Driving Lessons and Driving Instructors?

Should you be allowed to have driving lessons if you can't read a number plate from 20.5 meters?

• A friend was allowed to have driving lessons when she failed to read a number plate from 20.5 meters before her first lesson. The instructor advised that it would be fine to drive as long as she corrected her vision before the driving test. During her lessons the driving instructor would take her to the same location driving at 20 miles an hour around back street locations with other leaner drivers. Although she felt she was ready to drive on the main road after her first 15 lessons, the instructor did not allow it and advised he will decide when the time is right. In the end she cancelled because she had over 25 lessons which cost 30 pound each and was not taught reverse parking, 3 point turns, emergency stops or even allowed on the main road. I believe that as a result of my friends failure to read the number plate on her fist lesson, this instructor did not intend to let her drive on the main roads as he would be in trouble if she had an accident. He was just ripping her off as he was only interested in taking her money without teaching her very much. Could somebody please let me know if you are allowed to have driving lessons if you cannot read a number plate from 20.5 meters and could we make a complaint concerning this instructors actions as his driving school are suppose be one of the best in the UK. Thanks Mat

• Answer:

  You must be able to read plus you should report it to DSA by: phone on 029 2058 1155 (during office hours) phone on 029 2058 1290 (out of hours) sending an email to: [email protected]