What makes a good driving instructor?

A drivers license is one of life's greatest milestones. Being able to operate a vehicle opens up a world of possibilities that walking, riding a bike, or taking public transport cannot.

That being said, driving is also a big responsibility that requires full focus on doing everything possible to keep all parties on the road safe.

A large part of becoming a competent and responsible driver starts with being taught the right skills from the very beginning of the learning process, which is why selecting an effective driving instructor is so important. Setting the proper foundation from the start goes a long way in helping someone develop the ability to make smart decisions behind the wheel.

Whether you’re an aspiring driver looking for the right person to help you master safe driving skills or a parent of a teenage driver, here are a few important characteristics to keep in mind when searching for a driving instructor:

 That being said, driving is also a big responsibility that requires full focus on doing everything possible to keep all parties on the road safe.  

A large part of becoming a competent and responsible driver starts with being taught the right skills from the very beginning of the learning process. This is why selecting an effective driving instructor is so significant. Setting the proper foundation from the start goes a long way in helping someone develop the ability to make smart and safe decisions behind the wheel. 

Whether you're looking for a driving instructor who can help you develop safe driving skills or the parent of a teenage driver, here are a few key characteristics to keep in mind when searching for a driving instructor: 

Communication skills

When you're learning to drive, all of the moving parts can be a bit overwhelming. Experienced drivers sometimes take for granted how automatic it has become, but there are a lot of things to remember when navigating down the road: adjusting mirrors, checking before changing lanes, determining the right of way, braking evenly with the right amount of force. 

Male or female, driving instructors who are truly effective are able to simplify all of the major steps into easy-to-understand skill lessons rather than overwhelm students with information. Students will know what they are expected to do because the instructor’s directions are straightforward, simple, and easy to understand. 

Being Patient in Stressful Situations

When learning to drive, mistakes are bound to happen. In order to minimize the seriousness of potential mistakes, instructors must analyze a student's current ability and design their driving lessons accordingly. 

In spite of this, stressful situations still arise, and students can struggle with a skill (like parallel parking) despite many attempts, leaving them frustrated and discouraged. 

No matter what stressful things are happening during these lessons, your instructor should always remain calm and patient instead of showing frustration. If you make a mistake, you should not feel ashamed. It's how we all learn and improve, and every instructor out there was once in your shoes as a brand new driver. There is no magic bullet for learning to drive, and a skilled teacher knows that being calm and supportive is much more effective for building confidence and competence. 

Partnered With a Good Driving School

Obviously, you want to feel safe and comfortable with the person who teaches you how to operate a vehicle. Investigating a driving school before signing up can help you determine whether the company is credible and if the driving instructors they employ will be a good fit.