Being able to drive is an important life skill, and finding the right driving instructor can make a world of difference in your journey towards becoming a safe and confident driver. With the amount of driving schools and instructors available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Fortunately, the YouTube video titled “How to Find a Good Driving Instructor” has come to the rescue with valuable insights on how to find a good driving instructor. In this blog, we’ll dig into the key takeaways from this informative video and provide additional tips to help you make an educated decision when selecting a driving instructor.
Qualified Driving Instructor
Here in the UK, you are allowed to take driving from an instructor, a friend, family member or anybody else. However, only a driving instructor can legally charge for the lessons. It is against the law for anyone else to take payment in return for teaching you to drive.One of the first points emphasised in the video is the importance of checking a driving instructor’s credentials. A good instructor should be fully licensed and accredited by the appropriate authorities. They should also have the necessary insurance coverage in case of accidents during lessons. Don’t hesitate to ask for proof of their qualifications to make sure you’re in capable hands.
Here are some steps you can take to verify a driving instructor’s qualifications: Check on the government website simply by using your postcode. You will be able to view a list of 40 registered instructors in the area. If you find an instructor by other means, ask them to provide proof of their valid driver instructor’s licence. In many countries, driving instructors are required to be licensed and certified by the appropriate government agency or authority. Ensure that the licence is current and not expired. You can often verify the validity of the licence by checking with your local licensing authority or department of motor vehicles.
Personal Recommendations:
The video highlights the value of seeking personal recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have recently learned to drive. Their experiences can provide valuable insights into the teaching style and professionalism of various instructors. The instructor’s teaching style is important. If you are a visual learner and learn best by using diagrams, it would not be a good idea to take lessons from an instructor who does not believe in visual aids. These recommendations can serve as a starting point for your search.
Reviews on Driving Instructors & Schools
In today’s digital age, it’s easier than ever to research driving instructors online. The video advises prospective learners to read reviews and testimonials from previous students. Independent platforms such Google Reviews, Trust-pilot, Facebook etc can be great resources to gauge the reputation of an instructor or driving school.
Cost and Value:
The cost of driving lessons is a significant factor for most learners. While it’s essential to consider your budget, the video advises against choosing an instructor solely based on price. Instead, focus on the value you’ll receive. Some instructors will have lessons which last for only 45 minutes while others have lessons lasting 90 minutes. Quality instruction and a higher pass rate may ultimately save you money by reducing the number of lessons required.
Communication:
Effective communication between the instructor and the student is crucial for a successful learning experience. The video highlights the importance of choosing an instructor who can explain concepts clearly and patiently. It is always best to phone the instructor and have a chat rather than communicate by email or text. You want to ensure that you understand them. They should also adapt their teaching style to suit your individual needs and learning pace.
Flexibility and Availability:
Consider the instructor’s availability and flexibility when scheduling lessons. Ensure that their hours align with your schedule, whether you’re a student, employed, or have other commitments. A reliable instructor should be able to accommodate your needs. Is the instructor willing to pick you up from home or work? Also, how much notice would they require from you if you wanted to cancel a lesson?
Conclusion:
Learning to drive is a milestone in life, and the choice of a driving instructor plays an important role in your success. The “DTC Driving Tips for Life” YouTube video provides valuable insights into finding a good driving instructor, emphasising credentials, recommendations, research, observation, cost, communication, and flexibility. By following the DTC Tips, you’ll be well on your way to finding an instructor who can guide you safely on the road to becoming a skilled and confident driver. Remember that most importantly, you are the client who is paying for a service. If you are not happy with your current instructor, you may be better off changing.