Driving Lessons

I'm looking into driving lessons in preparation for my test.  Any recommendations would be appreciated (individuals or motoring schools, etc.) 

I am in the Clapham/Battersea area if that helps.

 

I tried a small local firm, mostly because they were cheaper than the larger companies. It proved to be a false economy. Four failed tests later I switched to BSM who corrected all the learned bad habits that were stopping me passing and I passed on the the next go. Good luck.

Thanks for responding!  I'll call them first.

See, I've heard others say the exact opposite--to avoid the large chain firms as it's easier to find personal good teachers on an individual basis and it's just luck of the draw with the big ones who just fill bodies and can rely on people coming to them because of their name.

Really I think your best bet is to talk to people in the area and get personal recommendations for drivers.  Going with a company name is no guarantee you'll get a good teacher, neither is going with a small company.  I asked around work and with friends and got the name of a guy who was a bit odd, but an excellent teacher, and I passed on the first go.  It's about finding a good teacher, not just a brand name.

These posts are scaring me about when I get my UK driving license...I take driving for granted having been driving for a long time already.  I spent 9 weeks the first time and 6 months the second time in the UK and drove from the 2/3rd day both times and didn't have too much problems getting used to the small, crooked road, tiny parking spots, etc.  can someone tell me why it's so difficult to pass the UK driving test?  I'm stressing out about it now.

It's not so much being able to drive as learning how to pass the test.  As long as you have a good instructor who you get on with well, you'll be fine.

But it's all about learning their "way".  You have to do everything in a very particular order (things you just do automatically now and will have to re-do...  example, I always put my blinker on and then check my mirror to see if clear.  Here you have to check your mirror before putting your blinker on.  It has to be done in THEIR order).

And there the pain in the tail reverse parallel parking and reversing around a corner and such. 

As long as you are willing to learn their way and practice, you'll pass the test with no problems.  It's annoying more than anything.

KFdancer is absolutely right. You need to learn in order to pass the test.

I think so many of us get worked up over it because we've driven for years in the US and then have to start all over again here. Also, the UK test is generally more difficult than tests in the US.

Even though you feel perfectly comfortable driving in the UK, a few lessons will help you work out what you need to do to pass your test. You should be absolutely fine.