The few, the brave - those of us taking driving lessons right now!

Apologies if this has been mentioned upthread, but is there a recommended way of finding a driving instructor? (List of certified folks, etc.) Googling has shown a few in my area but beyond price I don't know what the difference is.

I already know how to drive stick shift, so I'm not too concerned about needing to learn tons, but what I do need to learn, I would like to learn well.

Just updating...

I am 56 years old, American. Have been driving (in the States) for 40+ years. My British husband and I moved to the UK last August. I started taking driving lessons through the AA in February. £29/hour. I've had, hmm, probably 20-25 hrs behind the wheel now in lessons but absolutely NO private driving experience between lessons. (Long story a/k/a a$$hole husband).

Anyway, I passed my Theory Exam first time, and now tomorrow morning I'll be taking my Practical Exam.

As I sit here tonight typing this, I'm not nervous at all. Hope I still feel that way at 10.24 tomorrow morning! Am meeting my instructor at 9am for a bit of a warm-up drive.

I feel immense pressure - all brought on by myself, of course - to pass. Mother-in-law: "I'm sure you'll do just fine. I took 10 lessons and passed the first time." Right, but, er, um, that was in 1732.

FWIW, and although I don't have anything to compare it to, I'd recommend AA for driving lessons. I've never driven a stick shift so had to find an instructor who teaches in an automatic. He's young (30s), married with one child. Very 'serious' kind of chap, but knows his stuff.

Will give y'all an update tomorrow.

How did ya do TeaLoverDenise?  Fingers crossed for ya that you passed! 

Just updating...
Anyway, I passed my Theory Exam first time, and now tomorrow morning I'll be taking my Practical Exam.
Will give y'all an update tomorrow.

and......................
Must be good news because you are out celebrating!!

Apologies if this has been mentioned upthread, but is there a recommended way of finding a driving instructor? (List of certified folks, etc.) Googling has shown a few in my area but beyond price I don't know what the difference is.

DirectGov can help: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Diol1/DoItOnline/DG_196427

Beyone making sure they are approved driving instructors, I think finding a good one just comes down to personality match.  You may have to try one or two before you find one you like.

Thanks! I don't mind shopping around for personality, but did want to see if there was an approved list somewhere.

Thanks for the good wishes everyone: but I did not pass - although I had a brilliant drive.  Only 2 minor faults (you are allowed 15) but towards the end of the exam I screwed up at a Y-junction and the examiner marked it a 'serious fault' of which you are allowed, of course, ZERO.

So, I'll pick meself back up, dust meself off, and try again. Another £62 ... another £80 (that's how much my instructor charges to use his car for the exam!) - and the earliest date to rebook isn't until end of September. 

End of September isn't too bad. I scheduled mine 6 weeks ago.... for the end of August. We have to get our licenses before Winter!!

Gosh, that's right - I didn't think about that!

I just got my test date moved up to August 4th... that's almost 4 weeks earlier than it was scheduled for.  It pays to periodically check online for earlier test dates. 

I'm wondering if anyone has ever booked multiple test dates (just in case they fail the first time).. and then cancel other dates when they passed the first.  I'm just over-worrying about failing it and Winter coming. 

I don't think you can book multiple tests  If you can, would someone please share how that's done?

TeaLoverDenise-- I'm not sure yet. It was just something my instructor mentioned. He could have been pulling my leg.  He does that a lot.

I don't think you can book multiple tests  If you can, would someone please share how that's done?

You cannot book multiple tests.

Slightly different question here....do i have to wait until I've passed my Theory exam to start taking lessons?

Slightly different question here....do i have to wait until I've passed my Theory exam to start taking lessons?

nope
some instructors may tell you to pass first but some don't...Drive away if they let you!