Many people think that choosing a Driving Instructor in Calgary is easy but making the right choice
when deciding on an instructor is one of the most important stages of learning
to drive. There are a lot of things you have to think about when choosing the
right instructor and hopefully this article will point you in the right
direction.
1. Ensure
your driving instructor is fully qualified.
Before you start your first driving lesson with your
instructor make sure that they are a fully approved driving instructor. To check that your instructor is fully
qualified, have a quick look in the front windscreen of their car, if there's a
green badge then they are fully qualified. If there isn't a green badge in the
windscreen just simply ask them to show it to you. If when you look in the
instructor's windscreen there is a pink badge this means that the instructor is
only a trainee.
2. Ensure
your driving instructor has a good pass rate.
Before learning to drive, ask your instructor what his/her
pass rate is. This will give you indications of how successful past students
have been with this driving instructor.
The current national average for students successfully passing their driving
test is 42%, so ensure your driving
instructors pass rate reflects this.
3. Use
personal recommendations.
Most people have positive experiences when learning to drive
if they have been recommended a driving
instructor by a friend or family member. When thinking about commencing
your
driving lessons ask your
close friends and family members if they know of an instructor they would
recommend.
4. Ask your driving instructor what grade they are.
When a driving
instructor becomes qualified they must pass three-part examination to
qualify, they have to reach and maintain high standards set by the Driving
Standards Agency. Once they qualify they are given a grade based on their
driving examination, if they have been given a grade 4 this means they are
operating at a competent level. A grade 5 indicates that they are of a good
standard and a grade 6 which is held by less than 10% of the country indicates
that they are of a very high standard.
5. Make sure
you shop around.
When you are looking to start your driving lessons, don't just choose the first instructor you set
your eyes on. Make sure you shop around and have a good look at other
instructors and schools in your area to make sure you make the right choice.
Remember that you only plan to learn to drive once.
6. Make sure
you have thought about any special preferences.
If you have any special preferences with regards to your driving lessons ensure you have thought
about them before commencing lessons with an instructor or driving school, for example some females wish to have female only
instructors.
7. Read
Reviews.
Most people are unaware that you can read reviews on
specific driving instructors or driving schools online. Do a quick
Google search for your possible instructor or school and see what appears, some
websites such as Google maps for example do offer the chance for students to
write reviews on their instructors. Once you have passed your test ensure that
you leave your instructor or driving
school a review to ensure the next student has a good understanding of the
instructor and what they are like.
8. Don't
forget your theory test.
People often forget about the theory test before commencing
their practical driving lessons, the
fact of the matter is that if you learn your theory while learning to drive it
makes it that much easier. So if you have not yet passed your theory test and
intend to do so while conducting your practical driving lessons ask your driving
instructor or driving school if
they offer assistance.
9. Remember
you are paying for a service.
If for whatever reason you have started driving lessons with an instructor then decide you wish to change
instructor, it is in your rights to be able to do so.
10. Ask
important questions.
Finally before your driving
lessons commence even if you believe you have found your ideal instructor
ask important questions, to ensure you know the ins and outs such as:
-How much notice do I need to give before cancelling a
lesson?
-What make/model of car do you use on your lessons?
-Do you work weekends?
-Can I picked up and dropped off in different locations?
-Which test centre do you use?
-How much do you charge?
By asking these questions you can put your mind at ease and
enjoy your driving lessons.
Choosing your driving school or instructor is a
tough decision and you shouldn't take it lightly, but hopefully these ten tips
will set you on the right path to learning to drive!