DRIVING INSTRUCTORS IN HASTINGS WHICH ONE?

 CHOOSING THE BEST DRIVING INSTRUCTOR FOR YOU.

 

 

You are spending money on driving lessons, so it’s important to take your time over choosing a very good qualified driving instructor or driving school in Hastings and the South East, and one that you feel at ease with.

In the UK, the Driver and vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) approves all driving instructors. Only DVSA Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) or DVSA licensed instructors under training can charge you for driving instruction.

 

 

How can I find a driving instructor?

You can ask your friends and family to recommend a driving instructor or driving school. Or find good reviews like on Facebook. (But remember, they must be an ADI or a DVSA licensed driving instructor under training if they are charging you for lessons.)

Driving schools or independent?

Some driving Instructors work by themselves,(most are self employed) while others are part of bigger driving schools. Whatever type of driving instructors you decide to go with, make sure you talk to them directly (and not just their salesperson) to make sure you like and feel comfortable with them.

As with any service you pay for, it’s often best to shop around and compare at least two or three driving instructors (or driving schools) before you make a final decision as it will be your money you are spending.

What qualities should you expect in a good driving instructor?

Like any teacher, some driving instructors will be better than others. Skillz2drive heard of one driving instructor who had be eating his KFC on his lesson. Another driving instructor built in a trip to the supermarket to pick up the shopping for his gilfriend as an essential part of every driving lesson. But luckily examples of driving instructors such as these are rare.

Good driving instructors should make the most of your lesson time. You should have their full-attention throughout the lesson, with no stops to pick up or drop off, fill-up with fuel or make phone calls. They shouldn’t shout or make you feel uncomfortable in any way, even if things go wrong, there there to support you every step of the way.

Your driving instructor should always:

• Be punctual
• Arrive in a clean well-maintained car (not smelling of food or stale tobacco.)
• Have a prepared lesson plan based on the DVSA Syllabus.

Remember, you are the customer and paying to learn to drive.  If you are unhappy in anyway with your driving lesson or driving instructor, try and discuss it first with you instructor to resolve any issues. If nothing changes and you feel you have tried, then you may decide to find a new driving instructor.

Driving instructor checklist:

We’ve made a list of points to consider when choosing someone to help you learn to drive:

Times and location:

• Do they teach in your local area? For example, near your home, work or college.
• Is the driving instructor available at times to suit you? For example, after work and weekends? a lot of instructors still only work monday to friday 9-5.

Driving lesson quality standards:

• What grade has the DVSA given the instructor (Grade 5 or 6 is ideal) or ( A/B in new grading see other Blog for more details on grading)? Ask your driving instructor to bring their certificate to your first lesson.
  
• What car do they use and is it fitted with dual controls?  Learner drivers may find it easier to learn with a smaller car that’s in good condition and less than three years old. If you are particularly short or tall, then you may want to ask if the car is suitable for your needs.
• How long has the instructor been teaching learner drivers?
• Does the driving instructor pick-up other students during a lesson? (This could impact on your lesson time and divert the driving instructor’s attention.)
• Do you know anyone else who has used the driving school or driving instructor? What did they think of their driving lessons? find good reviews on you new school, Skillz2drive always uses up to date FACEBOOK reviews?

Driving lesson costs and materials:

• How much does the driving instructor charge (remember cheapest isn’t always best)? Does the cost cover a full-hour of tuition and exclude picking-up, dropping-off time?
• How long does the driving lesson last? Some instructors will want to offer two-hour lessons. This can be a long time even for experienced drivers. It might be more convenient for the driving instructor, but a longer driving lesson could be tiring and demoralising for you,(skillz2drive offer lessons to suit the need of the pupil)
• Can you try an initial lesson first to see if you will get on with the driving instructor?
• Does the driving instructor offer a discount for block bookings?
• What is the driving instructor’s policy if you cancel a driving lesson?(at skillz2drive we have a 12 hour cancalation policy.)
• Are any additional study aids such as DVDs or workbooks included in the price? Skillz2drive offer free Theory test pro training.

You can find more DSA information on choosing a driving instructor at www.direct.gov.uk/Motoring.

Further thoughts:

• If you’re eager to pass your test, make sure your driving instructor understands your expectations and you both agree a realistic plan for you to pass your test, and be prepared to change it if things do not go to plan.
• If English is not your first language, would you prefer to learn with a driving instructor who speaks your first language?
• Have you a preference for a male or female instructor?( skillz2drive offer both)