Guest 842- Registered: 11 Dec 2012
- Posts: 28
Hi all,
My daughter is looking to learn to drive at the moment, we have been recommended a chap called Scott from the AA, however we've also heard he's not very reliable either.
I know this is a rather off-topic question, but if anyone can recommend a good driving instructor we would massively appreciate it!
Charlotte Harrison
SWWood- Location: Dover
- Registered: 30 May 2012
- Posts: 261
Bernie Williams at Kenley Driving School is very good.
http://www.kenleydrivingschool.co.uk/index.htmlGuest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
It is going to cost her or you alot of money doing it that way,try to find a member of the family or mate to give her afew lessions first,then later on she can go to a instructor for just afew ,before she goes for her test.
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
Vic is probably right, learn the basics of how to go, turn and stop with a patient friend or relative. Then have 3 3 hour lessons in how to pass the test.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
that friend or relative does not have dual controls though, i would suggest proper lessons first.
SWWood- Location: Dover
- Registered: 30 May 2012
- Posts: 261
Howard is correct. The first few lessons are the most important, and a qualified instructor will spot the bad habits early and deal with them before they become a problem. Much better to get the basics right, then supplement your lessons with a extra time on the road with a relative.
Guest 711- Registered: 1 Mar 2011
- Posts: 194
Can anyone recommend a driving instructor who teaches using an automatic car please?
Andy B
- Location: dover
- Registered: 10 Nov 2012
- Posts: 1,818
Malcolm Eley is very good,my son and his girlfriend both passed with him.
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
I now have a automatic car,but by passing your test in one means you cannot drive a mannal one,and go along with what I said do NOT start with lessons,as I said it will cost alot and any good or average driver can help alot in the first place and save alot of mony,and even better doing that if you are driving a automatic,because the leaner cannot crash the gears which most do in the first 2or 3 lessons,but I would always learn to drive a mannal.When buying a car the automatic will cost more to buy,less choice,and repairs cost alot more,and you can not push start them if the battery goes down,do not buy a secondhand automatic,most will need repairs in a short time,and as I said that comes with avery high cost,this is the first time I have had one,but did drive one before in the army,they are good but I find it boring doing along drive in it,
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
I think it is always important to start your driving with a qualified person, even if it will cost a lot. Friends and family will have picked up bad habits along the way (although they won't think so, or admit it) and will (not knowingly) pass them on. You can always use them to practice what the proper driving instructor has taught you.
I don't think dual controls are that essential, but I do agree that learning to drive from the start, with gearshift instead of an automatic, is important.
At the end of the day, it must be your decision though.
Roger
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
If you have passed your test you are qualified.
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
If you have passed your test you are qualified.Like some of you I have been driving over 50years ,Most driving instructors are nowhere near that,after all they have only pass their test like you and me,in my case yes I done alot of driving lorrys and landrovers etc in the army and overseas, thats alot of driving.And yes I would feel easy teaching other driver infact have done it and so have 100s of others.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
it is a very different thing knowing a subject than teaching it, i have had very bad experiences of accompanying learner drivers that have not learned the basics from their instructor.
Guest 655- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,247
I agree with those who are saying it is important to learn with a qualified instructor from the start. Forget the damage to friendships and family rows with DIY learning, a proper instructor will make sure you learn the right way the first time.
One of my clients taught my two boys and he was superb, a miracle worker in fact to get them through the test!!
Nigel Slater 07956 340022
He is also a specialist in trailer training.
SWWood- Location: Dover
- Registered: 30 May 2012
- Posts: 261
I might add that the driving test has changed massively over the past 50 years. There are still some drivers on the road who got their licence before the driving test was even introduced.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
my most memorable ride was taking out the local launderette owner in his car for practice. started by knocking down his own front fence and went downhill after that. he would adhere to mirror, signal, manoeuvre then pull out despite who was coming past.
i found out later that he had been told by a family member that if he had 'l' plates on then it was up to other drivers to take evasive action .
Guest 743- Registered: 28 Feb 2012
- Posts: 260
I second Barrys post above
Nigal Slater is a absolute gem great instructor trained me on my trailer towing past first time 1 minor he is very instructive and has plenty of patience.
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
My mother was taught by a friend in 1939- Freddie Laker!
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Andy B- Location: dover
- Registered: 10 Nov 2012
- Posts: 1,818
I passed with Don Turner,Password school of motoring back in the early 80s.He was from Pioneer Rd,Dover.A good instructor he was,lots of my friends passed with him.I had a few lessons before that with,Peter Wickens,Easylearn,from Effingham Cresent,Dover.I couldnt get on with him or his worn out Ford Escort.It didnt help that he smoked in the car as well.I remember that the speedo and switches were often covered in fag ash as was most of the floor.He didnt use the ashtray.
Guest 745- Registered: 27 Mar 2012
- Posts: 3,370
Not good to start driving in an automatic