I don't understand how learner drivers can put up with bad driving instructors ripping them off their hard earned money in this current credit crunch economy.
By your 2nd driving lesson you should be able to tell whether you are getting a good value tuition service for your money.
Human beings by nature are creatures of habit, and a bad instructor will not take long to show his/her true colours once they settle into their routine.
Before you know it, those shouting traits, time wasting tactics, using your lesson time to make mobile phone calls, send and reply text messages or even pop into the bank to make a deposit will soon show up! What I don't get is why learners at this point don't change driving instructors. The interesting thing is that some of these bad driving instructors are with national driving schools like BSM, AA, Red, Bill Plant, LDC so in many cases, it is not because the provisional licence holders are getting very cheap driving lessons that they continue to accept this low level of service. Remember all ADIs are self employed so having a franchise with a big company in no way has any bearing on how they as an indivual act on a daily basis, there might be guidelines they have to follow, but there is no way a BSM manager in baker street or an AA official based in bristol will be able to monitor all their franchisees to see if the are delivering the professional services that should be associated with the brand.
How many of you preparing for the practical test will buy a product from a shop, find out it is not what you expected and not take it back for a refund or replacement? You seem to forget that driving lessons is a service/product, your instructor agrees to give you high quality tuition for one hour, 2 hrs in exchange for money. If you don't get what you expect, the least you should do is let the ADI know, if he/she is not willing to do anything about it, then take your business somewhere else! With an abundance of driving instructors in the UK (including big cities like london, birmingham, edinburgh, leeds) looking to get more pupils, you shouldn't have problems getting a replacement especially if you ask friends, family, colleagues, neighbours for recommendations (make sure you ask questions about time keeping, attitude towards learners, other road users and other instructors). If a recommended instructor can't fit you in immedately because they are busy, it might be a good idea to at least wait, have an assessment with them before going somewhere else, they might be fully booked because they offer a good and high quality service. Also you might have to pay a little more to get the right person teaching you how to drive and pass the test (I've known of people taking 10, 20 driving lessons coming to me and saying they've learnt more in 2hrs than the previous time spent with their former instructor, with a few not knowing basics like MSM, I'm not surprised that they therefore at their last attempt failed the driving test!), so keep looking till you get the right ADI, I can assure you there are plenty of honest and hard working ones out there, they might not be cheap nor all use your ideal driving school car (yes there are some who insist they want to learn in a BMW mini, old style ford fiesta, nissan micra, etc).
Illegal Instructor Video
So my advice to you is if you never look forward to your driving lessons because you dread having to bear your instructor shouting at your, can't stand all the swearing and rude remarks, don't want to have to use your lesson time doing your ADIs shopping or banking trips or have had enough of being taking for a ride (pun intended) then put these bad driving instructors out of business not only by going somewhere else, but letting others know to avoid them via your facebook, myspace, university/personal blog. If every bad apple is exposed, then they will soon get their acts together after all they are not doing you a favour, they need you as much as you need to pass the driving test and get a full UK licence.
If you require high quality driving lessons in NW London from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032
Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you.
Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email service is provided and powered by feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can removed yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click.
Read about driving instructor time wasting.
.
..
Hi thanks for posting the article. I like it
ReplyDeletegive this a read if you want to hear about a terrible instructor.... let me know what you think! http://kateinthecountryside.blogspot.com/2011/07/valuable-lesson.html
ReplyDeleteSo are you still taking lessons with Baz? If yes, Why?
ReplyDeleteHehehehe, so you are best ?
ReplyDeleteI have personally had a terrible experience with a driver from One2One Driving School in Newcastle-Under-Lyme. The instructor was very quick to get angry yet slow to explain what needed to be done. He often gave sarcastic comments and answers to my questions, which when I payed over a grand for him to teach me, is utterly disrespectful. He even questioned my sexuality! He made me really upset all the time. I wanted to know if I could get a refund of any kind after the first 6 hour day, but he refused. I failed my test with him, went to a local person with good reviews from friends and passed on my first lesson with him and became a much better driver because of it. I'm not sure if I should put in an official complaint about my first driving instructor, do you think I could have a valid claim?
ReplyDeleteHi - it sounds as though we've had the same instructor and I'm currently trying to do something about him! I've been trying since February but it's like trying to leech money from a brick wall. If you're interested in helping me, I think that another true account of his poor conduct could do my case wonders, and it would put a black mark on the driving school too! Please contact me if you're interested, as I'd love to get this sorted out asap!
DeleteIf you pay for a driving lesson package in advance, you are always entitled to a refund if you do not like the services offered or are unable to continue learning for any reason, it is part of the DSA code of conduct.
ReplyDeleteThe main problem many learners face is they might not have a reciept (always ask for one) to prove the money paid. Once you can prove the upfront payment you are covered.
If I were you, I would contact the local trading standards office who can give you specific advice if you did not complete the agreed hours (the instructor has the burden of proof, which is why all my learners sign for each leasson if they pay in advance).
You should always compalin to the DSA if a driving instructor is acting un-processionally:
Email adireg@dsa.gsi.gov.uk
Phone: 0300 200 1122
Write to:
The Axis Building
112 Upper Parliament Street
Nottingham
NG1 6LP
Unless the DSA is made aware of bad driving instructors or examiners, they will continue to misbehave so in your own interest and that of others who might use the same person, take the time to complain.
shola helped me go from a very nervous driver to a confident one who passed first time. i found him honest, professional and committed to my learning and passing. i'd recommend him any day - harriet
ReplyDelete