There are several reasons you may be considering changing driving instructor before your test. Perhaps you’re not getting on with your instructor, and it’s affecting your learning, or maybe your instructor won’t take you for your test because they don’t think you’re quite ready and you would like a second opinion. Whatever your reasons, there are some things you should consider before going ahead and changing instructors.
Can I change my driving instructor before my test?
It is possible to change your driving instructor before your test, depending on numerous factors. If your driving test is already booked and fast approaching, we strongly advise against changing your driving instructor, changing instructors just before your driving test could set you back massively and cause you to fail.
If you manage to find an alternative instructor who is willing to take you for your test, you may not be suited to their teaching style. Different instructors have different methods and ways of teaching, and if you have become used to your old instructors teaching methods, it could lead to confusion. It may also take you some time to get used to a different vehicle to the one you have previously been learning in, all this added pressure will not help you deal with driving test nerves.
Another problem you may encounter is if your new instructor doesn’t think you are ready for your driving test, they can refuse to take you to your test. If this happens, you could be left trying to frantically find another instructor who is willing to let you use their vehicle or you may even have to cancel your test.
With limited time and insufficient lesson time available, your instructor may not have enough time to assess your strengths and weaknesses to see what they need to work on with you before your test. Whereas, an instructor you’ve been with for a while will know exactly what your strong areas are and what areas you lack in. It will also take your new instructor some time to establish what test routes you’re good at and which routes you need some practice on, with limited time available this might not be easy.
When should I change my driving instructor before my test?
If you’re reading this, you’re more than likely feeling unhappy with your driving instructor and considering what your options are when it comes to changing your instructor. Our best advice to you is if you are unhappy, start looking for a new instructor as early as possible, ideally before you’ve booked your driving test or with at least 3-4 weeks to go before your test.
This 3-4 week time period gives your new instructor enough time to get an adequate amount of driving lessons in, assess your strengths and weaknesses and put together a plan of action before your test. This period will also give you time to get familiar with the vehicle and your instructor, giving you the best chance possible of passing your driving test.
Problems you may have trying to find another instructor
Most reputable driving instructors aren’t particularly interested in taking on new pupils who have a test coming up soon. When a pupil is looking for a new instructor so close to their test, it’s usually because their old instructor has advised them that they need to push their test back.
You may also find it challenging to source another driving instructor at short notice. Good quality driving instructors do not have much availability in their diaries, so if you’re looking for an instructor to take you for your test in 5 days, you may struggle. Also, depending on where you live, there may be multiple test centres so it’s important to bear in mind that if you find an instructor, they may not cover the test centre you’re booked in at. For example, if you’re taking your driving lessons in Leicester, there are two possible test centres you could be booked in at, Wigston and Cannock Street. Therefore, if you are insistent on changing instructors at short notice, this is something you would need to take into consideration.
No reputable instructor will take you for your driving test without having first seen you drive. If you do manage to find an instructor with unlimited availability, who is willing to take you for your test without first seeing you drive, you should question whether or not they are a reputable instructor.
So should I change my driving instructor before my test?
To summarise, we do not advise you to change your driving instructor before your test, especially at short notice. If you’re unhappy and set on changing your instructor, the earlier you start the process, the better; changing instructors 3-4 weeks before your test is a lot easier than trying to change 3-4 days before your test!
