I'm Struggling to Teach a Learner

A good driving instructor is key to ensuring a learner is able to pass that test and earn their very own licence, but sometimes things just don't work out.

There's nothing worse than realising that you don't get along with a learner. This is someone that you will have to spend a lot of one-on-one time with in close quarters. Talk about uncomfortable! So, what are you to do if you find yourself with a difficult learner?

What's the problem?

Before we can advise the best possible solution to your problem, you need to hone in on exactly what it is that is causing the friction. After all, different issues require different solutions. There are obviously a wide variety of reasons a learner and instructor don't get on, so we're just going to cover some of the most common ones...

You feel like you're not making progress

Many learners kick off their driving journey with a vague idea of when they think they will be ready to take the practical test. This time-frame will vary dramatically depending on whether you're teaching an intensive course, or stick to traditional weekly lessons. Whichever you go for, the student's expectations need to be realistic.

Learning to drive requires a lot of time and commitment. Sure, your learner is eager to become qualified, but at the end of the day, you're the one who will be able to tell when they're test-ready. That being said, some learners and instructors find that they rack up hours of tuition without feeling like they're really getting anywhere.

This could be down to communication issues between yourself and the learner. Do you end each lesson with a brief rundown of how your learner's progress is going and what they need to work on? If not, this could help things.

Your personalities don't gel

While you don't need to be best friends with every learner, the whole process will be a lot more enjoyable if you are able to get along. A bit of light chit-chat here and there can really calm your learner's nerves and help to build a relationship of trust.

We all know, however, that not everyone mixes well together. Sometimes you might find that you and your learner are like chalk and cheese—no one has done anything wrong, but you just can't seem to hit it off.

A more problematic scenario arises if your learner doesn't like your teaching style. People learn in a variety of ways, so it's inevitable that what works for one learner may not work for another. If one person benefits from a kind approach that involves lots of support and encouragement, for example, they might find it jarring or even upsetting if you give them the tough love treatment. Try to figure out this person learns best and adapt your teaching style to suit them.

Their behaviour is unacceptable

Before getting the DVSA stamp of approval, driving instructors have to undergo rigorous testing and background checks to ensure they are fit for the job. The same can't be said for learners.

If your learner is repeatedly late, rude or distracted, it's understandable that you'll want to cut ties with them. First, you should see if there is anything you can do to improve the situation. Sometimes a learner might appear rude because they're nervous or neurodivergent.

But if you've tried all you can and you still aren't making any progress, or a learner's behaviour remains unacceptable, don't feel bad about ending your driving lessons with them.

Next steps...

Now that we've covered the most common culprits at the centre of bad learner-instructor relationships, let's explore how you should go about dealing with them.

Crossed the line?

If your learner's behaviour is completely unacceptable and causing you a great deal of stress, take yourself out of the situation. In other words, do not continue taking lessons with them.

If your learner has come from a driving school of some kind, you should immediately report their behaviour to the company. In cases where the behaviour of the learner crosses the line (e.g., if they are sexually inappropriate) you can even consider contacting the police.

They're only human

Now back to the lighter issues. If you're finding that you and your learner just don't gel, but you can't but your finger on exactly why, we urge you to give them a chance. Everybody has off days, after all, so maybe you guys just got off to a bad start. To be honest, even if your issue with your learner is clear and it's to do with their personality, it might still be worth hanging on in there.

Being a driving instructor is quite a stressful job, so things can't be all sunshine and roses 24/7. Plus, you have to keep in mind that this is a professional relationship. Your aim is to help the learner pass their driving test, and you don't necessarily have to have great banter with them to achieve that. If you take an intensive course, this person may only be in your life for a couple of weeks! Chances are you can put up with them for that long.

It's not you, it's me

What if the issues with your learner aren't entirely their fault? This might be a bit of a hard one to stomach, but it's important to honestly ask yourself if you could be part of the problem. Sure, you're being paid for your time, but you still need to be courteous and respectful. Maybe you were having a bad day and took it out on them, or judged them too quickly based on negative past experiences. If you think this could be the case, raise it with them in person and ask for a fresh start.

Time for a change?

No matter how hard we try, sometimes you just know when something isn't right. If you don't like your learner to the point where it is affecting your livelihood, it's probably a good idea to make a change.

Other learners find that they start off driving a manual car but would much prefer to take lessons in an automatic. Whether it's a demographic, car or teaching style change, it makes sense to try something new.