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Find a Driving Instructor

When you’re learning to drive, finding an instructor that suits your needs is key to progressing quickly. RED Driver Training helps you choose the best match for your learner driver journey.

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There is always an instructor near you

Our experienced instructors operate nationwide. So whether you’re learning in Newcastle or Norwich or Plymouth or Preston, we’ll find the perfect instructor to help you on your journey to passing.

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How to find a driving instructor

Choosing the right driving instructor is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a confident and skilled driver. A good instructor not only teaches you the technical aspects of driving but also helps you build the confidence and road awareness needed to handle various situations safely.

You should look for someone who is an approved driving instructor, experienced and holds a good reputation, as this ensures they have the necessary skills and knowledge to guide you effectively. 

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What you should look for when finding a driving instructor

Finding the right instructor for you is important when learning how to drive. You need to feel confident and safe when driving, and everyone has their own way of wanting to learn and how to obtain all the information. Here are some points to keep in mind when looking for a driving instructor:

Approved driving instructor (ADI

The main thing to do when looking for the right instructor is to check that they are an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). To be an ADI means that the instructor has passed all the required tests to be fully qualified to teach driving lessons.

Driving instructors are required to show evidence of this qualification, and you can also check their ADI number on the GOV website.

Teaching style matches your learning preferences

Choosing an instructor who matches your learning style is important for your progress. Whether you thrive under a structured approach or prefer a more relaxed, creative atmosphere, make sure your instructor’s teaching style caters to your needs, so you can feel supported and confident as you learn.

Consider their availability and flexibility

When selecting an instructor, their schedule should work with yours—not the other way around. Availability of driving instructors can be stretched in some areas, so there might be fewer choices. But, you should still prioritise your needs where you can. Your instructor needs to work with your routine, whether you need weekly sessions or a more accelerated learning plan. 

Recommendations: read reviews and ask for referrals

One of the most reliable ways to find the perfect instructor is through recommendations and reviews. Speak to family and friends and see if they recommend anyone, as well as doing your own research by looking at students’ reviews and ratings on Google, websites and social media. 

Make sure when you are researching, you are looking at how many students have been taught and passed with the instructor and if there are any mentions of their teaching style. You could contact us before booking a session to ask all the relevant questions and reassure your decision.

Trial lesson: ensure they’re the right fit

The first interaction with an instructor can be a game-changer. Book your first session with your chosen instructor to test the waters. This opportunity allows you to experience the instructor’s teaching style firsthand and assess their personality. With RED, no matter how many hours you have purchased, you have the flexibility to change instructors if they don’t work for you.

Remember, a supportive instructor can make the learning process smoother, helping you to not only pass your driving test but also develop safe driving habits for a lifetime.

Why choose RED

1000s of instructors to choose from nationwide
Access to our industry leading app
National Training Provider of the Year 2024
Buy securely through RED’s website or contact centre

What RED has to offer

RED offers a refreshing approach to driving tuition that will make you feel relaxed and eager to get on the road

We’re the largest driving school in the UK, which means that you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to driving instructors! We pride ourselves on the high standard of tuition we deliver. All our RED driving instructors are approved by the DVSA and DBS checked and at RED, all instructors undergo regular assessments to guarantee that our standard of teaching is high

Everyone has different needs when it comes to driving, and therefore, having options to meet their needs is important. Where possible, RED will offer you the flexibility that the majority of other schools cannot. If you’d like to discuss your training requirements, contact us on the number provided and speak to one of our advisers.

Our RED Driving Instructors

Your driving instructor needs to be the best fit for you and you may have certain requirements to meet your needs. At RED, we have a variety of driving instructors for all learners, whether you require a female driving instructor or an instructor who speaks a certain language, RED is here to help you learn to drive.

FAQs

What makes a good and bad driving instructor?

A good driving instructor is someone who is patient and friendly and gives clear direction and guidance. You need to feel comfortable and confident behind the wheel, and you will be able to notice your progression in your lessons. A bad driving instructor is someone who does not show you any qualifications and fails to notice any mistakes or anything that can be classed as a fail on a test. If the instructor is distracted by a phone or has bad manners/moods that make you feel uncomfortable or make learning unenjoyable, you should reconsider who is teaching you.

What qualifications should I look for in a driving instructor?

Look for an instructor who is fully qualified and registered with a recognised driving school or governing body. In many places, they should hold a valid Instructor Registration Certificate and have completed the necessary training and examinations to teach learners. You can check a driving instructor by searching their ADI number on the GOV website - if they are unwilling to show their qualifications, then they are unlikely to have those qualifications and can be reported. All of the RED instructors are qualified and provide all qualifications.

Should I choose a male or female driving instructor?

The gender of the instructor is a personal preference. Some learners may feel more comfortable with an instructor of a specific gender. It's essential to choose someone you feel at ease with, regardless of gender.

How do I know if the instructor’s teaching style is right for me?

Consider booking a trial lesson or an introductory session to assess the instructor's teaching style. Pay attention to their communication skills, patience, and ability to explain concepts clearly. This can help you determine if they match your learning preferences.

What should I ask during the initial meeting with a driving instructor?

Ask about their experience, teaching methods, lesson structure, and availability. You can also ask about their success rates and how they track student progress.

You may also be interested in

Manual Driving Lessons

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There are many benefits to choosing manual lessons, such as having more control, the ability to drive a wide range of makes and models that only come with manual transmission, and, in some cases, greater fuel efficiency. Find out more.

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Automatic Driving Lessons

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Learning to drive in a manual car is not for everyone – for many people, automatic driving lessons are a better option. Find out more.

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Where to find us

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Our experienced instructors operate nationwide. So whether you’re learning in Newcastle or Norwich or Plymouth or Preston, we’ll find the perfect instructor to help you on your journey to passing.

Read more