Driving lessons query?

Question

My son is taking driving lessons,and was told that he must have the minumun number of lessons, which is 50. He took the first 5 lessons already.Its going to cost him £900 altogether.Could you give your advise please. Thank you.

Answer 1

Take it from a recently retired ADI, get rid of that instructor he's taking your son for all he can.

If you turn the question around, ask the instructor if he's seriously saying he can't get anyone to test standard without 50 lessons and watch him squirm and stammer!

Edit re your edit,    That makes it even more ridiculous, get rid of him!

Answer 2

thats absolute bullshit they say it takes double your age in lessons but its c**p it takes as long as it takes. Normally more like 20 lessons

Answer 3

My advise is go somewhere else. You do not have to have a certain number of lessons

Answer 4

Since when did 50 hours at the wheel become a prerequisite to take a test?  I cannot believe this, it seems a way to tie learners in to a juicy contract. I am aware that driving instructors are having a tough time and there are often too few pupils to go round.  And what if he conflicts with or simply doesn't feel his instructor is good for him?  I have seen this kind of behaviour in other fields and it needs to be avoided.  I think he is being conned. Best thing is to talk to other driving schools or instructors and get an opinion!

Answer 5

you can take your fly test with less than that

Answer 6

Absolute bullshit & a complete rip off.

There is NO legal requirement to have ANY lessons with an instructor, but this behaviour seems very common, an absolutely ridiculous waste of money.

New instructor, please!

Answer 7

Nah thats tosh go to another instructor the amount of lessons differs for everyone.

I NEVER had one proper lesson!

Answer 8

Hi, I appreciate your concerns and will, no doubt get numerous "thumbs down" for this answer but it is quite possible that your son might need 50 lessons.

I know there are instructors out there that are in the business of ripping people off and NOT teaching people to drive, however....

Everyone learns to drive at different speeds. Some people will be ready for test after about 20 hours tuition, but some people will take 80 hours!

You must also take into consideration the area that your son will be taking his test. I cover Coventry, Nuneaton and Hinckley test centres and I know that on average it will take people at least 10 hours more in Coventry than in Nuneaton or Hinckley for the shear fact that it is a LOT harder to learn there! A lot of learning to drive is learning awkward road systems and junctions, and trust me there are some delights in the test areas around here!

I do two hour lessons (and have done since leaving BSM and setting up on my) and find it cuts down on the number of hours required, but still, even the the quickest learners need at least about 26-30 hours tuition.

The standard required these days to pass your test is higher than ever as the government endeavour to cure the hideous number of young deaths on the roads each year, and therefore the training required is far greater than 11 years ago when I took my test - I needed about 30 lessons back then and I practiced virtually every day in my mum's car - driving EVERYWHERE possible!!

As a very rough guide please visit the DSA's website at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/Lea... and you will find the following statement: "Those who pass their driving test have had, on average, about 45 hours of professional training combined with 22 hours of private practice. Learners who prepare this way, with a combination of plenty of professional training and plenty of practice, do better in the test."

OK, lastly I just want to say, I do not agree with instructors ripping people off - they give us honest instructors a bad name, but before you immediately change driving instructors consider the fact that your instructor might just be being honest with you - letting you know before hand that he/she thinks your son will need X number of lessons - I had a woman in her late 50's and after about 4 lessons I knew it was going to take her a little longer than normal , so I was honest with her and told her from the start - she said she didn't care as long is I got her there! It took her over a year (mainly as it took her 6 attempts at her theory) but she passed 2nd time and is now driving happily!

If you are still unsure about your instructors honesty - get another instructor to assess your son's driving - he will no doubt tell your son that he will be ready after just 10 lessons (in order to get the business!!) and put your son in for test when he's not ready causing him to fail 1st attempt and feel terrible about himself!

I pride myself on my good reputation - I get most of my business from word of mouth - and strive to be the best, most honest instructor in my area, but I'm afraid, it is quite possible that you will need 50 hours to pass your test where I live - that's just the way it goes.

Best wishes - and I wish your son all the very best in his training and his test.

Answer 9

Legaly you can turn up to the test centre having never even driven a car, you would fail the test but that's your problem.

Most instructors I've known or had friends and family use will start you with a reduced price on a block booking of 5 to 10 lesons and see how you do, Then put you in for the test when they feel you are ready, no mater how few lessons you have.

So get another instructor would be best.

Answer 10

Either he or the driving school is having you on!

They like you to have done 20 HOURS before taking a test is all.

Average price is about £20-25 in UK.

My daughter has had about 7 lessons so far and isnt far off her test - she will have another five maybe.  In the meantime I take her out to brush up on everyday driving skills.

But 50 lessons!  d**n - I should change professions now and become a driving instructor!!

Answer 11

Sound like your getting ripped off, 50!!!!!!!!!!!!!