IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT
THE INSTRUCTOR
l
www.ukdic.co.uk
The Instructor is proud of its close links with the industry, but what about the view from
the other side of the car? This month 25-year old Sarah gives us an insight into what
new drivers are really looking for...
Learning to drive: A
perspective from the pupil
1
How did you find the driving instructor you
are currently using? (I.e. internet search,
word of mouth, family friend...)
I had used a few driving instructors before, but
I stopped for a while, so starting back up again
was difficult. Rather than go back to my previous
instructor, I thought I would try someone
different, who suited my personality a bit more.
I found my current instructor through my
brother who passed his test with her earlier
on this year. She seemed friendly, and had got
him through his test, so I was eager to learn
with her too.
I was definitely more careful in choosing this
time. I picked the driving instructor I am learning
with now because she had a good pass rate and I
have heard she was a fantastic driving instructor.
My brother gave me a great review and
understanding of her methods and styles before
I actually got in the car. I think recommendations
are a key player in people choosing their driving
instructors.
2
What qualities did you want from a
driving instructor? I think it is very
important for a driving instructor to be well
organised. I know their are a thousand skills they
have, but this is one I definitely look out for.
For example, I like to know how well I am
doing, and what I am achieving each lesson. So
at the start of each session my instructor tells
me what we will be doing that lesson, and at the
end marks down in my pupil progress book what
level I am at. It helps me understand what level I
am at, and what I need to do to improve.
3
What is the main thing you struggle
in your lessons? ( i.e. bay parking,
roundabouts etc...)
I struggled at the start with parallel parking but
my instructor soon showed me a quick and easy
way of doing it, and now I find them much easier.
From my previous lessons, I had ironed out
most of the manoeuvres then, but parallel
parking was one of the most difficult for me.
4
What do you most appreciate with the
driving instructor you have now?
With the gaps in my lessons, I had lost a lot
of confidence in myself when driving. But
my current instructor praises me which is
helping build my confidence a lot that is what I
appreciate her for most. She's helping me realise
I need to have the confidence to do what I'm
doing, and making the right decisions.
5
How do you feel your driving instructor is
teaching you? For example just to pass
your test, or do they teach you the knowledge
for when you have passed your test too.
She is obviously teaching me to pass my test,
but she also teaches me things so I can use the
knowledge after my test and into the future.
6
What car are you learning to drive in and
what do you like and dislike about it?
I am learning in a Ford Fiesta and I love
everything about it just the little things like the
way the steering wheel pushes back. As I'm quite
short I have to have the seat quite close to the
wheel, but with this option I don't have to feel
like I am sitting up close.
7
When you pass your test, what car do you
hope to buy?
I already have a car ready to drive when I pass
my test, a Citroen C3. It will be shared between
myself and my partner.