Client Centred Learning

What is "Client Centred Learning?" 

Traditionally,  Driving Instructors "Instruct." We have been doing that for many, many years.  That's how most people learned to drive. The old method of “Lets drive and find some faults to fix” does works, but it is negative, disheartening and takes much longer to learn.

Getting away from traditional driving instruction, we utilise Client Centred Learning methods and modern coaching techniques.  This is designed to put you in control of your learning process by helping you  decide what subject you  want to work on next, how you want to go about it and deciding what works best for you.  Our job now, as Driving Instructors, isn't to instruct or teach you to drive;  but to HELP YOU TO LEARN.  If you, as a student, can LEARN things for yourself, rather than just trying to remember what you have been told, your progress will be much quicker.

How does it work?
Rather than your Instructor telling you what the subject will be for the next lesson, you will decide what subject you want to cover (although we will not be driving on the Motorway on your first lesson). This will give you the chance to prepare in advance for the lesson. You can do this by: reading a chapter in the workbook; by watching a video; and by doing a quiz to test your understanding. Use whatever method works best for you.  The Quiz is not a test, as all the answers are in the workbook, but it will mean you have a clear understanding of the subject  before the lesson starts.  During the lesson, you will spend the time practising the skills you have been learning about.   This is much more effective than listening to an instructor talking while you are parked at the side of the road, and this will make your lesson time much more productive.

Why is it good to have GOALS at the start of each lesson?
Goals give you something to aim for.  You will set your own Goals, rather than the instructor setting goals for you. "What would you like to get from this lesson?
At the end of the session we will review you goals and record the results: Did you achieve all your goals? Did you achieve some of your goals?  Based on the results, what would you like to cover on the next session:  Move on to a new subject?  Or spend a bit more time trying to master this subject, before you move on to another? Don't worry if you don't know what goals are realistic; that is the thing you can discuss with your instructor - but after the discussion, you can make the final decision.

There is a chart in the workbook where you can "Tick off" your goals as you achieve them.  It gives an encouraging sense of accomplishment as you see that page filling up with ticks after each session.

Will Client Centred Learning help me if I am able to get some practice with a parent or friend?
Absolutely.  Client Centred Learning puts you in control.  Any additional practice you can get is very useful toward achieving your goal of learning to drive safely.

Imagine you are learning to type; once you know what to do, the key is practice, practice, practice till you are good at it; the more you can practice, the quicker you will become proficient.  If you type a wrong letter, you don't need someone to point it out, but you strive to keep improving. 

Learning to Drive is the same; the more practice time you get, the quicker you will learn.  But, rather than just using the additional practice time to just "go for a drive somewhere" set yourself goals: What do I hope to get from this additional practice?  If there a specific skill I could improve on?

What are the main benefits of Client Centred Learning?
Client Centred Learning inspires you, the student, to set challenges and achieve goals. You are in charge of the learning process. Each lesson should fill you with anticipation and excitement.  This is why learning to drive with us, utilising Client Centred Learning effectively, is likely to result in you passing your test with far fewer hours of tuition than would be the norm to pass the driving test with tradition teaching methods.
 
How many hours will it take to pass the Driving Test?

see GOV.UK August 2025

"There’s no minimum number of lessons you must have or hours you must practise driving to pass through the 5 levels of progress. How many lessons you need will depend on how quickly you learn. 
Research shows that, on average, it takes people 45 hours of driving lessons with 22 hours of additional practice with family or friends."

Client Centred Learning can reduce the time taken to Learn to Drive, so that a 30 or 40 hour goal might be realistic. With Driving Lessons costing between £40 - £45 this would result in substantial savings.


Are there any Long Term benefited to using Client  Centred Learning?
The ‘Client Centred Learning’ approach actively encourages self-reliance, confidence and responsibility. The result is students who learn more quickly and who are more likely to be safer drivers.
 The traditional method of instruction is not only potentially more expensive, it may partly explain why so many young people end up having a serious motoring incident within the first year of driving. Under sufferance learners do as they are told to pass the driving test but then quickly forget what they memorised or were told to do.  Client Centred Learning, on the other hand, is all about encouraging you to be self-reliant, make decisions for yourself, to evaluate what you think is important and safe – to develop safe driving techniques and attitudes that will prepare you for a Lifetime of Safe Driving.
 

In Summary?
People learning to drive in the UK take, on average, 14 months to pass the Driving Test.  So if you are serious about wanting to pass first time, quickly and for the least amount of money, then take ownership of the process with our Client-Centred Learning approach.  Put yourself in the driving seat (literarily and figuratively). Take control of your own learning and ensure success happens by design and not by chance.  But, most importantly of all, give yourself the best possible chance of being equipped for a lifetime of safe driving.