Round The Bend Driving School

01/01/2024

Safe driving to all pupils past and present in the new year

18/11/2022

Our new driving school car

15/07/2022

11/10/2021

Copied from another Driving Instructor - unfortunately happening more and more

I am an Approved Driving Instructor, getting enquiries almost every day, with people asking for a lesson and, can they use my vehicle for test this week, next week, or next month. I also have pupils who book or have tests booked before they are ready, in the hope that they will be ready in time. I get that they are just wanting to pass as quickly as possible, but please understand that my vehicle is my business, I can’t take unnecessary risks with it - so I will only hand over my keys for pupils to use my vehicle for test, when I have assessed them ready for test.

So if I feel a pupil is not ready, but they still want to have a go, then they will have to do it in a different vehicle. If I feel they are not ready, that doesn’t mean they can’t get lucky and pass, it just means that in my professional opinion, they are unlikely to pass. I don’t feel their skills are good enough yet for me to feel confident to hand over my keys.

I have a waiting list and I don’t want to or need to keep pupils waiting longer than is necessary.

Just remember I work for myself, I offer a service (driving lessons), with terms and conditions to use my services, which pupils need to agree with, before I take them on.

Taking on a pupil to teach them to drive does not guarantee them use of my vehicle/business/livelihood for their test just because they think they are ready or because they just want to have a go.

So when a Driving Instructor says you are not ready and advised to move your test date or take it in another vehicle, they are not letting you down. I am being honest with you, not prepared to take any unnecessary risk with my vehicle which is also my means of income.

01/10/2021

Credit for this goes to Amanda Holmes on Facebook (bit of a long read but absolutely spot on!)

__Booked your driving test????

So you don’t have an instructor for those “few lessons” you “need” and want the use of a car just so you can pass?!

If this sounds familiar, it’s worth a note: WE. ARE. NOT. HIRE. CARS.

Driving instructors are well aware of the many people who book practical tests and then rush around asking every instructor in the local area hoping someone will take you. We get messages from you several times a week! The answer is always the same ….. “NO!”!

So let’s look at why you are you finding it hard to get an instructor to take you on….

The truth is we are busy, and booked up weeks, often months, in advance.
We therefore do not take pupils we don’t know and haven’t trained; we concentrate on those we do know and are prepared to put the required hours in.

Why you ask??
Because it takes more than a “few lessons” to assess your ability for a start. We then have to spend time to correct the faults and ensure that you have enough time to practise driving to the safe standard that is required to pass.
We then have to ensure you can consistently drive safely and INDEPENDENTLY - WITHOUT HELP….

So hopefully now you can start to see why your kind offer of a “few lessons” is often rejected.

I have never met a student yet who has been able to meet the standard required to pass a test in two lessons, and I would invite any instructor (ADI) to correct me if I’m wrong.

So why have you booked this test?
Maybe you're in a rush to pass- I get it; we want it done ASAP.
Also, it’s expensive learning to drive isn’t it, lessons are costly we understand that, but so is a funeral….

Ask yourself this…(and be honest)….
Would you jump into a pool knowing you aren’t able to swim yet….in the hope you might just survive?
Course you wouldn’t!

So then why book (and or sit) a test you’ve not prepared for, aren’t at the standard to pass and could risk other peoples life’s all to “have a go” - yes I’m talking about the examiner who has to sit next to you fearing for his life, and the other road users you’ve put at risk, all to “have a go”?

So please - if you’ve made it this far…don’t book a test until you have spoken to an instructor who is willing to take you.

Your blocking up an already back logged system, and will no doubt have to cancel that test when you’re unable to find an instructor to “hire”.
Making it even more difficult for people who are ready to book a test.
_
_Practicing in your parents car (or yours if you’re lucky enough to have your own), is one thing - but there is a curriculum that instructors go through to teach you to drive. This alone takes a minimum of 20 hours. Knowing the area that you’ll take the test in is also advantageous- instructors know any tricky parts of test routes to help you feel at ease on test day. _

_Please don’t expect your instructor to take you to test in their car, if you’re not ready, fully prepared, 100% safe and can independently drive without their help or advice._

07/04/2021

It is with regret that I have to inform you that after a very difficult year the price of my lessons will increase one month after driving lessons commence on 12th April or when your prepaid lessons have been used. The new hourly rate will be £30 and the 10 prebookable hours £270. As a Grade A instructor I feel this still represents good value for learning a skill for life. Brian

24/02/2021

Excellent news hoping I can get back to the job I love on 12th April!! However I won’t be sorting my diary until beginning of April due to the uncertainty at the moment. Can’t wait to see you all again

19/12/2020

So yet again I have to stop driving lessons. Happy Christmas to all my pupils old and new and let’s hope 2021 will be a much better year. Keep safe everyone

03/12/2020

It is with regret I have come to the decision that I cannot take any of my pupils who have been away at university for lessons over the Christmas holidays. I have to protect my family and Covid has/is very high at universities around the country. Hopefully by Easter things will have improved.

24/11/2020

Great news Round the Bend driving school will be back Next week have really missed my lovely pupils and can’t wait to get back.