F.A.Q’s
The credit crunch is on, but beware because you generally get what you pay for. Below are some important questions you may want to ask when discussing lessons and deciding which school to choose.
Will my lessons be very formal or will they incorporate some fun?
The A-Team believe driving safely is paramount, but we do endeavour to speed up the learning process by encouraging you to enjoy your lessons.
Are all instructors fully qualified?
Sadly No.
The DSA allow partially trained instructors to have a six month “trainee licence”, during which time they can work for a school and operate as fully paid instructors, and guess what, they do not have to tell you.
The A-Team are all fully qualified instructors.
Are all instructors the same grade or level?
The DSA operate a graded system, whereby grade 4 is the basic level, grade 5 is the next level and grade 6 is the top level, which of course all instructors should strive to be.
The A-Team only have grade 5 or grade 6 instructors.
Do all instructors have plenty of experience?
Due to the credit crunch and people looking for new jobs, there are many new instructors setting up. I know I would prefer to have an instructor who has been around the block once or twice (pardon the pun).
The A-Team have 10 years of instruction experience.
Do all schools give 1 full hour per lesson?
No, some schools advertise a lesson at a very low rate, however the lesson may last as little as 45 or 50 minutes. So pro-rata the lessons are more costly than they seem.
The A-Team only provide full 1 hour lessons, or of course multiples of an hour (no skimping here).
Will I be driving for a good proportion of my lesson?
Some schools offer really cheap deals, however you may be sitting and talking rather than driving (saves money on petrol doesn’t it).
The A-Team spend maximum time on the road and as little time as possible at the kerbside (we want you to drive and do it well).
Is it worth asking about an instructors pass rate?
Pass rates are important along with safe driving for life. Most instructors will have a very good idea and should be able to tell you recent figures.
The DSA suggest that the average pass rate across the country for the ‘L’ Test is well above 40% this year. At the Harehills Test Centre in Leeds the pass rate is currently under 30 %, so there are different variables that affect the equation; however I would rather be taught by an instructor with 60% pass rate than one with a poor pass rate.
The A-Team instructors pass rates do vary, however we are well above the average and our senior instructor is over 80% this year.
Is it true that instructors shout at their pupils?
We have all heard the horror stories about instructors losing their cool. Lets be honest - it must happen, law of averages says so.
The A-Team offer calm and patient tuition and excellent service. Let us know if you have a complaint and it will be dealt with to your satisfaction and to the best of our ability.
If you have any further questions that we can help with please use the “contact us” page to send an email or phone free 0800 0901623.