All paid driving instructors must be qualified and approved by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA). Here are a few tips to help get the best driving school for you:

• Who have your friends used?
• Which schools do you regularly see out on the road?
• Busy instructors are usually good ones.
• What kind of car does the instructor use?
• Is it the same as the one you will be practising in?
• Is it a practical vehicle for you?
• Does it have dual controls?
• Will you always have the same instructor for each lesson?
• How long are the lessons and how much are they?
• Remember cheap does not mean the best.
• Are there any discounts available for block bookings?
• Do they have female driving instructors, if this would make you feel more at ease?
• Do they run a door to door service?
• Are they reliable and punctual?
• Do they give information on theory tests, Pass Plus etc?
• What grade is your driving instructor?

The green certificate fixed to the windscreen of the instructor’s car indicates that they’re a fully qualified Approved Driving Instructor (ADI).

If the driving instructor has a pink certifcate on their windscreen, it indicates that they’re still a trainee. They’re still allowed to teach for payment in the same way as a fully qualified instructor.

Related Links:

• Learners website - info on learning to drive
• The Pass - learner driving info
• RoSPA Helping L Drivers
• Choosing a driving or riding instructor