How to choose a driving school: 6 things learner drivers and parents should look for
Choosing a school when you’re learning to drive is a big decision. For learner drivers, the right instructor can make those first few months behind the wheel feel a lot less daunting. For parents and carers, a good driving school provides professional guidance and helps make sure a learner is building safe driving habits from the beginning.
While price is likely to drive part of your decision, there are a few other things to consider when booking in driving lessons.
1. SEEK OUT QUALIFIED, EXPERIENCED INSTRUCTORS
Learner drivers will have different personalities, confidence levels and learning styles. It’s really normal for some drivers to be nervous the first time (or the first few times!) they sit behind the wheel. Others will start with more confidence and will be eager to get moving.
Ideally, you want a driving instructor who has experience dealing with a range of different drivers. They need to be able to explain things clearly, give constructive feedback and adjust their approach to suit the learner.
PRO TIP:
It might be worth asking whether you can request the same instructor for each lesson. Having a consistent instructor can help the student driver build confidence and the instructor can focus on understanding where they need more practice.
2. Look for independent recognition
Reviews can be useful when you're comparing driving schools, particularly when they give specific examples of what an instructor was like.
Was the instructor patient? Did they explain things clearly? Did the learner feel more confident after each lesson? Were lessons reliable and easy to organise?
You can learn more about the research behind the Finder Customer Satisfaction Awards. Awards and reviews are only part of the picture, so it's still worth looking at a school's instructors, lesson structure, availability and approach to teaching before making your decision.
3. Check exactly what you're paying for
Driving lesson prices can vary between schools, and so do the services they offer.
A few questions you might want to ask include:
- How long does each lesson run for?
- Do you supply the vehicle or do we bring our own?
- Are there any extra insurance requirements for BYO vehicles?
- What is the school's cancellation policy if we need to change appointments?
Some driving schools offer lesson packages, which can reduce the cost per lesson. Just make sure the package suits your learner's needs and you're comfortable with the terms before committing.
4. Make sure lessons build skills progressively
Learning to drive is a marathon, not a race. You’re not expecting your learner driver to master everything in your first few lessons.
A good driving program should gradually introduce more challenging situations as the learner becomes more confident. That might start with basic vehicle control and quiet streets before progressing to intersections, parking, heavier traffic, higher-speed roads and unfamiliar environments.
Students should also have plenty of opportunities to practise the skills they'll need once they're driving independently. The goal is to build good judgement and safe driving habits over time, rather than simply ticking off a list of manoeuvres before the driving test.
Driving lessons will usually need to fit around a whole range of family commitments, including school, work, sport and social events, so convenience really matters.
Before choosing a driving school, check where and when lessons are available, and whether the school offers pick-up and drop-off from home, school or another agreed location.
Think about lesson times, too. If the learner is only available after school or on weekends, a school with limited availability may not be the right fit. Being able to book and manage lessons easily online can also be really helpful.
6. Think beyond the driving test
Passing the practical driving test is an important milestone, but it isn't actually the end goal. A newly licensed driver will still need to build up their experience in situations like:
- driving at night
- parallel parking and hill starts
- dealing with bad weather
- navigating unfamiliar roads
- making decisions in busy traffic.
The best driving education helps learners develop the skills and confidence they'll need after they receive their licence. That's why it's worth looking for a driving school that focuses on developing capable, responsible drivers rather than treating the test as the finish line.
A little research can make a big difference
Start by comparing the basics: instructor experience, lesson prices and inclusions, availability, reviews and the way lessons are structured.
Then think about the individual learner. Do they need extra help building confidence? Would they benefit from a patient, consistent instructor? Is convenience important because of school or work commitments?
For parents and supervisors, professional driving lessons can also complement the practice a learner gets with family members. An instructor can introduce new skills and identify areas that need more work, while supervised practice gives learners the chance to reinforce those skills between lessons.
The right driving school should leave a learner feeling more capable each time they get behind the wheel. Take the time to compare your options, ask questions and find an instructor who is a good fit. Those early lessons can help shape driving habits that last well beyond the day the learner gets their licence.