I had a total of six lessons with WANT DRIVING LESSONS. My driving instructor was Gary Cooper, and he has experience of over 30 years. However, I am discontinuing my lessons as he has repeatedly used the phone during my lesson.
On my trial lesson (1hr) he did not use the phone at all and was very professional. I felt that he praised me often for carrying out maneuvers correctly, this helped raise my confidence. He is patient and knows what he is teaching....
However, for the past three lessons he has used his phone- texting and answering a call for at least a minute. And I still don't believe that anything he was talking about could not have waited for an extra 30 mins or an hr.
On my trial lesson (1hr) he did not use the phone at all and was very professional. However, for the past three lessons he has used his phone- texting and answering a call for at least a minute.
The 2nd and 3rd set of lessons was not so bad, but he did use his phone. And I questioned myself whether that was allowed. But decided to let it slide and only raise the issue with him, if it happened again.
On the 4th set of lessons (today), on the 5/09/13, he used the phone twice to make a call. And the fact that I know whom he spoke to and when he was scheduling someone's driving test, means the conversation was longer than it should have been- at least 5 minutes!!!
And it was NOT SAFE! My side of the car almost scraped a bus and on the second occasion a big lorry was coming my way and there was a close collision. I did not feel safe and on every occasion his phone went off or he answered it, I was distracted.
After the two phone calls and we finally pulled over. I tried to tell Gary as politely as possible that I panic and get distracted when his phone goes off or he answers it. He did not apologize at all for using the phone. His response was negative and down right rude. He responded along the lines of: "It is my business, I must take the call otherwise I lose business. And its wrong of you to tell me how to run my business. I don't come into your shop and tell you how to run your business. I put trust in you and you should not rely on me all the time to drive. And you should put the same amount of trust in me that I have given to you. You were driving safely."
I tried to explain that he could tell them to call back later, or when the car was pulled up to the side. But he would not compromise! I did not want to argue with him so just left the topic.
But it bugged me and so I went home to find out if it was allowed or should I say professional! No surprises, on the government website it clearly states that those supervising are not allowed to use the phone at all, it is illegal! Link provided below:
https://www.gov.uk/driving-lessons-who-can-teach-you
I am very disappointed and dissatisfied with the service and will not let this slide. As I paid for the lesson and expect full attention at all times whilst learning to drive. Not to put myself or others at risk or in any kind of danger.
I am glad it is illegal to use a mobile whilst driving and that points can be deducted from his license. You would think that 30 years of experience would enable you to know what is safe!
I would advise you to spend time looking for a compatible professional instructor and clearly state that phones should be on silent and out of site during the lesson. The use of phones is not acceptable at all during a lesson. The instructor is responsible for supervising and has dual control of the car.
The lessons were the cheapest I could find- £180 for 10 lessons. However, I would not risk my health and safety whilst learning...no one should! So cheap doesn't mean its good. read more
