About to learn to drive - Local instructor, or a big company?

titchard · 26 Mar 2009 at 11:25

Hi,

First time I have ventured into the world that is Motors so be gentle! I am not sure whether this will get a better response here or in GD.

I am thinking of taking up driving lessons properly again (Last time I wasn't exactly flush so could only afford a lesson a week - and the guy teaching me was crap and just eventually stopped turning up, which didn't help with my already nervousness and selfconciousness at being crap at driving!).

I now work full time and can sink a fair bit of free cash into chunks of lessons - however I am a bit stumped onto whether going through some company like the AA or BSM would be any better or worse than going to a local person.

Would going through the AA/BSM offer any real benefits? I know they do free cover and things afterward, but would you guys recommend going for a local guy.

I know it's hard for you to comment on my local instructors (I am from Crewe, by the way) unless you live near me but you might be able to give me some general advice.

Thanks in advance!

Rich

Cr0fty · 26 Mar 2009 at 11:33

I would go through people you know's reccomendations.

Go for the instructor not the fact it is a company / private. That is irrelevant

FRS2462 · 26 Mar 2009 at 11:35

Do you know anyone who has recently passed their test?
Normally the best way is through a recommendation from someone you know who had a good instructor.
I don't think there is any particular benefit going with a large company, unless you can get a good deal on a Block booking.

Meatball · 26 Mar 2009 at 11:36

Personally I went with a local instructor that my friend went with. I couldn't be happier with who her as an instructor. Her rates were cheaper than the big companies. Although KISS now do 4 lessons for £60 which is good.

titchard · 26 Mar 2009 at 11:47

Well I work shifts, doing 3 on 3 off, so would like to dedicate a day off to a day of lessons - maybe doing more than the 2 hours they recommend, I think I would learn more if I spent more time in the car rather than a small period of an hour a week.

The last guy I tried was a recommendation! He just stopped turning up / returning calls - was not impressed.

Rich