The right driving instructor can make a big difference to how quickly you learn, how confident you feel and how safely you drive once you have passed. This guide gives you a simple checklist for choosing one, whether you are a complete beginner, a nervous driver or returning to driving after a break.
Quick answer: check that the instructor is a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor (or a registered trainee), compare teaching style, availability and prices, read genuine reviews and, if you can, speak to them before booking.
Check their qualifications
In Great Britain, anyone who charges for driving lessons must be a qualified Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) or a trainee on a trainee licence. A qualified ADI displays a green badge in the windscreen, and a trainee displays a pink badge. Ask to see the badge before your first lesson, and check the instructor’s name and photograph match.
GOV.UK has a page on finding driving schools, lessons and instructors that is a good place to start. Note that ADIs choose whether to be listed there, so not every ADI appears. If an instructor is not listed, GOV.UK says you can contact DVSA to check whether they are qualified, using their name and ADI number if you have it.
A trainee has passed the part 2 driving ability test and holds a trainee licence for up to six months to gain teaching experience. A qualified ADI has passed all three DVSA qualifying tests and has at least one standards check every four years. Either way, an instructor who does not hold a valid badge should not be charging you.
Teaching style and personality
You will spend many hours in a small car with your instructor, so it matters that you get on. Look for someone who:
- Explains things clearly and in different ways until you understand
- Stays calm and patient, especially when you make mistakes
- Gives helpful feedback and lets you practise, rather than taking over
- Adapts to your pace and confidence
Instructor tip: if you are a nervous driver, say so at the start. A good instructor will plan quieter roads and a gentler pace and build up from there.
The car and lesson times
Think about whether you want to learn in a manual or an automatic. Automatic lessons remove the clutch and gear changes, which many learners find easier. Also check:
- The car is clean, well kept and has dual controls
- Lesson lengths and times suit your week
- The instructor covers your area and your nearest test centre
- How cancellations and changes work, which should be explained before you book
Prices and block bookings
Driving instructors set their own prices, so costs vary. Rather than choosing on price alone, compare what is included, how long a lesson lasts and whether block bookings offer a discount. Be cautious of anything that seems unusually cheap or that asks for a large payment upfront without clear terms. AK Automatic Driving School’s current prices are on the pricing page.
Reviews and recommendations
Read genuine reviews on independent sites and ask friends or family who have learned locally. Look at how reviewers describe the teaching, communication and punctuality, not just whether they passed. Remember that every learner is different and a pass depends on you as well as the lessons.
Questions to ask before you book
- Are you a qualified ADI or a trainee, and can I see your badge?
- How long are lessons and what are the prices?
- Which areas and test centres do you cover?
- Do you offer one-to-one tuition in an automatic car?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- Can you help if I am nervous or have not driven for a while?
Frequently asked questions
Can any adult teach me and charge for it?
No. Anyone paid for lessons must be a qualified ADI or a registered trainee. Friends and family can help you practise privately, but not for payment, and the car must be properly insured.
How many lessons will I need?
It varies from person to person. GOV.UK says there is no minimum number of lessons you must have before you book your test, and your instructor can give you a view as you progress.
Is it okay to change instructor?
Yes. If the teaching style is not working for you, it is fine to look for someone who is a better fit.
Should I choose purely on price?
Price matters, but so do teaching quality, reliability and how comfortable you feel. Compare the whole package.
Quick checklist
- See a valid green (ADI) or pink (trainee) badge
- Check teaching style and patience
- Confirm the car, areas and lesson times
- Compare prices and terms clearly
- Read genuine reviews
Learn with AK Automatic Driving School
AK Automatic Driving School is run by a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor offering one-to-one automatic driving lessons in Brighton and Hove, Burgess Hill and Lancing, with Portslade and Shoreham-by-Sea also covered. See the pricing page for lesson costs, or send an enquiry to talk through what you need. You can also explore our automatic driving lessons on our main website.