I have previously had driving lessons with a private company - Grimsby Intensive Driving School, and now learn with the AA.
With the private company it was a rattling old car on which the clutch was always having to be fixed, so was always different. They did not once give me a list of what they were trying to teach me, and were always making me stop the car and go to a cafe. I have since found that other people had the same experience with them
In comparison The AA have been extremely profesional and have provided a checklist of what I will learn. I understand they also have other printed materials to give out in due course. The car is brand new, and even with a change every six months there should not be a big difference in the handling between the new and old car.
The private company ran a policy of finishing the lesson by collecting the next pupil who would then drive the previous pupil home. This was distracting, but also resulted in total strangers knowing your home address when, for example you wouldn't have given it to them in a pub or nightclub. With the AA I have not seen another pupil at all.
On the whole I think The AA is more professional than the private school I used, but I'm sure some private schools are better. I think the overriding thing is that you are happy with the instructor, regarless of who they work for.
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Good op. I think that ultimately it all boils down to the instructor, rather than the school, but I agree, big companies like the AA can afford better cars etc.
Advantages: I passed! Learn in brand new Ford Focus, well trained Instructor, free AA membership for 12 months Disadvantages: cost - you pay for the good service you receive
surfchik27 02.06.2005 (02.06.2005)
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Review of AA Driving School
Advantages: Well I passed! Instructors very helpful with loads of patience - what every learner needs Disadvantages: Using a Ford Focus to teach lessons.
scruff 09.10.2001 ·
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Review of AA Driving School
Advantages: modern car with ABS, power steering etc; experienced instructor; friendly call centre staff; phone call after 1st lesson Disadvantages: none so far
pragmatik 29.07.2005 ·
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Review of BSM
Jul 13th, 2001
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