7 Considerations When Booking Driving Lessons for the First Time

29 Sep 7 Considerations When Booking Driving Lessons for the First Time

Booking your first block of driving lessons is a big deal, one that could have a profound impact on your future as a motorist and should therefore not to be taken lightly.

This is why it is important to carefully consider a few key points ahead of time.  Specifically, there are seven essential questions all new learners should ask, prior to booking driving lessons for the first time:

1. Should I shop around and go with the lowest price offer?

Overpaying for driving lessons is inadvisable, but cutting corners on quality to save money can be even worse. Some driving schools (and self-employed instructors) quote suspiciously low prices, which can sometimes be indicative of low-quality tuition. Value for money is what matters most when booking driving lessons – not the lowest prices you can find.

2. What kind of availability does the driving school have?

Some driving schools demonstrate total flexibility, adapting the services they provide to the schedules of their learners. Elsewhere, others have fairly fixed hours of availability and are nowhere near as accommodating. Ideally, you should be looking to book lessons with a driving school that works around you – not the other way around.

3. Are the instructors at the driving school suitably qualified and experienced?

The only instructors that should be offering their services on a commercial basis are those that are licensed to do so by the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency. Along with a legal requirement, this is also a hallmark of professionalism and credibility. Experience is just as important as official licensing and should therefore be prioritised. The longer a driving school or tutor has been in business, the better.

4. Will I be offered any discounts for block bookings?

The short answer to this question in all instances should be yes. The vast majority of top-rated driving schools offer special deals and discounts for learners who book a block of lessons in advance. Discount values vary from one driving school to the next, but you should at least get something for block booking. If in doubt, enquire with the driving school about preferential rates before making your booking.

5. Does the driving school have sufficiently safer and modern cars?

The entire fleet of cars a driving school utilises should be at the same high-quality standard. This means safe and modern vehicles in pristine condition, fitted with dual controls and all essential driver safety features. If no specific information is provided about the vehicles used, seek clarification from your driving school before booking.

6. Will it be possible to take driving lessons during out-of-office hours?

Students and workers with full-time jobs may find it difficult to take driving lessons during normal office hours.  This is where flexibility again makes all the difference. Some driving schools operate during fairly conventional hours, Monday to Friday. Others offer their services Monday to Sunday, inclusive of mornings, evenings and even bank holidays.

7. How can I be sure it is the right driving school for me?

One of the quickest and easiest ways to gain detailed insights into a driving school’s performance is to read online reviews. All established driving schools in the UK will have been laid bare online, by way of Google Review, feedback on Trustpilot and so on. No driving school is perfect, so the occasional negative or neutral entry is inevitable. But if a driving school has predominantly positive reviews and a high star rating, you know you’re in safe hands.

For more information on any of the above or to discuss any aspect of driver tuition in more detail, contact a member of the team at Adams Driver Trainer today.