Negative driving instructor

patman99

My friend is a driving instructor and one day he showed us a photo of the damage done to his car when one of his pupils, when out on test, failed to spot a van and pulled out into it's path.

dlm

Change instructor. Go for an established Independant insutructor as they do not upsell like corporate groups or companies do.
My first was BSM, spent 6 lessons driving round the block (they always estimate on national average of 30 or something) - mates instructor had him on main roads on lesson two, and by 6 was on the test route practising manourvres.

I changed to his independant.- 3 lessons later (he was tough, I asked him to be) I was put in for test and passed.

bigjl

spottycat wrote: »

I think the problem is once I do a mistake which could be hesitating at the roundabout, using the clutch to early when approaching a junction, or using the clutch to late, we pull over and he gets quite irate. I'd prefer it if we could deal with the problem appropriately..not just tell me off. Then I get nervous and because I'm trying to be so perfect I make more mistakes...

Have you ever thought he is getting irate because after all these lessons you are still making basic errors such as proper use of the clutch?

Of course as is the norm these days it's the instructors fault.

Too many school sports days when everybody gets a medal.

I suggest you consider sitting your test in an automatic.

One other point, do you actually think 50hours tuition in six months is a lot?

Everybody learns at a different pace. And some people are unable to accept when they are not as good at something as they feel they are.

spottycat

bigjl wrote: »

Have you ever thought he is getting irate because after all these lessons you are still making basic errors such as proper use of the clutch?

Of course as is the norm these days it's the instructors fault.

Too many school sports days when everybody gets a medal.

I suggest you consider sitting your test in an automatic.

One other point, do you actually think 50hours tuition in six months is a lot?

Everybody learns at a different pace. And some people are unable to accept when they are not as good at something as they feel they are.

Ok so he's irate because I'm making basic errors after many lessons but at the same time everyone learns at a different pace?

Why would he make me book a test twice, telling me I'm ready then not?

Ok the errors are my fault, but when you have approached a junction and told you put the clutch down too soon so next time you are told you did too late? I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong or right.

It's either too fast or too slow like the example I gave at a roundabout. If I hold back I'm too slow if I go I'm too fast.

Another example that confuses me, reversing around a corner he told me I must get this manoeuvre done in 60 seconds, if I'm longer than this he says I'm too slow, too slow doing checks and turning yet when I think I'll do better next time and quicker he says I'm too fast, my speed was to quick, I must take time to check?

I'm not trying to make out he is wrong and I am right...I just want an opinion on what to do?

I'm confused I have been made to book a test yet since I booked the first test I've just been told I need more hours, if I need 60 or 70 hours that's ok but why make me book then tell me I'm never ready?
Then I get another instructor who says I am
It's all very discouraging and confusing I either feel like giving up or just going for the test regardless to see the result.

spottycat

dlm wrote: »

Change instructor. Go for an established Independant insutructor as they do not upsell like corporate groups or companies do.
My first was BSM, spent 6 lessons driving round the block (they always estimate on national average of 30 or something) - mates instructor had him on main roads on lesson two, and by 6 was on the test route practising manourvres.

I changed to his independant.- 3 lessons later (he was tough, I asked him to be) I was put in for test and passed.

He is an independent instructor just seems to be getting very frustrated with me lately

Richard53

Being a good teacher is as much about being able to motivate the learner and understand how they think as it is about expertise in the topic. The first instructor may be the greatest driver in the world, but he sounds a lousy teacher. Negativity is always destructive. Go with the guy who makes you feel confident and happy. If you have to postpone your test to make that fit, then do it.

robbies_gal

i would rebook and go with the other instructor at antoher time

nothing worse than someone who hasnt got any patience with you-same happened to me but much earlier on

rich13348

patman99 wrote: »

My friend is a driving instructor and one day he showed us a photo of the damage done to his car when one of his pupils, when out on test, failed to spot a van and pulled out into it's path.

I would say that the assessor was not paying attention either. It's a dual control car just because it's not his car doesn't mean he can't use the second set of pedals. I would go as far to say it's willful negligence. He saw the van coming but failed to act to avoid the situation.

Marvel1

spottycat wrote: »

For example today at a roundabout I had done my checks and was ready to go when he went on the brakes! He asked if I had seen the car on the right in time, which I had he apologised

Um reading this, it's a bit confusing.

misswansea

It took me over 6 months to learn (1-2 hrs a week) but I had a big break through when I had to change instructor for money saving reasons (the first one joined a new driving school which doubled the price of the lessons)
My new instructor instantly pointed out several things I could change to improve my driving, a fresh pair of eyes and a new approach to sort out my issues, and I passed at my next attempt.

I think you should change instructor, after 50 hours your first instructor has probably taken you as far as he can.
Also anyone who shouts at you does not deserve your money!