When you book a driving school, the brand on the door isn't the person teaching you. The instructor is.
Why this matters
Two learners at the same school, in the same vehicle, can have completely different outcomes — based on the instructor. A patient, methodical instructor will get a nervous learner through K53 faster than a great school with a so-so trainer.
Questions to ask
- Who will be my instructor? Can I meet them before booking?
- How long has the instructor been teaching?
- Do they hold a current PrDP and instructor certificate?
- Can I request the same instructor for every lesson?
- What's their first-time K53 pass rate?
Signs of a good instructor
- Calm under pressure (and you'll be under pressure on test day)
- Clear, jargon-free explanations
- Lets you make small mistakes and corrects gently
- Takes notes between lessons so they remember what you struggled with
- Knows the DLTC's examiner routes
Signs of a bad fit
- Constantly grabs the wheel or pedals
- Shouts when you make mistakes
- Different instructor every lesson with no handoff
- Pushes packages aggressively in lesson 1
- Won't drive the examiner route before your test
You're paying — you can switch instructors at any time. Most schools will move you to a different instructor at no extra charge if the first isn't working.
Frequently asked
- Can I request a specific instructor at a school?
- Yes, at most schools. Some have a senior or specialist instructor — ask up front.
- Does the same instructor stay with me through all lessons?
- Usually yes, but at busier schools you may get a different instructor for some lessons. If consistency matters, ask.