The first step on your learning to drive journey begins with finding the right driving instructor but with so many different driving schools to choose from, including independent instructors as well as big name schools, it can be tricky.

Here at Beverly Slater, we know that when you start your driving lessons, we want you to be as comfortable and confident in your choice as possible so you can truly enjoy the experience of learning to drive. With this in mind, here are our tips to help you make the right choice for you.

1. Look for qualifications your driving instructor has

If you want to pass your test first time you must choose a fully qualified and certified professional instructor, preferably one who is ADI certified. This means they are an approved, fully qualified driving instructor. Ask them for their pass rates to give an idea on how many successes they have had particularly in relation to first time passes.

Be aware that only professional driving instructors are allowed to charge money for lessons.

2. Read reviews

Check out performance reviews on unbiased websites. If you can, ask around if there are people you know who have taken lessons with local instructors, because the most accurate and honest reviews are often through word of mouth.

3. Talk to instructors before committing to lessons

A reputable driving school will be only too happy to answer any questions or worries you may have. Here at Beverly Slater we want every pupil taking driving lessons in Didsbury to be completely happy and confident in their choice of instructor.

Good questions to ask include how long they have been teaching and what aspects of being a driving instructor they most enjoy. You could also ask about their teaching methods; for instance do they offer pre-lesson class based instruction as well as instruction during and after lessons.

By having a good, heart-to-heart chat with a potential instructor you’ll instantly know whether you’re going to get along with them. A good relationship between instructor and pupil plays an important part in how well you learn and how quickly you pass your test.

4. Finally, the nitty-gritty

You’ll also need to know how much lessons are going to cost. Consider how many lessons the instructor thinks that pupils typically need and if they are flexible in timings; for example if you need to take lessons erratically due to your job or studies. This will allow you to budget money and time accordingly.

Making the right choice as to who teaches you to drive is important. Getting the right instructor means you’ll be sure to enjoy your lessons; and that’s what driving is all about.

Learning to drive can be nerve-wracking but it should be fun and enjoyable in anticipation of getting your full driver’s license and setting out on your own in your first car. At Beverly Slater our instructors are committed to making sure that each of our students has a positive experience when taking driving lessons in Cheadle Hulme, one of the areas we cover. However, it can be helpful to look out for the signs where your instructor might not be the right fit.

Could any of the following apply to you on your driving lessons?

My instructor criticises me

Constructive criticism is one thing and if you are making mistakes which could be dangerous or which could lead to you failing a driving test then we will certainly show you where you’re going wrong and how to put it right. But we do this by using gentle, constructive methods which build your confidence and ensure you learn correctly.

What we would never do is shout at you. Any instructor worth their salt knows that shouting and criticising is never the most effective method for getting the best from a pupil. Our instructors know that patience is the key to good results.

Similarly, an instructor who tends to get stressed is probably not the best person to teach driving. An instructor should stay calm under pressure at all times.

Too much talking, not enough driving

You get behind the wheel of a car because you want to learn to drive but there are so many stories of instructors who spend far too much time on theory and not enough time on the road. If you feel that you’re not progressing as quickly as you would like and getting no nearer to your goal of actually being able drive competently, it may be time to switch instructors.

Lack of interest and enthusiasm from an instructor

Most driving instructors do the job because they love driving and they love to teach. A driving instructor who can’t seem to tear their eyes away from their mobile phone or who spends most of the time staring out of the window instead of supervising their pupil is an instructor who is not only useless but dangerous as well. Your instructor should also be happy to repeat certain driving manoeuvres which you may lack confidence in as many times as you need to get it right.

Not showing up or cutting lessons short

In many cases, students book a block of driving lessons in advance. If your instructor has taken your money but keeps cancelling lessons or not showing up, this is completely unacceptable. So is cutting lessons short. You have paid for their time, and they should be mindful of ensuring you get your money’s worth.  If you believe your instructor is treating you badly in this regard, you can report them by visiting the government’s website.

No feedback

Right from the start your driving instructor should make clear what you can expect including proper feedback after lessons and regular progress reports. And when you’re confident that you’re getting value for money you know you’re with the right instructor.