.png)
Finding the right driving school and instructor is an important step in learning to drive. Besides spending a substantial amount of money, you’ll be spending a lot of time with your instructor.
It’s important that you’re getting good value from your lessons and that your instructor builds your confidence each time you drive. You should never dread your driving lessons.
Are you getting constructive feedback?
Learning to drive follows a logical process. You can’t expect to be driving on the motorway at 70 mph if you haven’t mastered the basics of changing gears.
At each step in the process your instructor should be providing you with not only guidance, but clear and constructive feedback. You should have access to your training record, to see what you have achieved and what you need to focus on for future lessons.
At ADA we have partnered with Total Drive to provide our students with an online booking, payment and training solution. Each student has access to their own session feedback, reflective logs and progress chart either through a browser, or via the Total Drive app.
All our students are automatically enrolled into our ADA Private Facebook group, which provides extra training and guidance towards safe driving and achieving their licence.
The goal is not to pass the driving test, but to set the foundation for a lifetime of safe driving. If you feel you haven’t mastered a manoeuvre, or the confidence in your abilities, you should discuss this with your instructor.
It‘s important that you finish each driving lesson with a clear understanding of the techniques and principles involved and feeling comfortable in dealing with the scenarios that you were exposed to.
Does your instructor instil confidence?
Your instructor should always give you an honest assessment of how you are progressing. This should be in a constructive and encouraging manner, providing you with a clear plan to achieve your goals.
I've had too many students start their training with me, after giving up on obtaining their licence for months or even years, due to instructors shouting or leaving them in tears at the end of the session.
Your instructor should not make you feel flustered and stressed during your lessons. Learning to drive should be fun and enjoyable. It can be hard work at times, but ultimately you are the customer and lessons should be client centred and focussed on you and your needs.
If you're not enjoying your lessons, or feel you're not progressing, then it's time for a change.