10 Tips for Choosing the Right Driving Instructor in London

Choosing a driving instructor in London is an important decision, as it can significantly impact your driving skills and safety on the road.

London Business magazine reached out to one of London’s largest driving schools recently and asked for some top tips on choosing the right driving instructor if you live in London.

It’s really important to find an instructor suited to your learning style. Everyone likes to learn in different ways, and only some instructors may suit how you like to learn. If you enjoy learning to drive, you will likely progress more quickly. driveJohnson’s has over 100 instructors providing driving lessons in London, many of whom speak different languages. You should also consider this, especially if English is not your first language.

10 Tips for Choosing the Right Driving Instructor in London

Here are ten tips from driveJohnson’s to help you make an informed choice:

1. Check Instructor Qualifications

Ensure the instructor is approved by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and holds a valid Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) license. You can ask to see their ADI certificate. Qualified driving instructors have a green badge, whereas trainee instructors hold a pink badge. Once a trainee becomes fully qualified, they will receive a green badge. With this in mind, it’s also a good idea to ask how long the instructor has been teaching.

2. Ask for Recommendations

Seek recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have recently learned to drive in London. Personal referrals can be valuable.

3. Read Online Reviews

Look for online reviews and testimonials from previous students to understand the instructor’s teaching style and effectiveness. Websites like Google, Trustpilot, and social media can be helpful.

Anything over 4 out of 5 stars is considered a safe place to start looking.

4. Verify Pass Rates

Inquire about the instructor’s pass rates for their students. A higher pass rate often indicates a more effective instructor. The national average pass rate is around 40%-45%. If an instructor has a first-time pass rate of more than 65%, this is considered above average.

5. Check for Flexibility

Consider an instructor’s flexibility in terms of scheduling lessons. Are they available during times that suit your schedule, such as weekends or evenings?

6. Meet and Greet

Ask for an initial meeting with the instructor to assess their personality, teaching approach, and communication skills. It’s essential to feel comfortable and at ease during your lessons. If you can’t meet with them in person, then be sure to chat over the phone and get a feel of the instructor’s character and if you think you would enjoy learning to drive with this type of person. Remember, you could be learning with this person for more than 30 hours, so it’s important you get along.

7. Vehicle Condition

Check the condition of the instructor’s vehicle. It should be clean, well-maintained, and equipped with dual controls for safety.

8. Lesson Pricing

Compare lesson prices, but don’t make cost your sole determining factor. Cheaper lessons may not always provide the best value if the instructor’s quality is lacking.

9. Teaching Materials

Ask about the instructor’s teaching materials and resources, such as handbooks, mock tests, and online resources. All these little extras go a long way in helping you pass quicker.

10. Progress Tracking

Ensure the instructor uses a structured method for tracking your progress. Regular feedback and assessments can help you understand your strengths and weaknesses.

Remember, choosing a driving instructor can significantly affect your learning experience and your safety on the road. Take your time to research and select an instructor who aligns with your needs and learning style.