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The AA, BSM, or a cheaper driving school?

Poll

Who would you rather learn to drive with?

Hi all,

I finally sent off for my provisional! So now I'm trying to decide who to have my driving lessons with. I'm thinking the AA at the moment, I know they are expensive, but I think I would make quite a nervous driver and want to be in the hands of a capable driving school.

So, from other people's experiences, would you rather learn with the AA, BSM or another (probably cheaper) driving school, i.e. one you might find advertised in your local paper? I'm trying to do a poll for this :biggrin:

Thanks

Reply 1

member169510

17

I'd try and find a smaller local company, its usually far cheaper, also dont go with AA they make you have loads of lessons, and the ones you have half the time is at the side of the road (but its you choice so w/e)

Reply 2

Natcarr88

OP

11

Oh and please list your reasons in a post if you can. Thanks :biggrin:

Reply 3

alexa123

1

I chose other local driving instructor, this is just based on my experience. I have used a local instructor, found her to be a lot cheaper than my 2 friends lessons who went with BSM, even when they paid for bulk lessons, I also found they were told to have a lot more lessons than was maybe necessary etc. but really its your choice. My instructor works weekends a lot of the time too, which ive found useful what with college etc. she was quite flexible, although sometimes she did cancell/ swap lessons but she also didnt charge if i couldnt make a lesson at last minute. which i doubt big companies do.

Even if your nervous theres nothing to say the AA will be any better than a local private instructor, as both have dual controls and will be used to nervous drivers. Talk to some friends who have learnt/ are learnign near you and see what they recommend etc.

hope you enjoy your lessons.

Reply 4

caroline_p3

6

Can i just say knowing the AA driving school, the instructors i know (which is quite a few) in no way make you have lessons that you don't need. The AA is a huge company and don't have trouble getting custom so they have no need to needlessly make you have extra lessons u don't need, an instructors aim and purpose is to get you to pass your test, thats where they get their enjoyment!

Reply 5

footballcrazy12

9

AA bsm is just there to make money, they deliberetly waste your time parked on the side of the road showing you pictures and all sorts of nonsense.

Reply 6

JasiClai

I would strongly recommend a local driving school just from experience. I began with BSM but felt that the driving instructor didn't really take an interest, having to constantly put up with criticism which was very damaging towards my confidence. Changing to an independent instructor was the best decision I have ever made and got a much better service for the same amount of money, allowing me to make so much more progress that way which meant less lessons we're needed! Definitly pays off in the long term, even if it doesn't in the short term.

Reply 7

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

17

footballcrazy12

AA bsm is just there to make money, they deliberetly waste your time parked on the side of the road showing you pictures and all sorts of nonsense.

no, it all depends on the driving instructor not the company. You can get a private instructor who wastes your time.

OP don't just go for the private instructor thinking you're going to get the best instructor because he's private. Word of mouth is the best way to ensure a good instructor. I went with BSM and they were good or my instructor was good but even he admitted there were some who didn't have a clue at BSM

Reply 8

sarahleslie1

7

AA and BSM are generally recognised to be money-grabbers.
Local (pref. independent - but do check they're registered with DSA) instructors are far better and cheaper - but don't just pick one at random; ask around and find someone who your friends, friends of friends, children of parents' friends etc recommend.

Reply 9

Laura373

16

I'm with an independent instructor and she's fab.

Reply 10

Snookercraze

12

A local driving school can offer the exact same service, if not better. It all depends on your instructor.

I took mine with a local driving school, and passed first time, very comfortably.

Reply 11

footballcrazy12

9

Is there any hot female instructors? I would not want to pass with 30 lessons if I was being teached by a hotttie.

Reply 12

jaz_jaz

footballcrazy12

Is there any hot female instructors? I would not want to pass with 30 lessons if I was being teached by a hotttie.

haha there is a company which specialises with just lady driving instructors.

Reply 13

emily24316329

I started off with BSM but they pretty much made me have 2hr lessons, had a few 1hrs but every lesson got moaned at. didn't move on much either etc etc, wasnt allowed to drive the whole time, and it was so expensive. So changed to AA and it has been sooo much better, I drive all the time in my lessons and hardly ever sit around as such. It is cheaper as well....

Reply 14

fredo22

16

jaz_jaz

haha there is a company which specialises with just lady driving instructors.

tell me more :wink:

Reply 15

gyyy2807

14

Driving instructors normally advertise in local newspapers, etc. They tend to be cheaper than the AA/BSM ones, although some can be a bit of a dick.

Reply 16

Echolife

15

Do you know any friends/family who have been happy with their instructor. I would say personal recommendation would be the best way to go.
I had a local instructor and passed in 7 weeks.

Reply 17

FXX

19

Ask around, get recommendations. Large companies like AA and BSM vary area by area, instructor by instructor. No single company is better than the others, it's all about how well you get on with your instructor.

Reply 18

jaz_jaz

fredo22

tell me more :wink:

search for lady driving instructors around your area on google and it should come up with some!

Reply 19

happydinosaur

15

Having used both the AA, other driving schools and independent instructors, I think I prefer the AA to be honest even though they are more expensive. I've felt messed around by independent instructors and noticed that with my current regional driving school a distinct contrast in the standard of teaching and customer service compared to the AA. I have had bad AA instructors but at least been able to ring up and switch to someone else with no problem and I think they are better instructors because they are more regulated. I've never had an AA lesson which has started late or been cut short for one thing! Plus the cars are nice and professional, no beaded seat covers (like my current instructor) or stupid cuddly toys and lipstick everywhere.

The AA, BSM, or a cheaper driving school?

Who would you rather learn to drive with?

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