Choosing the right instructor can make all the difference when you start learning to drive. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
It\u2019s not just about having someone experienced and qualified in the car next to you \u2013 they\u2019ve also got to be someone you trust and feel comfortable with.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
So when it\u2019s time to get going, ask yourself these 6 questions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
When I say experts, I mean people you know who have passed their tests and are safe, confident drivers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
A personal recommendation is a great way to find a driving instructor so ask anyone you know who is learning to drive or passed recently. Failing that, get online and read some reviews of local driving instructors.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\r\n
Your driving instructor must be DSA approved as a Potential Driving Instructor (PDI) or an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI).<\/p>\r\n\r\n
A PDI is a driving instructor who is teaching on a trainee licence \u2013 but don\u2019t let that put you off. They have fresh training, they\u2019re heavily invested in you learning well and may even be cheaper.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
It's illegal for anyone who's not officially trained to charge for lessons (and there really have been cases of driving instructor fraud!), so you're well within your rights to ask to see some credentials.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Just in case.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\r\n
A driving instructor isn\u2019t a friend, a teacher or a parent \u2013 but they should be a weird mix of all those things. They\u2019re helping you learn and keeping you safe, as well as making learning to drive a great experience. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
It should go without saying that your instructor should be punctual, friendly and give you the full lesson that you\u2019ve paid for. Their car should be clean and in good working order. They shouldn\u2019t shout at you or make you feel tense or uncomfortable. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
If they do, they\u2019re just not the one for you.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\r\n
Your priority might be to get on the road as quickly as you can but if you\u2019re not ready, imagine the cost that could have. Not only the higher insurance if you crash, but the danger you\u2019ll put yourself and other people in as an unprepared driver.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Any good driving instructor will be focused on more than just getting you through your test. Ask them how they teach the skills you\u2019ll need after you pass; things like driving attitude, eco-friendly driving, weather issues, and dealing with dangerous road situations. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
After all, once you pass you\u2019ll actually have to...you know\u2026drive a car.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\r\n
This is the last question for a reason: the others are more important. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Cost can be a big factor when searching for driving lessons but don\u2019t be tempted to go straight for the cheapest. It could mean you end up paying for more lessons if the instructor isn\u2019t right for you.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\nUpdated: 07\/01\/2019<\/small>\r\n