How to Choose a Driving School and Instructor
Your journey towards a driving licence begins at driving school. Your choice affects not only how quickly you learn, but also how safe and confident you feel on the road.
How can you tell whether a driving school is good?
When choosing a driving school, take your time. Consider a few important things:
- Quality of teaching. Does the school use modern equipment (slides, video material, KET tests)? Are theory lessons clear and engaging rather than overly dry?
- Teachers and instructors. A good instructor is patient, calm and clearly explains everything. They should not shout at you or rush you.
- Cars. They must be neat, clean and specially adapted for learning to drive.
- It is very important that the school allocates no fewer lessons than required by law:
- 40 academic hours of theory;
- 30 academic hours of practical driving.
- Be cautious if a school offers a “faster and cheaper” course with fewer lessons.
Also:
- ask your friends where they studied;
- look for reviews online, for example on a website
Driving-course prices - what does it include?
Be sure to find out exactly what you are paying for:
- are theory lectures included in the price;
- are all practical driving sessions included;
- will you have to pay extra for fuel;
- are school theory and practical exams included in the price.
Also ask:
- How much does an additional driving lesson cost?, if needed (which happens very often - and it's normal).
Medical certificate and first-aid courses
Find out if it is possible to get a medical certificate and complete a certified first-aid course at the school of your choice. How much does it cost? More information is available at sveikatospazymos.lt.
The training contract is very important
Before signing the contract:
- read it to the end;
- make sure that clearly states what you are paying for and how much;
- check how many lessons are included.
- Be sure to check out:
- the contract-termination terms, if you decide to change schools;
- whether there are any additional charges that are not mentioned in the beginning.
Choosing an instructor is very important
Even a good driving school may not be suitable if the instructor does not "match" you. Before you start:
- find out whether you can change instructors, if you feel uncomfortable;
- ask whether the instructor explains things calmly, instead of merely criticising;
- check whether they allow you to learn at your own pace.
If after a few lessons you feel tense or afraid to make mistakes, this is a sign that it is worth talking to the school.
Driving lesson schedule - is it convenient for you?
Think ahead:
- are theory lectures after classes or lectures?
- is it possible to combine driving lessons after school, on weekends or during holidays?
- are the lessons held very rarely (for example, once every two weeks - it is more difficult to study this way).
Regular driving lessons (once or twice a week) help you build skills more quickly.
Where will the driving lessons take place?
This is very important, but often overlooked:
- find out in which city or district driving will take place;
- will you learn to drive? exam routes;
- will you practice not only in empty lots but also in real traffic.
The more experience you gain in real traffic, the less stressful the exam is likely to feel.
Learning theory: live or remotely?
Some schools offer:
- theory lessons live in the classroom;
- theory remotely (via video lectures).
Think about what suits you better:
- if you find it easier to concentrate in a classroom, choose in-person lessons;
- if you want to learn at your own pace - remote theory may be more convenient.
The most important thing is not the format, but whether understand the rules, rather than simply memorising test answers.
Taking driving exams: what should you know in advance?
Find out:
- whether the school helps register for exams;
- whether you can take the school practical exam with the same car, which you study;
- whether the instructor prepares psychologically - explains what to expect during the exam.
This can greatly reduce exam anxiety.
Choose a driving school not only by price, but also by how comfortable you feel there. If the school and the instructor help, support and clearly teach, that's a good sign.
If something is not clear - ask!
What to do to get a driver's license?
How to prepare for the driving test on your own?
About driving tests at Regitra