With more people learning how to drive, rather than relying on buses, trains or tube, the perfect instructor can be hard to find. However, never fear as the perfect method and instructor for you will be out there somewhere – and here are some tips on how to find them.
Learning Method
First of all you have to look at the different learning methods available to you. There are a number of driving schools in London offering different methods. Some schools will offer an intensive driving course, which will involve 5 days spent in the car, with your driving test on the fifth day. This is a perfect way of getting through your test quickly and can be done even if you haven’t had any practise in a car. If you are less confident in your driving then this method may not be the best as you don’t have too much of a chance to get to know the car without prior lessons. However it offers you the chance to just get in the car and go without the long drawn out wait between lessons and your test.
The more traditional method is to do a one or two hour lesson each week over a series of weeks. This method allows you to build up your confidence and after one or two lessons your instructor will be able to outline the right learning path for you, advising of how many lessons they believe you will need before your test. This method can work around other commitments such as employment and family care far better than an intensive course and allows you to drive during the hours you would need to once you’ve passed your test.
Instructor
The best instructor will be able to fit around your ideal timings for lessons, a personality you get along with and charge for lessons within your budget. Calling different driving schools or instructors will help you gage which ones will work best, ask questions about the length of their lessons, the price and the times available. You may be able to rule some in or out straight away just from one call.
Your relationship with your instructor will make a difference in your learning, and this is why you must learn with the right person. The right person will make you feel comfortable driving and after the lesson you should feel like you have accomplished something. If you are discouraged to go for another lesson, that will have a lot to do with your instructor and you should change them.
Feel free to shop around, many instructors and schools offer a deal if you book a series but some offer a first lesson free deal and these are great for getting a feel for your instructor. Book a one hour lesson with a couple of different instructors and then pick the one you felt would be the best for you.
All organisations advertising lessons should have Driving Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructors and don’t be shy asking if they do. The difference in this will come if you are learning from a family member or friend, and whilst this is ok, you may find that if is more beneficial to learn from an approved instructor prior to your test.