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DRIVING ON THE ROAD > Choosing a driving instructor

The National Directory of Driving Tuition, available on this site, lists driving schools and their services in all parts of the UK. This section gives you general advice on choosing a driving instructor from those which operate in your area.

*Do we need* a driving instructor?**
	*In Driving - The Essential Skills, The Driving Standards Agency simply advises that:* the best way to learn is by having regular planned lessons with a good driving instructor, and as much practice as possible. (e.g. with parents, friends or relatives, provided they meet the legal requirements)

CHOOSING ....

So how should you choose your ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) ?

Again, in Driving - The Essential Skills, The Driving Standards Agency advises you to:

Ask friends and relatives, and choose an instructor:

• who has a good reputation

• who is reliable and punctual

• whose vehicle suits you

YOUR THEORY TRAINING

Now that there is a compulsory Theory Test which must be passed before you can take your Driving Test, it is important that you choose an instructor who can provide genuine assistance with the theory. He or she should be able to provide you with mock Theory Test papers for you to try, and/or some form of training materials, such as a home study course in book form or for a home computer.

In addition you should consider whether the points below are important to YOU.

Think what is important to you ...

As you would expect, there are GOOD INSTRUCTORS and NOT-SO-GOOD INSTRUCTORS ....

You may wish to look for an instructor who ...

.... has passed all the ADI qualifications (i.e. is not a trainee) - Fully qualified ADIs should have a licence visible on the front screen of their car, with a green octagonal motif.

Trainee instructors are permitted, under strict rules, to teach learners even before they have taken their Part 3 exam, which assesses their teaching ability. Their licence has a red triangular motif.

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER

You may also wish to look for an instructor who ...

•	has obtained driving and/or teaching qualifications beyond those required by the Driving Standards Agency.
•	has teaching experience in fields other than L-driving.
•	offers structured lessons backed up with a record of progress.
•	belongs to a recognised professional Association (e.g. DIA, MSA, or local).
•	works to a recognised Code of Conduct (designed to enforce a high standard of professionalism in respect of financial, personal and teaching matters between instructor and pupil).
•	has a better than average test pass rate.
•	is well-mannered, smartly dressed, patient, friendly, without undue familiarity.
•	does not smoke, either in the car, or at all.
•	can offer lessons at times to suit you.
•	is prepared to pick up and drop off at any sensible location.
•	is flexible about lesson length and course intensity according to your needs.
•	is prepared to book Theory and Driving Tests for you if necessary.
•	can offer an automatic car if this is your choice.

It's a lot to think about, but the quality of your early driving lessons will shape your entire driving career. Choose your driving instructor carefully, and spend your money wisely.



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