Some considerations when choosing a driving instructor/school;
Choosing the right driving school!
If you are paying someone to teach you to drive, they must be approved and registered with the Driving & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Only a registered approved driving instructor (ADI) can charge money for teaching you to drive.
A fully qualified approved driving instructor (ADI) must display a green certificate on the windscreen of the car while teaching you. Some trainee driving instructors are granted a licence so they can gain experience before their qualifying examination. In this case, the trainee driving instructor must display a pink certificate on the windscreen.
DVSA is responsible for maintaining and checking the standards of all approved driving instructors (ADI), who to qualify must:
have held a full driving licence for at least four years
pass a much tougher theory test than the one learner drivers take
pass a strict driving test
achieve, and maintain a high standard of instruction. The standard of tuition given by the ADI is regularly checked by a supervising examiner from DVSA
be registered with DVSA
display an ADI identification certificate on the windscreen of the tuition vehicle
Instructors who are approved, must display their certificate (badge) on the windscreen of the car.
A valid licence (dated and a picture of the ADI on the reverse side)
Pick someone who has a good reputation. (Ask relatives & friends).
How many lessons you need will vary for each person.
Safe driving is a skill for life!
Your instructor is paid to teach, but you must be willing to learn, put in plenty of practice, and spend time studying the theory.
A good instructor won’t send you for a test, unless they think you are ready. (capable of passing a test, and a safe driver).
Quality tuition is money well spent!
You should take advice from your ADI on:
all aspects of driving
what books to read
when to take your test
how to practice
DVSA, as a government agency, is not allowed to recommend an instructor. You could look in a local business directory for ADIs in your area. Try and choose an instructor who:
has a good reputation
is reliable and punctual
has a car that suits you
Here are questions to ask prior to choosing a school.
Will your instructor:
be a DVSA registered instructor? Is the licence posted in the vehicle?
Is the licence GREEN?
be the same person all the way through your training program?
have significant driving experience? How much?
be associated with professional associations which promote driver excellence?
can you choose a specific instructor about whom you’ve heard good things?
