BSM or conmen

[samie_boo]

I started havin driving lessons when I was 18 for about 9 months - I gave up bcos I lost my job. Over the last couple of years I had lessons with my boyfriend & decided I should go with a Driving School and BSM would be a good idea!
I started driving again in October 2005 which was great my driving instructor was amazing really gave me a confidence boost & told me at the beginning of December to book my test so I'd either take it late Dec or Early Jan! I didn't feel 100% confident so I thought I'd just wait a couple of weeks & then book it - maybe the week before Xmas!
So my next lesson comes round which was the 10th December and my driving instructor told me he was leaving and my next lesson would be (17th Dec) would be the last with him & that BSM we're arranging a new one for me! I was gutted about him leaving but thought 'well I'm up to test standard so it shouldn't be a problem!'
After my lesson on the 17th I decided to call BSM and have them book my test! They asked me if I had been told to book it and I told them yes - they said they couldn't book it as I had to have a lesson with my new instructor to make sure that he was happy with me booking it! I wasn't very happy with this but thought I'd just leave it 'cos I knew I was ready!
Over the Xmas period I decided 'cos I had been driving my own car (under supervision separate to my lessons - I had my lessons in the BSM car). It might be a good Idea to start driving my own car with my BSM instructor. I asked them if it would be ok & they said it was fine however I had to have the first lesson with the new instructor in his car - as he had dual control and he needed to see what standard I was up to first! I agreed to this!

The first lesson with my new instructor was fine - he said It would be ok for me to have my lessons in my own car from the week after - which was great for me as I feel more comfortable & in control!

[Redbel]

Hiya samie_boo, I'd change driving school's if I where you. You sound like a confindent driver, your instructor should be able to pick up on that. I'm probably wrong in saying this but some of the BIG driving schools will stretch it out for as long as they can, in order to get that extra few bob.

Alot of my friends have gone for a private driving instructor, usually somone in the area whom is well known, or someone who has been recommended to them. My nephew is taking lessons at the moment with a local instructor, he lives just around the corner, he's not connected to any of the well known driving schools he does it privately and legitimately. He has an excellent pass rate, my nephew said to me he's brill, he relaxes you and talks you through everything. My sister also took her lessons with someone who had been recommended to her and she passed first time.

samie_boo ask around or look through you local newspaper, they are usually listed there.

Good Luck....fingers crossed that you pass...xx

[joko]

sorry, am i missing something - what is the question and what is the problem? sounds like the new instructor has been fine for you!

when you are put in for your test it can be sometimes on an assumption by the instructor that in one months time (average wait for test) you will be ready for the test - but you are not necessarily ready yet

if your paying for the time i would stick with the instructors car - you can't have a test in your own car -you need the dual controls, so its best to get used the car that will be used in the test

at least thats what i was told

[darkstar]

Sorry Joko that's wrong, You can take your test in any car, only requirements, "L" plates front and rear and a extra mirror for the examiner