What should you be getting from your driving lessons?

Finding the right driving school and instructor can make a big difference to your learning experience. This is because finding the right school is important for getting good value for your lessons and making progress, so that you pass safely in the quickest time possible. Learning to drive should also be enjoyable, so you shouldn’t feel butterflies before your first lesson. We’ve put together this quick guide on five top things you should be getting from your lessons, regardless of who you are learning with or where you are. If learning to drive sounds like it would be fun for you and you’re located in Stockport, Manchester, Macclesfield or Glossop, get in touch!

Productive Hands-On Lesson Time

A good way to learn about driving is by doing it – you can learn everything you need to know about the Highway Code by trying out different manoeuvres and taking on different challenges in driving lessons. When you start learning to drive, you should have the chance to practice new skills from the driver’s seat not spend your lessons on theory, from your first lesson you should be practicing your practical skills.

Progress Reports

Every step along the way, your driving instructor should be keeping a record of your progress and giving you feedback. This not only shows how far you have come but gives you a tangible record of where you are up to and what you need to focus on next. You should also be able to have an input on the direction your lessons take – if your instructor thinks you’ve mastered a manoeuvre, but it still just doesn’t feel 100% to you, you should be able to ask for more practice on it. Remember the end goal is not just getting through your driving test, but the life as a driver you will have on the road, without an instructor or examiner beside you. So, it’s important that you finish your driving lessons feeling comfortable dealing with any scenarios that may come your way.

Feedback

Your instructor’s commitment to providing an authentic evaluation of your progress should be unwavering, ensuring that you receive constructive feedback and encouragement throughout your journey.

At Geoff Capes, we have witnessed numerous individuals seeking our driving lessons after encountering unfavourable encounters with previous instructors or driving schools. One prevalent factor behind their dissatisfaction is the delivery of harsh criticism that only served to undermine their self-assurance.

Moreover, your instructor’s transparency should extend to recognizing when you are not yet prepared to undertake your driving test. Proposing that you attempt the test prematurely would only result in a futile expenditure of your valuable time and resources.

Good Value Lessons

We know learning to drive is a big financial commitment, when you take into account the cost of learning plus getting a car and keeping it on the road. When you’re using your hard-earned money to finance the process, it’s important to know you are getting good value.

It’s not just about getting lessons cheaper – at Geoff Capes we offer a discount when you block book lessons because we know it helps pupils commit to a long-term schedule of lessons – it’s about what you’re actually getting for your money and how you are treated.

Some of the stories we have heard of other driving schools and instructors include not getting refunds on unused lessons when you’ve passed your test, the instructor turning up late or finishing lessons early, despite taking full payment, having a set mileage limit for each lesson to save on their fuel costs, and being asked to pay up front for dozens of lessons, before you even have a chance to find out if you want to learn with them.

We don’t do any of these things at Geoff Capes, and you should always feel like you’re getting the best possible help for every pound you hand over.

An Instructor Who Inspires Confidence

Your instructor should foster a sense of confidence within you and provide reassurance and encouragement, rather than creating a stressful learning environment. Even if you quickly grasp the skills of driving, there will inevitably be certain lessons that prove more challenging than others. It is crucial that your instructor supports you throughout this process, rather than seeking opportunities to undermine your progress.

When we have had students transfer to our driving school from other instructors, they have shared their experiences of being shouted at, witnessing their instructor being more flustered and stressed than themselves, or even encountering complete disinterest, with some instructors engaging in illegal activities such as using their phones while teaching.

So whether you are looking for driving lessons in Manchester, Stockport, Glossoop, Hyde or Macclesfield get in touch and discover why our lessons are so different.

Your driving lessons should be enjoyable, albeit demanding at times, but always centred around your individual needs and goals.