How to choose a driving instructor

Anyone charging for driving instruction in the UK must be either an Approved Driving Instructor, who displays a green ADI badge, or a Potential Driving Instructor, who displays a pink PDI badge while training. The badge must be displayed in the car during lessons.

Ask to see it, and check the photo matches the person teaching you. A trainer working without a badge, or with an expired one, is not legal to charge for lessons.

On Find Instructor, instructors submit their badge number and a photo of the badge, and the account is reviewed before it appears in learner searches. That verification is why profiles on the platform show a status rather than just an unverified claim.

A good instructor gives clear directions early, explains the reasoning behind what they ask, and lets you make your own decisions and mistakes in a safe environment. They should be calm, punctual, and honest about your progress.

They should also plan lessons rather than simply driving around for an hour. Ask what the aim of today’s lesson is at the start, and what you covered at the end.

Praise is useful, but you want specifics: not “good drive”, but “your mirror checks at that junction were early and that is why it felt smooth”.

A short phone call or message will tell you a lot:

• Are you an ADI or a PDI, and what is your badge number?
• How long are your lessons, and what do you charge per hour?
• Do you pick up from my home, work or college?
• Do you offer block bookings, and are they refundable?
• What is your cancellation policy, and how much notice do you need?
• How do you track progress between lessons?
• Which test centre do you usually prepare learners for?

Be wary if an instructor:

• Cannot or will not show a badge.
• Pressures you to pay a large block booking in cash up front, especially before a first lesson.
• Does not give a written price, cancellation policy or terms.
• Takes phone calls, eats, or uses their own phone during your lesson.
• Repeatedly tells you that you are “nearly ready” for the test over many months, without a clear reason.
• Will not let you sit in on a lesson or speak to a current learner.

A single lesson is a fair trial for both of you. It is entirely reasonable to book one hour with two instructors and choose the one who suits how you learn.

If you are several lessons in and dreading the car, or you have stopped understanding why you are being asked to do something, consider switching. Learners who change early often progress faster than those who stay out of politeness.

On Find Instructor you can read verified reviews from learners who have completed lessons, compare hourly rates, and send a request to more than one instructor before deciding.