Deciding to learn to drive at 17, 18 or any age for that matter, can seem like a daunting task. Where do you go? Who do you choose? How can you be sure you’re getting the best tuition and with a reliable person? These are all questions that you will come across. And here I hope, are some of your answers.

Your first task to take on is to apply for your Provisional Licence which is your licence to drive on the road – accompanied by a suitable adult – and as long as you are insured on the vehicle.

Your supervising adult must be over 21 years of age and have held a full driving licence (for the type of vehicle you are using) for a minimum of three years. Your supervisor has a legal responsibility for the safety of the driver, and other road users. Supervisors are not passengers! They need to pay attention as there have been several cases in the past where driving supervisors have been held liable after an accident. They must also be in a fit state so they could take over if required.

Usually your first supervising adult will be an ADI, which stands for Approved Driving Instructor. They are approved by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and will be in possession of a so called Green Badge which they are presented with on completion of their qualification. This must be displayed on the front windscreen of the instructors car.

Something most learners are not aware of is that instructors can still teach learner drivers before they have fully completed their course or passed their final exam. In this case they will be in possession of a Pink Badge. They may be just as competent teaching learners than a fully qualified instructor, but you need to be aware they may not have the experience of one. You must make sure you ask the driving school you choose or your driving instructor if they are fully qualified or not. If they are not you could ask for another - or perhaps a discount instead!

Going back a step now - how do you choose your driving school? Well, you have your usual suspects – internet being the most popular. Word of mouth is obviously a good one as you can never beat a good recommendation! Or you have your local adverts like Yellow Pages or local newspapers.

You should always compare a few and even speak to them all before you decide to see what offers are available. As with everything though – it doesn’t always work best to go for the cheapest. Make sure they’re offering what all the rest do, i.e. a good lesson duration – and that your instructor will be fully qualified! Most of the time I suspect a certain driving school will just catch your eye, and there’s nothing wrong with this at all, just be aware a sure of what you want from them.

Once booked, you are then just waiting for the day of your lesson. Enjoy it! Instructors should be patient, friendly and professional. If not then remember you are free to find a replacement! Do not let them make you feel stressed. If you’re not getting enjoyment out of your lessons then it’s definitely time to find a new school.

In my next article I’ll be explaining what your instructors aims should be for your first lesson, so you know what to expect and to calm some of those nerves you’ll be feeling. It was the same for us all!

Till next time…..