Finding the right instructor or school is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your driving journey. Here’s what you need to know to choose someone who’ll help you learn safely, confidently, and efficiently.
✅ What to Look For in Schools & Instructors
| Feature | Why It Matters | What to Check / Ask |
|---|---|---|
| DVSA Approval (ADI-Qualified) | Ensures the instructor meets national standards for training, safety, and testing. | Ask for their ADI number. You can also check via the DVSA’s “Find a Driving Instructor” service. |
| Good Teaching Style & Communication | Learning to drive is stressful; the way someone teaches can make a big difference in confidence and progress. | Ask how they plan lessons: are they structured? Flexible if you need extra time on tricky manoeuvres? |
| Modern, Safe, Dual-Controlled Vehicle | For your safety and to allow instructor intervention when needed. | Inspect the condition of the car, whether it has dual controls, and that it’s well-maintained. |
| Transparent Pricing & Policies | Hidden fees or unclear policies waste time and money. | Request full breakdown of lesson cost, cancellation policy, fuel costs, etc. |
| Location & Availability | Proximity may reduce travel time/cost and allows more flexibility in scheduling. | Confirm how far lessons will be (both of you travelling), the range of times available. |
| Good Reputation / Past Pupil Feedback | Provides insight into instructor reliability, patience, success rate & learner satisfaction. | Ask for references, check reviews, or chat with previous students. |
🧠 Instructor Insight
From Francis Quarm, ADI since 2011:
“When I’m advising learners on instructors, I always tell them: a calm, patient instructor with good communication is more valuable than someone cheaper. If they explain why things are done a certain way, not just what, you’ll learn faster and drive more safely.”
⚠️ Common Learner Pitfalls
| Mistake | Why It’s Problematic | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Saying yes to the first instructor you find | Can lead to more hours needed, frustration, lower safety and confidence | Balance cost with credentials, reviews, car condition |
| Not checking ADI number/qualifications | Might not be a good fit in style or availability | Interview a few; do a trial lesson if possible |
| Balance cost with credentials, reviews, and car condition | Some instructors may not be properly registered or may be inactive | Ask to see proof and verify via DVSA’s online directory |
| Ignoring contract or cancellation terms | You might pay extra or face difficulties if you need to change or cancel | Always ask for written terms and understand them in advance |
🛠 Checklist Before Choosing
- Instructor is registered as an ADI (or trainee, if applicable)
- The car has dual controls and is in good condition
- Transparent pricing (cost per lesson, extras, travel/fuel)
- Clear cancellation / rescheduling policy
- Positive feedback/reference from past pupils
- Teaching style matches how you learn (structured, patient, visual, etc.)
🔍 FAQs
Q: Do all ADIs show up on the official “Find a Driving Instructor” service?
A: No — being on the service is optional. If an ADI isn’t listed, you can still check their credentials with DVSA using their ADI number.
Q: How many lessons will I likely need?
A: This varies a lot — it depends on your learning speed, frequency of lessons, nervousness, and practice outside lessons. A good instructor will give you an individualised estimate.
Q: Automatic vs Manual lessons — which one should I choose?
A: If you want flexibility and smoother gear shifting, an automatic might feel easier. If you want the freedom to drive manual cars later, or if manual instruction is cheaper locally, you might go with manual. Match your choice to your goals.
📚 Attribution & Official Guidance: Some of the information on this page is adapted from the DVSA and the official GOV.UK “Find a Driving Instructor” service. FQ Driving Academy is not affiliated with DVSA. For the official directory and more details, see GOV.UK – Find Driving Schools & Instructors
