Driving lessons for student

magicalmilliecat

Sorry if this post is in the wrong forum but, I wasn't sure where to post!

I'm an undergraduate student, going in to my second year at Aberdeen after the summer. I live a bit out of the city and have been getting a train, then a bus in to the university each day which not only costs a fortune but, takes ages. I've finally decided that I NEED to learn to drive (I'm 23 and have been putting it off!).

Does anyone know of any discounts available to students for driving lessons? Or can recommend driving instructors in the Aberdeen area? I was considering taking an intensive driving course but, have no idea where I could find a course locally.

Any advice or tips will be gratefully received!

cajef

BSM do student discount, however a local independent instructor may still be cheaper, best way to go is by recommendation, ask around your fellow students.

http://www.bsm.co.uk/special-offers/

FreheitOverture

Thing is with BSM the drivers do not have to be as highly qualified as the independents. I know this for a fact as am friends with a driving instructor. Basically they are covered under company insurance which means they need fewer qualifications

cajef

FreheitOverture wrote: »

Thing is with BSM the drivers do not have to be as highly qualified as the independents. I know this for a fact as am friends with a driving instructor. Basically they are covered under company insurance which means they need fewer qualifications

If that is what your instructor friend has told you he is talking a load of rubbish, tell him to get his facts straight, how does insurance affect an ADI's qualifications?

I was a driving instructor who worked for BSM and as an independent and can assure you all ADI's have to pass the same examination with the DSA before they are allowed to teach whether they work for a driving school or themselves, the only exceptions are when they are training when they are allowed to teach under supervision for a maximum of 6 months and if they do not qualify within that period they are then banned until they pass the final examination.

All ADI's are graded from 1 to 6 and are recalled by the DSA for a check test and regraded every four years, anyone falling below grade four has to retake the part three ability to instruct exam and if they cannot improve their grade will have their licence to instruct removed until they can reach the minimum grade 4 standard, there are grade 4 to 6 instructors with BSM just the same as with independent instructors.

Mojisola

My sons have had their driving lessons through BSM and I have been very impressed with the instructors. BSM also have a very structured approach to the skills required to pass the test. After each lesson you can see which skills have been practised and what standard has been reached.

cajef

Mojisola wrote: »

My sons have had their driving lessons through BSM and I have been very impressed with the instructors. BSM also have a very structured approach to the skills required to pass the test. After each lesson you can see which skills have been practised and what standard has been reached.

BSM has an excellent driving instructor training school, the majority of instructors train with them and they are offered guaranteed employment, some instructors stay with them others leave and go independent.

Just as in all jobs there are good and bad instructors both with the driving schools and independents, that is why I always tell people that recommendations are the best way to find an instructor, if that is not possible and someone books lessons on spec. and they are not happy with the instructor or his instruction, don't think they have to persevere with him, change instructor, they should remember they are the customer, that also applies to the driving schools, BSM will allocate another instructor if someone is not happy and asks for a change or if you know a good instructor that works for BSM you can ask for that instructor.

isthiswhatyouwant

Had 'em with BSM aswell and can only say i'm very satisfied with 'em.

melancholly

usually, the best way to get a 'good' instructor for you is by a personal recommendation. it's all about the personality of the instructor and how that fits with you!! do any friends have suggestions? it's worth asking school friends too, since a lot of people start lessons at 17.

magicalmilliecat

Thank you all for the advice.

BSM's deals look very good - thank you for the link cajef. Also good to know that someone has had some experience of BSM and were happy with the service, Mojisola and sons, and isthiswhatyouwant.

I only recently moved to this area so don't know of many private instructors. I will ask some friends tomorrow for recommendations.

Thank you again everyone for your help! I will let you know how I get on!

kr15snw

Best thing is to go with a reccomendation from a friend, as then you have an idea what your getting.

I had an instructor which a few of my friends had, and he happened to work with BSM. The company were good and I liked the way they worked. For example when I started learning my instructor assesed me after my 2nd lesson and said 'right book your test for 6 weeks time (knowing I was having 4 hours a week)' So I did as I was told.

When I asked what would happen if I wasnt ready my instructor explained that the tests could be 'swapped' with another student of BSM if they were ready but their test wasnt for a few weeks. I thought this was a very clever idea! By telling me to book in advance I didnt waste money on lessons. I had countless friends with other instructors who waited until they were fully ready, then told them to book their theory! From this date it was about 3 - 4 months before they were able to take their driving test. Meaning LOTS of extra lessons and cash!