How to choose a driving instructor (and the questions to ask first)

Check they are approved

A fully qualified instructor is an ADI and displays a green badge in the windscreen. A trainee is a PDI with a pink badge — legal to charge, but still training. Neither is automatically better for you, but you should know which you are getting.

Ask these five questions

1) Are you an ADI or a PDI? 2) What is your cancellation policy in writing? 3) Do you teach in a manual or automatic, and which car? 4) Do you pick up from home, work or college? 5) How do you decide when I am ready for my test?

Manual or automatic

An automatic licence only lets you drive automatics. Most learners take fewer hours to reach test standard in an automatic. If you are unsure, a manual licence keeps every option open.

Warning signs

Pressure to pay for a large block before your first lesson. No written cancellation policy. Promises about passing — nobody can promise a pass. Reluctance to say whether they are an ADI or PDI.

The first lesson

Expect controls, moving off and stopping, and a debrief at the end. You should leave knowing what you are working on next. If you do not click with someone, changing instructor early costs you far less than sticking it out.

Common questions

Can I change instructor part-way?
Yes, any time. Ask for a record of what you have covered so your new instructor does not start from scratch.

Does a female instructor cost more?
No. You can filter for a female instructor on our search if that is what you would prefer.