Can I Change Driving Instructors If My Lessons Aren't Working?

Yes. You can change driving instructors if you want to.

Not every driving instructor will be suitable for every learner. There doesn't necessarily need to be anything wrong with the instructor or anything wrong with you. Sometimes it just isn't the right fit.

I've worked with plenty of learners in Swindon who have changed instructors for a number of different reasons. Equally, I know I won't suit every learner either.

If your driving lessons aren't working for you, you don't have to stay with the same instructor.

Why might I want to change driving instructors?

There isn't one set reason.

It could be the way you're being taught, the relationship you have with your instructor, availability, communication, or simply that you don't feel they're the right instructor for you.

Sometimes there might not even be a particular problem you can point to. You may just feel that you would be better learning with somebody else.

That doesn't automatically make your current instructor a bad instructor. Someone who works really well with one learner might not work as well with another.

Should I speak to my instructor before changing?

If you're comfortable doing that, it can be worth having the conversation first.

If there's something about your lessons that isn't working, your instructor might not know unless you tell them. There may be something they can change.

But you don't need permission to change driving instructors. If you've decided you want to learn with somebody else, you can.

Do I have to start again if I change driving instructors?

No.

A new instructor should work out where you are now and help you from there.

You may spend some time getting used to each other and there may be differences in the language, methods or explanations they use. That doesn't mean going back to the beginning. The experience and skills you've already developed don't disappear because you've changed instructor.

Can I change instructor if I've already booked my driving test?

Yes, but tell the new instructor that you already have a test booked when you contact them.

Having a test booked doesn't mean a new instructor will automatically be able to take you to it. They'll need to be available and they'll need an opportunity to see your driving before agreeing to provide their car for the test.

The closer your test is, the more important it is to discuss this before arranging lessons.

How do I find a new driving instructor?

Do some research rather than simply choosing the first instructor with availability.

Look at their website and read their reviews. Don't just look at the star rating. Read what learners actually say about their experience.

Think about what matters to you and what you want from your lessons. If you have questions, ask the instructor before committing to lessons.

DVSA's Ready to Pass guidance has a useful section on choosing a driving instructor. It suggests looking for someone who is reliable, adapts their teaching to suit you and focuses on helping you become a safe driver rather than just getting you through the test.

Read the DVSA guidance on choosing a driving instructor.

Most importantly, find an instructor who works for you.

Someone else having a great experience with an instructor doesn't guarantee you'll have the same experience. Not every instructor will suit every learner, and that's okay.

Is changing driving instructors the right decision?

Only you can decide that.

One difficult lesson doesn't necessarily mean you need a different instructor. Learning to drive can be difficult and you're not going to come away from every lesson feeling like everything went perfectly.

But if you've thought about it and don't feel your current instructor is right for you, you can change.

You don't need to start again. Find an instructor who works for you and continue from where you are.