The Driving School - Where do you start?

When thinking about learning to drive, where do you start?

The DSA suggest, "You ask friends and relatives to recommend someone they know. Choose an Instructor who has a good reputation, is reliable and punctual, whose car suits you."
Recent DSA surveys indicate "Nine in ten learners who passed both theory and practical tests first time were taught by an Instructor.
It's unlikely that anyone except an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) would have the experience, knowledge and training to teach you properly.

A fully qualified ADI must display a GREEN certificate on the windscreen of the car while teaching you.

Some Potential Driving Instructors (PDI's) are granted a licence so they can gain experience before the qualifying examination. In this case, the PDI must display a PINK certificate on the windscreen."
What are the potential disadvantages with Instructors who are 'training on the job'?

They will have significantly less training than a fully qualified Instructor.

They haven't passed the DSA instructional ability exam.

They have only a 6 month licence so they could stop teaching you part way through your course if they do not pass their exam.

All Instructors are tested every few years on their instructional technique and are graded accordingly from 1 (lowest) to 6 (highest). If you want, ask to see proof.

So why choose me?

My current DSA check test grade is 5 (tested December 2007).

I have been giving driving lessons as a DSA Approved Driving Instructor since 1991, including over 8 years with B.S.M. teaching on manual and automatic cars and specialising in teaching disabled people to drive. Since 1999, I have helped train many people to become Driving Instructors.

Over the years, I have gained various qualifications, including the prestigious grade 'A' Cardington Special Driving Test, one of the strictest in the country. I have passed, and am an assessor and verifier for the NVQ in Driving Instruction. I am currently a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorist (IAM) and a founder member of The Association of Sussex Driving Instructors (ASDI).

I have been checked out by the DSA to be a "fit and proper" person to be on the Approved Driving Instructors (ADI) register and have certificated evidence from the Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) to prove I meet the necessary criteria (dated 2/10/2008).

As part of my development as a Driving Instructor, I am actively taking part in 'Continual Professional Development' (CPD) with documented evidence of this process.

Part of my training week includes working for West Sussex County Council as a trainer on their Speed Awareness courses where people caught speeding are helped to improve their driving skills.

So am I good at my job? Check out my pass rate and judge for yourselves and

Get it right first time - drive safely for a lifetime