Choosing a Driving Instructor: Why It’s Harder Than You Think (and What to Look For)
Choosing a driving instructor can feel like finding a needle in a haystack made of roof boxes. Everywhere you look, there are learner cars with flashy graphics, big-name franchises, and independent instructors all vying for your attention. Google “driving lessons near me” and prepare to be swamped.
So how do you choose?
Reviews: A Good Start, But Not the Whole Story
Online reviews can give you a snapshot of an instructor’s reputation. But what if someone doesn’t have many reviews? That doesn’t necessarily mean they’re bad—they could be new and just starting to build their name. Instead, look at the quality of the reviews they do have. If there’s a negative one, has the instructor responded professionally and fairly? That tells you a lot about their attitude.
Experience: It’s Not All About the Years
An instructor with 20 years of experience could be great—or they could have 20 years of doing the bare minimum. Equally, a new instructor might be passionate, up-to-date, and offer excellent value. Experience matters, but context is key. Ask them about their background and what they bring to the table.
Speaking of which, here’s a bit about me:
28 years as an emergency services driver, including over 20 years at the highest driving standard with regular assessments.
Former traffic cop with experience dealing with the worst driving offenders and the tragic aftermath of collisions.
Previously a motorcycle CBT & DAS instructor, with an outstanding first-time pass rate. www.probiketraining.com
Most recently, a DVSA driving examiner. I’ve assessed thousands of tests and seen every kind of learner and teaching style.
Safe to say, I don’t just teach the test. I teach for life.
Grades: Know What You’re Paying For
Every qualified instructor (ADI) is graded by the DVSA. The top score is 51. 43 and above means Grade A – top-tier stuff. Grade B still means the instructor is good, but there’s a spectrum. A low B might be a scrape-through. Ask instructors what their grade is—and if you’re spending your money, why not ask them to prove it? You can check here
Right now, check tests are mostly on pause (May 2025), but you can still ask instructors when they were last assessed. Mine? Grade A – 43/51.
ADI vs. PDI: What’s the Difference?
A quick guide:
ADI: Approved Driving Instructor. Fully qualified.
PDI: Potential Driving Instructor. Still in training, often operating under a trainee licence.
Big-name schools like BSM, AA, Drive Johnsons, and Bill Plant often use PDI instructors as part of their training pathway. That doesn’t mean PDIs are bad—some are fantastic. But it does mean you should ask who you’ll be learning with and what stage they’re at.
Availability: Is a Waiting List a Good Sign?
A long waiting list could mean the instructor is in demand. Or it could mean they overbook. A new instructor might have shorter wait times, but that doesn’t mean they’re inexperienced—just building their diary. Ask the right questions, not just how long the wait is.
Word of Mouth: Trusted, But Not Infallible
Recommendations are great, but remember this: most learners stick with one instructor. So when your mate says, “My instructor was brilliant!” what they’re really saying is, “I passed eventually.” That’s not the same as a comparison.
Location, Location… Location
Live in a congested area with no nearby test centre? You might spend the first 20 minutes of every lesson crawling through traffic. Consider meeting your instructor in an area near a test centre instead. More time driving, less time burning money stuck in a jam.
Final Thought
Choosing a driving instructor isn’t just about who has the cheapest lessons or the fanciest car. It’s about finding someone with the right mix of skill, experience, attitude, and a genuine commitment to helping you become a safe, confident driver.
So whether you’re brand new to driving or switching instructors after going around in circles (literally), make sure you know what you’re getting. It’s your money—and your future on the road.
Good luck as you start your search for an instructor however, if you are reading this blog on this website, you already found what you are looking for ! Why not get straight in and sign up