How to find a good Driving Instructor

Written for SAIDI.co.za by Pat Allen

Article 28 - How to find a good Driving Instructor

How to choose a good driving instructor – various ways to decide:

1. Word of mouth and personal recommendation. (Usually a good way to choose someone for you).
2. Look through the yellow pages and phone various schools. Decide after speaking to each one. (You should hear by the way they speak to you if you like them or not).
3. Obtain a written quotation through e-mail or fax. (It’s a good way because you have everything in writing before you start).
4. By meeting an instructor. (Sometimes you just respect someone and feel that they will suit your purposes).
5. Consulting an internet site where various instructors are listed. (You can use this way to get a feel for the industry – speak to them as well, and get everything in writing).
6. Asking at the testing centres. (Not the best recommendation because it can lead to corruption).
7. Reading adverts in local press. (This can be a first introduction – speak to them afterwards, and ask for a written quote).
8. Seeing adverts on lampposts and billboards, and in photograph points at the testing centres. (This could be a bit dicey, since shady types may also use these ways of attracting custom. Ask for references. Phone and speak to them.

However, it is imperative to ask to see a copy of the driving instructor’s valid certificate, which authorises a person to charge for driving instruction.

A strong recommendation would be if the instructor has voluntarily decided to become a member of an umbrella body, such as SAIDI, with a Code of Conduct and a Constitution, which implies that a person is willing to ensure that they offer a very high standard of instruction, and you can report the instructor to the organization should he fail to fulfill promises or behave unacceptably.

They should be using a roadworthy vehicle which should be insured, (and they can prove it), and fitted with a dual control brake on the left side of the vehicle, and is sign-marked with the name and contact details of the driving school.

Watch the way the instructor behaves and speak to you. Decide if you are comfortable with that. Some people ask for one lesson first, to see if they are happy to learn with the driving school. This is a wise decision. Does the instructor show patience, respect, care, a happy, positive attitude, and do they comply with the correct standard?

Article reference:

SAIDI0000028

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