How To Choose A Driving School In HRM

Oct 1

4 min read

Updated: Oct 3

Learning how to drive defensively is critical to staying safe on Halifax roads. That's why finding and choosing a professional driving school is key. There are a lot of things to consider when deciding what school to choose. Although driving schools in Nova Scotia must be licensed, that does not mean that they are always professional. It simply means they filed the necessary paperwork in order to obtain licensed status with Access Nova Scotia. There are no ongoing quality control checks on driving schools like one might expect so doing your research and checking reviews is important. I am a licensed driving instructor in Nova Scotia and have worked for a few different schools over the past five years. I will list some things to consider below when choosing a school. However my number one piece of advice is don't rely on blog posts that say "best driving schools in Halifax" as those posts tend to be written for marketing purposes. Like with anything, do your research and ask around.

Things To Consider When Choosing A Driving School

Does the school have newer model vehicles that are in good condition?

A telltale sign of a professional driving school, or any company for that matter, is the condition and age of their vehicles. That's not to say that every vehicle should be brand new, but you will notice that the schools with newer model vehicles that are in good condition tend to be the schools with the best reputations. The quality of the car is a reflection of the quality of the school.

Who are the instructors?

Does the school employ experienced driving instructors who have an aptitude and passion for teaching? This is critical when it comes to learning how to drive because if an instructor is not experienced then they will not be confident. If they are not confident then they will be just as nervous as the student which is not good for either party. Check the school's website to see if they feature profiles of their instructors. If you know anyone who was previously taught by a particular instructor, ask them how their experience was. Word of mouth is king.

Does the school have instructors that clearly speak the same language as you?

Clear and concise communication is absolutely critical when learning how to drive. Check with the school to confirm that they have an instructor that speaks the same language as you. If they are unable to meet your needs most schools will assist you with finding another school that can meet your needs.

Does the school have a well kept professional looking website?

The school's website should look professional and be informative. If it looks sloppy or feels gimmicky that's a reflection of the school and their values.

What is the learning curriculum?

If the curriculum of the 25 hour portion of the course is not modern and presented professionally you will not enjoy or benefit from it. For example, some driving schools are still teaching students what to do if their engine floods but modern engines are fuel injected and have not flooded since the 1980's. Check with the school to see what their course covers. Most schools have online learning options and there are still some schools that offer in person classes.

Is there an online system for booking lessons or do they still use paper?

An online booking system is critical for any modern school and will make your experience much simpler. It also provides digital proof of how many driving lessons you've completed.

What is the school's reputation?

Reputation is a key aspect to selecting a driving school but you might see or hear conflicting information. For instance, driving schools deal with all types of humans, and their experience with a particular school can vary widely depending on their expectations and personality. Check online for reviews, look at the school's social media presence, and most importantly ask around.

Prioritize Your Driving Lessons

When you have signed up with the driving school of your choice and are ready to start your in car lessons it's essential that you prioritize your lessons. You will read many reviews online of students who say they couldn't get their in car lessons done because the school did not offer lessons that fit their busy schedule. Learning to drive safely is one of the most important things you will ever do in your life, more important than academic studies or social functions so if you have to miss a class here or there, or take time off of work then do it. There are even some employers out there that will pay for you to take a driver education course. Driving schools, like any other business, don't operate based on the customer's schedule. It's up to you to make time to learn to drive safely and prioritize your lessons.