How To Find A Driving Instructor

When preparing for the Drive Test, your number one resource will be a professional driving instructor. Family and friends likely provide most of your supervision, however, the expertise and experience of a qualified driving instructor is vital for Drive Test success. 

Driving instructor lessons will make you a more competent driver and thoroughly prepare you for the Drive Test. Ultimately, investing in lessons before you test will save you time and money by increasing the chance you'll pass on your first attempt. Instructors do this by passing on their knowledge about what testing officers assess and the local VicRoads test routes. Some timely lessons with a professional will undoubtedly give you a clear advantage on test day.

How do I find an instructor?

You should find a local driving instructor who knows the VicRoads routes you will be test on. Once this criteria is passed you need to make sure you’re comfortable spending time with them. The first few lessons should be used to test the waters and see if you get along. Making sure you have a good relationship before is important before you commit to more lessons as you’ll be spending a lot of time (and money) with them.

You can find local instructors in a number of ways:

1. Google driving schools/instructors in your area
2. Ask friends for recommendations
3. Use a site like drivinglessonguide.com.au

Sites like drivinglessonguide.com.au are handy because they present all of the relevant information and allow you to filter searches based on your preferences.

These sites make finding a local instructor easier as you don't have to go through pages of search results. Instead you do one search and compare local instructors based on gender, vehicle type and hourly rate.

You can also read learner reviews of instructors, so you’re less likely to encounter someone you won’t get along with and can focus on learning. They also have a 3-strike policy to stop instructors who repeatedly receive complaints from listing. This means you’ll only see the best instructors in your area and be able to quickly and effectively compare their services.

When to take lessons?

Driving Test VIC recommends lessons at specific stages of your learner progression.

When you get your learner permit you should take a few lessons so positive driving habits are learned early. Family and friends are a great resource but may have bad habits from years of driving experience. Although accidental, they may pass on these poor behaviours and this could affect your progress and ability to pass the test. Lessons when you first get your learner permit will set you on a path to passing.

When you’re nearing the end of your hour requirement and about to take your test you should start lessons again. By this point you'll almost be ready to pass the test and drive independently. At this point a driving instructor will put the finishing touches on your skills so you’re confident and ready to pass the test. They will also show you the local VicRoads test routes and test you on the manoeuvres in the places you’re likely to be asked to complete them.

It’s a good idea to have a final lesson the day before or before the test on the day. This lesson should be your instructor acting as a testing officer (just giving directions). This will give you a feel for the test conditions and the instructor can provide constructive feedback so it’s fresh in your mind for when you sit the real test.