An assessment driving lesson is designed to allow both you and your potential driving instructor to get to know one another. If you have had driving lessons before, you already have experience behind the wheel. As such, your instructor needs to know how much experience, so they can tailor your lessons to your skill level.
What will be assessed?
Everyone learns and retains information at a different rate. Driving skills, particularly, are prone to deteriorate quickly over time if lessons are not kept up. People also have a near-guaranteed tendency to overestimate their own driving skill – this means your driving instructor needs to see you drive for themselves.
Before the assessment lesson begins, you may be asked some questions. These could include:
- How many lessons have you had in total?
- When was the last time you had a lesson?
- What manoeuvres/driving skills have you practised?
- Where are you not confident in your driving ability?
- Have you begun learning for, or taken, your theory test?
The specific wording of the questions may change, but the general theme will be the same – getting to know you and your driving history. This is important, because it’s going to be a waste of your time and your money to learn things you already know.
An assessment lesson is the perfect way to make sure your driving instructor knows where to focus your lessons going forward. Ultimately this saves you money and allows you the opportunity to pass your driving test quicker.
Are you the only one being assessed?
No! An assessment driving lesson works both ways. Aside from an opportunity for your driving instructor to understand you, it’s also a chance for you to learn about them. The relationship between learner and instructor needs to be good, if you’re going to pass your test and be a safe driver.
You need to make sure you’re comfortable with your instructor. Being able to understand their instructions clearly is important. It’s also an opportunity for you to get to know them better. You’re paying for the lessons, so don’t be afraid to ask about your instructor’s ability to teach you.
- How long have you been an instructor?
- Do you have any references?
- How many of your students have passed their test?
- What is your plan for my lessons?
These are all sensible questions to ask. Use the assessment driving lesson to find the right instructor for you.
