How to find a good Driving Instructor
It's not easy, especially
with so many instructors and schools to choose from.
Pick up your local'
Yellow Pages' or 'Thomson Local' and you will find hundreds of Instructors
listed under Driving Schools.
And what type of course suits you,
Hourly Tuition, Intensive CoursesResidential Courses.
Now we have the Theory
test, most driving instructors (ADI's) will be able to offer you combined
and integrated tuition providing both theoretical and practical training.
It makes good sense to make use of a professional ADI because they are
an acknowledged expert in driver education and will know better than anyone
how to prepare you for the tests.
Code of Practice for Approved Driving Instructors
The DVSA has introduced a Code of Practice for Approved Driving Instructors.
The code leaflet can be obtained from any theory test and driving test centres. Your Driving Instructor should be able to obtain a leaflet for you.
It is hoped that ALL Driving Instructors will formally agree to adhere to the terms of the Code.
The Video below gives Advice from a Driving Examiner with over 30 years experience.
If you pick a school out, ask the following questions before you book. It may help you to see if this driving school is for YOU.
How long have you been a driving Instructor?
Do you have male or female instructors?
Are all your instructors fully qualified?
Can I have the same instructor for all my lessons?
What type of cars do you use?
Are the cars dual controlled?
How old are the cars?
DO I have the same car for every lesson?
Do you have a individual pick up service?
Do you work weekends?
Can you pick me up after school, work or college?
How much are your lessons? (the cheapest seldom means the best!!! ).
Do you have discounts for block booking?
Which Test centre do you use?
What's your pass rate?
How long is each lesson?
If you know of a relative or friend who has had or is having driving lessons ask them about the Driving School they use.
Are they reliable?
Are they friendly and patient?
Does the instructor smoke?
Is the car clean?
Does the instructor do their shopping or visit the betting shop on your lessons?
The best driving school can be the one that has been recommended to you by a friend or relative.
( A good instructor seldom has to advertise )
Please Note:- A driving instructor must have their name entered on the Register held by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. They must display a green ADI identification certificate like the one below (or a red one if the instructor is a trainee).
A driving instructor must pass a searching three-part examination to qualify, and they have to reach and maintain the high standards required by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.
About driving instructor grades
Approved driving instructors (ADIs) are regularly assessed on their instructional ability. This is done by a DVSA Supervising Examiner sitting in on a live lesson. They are assessed on how well they:- Planned the lesson
- Manage risk to their pupil and other road users
- Use the best ways to help their pupil learn
The current grading system has these levels.
| Grade | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| GradeA | 43-51 | The instructor has shown a high standard of instruction |
| GradeB | 31-42 | The instructor has shown a satisfactory standard of instruction |
| Fail | 0-30 | The instructor’s performance is unsatisfactory |
Instructors who still have a grade from the old system will have one of these grades.
| Grade | Performance description |
|---|---|
| 6 | Very high |
| 5 | Good |
| 4 | Satisfactory |
| 3 | Inadequate |
| 2 | Poor |
| 1 | Extremely poor |
Finding your instructor’s grade
You can ask your instructor what their grade is.Some instructors also publish their grade on the service to find driving schools, lessons and instructors, or on their own website.
Ask the Instructor if they are adhering to the terms of the Code of Practice for Approved Driving Instructors
Illegal driving instructors.... are they working in your area?
Good Luck
