Learning how to drive is hard enough, let alone with a driving instructor who gives you a hard time about it. The best way to learn how to drive well is to find a good driving instructor! Instructors come in many shapes, sizes, so if you can choose, you need to know what to be on the lookout for.
Whether you’re 16 or 33, it’s never too late to find the right driving instructor! Whether you’ve already enrolled in drivers’ Ed, or you’re still researching, this list has got you covered. Here are the four most important things to be on the lookout for when choosing a driving instructor. Keep these points in mind and start your driving journey off right!
1. They Have the Credentials
The first things you should be on the lookout for in your driving instructor are good credentials and experience. If your instructor has been to a reputable instructor training center or program, it’s always a good sign. The more experience your instructor has with inexperienced drivers, the better they’ll be able to teach you.
Make sure that your driving instructor is legit before getting into a car with them. Check in with the driving school about the credentials and experience before you start. If you’re just starting out, avoid the newbie instructors, and go for the certified oldtimers, who know what they’re doing.
2. The Right Teaching Style for You
When choosing a driving instructor, it’s important to listen to your gut and go with what works for you. There are plenty of instructors out there with different teaching styles and philosophies. Some people prefer their instructor to have a more tough-love approach to teaching and to always point out mistakes.
Others prefer someone with a softer approach who’s willing to take things slow and go easy on you. Whatever you prefer, the key to learning the material well is to find an instructor with a teaching style that suits you. Figure out what approach you’d prefer and look for someone who matches that description.
3. Good Communication Skills
Good communication skills are an essential part of being a good driving instructor. When learning how to drive, you have a tone of information to remember, factors to think about, and things to stress about. Keeping all this in mind while driving can be stressful, so it’s crucial that you find an instructor who can help talk you through it.
Your driving instructor should be able to communicate with you calmly and clearly. You want to be working with someone who can help you learn and understand everything about your car, by explaining it well. Unless you want to have an even tougher time learning how to drive, find an instructor who has good communication skills.
4. Patient and Cool-Headed
Last but not least, having a patient and cool-headed driving instructor is key to getting your license. Driving when you’re inexperienced is a high-stress environment, and it’s easy to make mistakes and mess up. It’s normal to mess up, but you need to be careful when you’re on the road with other cars around.
You need to have someone who can help you handle any situation in a calm and patient manner. Find a level-headed instructor who can guide you through sticky situations without losing their head over them. This both keeps you calm and makes sure nothing else goes wrong while you’re on the road.
So there you have it! Finding the right driving instructor can be tough, but it’s easier with these 4 tips in mind! To find the best person for the job, make sure to check out your instructor’s credentials and experience before you start. When looking through the candidates, go with the instructor who has a teaching style that works for you. Learning to drive with someone whose approach fits your needs is essential.
Look for someone who has good communication skills, to achieve the best results. Last but not least, make sure you choose a driving instructor who is patient and cool-headed in stressful situations. Things can get pretty stressful on the road, so it’s important to make sure at least one of you stays calm! Good luck and happy searching!