We work as a team. We can do things in the traditional style, with in car briefings and explanations, repetitive practice, and if that is what's needed to get things right, then so be it. However, a large percentage of people can prepare for (and revise after) lessons, so if you have put in the work with the on-line resources (video briefings, drivethroughs, demos, revision notes and much more) contained within the members section of the affiliate website www.stevethompson-adi.info you can look forward to a much more practical driving lesson, with more practice and less time sat looking at diagrams and listening to briefings. As you prepare for your test, the drivethrough clips will help you develop a better understanding of the junctions in the area. Use your spare time to improve your knowledge so that when you are on a driving lesson, you are applying what you already know (from your revision), and not learning as you go or being told what to do because you have no prior subject knowledge (This often leads to misunderstandings which then impact on preparation routines and performance)
Total cost is by far the best measure, and this is what I propose to reduce for you. Individual lesson prices are varied and usually fairly close between instructors in a local area (because they have similar costs). Beware of hourly rates that are out of line with your local average as these can be misleading. Also consider the price per hour is an obvious comparison, but how many of those hours will you need ? 35hrs @ £22.50p is considerably cheaper than 50hrs @ £19.50p (almost £200 in fact), and when added to the potential savings that could be made by using the FREE online training facilities provided by Steve Thompson ADI , you have much more input to what your total spend is. The overall cost of learning to drive can be reduced by a more thoughtful lesson programme that changes as you improve, thus maximising what you achieve per pound spent. It is no longer acceptable for instructors to tell their students when and how long their lessons will be. It is a matter for discussion and choice. Make sure your options are open for your training to be flexible, especially as you approach your test
The DSA advice is that it takes the average trainee about 45hrs of tuition and 22hrs of private practice to get anywhere near the required standard to pass a driving test. This is an area where possible savings can be made, but that will depend on you. How you undertake this training is definitely your choice. It can be arranged at your chosen pace, but remember, you will always have to work within the constraints of your local test centre waiting lists (Not much point in doing a 5 day course and then waiting 8 weeks for a test). So, if you have a more intensive course in mind, make sure you can get a test date that fits in with that training programme. The local centre here in Norwich usually has a waiting time of between 6 and 8 weeks although this can vary. It therefore makes sense to conduct you training over a period of time, however sometimes personal circumstances dictate a more radical approach which is where a fastracktraining programme can be more suitable (for suitable candidates)
So the choice is now yours. Whatever you choose, whoever you select to be your instructor (and I hope it will be me), the final decision is down to you. The training site will still be there if you want it. Free for clients, but membership available to those who aren't. Take a look at the New Visitors Page HERE to see what is available. Good luck, whatever you decide to do
