Photo: Sachu Zayn / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.
Good driving lessons have a clear goal, honest feedback and a next step you understand. If yours do not, the fix is usually better questions, not more lessons. This guide is for learners in Great Britain and Ireland: how to check an instructor is approved, what to ask before booking, how to tell whether you are progressing, and when to switch.
Step 1: check the instructor is approved
| Great Britain | Republic of Ireland | |
|---|---|---|
| Who can charge for lessons | Only a DVSA approved driving instructor (ADI) or a registered trainee | RSA Approved Driving Instructors; only sessions with a currently approved ADI count towards EDT |
| What to look for | Green windscreen badge for a qualified ADI, pink badge for a trainee | A valid ADI permit on display; a trainee must display their identity card in the car during instruction |
| How to check | Report anyone who charges without being an ADI or trainee to DVSA | Search the RSA register by name, company or ADI number. The RSA advises checking when you enquire, book and at each session. |
Northern Ireland has different rules for choosing an instructor. See learning to drive in Northern Ireland.
Step 2: questions to ask before you book
DVSA’s Ready to Pass guidance suggests asking these. They work in Ireland too.
- Are you fully qualified or a trainee?
- How will you adapt your teaching to the way I learn?
- How will you update me on my progress?
- What happens if I cancel, and how much notice do you need?
Add your own: the price and length of a lesson, whether block bookings are refundable, and whether the test-day car hire costs extra. A promise of a guaranteed pass in a set number of lessons is a reason to be careful, not a reason to book.
Are your driving lessons helping? How to measure progress
In GB, DVSA’s Ready to Pass guidance tracks 27 driving skills through five levels:
| Level | What it means |
|---|---|
| 1. Introduced | You can follow your instructor’s guidance |
| 2. Helped | You still benefit from some help |
| 3. Prompted | You handle it most of the time, but sometimes need a prompt in new situations |
| 4. Independent | You handle it consistently on your own |
| 5. Reflection | You can explain what you did, why it mattered and what you would do differently |
DVSA says you are ready for the test when you are consistently at level 5 in all 27 skills. Ask your instructor to use the official driver’s record or an equivalent app. In Ireland, your ADI records each EDT session in your logbook; ask what you need to improve before the next one.
A five-minute review after every lesson
- Which skill felt more confident than last time?
- Where did you still need a prompt, and why?
- What will you do differently next time?
DVSA says sharing these reflections with your instructor is one of the best ways to progress faster.
Signs the lessons are not working
| What you notice | What to ask |
|---|---|
| Every lesson feels the same | “Which skill are we working on today, and what level am I at?” |
| You can do it only when told | “Can you stop prompting me on this so I can try it independently?” |
| Explanations do not land | “Can you show me with a diagram while parked, or demonstrate it?” |
| No clear plan for the test | “What has to change before you would book my test?” |
| Lessons cut short, late starts, phone use | Raise it directly. If it continues, change instructor. |
When to change instructor
Changing is normal if the fit is poor after you have raised the problem. Ask for a written summary of where you are, so the new instructor does not start from zero. In Ireland, your EDT logbook records the sessions you have already done. Check any prepaid block booking terms before you switch.
Disrespectful, pressuring or unsafe behaviour is never part of learning. In GB you can complain about an instructor’s service or behaviour to DVSA.
Common questions
Is a trainee instructor worse than a qualified ADI?
Not necessarily. Trainees are registered with DVSA and can legally charge. Ask how they are supervised and compare prices.
How many lessons should it take?
In GB there is no minimum number of lessons; DVSA says it depends how quickly you learn. In Ireland, 12 EDT lessons are compulsory. See how many lessons you need.
Can I sit in on another learner’s lesson?
That is up to the instructor and the other learner. Bringing your supervisor to one of your own lessons is more useful.
Should I trust my instructor about when to book the test?
DVSA advises booking only when your instructor agrees you are ready to pass and drive alone. Ask them which skills are still below level 5.
Where do I start if I have not had a lesson yet?
See your first driving lesson.
Related: making lessons count on a budget, mock driving tests and Essential Driver Training. Guides: learning to drive in Great Britain and learning to drive in Ireland.
Sources
- GOV.UK, “Driving lessons and learning to drive: taking driving lessons” (gov.uk)
- DVSA, “Learning to drive and practising” (readytopass.campaign.gov.uk)
- DVSA, “Keep track of your progress learning to drive” (readytopass.campaign.gov.uk)
- Road Safety Authority, “Find an Approved Driving Instructor” (rsa.ie)
- Road Safety Authority, “Trainee instructor licence” (rsa.ie)
- Road Safety Authority, “Car driving lessons (EDT)” (rsa.ie)