Choosing a Driving Instructor

The Dilemma:

Surprising as it may be, some parents do very little research and spend next to no time when selecting a driving instructor for their son/daughter. The norm seems to be based on personality, a recommendation from a friend, or an instructor who has a good first time pass rate.

Yes, this is logical and a good way to try to save money. However, it does not necessarily mean that the instructor will properly teach your son/daughter to do more than just pass the standard test. Having a licence is no guarantee that they will be safe – as the statistics show. Being able to do most of the required elements of the practical driving test will not help your son/daughter when they are driving home at night (from a party), in the pouring rain, with music playing and friends in their car who may distract them.

The Solution: Ask questions. Demand more.

  • Ask the instructor how long they have been teaching learner drivers? What is their average time to get someone to test?
  • The lowest number of lessons, may not mean they are the best instructor. They may just be good at preparing someone for the standard test. Often this means no coaching is given about important life-saving issues such as their attitude and behaviour.
  • There is an official curriculum. However, there is no thorough way of checking the method or style of delivery. Only a pass or fail on test day.
  • Ask about their teaching style. Do they:
  • Establish an equal relationship with their pupils?
  • Follow a structured learning programme that encompasses driving skills and attitudes for life, not just instruction on how to pass the test?
  • Use coaching skills to encourage discussion and self-assessment?
  • Discuss potential high risk situations to establish good attitude and behaviour when not with an adult?
  • Encourage the pupil to take ownership and control of their own learning?
  • Communicate fully with the parent and help plan private practice if required?
  • Use the Goals for Driver Education * (GDE) as the base for their teaching?
  • * The European Goals for Driving Education (GDE) underpins the understanding of why newly qualified drivers drive as they do and how their decision-making is influenced by the particular journey they are making and their personal goals in life.
  • Do they recommend any post test training?
  • If they say no, go to the next one on your list! If they say yes, what do they recommend?
  • Post-test training should enable the recently qualified driver to expand their experiences on a variety of roads including motorways, driving at night and in bad weather.

To be sure all the criteria are ticked; choose a BTEC qualified instructor.

Peace of mind

By choosing a BTEC in Driving Science trained ADI you will know they have been trained to deliver their teaching to encompass safe attitudes, thoughts, feelings and behaviour.

The syllabus is delivered within a structured learning programme that includes a comprehensive e-learning support system. The BTEC in Driving Science assessments ensure that your son/daughter can demonstrate the skills required to drive, and through discussion and coaching, link these skills to their behaviour and attitudes to driving. Discussion about their own performance and future development allows your son/daughter to define how this is going to be achieved.

Training continues after passing the DVA driving test ensuring that they have the confidence to experience more complicated situations and faster roads such as motorways. Depending on personality, driving alone for the first time can be daunting - or a real confidence booster. Both situations bring their own risks. Again coaching skills can reveal these traits that will allow your son/daughter to assess and question their own behaviour, a step towards being a responsible driver.

All BTEC in Driving Science qualified ADIs are verified regularly by a²om international and the awarding body, Edexcel.

The Equation:

There is a simple equation to follow:

Fewest Lessons = Least experience = Most vulnerable = Most likely to be involved in a crash

Or, put another way...

Cheapest Price = Fewest lessons = Least experience = Most vulnerable = Most likely to be involved in a crash

You may feel your son/daughter is very responsible and will be a model driver. However, never forget they won’t always be the driver. As a passenger, would you like them to be driven by someone who has had only 20 hours’ driving experience? Most young drivers killed or seriously injured in a car crash take at least one passenger with them.

Short cutting your son/daughter’s driving education WILL leave them at GREATER risk.

Keep this information handy, check out our downloads for you to keep

DSNI BTEC Parents Information Flyer

Goals for Driver Education (GDE) Information Sheet