6 Things to Keep in Mind When Hiring a Car Driving Instructor
If you have recently bought a car and looking to learn to drive, this article is for you. We'd advise starting by taking driving lessons Coventry. However, there's a lot to consider when searching for one. Here are 6 things to keep in mind during this process. Take a look.
Check for Qualifications and Training
All driving instructors should have a valid driving instructor's license. This license is issued by the government-approved licencing body once the instructor has completed their training and passed the examination.
Instructors can train with various approved bodies; most are listed on the government website. So, before you decide on an instructor, check their qualifications and training.
If possible, check for these two things when checking their license:
- How many students who have learned from this trainer passed the driving test?
- Are there any behavioural complaints against the instructor?
Get an Overview of the Instructor's Experience
Knowing your instructor's experience gives you an idea of their expertise (this is especially important if you are looking for something a little more specialized, such as motorhome driver training). It tells you about their teaching methods and how comfortable you'll feel with them. Instructors with more experience usually charge more, but you can be sure that they'll offer value for your money.
When getting an overview of the instructor's experience, ask these questions:
- How long have they been teaching?
- Do they have any specialities?
- Do they offer any discounts?
Meet the Instructor in Person
An in-person meeting allows you to see if they are the right fit for you and also allows you to ask any questions you may have. Also, you get to know a few nuances about the person, which you wouldn't be able to tell when looking at their portfolio online.
For example, notice how they respond to you when you ask about their teaching methods. Are they good at taking feedback? You can understand these nuances better only after meeting them.
Also, watch out for these hints:
- Do they have a good sense of humour?
- Are they patient?
- Do they seem like someone you can trust?
Ask for a Trial Lesson
Before signing up for any number of lessons with an instructor, it makes sense to request a demo. This will help you understand their teaching methods and see if you are comfortable learning from them. There is no harm in asking. In fact, many instructors offer a trial lesson without any obligations.
This is what you should keep in mind when taking a trial lesson:
- Are the instructor's teaching methods suitable for you?
- Do you feel comfortable with the instructor?
- Can the instructor help you achieve your learning goals?
Ask About the Instructor's Teaching Style
Every instructor has their way of teaching. Some prefer to teach by explaining everything in detail, while others use demonstrations. Some instructors like to let students figure things out on their own. You must make sure the instructor's teaching methods tune with your understanding level. Click to read more.
Ask Friends and Family for Recommendations
Your friends or relatives probably have learnt car driving from an expert, so it pays to check with them. They might also be a part of a big community and can ask for references. The idea is to expand your reference circle and increase your options on the table. This helps you shortlist the most suitable candidates in your budget.
While asking for references, keep these tips in mind:
- Ask if they were happy with the instructor
- If they had any problems, what were they?
- Did the instructor teach them how to drive defensively?
- What was the instructor's teaching style like?
- How frequently did the instructor contact them outside of their driving lessons?
Final Word
You'd need a good instructor and hours of practise if you are learning to drive a car from scratch. We are sure the above tips will help.
