My BSM driving school nightmare

System

mookiandco wrote: »

I had the misfortune of using BSM before I changed to an independent who was fantastic. Amongst other things, my BSM instructor used to sing hymns ( amazing grace was his favourite) throughout the lessons. He also refused to get out of the car and would slide from the driving seat to the passenger seat when I went to get in (he was seriously creepy). The final straw came when he asked me to bang my head against the windscreen (he demonstrated this on the outside of the car windscreen). When I asked why, he told me he was showing how much it would hurt me if I had a crash!!!!

:eek: that sounds seriously creepy

I am pretty sure my instructor *ahem* passed wind on a few occasions whilst we were driving ... it was very awkward ... and smelt seriously bad ... *shudders*

Kayteehee

I don't think driving instructors are legally allowed to use their phone whilst driving - they are supervising you ... and as using a mobile is illegal... I think whilst they are in charge of you that is illegal too.

foxy-roxy

I went with an independant and he was brilliant, came highly recommended, my sister, ex boyfriend and all his friends used him and we all passed 1st time.

He always used to be proud that he didn't need to advertise in the local paper as he got lots of work through word of mouth.

So always ask friends / family who they recommend.

DebtHater

I had a driving instructor who did nothing but moan, complain and grumble about anything and everything.

He also used to wolf-whistle at females as we drove past, making odd sexual remarks too. Very weird individual with some very weird tastes lol

I complained to the firm who confirmed he was a unliked chap - he got the sack anyways due to the many complaints he had against him.

Went to a local independent, who was very very good. Went at the pace I wanted to, he even asked me where I fancied driving to, if I wanted to do town or country driving etc, I felt like he really gave me the choice of what I wanted to learn and what I felt needed more time etc. Passed first time with 1 minor, the instructor came with me and the examiner praised both me and the instructor for a "very pleasant drive and a model learner driver"

I used the same instructor for the Pass Plus scheme 3 weeks later.

It does indeed pay to shop around, and pay lesson-by-lesson until you know the instructor. I know its cheaper to book in blocks, but its not worth the hassle of having to use up your credit with an instructor you dont like

Mickey247

I learnt with an indepenent instructor but I'm sure it was booked through some kind of network idea (not the big names like BSM or AA). Anyways, the guy was good and I passed so money well spent - quite possibly less money than the big names might charge but this was also a long time ago now.

Kazipoo

My driving instructor was great, we got on like a house on fire, I was only with him for 6 months all told, started in the December, passed in the May, I was going to take the pass plus course with him too, but I got a phonecall from him after I had passed... apparently his wife had taken a dislike to me (I had never met her, and I am happily married with 4 kids) because I was too friendly and it would be best if I forgot about the pass plus course. Despite this, his teaching methods were excellent, and both the hubby and myself have agreed that when our girls want to learn, which frighteningly enough could be as soon as this year, we will contact him to see if he would be willing to teach them. Mine was with LDC, don't know whether they are national??

savemoney

My daughter just about to look for a driving instructor, I told her to avoid the main ones like AA forgot about BSM but more reason to not use them I go with a local instructor, I got one in mind as I spoke to him before and seems a nice guy

If I paid someone for an hour I expect an hour of there attention unless it was a urgent call

System

baza52 wrote: »

you could say he had taught you well. If you were able to take him to and thro like a cab driver he must have done his job.
Did you fail your test because of this instructor ?
Did you pass?

I have taken a break from driving lessons because of exams. I started lessons last summer and the idea was to do my driving test before exams started, but it's taken much longer than anticipated. BSM instructors basically flat out refuse to take you for the test until they deem you are ready. I know people who've ended up having to take the driving test with relatives cars (and pass) because BSM were refusing to take them for the test until they had more lessons.

Ivrytwr3

The OH told me of her driving instructor. Apparently an old lech and perv. He used to make any excuse to touch the female students and when they made a mistake would wrap their knuckles with a wooden cane!

Spank me!

Amistoso_2

That's a shame OP, sounds like you've had a rough deal. Have to say tho that I learned with BSM myself, my instructor was brill and I only took 8 weeks from starting to passing first time! had 1 double lesson a week, he had a great way of explaining things so that I understood him. Don't tar them all with the same brush...