After years of expensive education, a car full of books, and anticipation, I'm an expert in Shakespe...
After years of expensive education, a car full of books, and anticipation, I'm an expert in Shakespeare - and that's a hell of a lot - but the world don't need scholars as much as I'd thought....
I started learning to drive quite late ( only last year March). In the absence of any knowledge of good/bad drivingschools I thought I would try BSM as a well-known brand. (Also, I thought the BSM pyramid on top of their cars was quite cute)
BIG MISTAKE!
I bought an online 'learn to drive' package easily.
Booked my simulator lessons. I really do not see the point of pretending to drive in a arcade-style box which doesn't move.
First of all, you don't feel as if you are actually driving. Second, the I found the perspective completely warped. Several times it looked as if I was moving sideways rather than forwards, and it was impossible to judge how close certain items were to the 'car'.
Lastly, the simulator will not let you drive if you do not check gears, brakes, etc IN THE CORRECT ORDER. Since there was some problem with my simulator, I spent nearly 15 minutes each lesson checking and re-checking the brakes and gears.
SECOND BIG MISTAKE.
BSM - Motorbikes. I was toying with the idea at the time of also learning to ride a scooter. I called up BSM and booked a date in Bristol. (I live in London but have a friend there I could stay with).
The only scooter in Bristol was not available on the day that I booked. I was instead booked on a geared bike, which the operator assured me was exactly like a scooter.
YEAH, RIGHT.
A geared bike, I now know, is a HUGE monster of a bike with gears that I have to try to operate. I'm only a short female. I had difficulties even getting the bike off the brake stand.
After a 20 minute debacle of trying to learn to drive this, the instructor said I should go home and re-book the test.
I never bothered.
Anyway, to cut a really long story short. Other problems I had with BSM -
1. A three week wait before I could book 1 lesson due to instructors being very busy
2. the fact that they charge £24 when everyone else charges £18-20
ME VERSUS BSM
Anyway, I took them on over my horrible experiences and WON!
Basically I wrote them a long letter explaining everything and they refunded everything including the motorbike lesson fee and my 'learn to drive' fee.
ANOTHER SATISFIED CUSTOMER!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Not a bad start, but more information would have helped.
Lancashire_Angel 01.02.2004 00:36
Oh dear. I always had lessons with private driving instructors. Informative review, would be a vh if it were a bit more balanced. Good writing - welcome to Ciao! Sharron xxxx
xalala 31.01.2004 21:40
Learning to drive in a simulator seems very bizarre!
Advantages: 10 driving lessons for £220 + 1st lesson for free! Professional tuition & no time wasting! Disadvantages: Every Driving Instructor will want to get MORE £££ out of you no matter what Motoring Company you use
yours_ilze 15.10.2006 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of BSM, London
Jan 31st, 2004
helpful by (91%):
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