How to find the right Driver's Education instructor

Ask most people, and they’ll tell you they’re a good driver. The reality, though, is that there is a good chance they have habits behind the wheel that would land them a ticket or two.

Most people tend to develop more aggressive or lazy driving behaviour over time, so when you’re just starting to learn how to drive make sure you develop good defensive driving habits that will save you money in the future.

It’s common to learn to drive from a parent or another family member, but there’s a good argument choosing a driving school or instructor over Mom and Dad. Not only can the right driving school save you money on your insurance, it help you get your license faster and better prepare you for the licensing tests. Here’s what to look at when looking for a good Driver’s Education instructor:

Go to a government-approved instructor

A great place to start is looking at the schools that have passed the standards laid out by the same organization that’s granting you your licence. Government-approved schools typically come with the advantage of scoring you a pretty big discount on your car insurance, often up to 25%. This makes those lessons well worth the upfront cost.

In Ontario, government-approved driving classes also allow you to take the G2 Road Test four months sooner than learning on your own. Get on the road sooner with the help of a good Driever’s Education instructor.

Use your personal circle

Family members and friends can probably recommend instructors they personally feel are good at their jobs. A personal testimony like that holds a lot of weight. Not only can you see the results of the instructor’s teaching, but you might start off on a friendly foot having a personal connection from the outset.

Aside from recommendations, it’s also possible that family and (very trusting) friends let you practice using their cars. Realize, though, that people who aren’t trained instructors tend to get a little nervous and protective when letting amateurs behind the wheel. Sometimes this can lead to tension, which isn’t good for anyone in the relationship. You generally drive better when you’re relaxed.

Get to know the instructor before committing

Sit down and talk with the person you’ll learn from before you actually commit to purchasing the service. You want to feel comfortable so you are more relaxed and less likely to make mistakes.

A good driving instructor has many of the same qualities as a good school teacher:

• Patience

• Experience

• Good communication skills

When interviewing a Driver’s Education instructor, ask practical questions about the lessons to help you decide if they make a good fit for you. Some questions are fairly obvious, such as making sure the instructor is available when you are, and how much the lessons cost. Other things you should ask are a little less obvious:

• What will the course/lessons include? Some include use of their car for the road test at the end of the training period.

• Does the lesson time include pick-up and drop-off?

• What is the cancellation/rescheduling policy? Will you pay a fee, lose out on the lesson, or reschedule at no cost?

• Are they local? This is important if you need an in-class course.

Once you find the right Driver’s Education instructor, you can be well on your way to learning how to driver safer – and maybe even save money on your auto insurance.