Driving lessons

Gnat · 28-09-2008, 09:05

I have just sent off my provisional forms (only took me about 6 months!

)
and am now goingt to get some driving lessons.

I was wondering, is it better to go with somehwre like BSM, or a different one?

Does anyone have any reccomendations ?

Thankyooooou

visage · 28-09-2008, 10:04

Run, people! run for the hills!

cleanbluesky · 28-09-2008, 10:09

I used BSM, and there are a few advantages such as mock testing and the ability to get another instructor easily if yours is off sick (compared to a small school)

I've found a vehicle that you can make mistakes in whilst still looking pink

Kell_ee001 · 28-09-2008, 10:09

I used one of the bigger driving schools for my first few lessons and hated it. Felt they were holding me back to get more money out of me and it was really impersonal. I then switched to a local female instructor who was so so much better! She was flexible about where I was picked up and dropped off, got used to my habits (I used to get 5 mins crazy time as I was practising in another car and used to screw up constantly for the first 5 mins in the instructors car

) and she really pushed me to take my test instead of eking out the lessons. Was cheaper too!

Gnat · 28-09-2008, 11:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by cleanbluesky/ Reuters

I used BSM, and there are a few advantages such as mock testing and the ability to get another instructor easily if yours is off sick (compared to a small school) I've found a vehicle that you can make mistakes in whilst still looking pink

pretty...
But not pink enough

Psymonkee · 28-09-2008, 11:39

I went with AA and it seemed ok

Change of instructor towards the end annoyed me (first one quit) as the new one was really harsh and suggested I shouldn't drive without dual controls for a few weeks

Maybe that's what pushed me into passing?

Anyhoo can't comment on cost as I never paid..

Jingo · 28-09-2008, 11:51

I used a local chap who I got a package of 4 lesson for £60 (that was in 2004 mind).

The package gave me plenty of time to familiarise myself with the car and take some last minute pointers before my test.

My advice is similar to the points mentioned by Kelleee above: to not get caught in the trap of prolonging your lessons (a common thing I hear of is instructors saying "yes - about 8 weeks of lessons will do" etc).

Be safe and you'll be fine

LeperousDust · 28-09-2008, 12:14

I don't see there being much advantage from large firm o small school. You could say you're more likely to get a "bad egg" from a private instructor, but on the other hand they're self employed and it's in their interest to keep a good name. As opposed to BSM etc... who are backed by a big name.

Personally i'd just go with whoever is cheapest locally since its nice a easy and get a chunk of lessons for discount (10 or 20 hours in one go). See how you feel going from there

Gnat · 28-09-2008, 12:36

Thanks for replies everyone.
I was thinking of going to a local one as they did a student discount so it actually ended up quite a lot cheaper, but was worried it wouldnt be as good

Is it possible to have enough lessons to pass before may do you think?

cheets · 28-09-2008, 12:37

I learnt with a local private instructor, me and my sister both passed first time with him, but this was back in 1999 £14 for a 1 hour lesson

28-09-2008, 09:05	#1
Gnat BZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzz Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Manchester Posts: 500	Driving lessons I have just sent off my provisional forms (only took me about 6 months! ) and am now goingt to get some driving lessons. I was wondering, is it better to go with somehwre like BSM, or a different one? Does anyone have any reccomendations ? Thankyooooou

28-09-2008, 10:09	#4
Kell_ee001 Wants Big Meat Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Newcastle Posts: 6,478	I used one of the bigger driving schools for my first few lessons and hated it. Felt they were holding me back to get more money out of me and it was really impersonal. I then switched to a local female instructor who was so so much better! She was flexible about where I was picked up and dropped off, got used to my habits (I used to get 5 mins crazy time as I was practising in another car and used to screw up constantly for the first 5 mins in the instructors car ) and she really pushed me to take my test instead of eking out the lessons. Was cheaper too! __________________

28-09-2008, 11:39	#6
Psymonkee A cat wearing a wet suit Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: St.Andrews Posts: 2,023	I went with AA and it seemed ok Change of instructor towards the end annoyed me (first one quit) as the new one was really harsh and suggested I shouldn't drive without dual controls for a few weeks Maybe that's what pushed me into passing? Anyhoo can't comment on cost as I never paid.. __________________ Sonisphere FMC Code: 1k949178

28-09-2008, 11:51	#7
Jingo Smother me in chocolate and eat flapjacks with it! Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: North Somerset Posts: 1,854	I used a local chap who I got a package of 4 lesson for £60 (that was in 2004 mind). The package gave me plenty of time to familiarise myself with the car and take some last minute pointers before my test. My advice is similar to the points mentioned by Kelleee above: to not get caught in the trap of prolonging your lessons (a common thing I hear of is instructors saying "yes - about 8 weeks of lessons will do" etc). Be safe and you'll be fine __________________ Last edited by Jingo; 28-09-2008 at 11:53.

28-09-2008, 12:14	#8
LeperousDust Bananaman Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Liverpool/Edinburgh Posts: 4,817	I don't see there being much advantage from large firm o small school. You could say you're more likely to get a "bad egg" from a private instructor, but on the other hand they're self employed and it's in their interest to keep a good name. As opposed to BSM etc... who are backed by a big name. Personally i'd just go with whoever is cheapest locally since its nice a easy and get a chunk of lessons for discount (10 or 20 hours in one go). See how you feel going from there __________________

28-09-2008, 10:04	#2
visage Nice weak cup of Earl Grey Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 22	Run, people! run for the hills!

28-09-2008, 10:09	#3
cleanbluesky Abandoned Ship Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 492	I used BSM, and there are a few advantages such as mock testing and the ability to get another instructor easily if yours is off sick (compared to a small school) I've found a vehicle that you can make mistakes in whilst still looking pink

28-09-2008, 12:36	#9
Gnat BZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzz Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Manchester Posts: 500	Thanks for replies everyone. I was thinking of going to a local one as they did a student discount so it actually ended up quite a lot cheaper, but was worried it wouldnt be as good Is it possible to have enough lessons to pass before may do you think?

28-09-2008, 12:37	#10
cheets Long Island Iced Tea Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 442	I learnt with a local private instructor, me and my sister both passed first time with him, but this was back in 1999 £14 for a 1 hour lesson