before my practical test where the instructor said he just wants to see what level I am on, so basically we spent time driving around, he gave me this card with all the skills listed (e.g controling the vehicle, observation etc..) where he is supposed to make notes and grade me as we progress.
He kept showing up asking me - so what's the plan for today.
Am I being unreasonable expecting the instructor to have a plan where are we going and what are we focusing on on the day? I sort of told him this maybe third time because
3 sessions passed with me giving him that card where he is supposed to put observations and him returning it completely blank.
Maybe this is where he decided to take a piss.
He didn't have any major complaints about my driving, but he kept saying I am not ready I need more practice, and suggested to do a mock (I didn't even know to ask for one) only after 7 lessons or so - my card was still empty, we haven't tried all the manouvers and he was never pointing out specific tricky bits or the test routes, it always felt like random driving around. He took out the book with road drawings and examples literally just once.

I failed the mock ofcourse for a few reasons - one bigger repetitive problem was me not doing a six point check when taking off - like ever. Ofcourse I do check the mirrors and blindspots when taking off - I just don't lean my head in all directions in an obvious manner. What pisses me off is that this is exactly what I asked him for when we first met - to tell me all the bad habits I have so I can start implementing the changes immediately to get that muscle memory (like for example swinging my head around when taking off so it is noticeable without a doubt). Yet he waited for 8 sessions to show me how to do the 6 point check so the examiners have zero doubt I checked all the mirrors and the blind spots.

I threw away over 500 pounds, there was zero structure to lessons, I feel he was just taking a piss.

He told me he is happy to take me to the exam but he would not advise as I don't have great chances although my progress is very visible. I am so deflated...the next exam would not be in the next six months, I would still want the refresher lessons...
Is this normal...
I was driving on daily basis for over 10 years and never had a single incident with my car...
Is it me or is there an expectation to spend a few grand to pass the exam?

I feel so sorry for you. It does sound like he's taking the piss. I would be so pissed off if I have to sit my driving tests again. I exchanged my NZ drivers licence when I came here, and I had been driving over 10 years too.

Are there other instructors around with availability? I heard from the young people at work there's a huge shortage of them so it's unlikely you will find someone else.

Do it yourself. You have car control down. Look on YouTube for driving instructors and see what their top tips are and then take yourself to the test. I did this for my motorbike tests and passed without any faults at all.

Change your DI as you have not faith in him/her

I'd book a test and see how you do. The examiner will give you feedback if needed

Wow well done for determination!! I don't thing I would dare with a car I didn't drive before, but maybe with the youtube this is all I need, just a lesson or two to get used to someone's car!

So many people who passed their test abroad think it’s going to be doddle to pass here because they have prior driving experience.
The thing is, you have to be knowledgeable about what is required for passing a test here, which may be very different.
Driving conditions will be different here too, compared to what they’re used to.
After passing our driving test many of us will likely pick up bad habits which, although won’t have caused any accidents, would totally fail you if you sat your driving test again, here or abroad.

I have a friend who is a driving instructor and people are forever saying to him “ I’ve been driving for X years, I just need a couple of lessons to help me pass “
Doesn't work that way ! Plus driving instruction is now supposed to be more of a coaching than instruction so the student has to give input as to what they want to learn, how they think they’re progressing etc

Perhaps also shop around and find someone who meets your needs batter.
Or if you do it yourself, borrow a car and just book a test.

He sees you as easy money and is definitely taking the piss. I'd get a new instructor.

I've never really had a card filled out with any of my three instructors either. I started learning before the first lockdown, I had 10 years motorbike experience so knew how to navigate the road but not how to drive a car. As a newbie I got a lot of feedback and structure. I failed a test and then lockdown happened and I didn't get a chance to resume driving until three years later. So the instructor who actually took me to the test knew I could drive and needed just a bit of practice before the test. So we drove around, he did give me some feedback but also he would often wait for me to realise what my mistake was, which I did a lot of the time. I would also often tell him that I didn't feel comfortable with a particular maneuver and can we practice. I passed the test easily anyway (and I am not actually sure what a six point check is, and no, examiner doesn't need you to do an exorcist when you check your mirrors - they can see your eye movement perfectly fine).
So I wouldn't diss the instructor. It is more likely that you don't respond to his teaching style and would benefit from another teacher. I had to ditch my second instructor after two sessions as we just didn't vibe.

So many people - but not me. As explained I wanted lessons and as you can see I was even listening to advice to take more than initially planned.
I absolutely did not have the attitude of entitled to pass. I personally think that everyone not from UK should sit the test before driving here, not just people from certain areas of the world as it is quite specific.
Regardless, now it's more about coaching you say...meaning me myself deciding what the plan for the session is? Are you joking? I am a paying customer. Imagine you going to a private practice with an unbearable abdominal pain and them asking you - so what's the plan for you then 😕 what medicine you want me to prescribe? What tests and scans have you been thinking about and are you happy to analyse the results yourself using this empty card I am now handing over to you?
Come on...