How Do You Know You Have the Right Driving Instructor?

When you’re learning to drive, it’s important that you have a good teacher to show you the ropes. They’re there to guide you on the roads and help you navigate the tough parts that leave you feeling stressed and confused. There’s nothing worse than being afraid behind the wheel and feeling unsupported, and situations like that can lead to accidents. 

You want to graduate as a confident driver who knows the roads and can comfortably drive in almost any situation. So, how do you know you’ve found the right driving instructor and you’re going to be comfortable with them? We’ve got a little guide here that will help you understand what to look for when you’re choosing an instructor. 

Why is Finding the Right Driving Instructor Important?

It’s important to find someone that you mesh with behind the wheel so that you can build your confidence and retain information better. They will make you feel more relaxed when you’re driving, and it’s a lot easier to take instructions from someone that matches your vibe than an instructor you just don’t get along with. 

Things to Look for in a Driving Instructor 

When you’re out looking for the best instructor to meet your needs when learning to drive, these are some of the key things you should take into consideration. 

Experience and Qualifications 

First, they should always be a fully qualified driving instructor. The only instructors who are allowed to charge money are PDIs and ADIs. For a PDI, there will be a pink triangle on their windscreen, and ADIs will have green octagons. There is a small difference between them which is that PDIs are partway through their training and ADIs have completed it. 

Experience can also go a long way. PDIs and new ADIs are still enthusiastic and have their training fresh in their minds, but there is something to be said for those who have been doing it a while. An experienced driving instructor knows the ins and outs of the driving game, and they also know the best local routes and all the sneaky tips you need to be better. 

Patience and Calm 

You want an instructor who remains calm even in stressful situations and is patient with you when you’re struggling to pick something up. If they lose their cool, yell at you, or make you feel bad while you’re learning that’s a red flag. You want someone who works with you and not against you when you’re still new to driving so that you actually pick things up. 

A Compatible Teaching Style 

Everyone has different learning styles and that’s okay. But this also means there will be different instructors with different teaching styles. You need to find the one that works with you, which is why it’s important to have a conversation with them beforehand and get an idea of what their methods are like. It’s not about bad or good, it’s about the one that works for you.

Recommendations and Trial Lessons 

You should always take a look at their reviews and recommendations before you pick them. It’s good to get an idea of what other driving students thought of them, and it’s even better if they come recommended by your friends and family. It helps you form an opinion of them and can sway you towards one if you’re struggling to pick. 

Trial lessons are also a good idea if you want to get a feel for their teaching methods and what they’re like to drive with. Not everyone will offer them, but those who do are definitely worth trying just so you know if they’re the right fit for you. 

Should You be Friends with Your Driving Instructor? 

You don’t need to be friends with your driving instructor, but finding someone who is friendship material will help a lot. You’re not going to see your instructor outside of lessons, but getting along with the person teaching you will go a long way. Lessons will fly by, they won’t be a slog anymore, and you’ll be happier when driving. 

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask for a male or female instructor specifically. Good driving schools will do everything they can to accommodate your needs.