10/04/2026
It has come to light that I have been accused of being "not a great teacher" and not knowing what I am talking about.
I would like to say that I care very much about all of my learners and have and always will put them and their safety first. The job of a driving instructor isn't easy, we face challenges daily through teaching people a life skill that could one day save a life. I work tirelessly to keep my pupils safe whilst in lessons and once they've passed. Every day I am met by inpatient drivers who deliberately put instructors and their learners in danger, but every day we smile. I treat every learner as an individual, with respect but above all, I make sure they are safe and fully prepared for their test.
With test bookings as horrific as they are now, instructors and learners grab tests for whenever they can. Sometimes we pull tests forward where we can, but sometimes we have to postpone them. As a responsible instructor I always have this discussion with my learners when initially booking the test and I keep the conversations going throughout lessons. I would be heartbroken if any of my learners felt I hadn't been honest and upfront or that I had deliberately held them back.
It's not about convincing me to change my mind or to agree to "having a go at the test". I have a duty of care to make sure my learners are as competent and confident on the day bar nerves.
The DVSA state that to be ready for test you must demonstrate that you don't need prompts from an instructor, you do not make any serious or dangerous faults, you have passed a mock test and your instructor agrees you're ready.
If I think, all but nerves, you are ready, then absolutely I would say yes let's take the test. But if I go against my gut instincts and let you "have a go" then two things could happen, firstly you pass, which then potentially puts you at risk because you're then going to drive your car when you're not independent enough, or you don't pass and that knocks your confidence even more and will cost you a lot more in the long run. Would another few weeks really be such a bad thing, to give you that little extra practice and confidence? Could that make the difference in saving someone's life. I have seen too many accidents where young people have been hurt or killed due to naivety and lack of experience. I never want that to be one of my learners.
If anyone is concerned about my teaching or has any questions, then please speak to me. I'm easy to talk to, I don't ever get angry but most of all I will always be honest.
I love my job and my learners but I have to say this has really upset me, that my judgement has been questioned and my reputation slandered. I will continue to teach to the best of my ability and will always do the best for every single one of my learners to get them passed as soon as they're ready whilst keeping them safe.
