June 26, 2025

“The Driving Instructors You’ll Wish You Swerved!”

Steer Clear! The Driving Instructors You Might Want to Avoid
By the Britannia Motoring News Desk

At Britannia Driving School, we believe your journey to becoming a confident driver should be smooth, safe—and even a little enjoyable! But every road has its bumps, and sometimes, those bumps come in the form of… questionable driving instructors. While most are brilliant mentors, a few might stall your progress. Here are three types you’d do well to avoid—and how to get back in the fast lane if you encounter them!

1. The Gossip

“Did I tell you about my ex-wife’s new boyfriend?”
No? And you didn’t sign up for it either.

Meet the instructor who’s more interested in dishing the latest on his love life, golf scores, or last holiday in Ibiza than in your mirror-signal-manoeuvre routine. Sure, a little chit-chat can ease the nerves, but if you’re sweating through a parallel park while he’s rambling on about lasagna recipes, it’s time to speak up.

Tip: Politely say you find the conversation distracting and want to focus more on the driving. If he doesn’t shift gears, you might need to find an instructor who talks less and teaches more.

2. The Critic

You make a driving error, and it’s like you’ve committed a crime against humanity.

Every instructor should give feedback—it’s part of the job! But feedback should build you up, not break your confidence like a dodgy clutch. Some students thrive under tough love, but if every lesson feels like a verbal driving exam, it’s okay to ask for a gentler approach.

Tip: Tell them you’d benefit from more encouragement. Still getting barked at? Then it’s your signal to indicate right—towards a different instructor.

 

⏱️ 3. The Short-Changer

Lesson starts at 2pm… Instructor rolls up at 2:13pm with a coffee in hand. Hmm.

We all know traffic happens (especially in London!), but if your one-hour lesson is regularly trimmed down to 45 minutes, you’re getting short-changed. That time is yours—you’ve paid for it!

Tip: Make sure missed minutes are made up in future sessions. If they keep “forgetting,” it might be time to drive off into the sunset—with someone else.

 

Final Thought from Britannia
Learning to drive is a big milestone, and the right instructor can make all the difference. If your current one is more of a roadblock than a guide, don’t be afraid to switch lanes. At Britannia Driving School, our instructors are friendly, professional, and 100% committed to helping you pass with confidence—and maybe even a smile!

Ready to find your perfect match? Give us a call on 0800 252 692. We’ll keep your learning journey on track and traffic-free! ️✨