Driving instructor recommendation in (East) London?

Hi everyone -

I just received my provisional license and am getting ready to sign up for some driving lessons in preparation for the exam.

I'm wondering if anyone on the board has a recommendation for a driving instructor in  or around London (preferably East London or nearby) who could help me prepare.

I'm an experienced US driver but am looking for an instructor who can help me make the transition from US to UK driving.

Thanks in advance



 

Hi Norcal,

I'm in Scotland, so don't have an instructor recommendation, but I would advise that driving instructors will try to get you to do more lessons than you really need, so look out for that. I had a really good instructor, but she still took me out more than I felt was necessary, telling me I needed more practice. The more practice the better, of course, but at £25/hour, it gets expensive. I got my automatic license and probably spent about 10 hours (£250) in total for lessons, practice tests and using the instructor's car for the exam.

Thanks Serena I will keep that in mind. With ILR application last year and driver's license and citizenship application this year I'm keen to avoid any unnecessary expense!

Best wishes

I'm interested in this too. After 2 years, I need to get my driver's license and would love a recommendation for East London.

Recommendations for something as individual as a driving instructor are not always worthwhile. When I was starting my lessons, my work colleague gave me the card of her instructor. She had really loved him and sang his praises. I, on the other hand, hated him and left after one lesson. 

I ended up trying out 3 before settling with the last guy. You need someone you can work with easily as this is a very expensive process not to mention stressful. Call around and ask if anyone offers a cheaper "trial" lesson to see if you get on with them.

Good luck!

I live in East London and had a great driving instructor. She was a pain in the butt sometimes (I've been driving in the US since I was 16, gimme a break!), but she really helped me to learn what I needed to know in order to pass the test (and not cause a crash). And I did pass. First time. The driver examiner even commented that it was one of the more pleasant drives he had when he was testing me!

Her name is Lee-anne Russell. She was just setting up her own business (used to work with a large driving school) last July when I passed. Her number is 07931 842475.

Highly recommend

Lisa

Thanks very much Lisa, I will give Lee-anne a try! Will post back here how it works out.

Courtney thanks for your advice. Definitely looking for a good personal match -- will keep it in mind even with a good recommendation.

Best wishes

 

Yes, I'd love to know how it goes.