Choosing a driving instructor

A good instructor makes learning quicker, safer and much less stressful. Here's how to check someone is qualified and whether they're the right fit for you.

Check they're qualified

Only approved driving instructors (ADIs) and trainee instructors can charge for lessons. They must display a badge in the windscreen during lessons:

• Green badge: a fully qualified approved driving instructor.
• Pink badge: a trainee instructor with a trainee licence.

Trainees can be very good, but you should know which you're booking. You can also look for instructors on GOV.UK: find driving schools, lessons and instructors.

Manual or automatic?

If you pass in an automatic car, your licence only lets you drive automatics. If you pass in a manual you can drive both. Automatics can be quicker to learn in, and electric cars are automatic, so it's worth thinking about what you'll drive afterwards.

Questions worth asking

• Is the car dual-controlled, and is it manual or automatic?
• How long is a lesson, and where does it start and finish?
• Do you offer longer lessons or block bookings, and what is the cancellation policy?
• How will you record my progress?
• Can I use your car for the test?

Getting the most from lessons

• Ask for a short recap at the end of each lesson of what went well and what to work on.
• Be honest about what you find hard; good instructors adapt.
• If the fit isn't right after a few lessons, it's fine to change instructor.

Next step: practising with family or friends

Last reviewed: November 2026