I have read with interest the opinions of various pupils of AA Driving School and it is interesting to note that many of them who rubbish the AA are those who failed their driving tests. For those who failed must have someone to blame, it is of course not their fault that they failed but somebody elses. I don't see anybody rubbishing driving instructors when they have passed their tests.
Almost all driving instructors are self employed, some, such as those with the AA operate a franchise. I do agree that there are good instructors and others not so good, as is the case with any job, there are good doctors and some not so.
In this world you get what you pay for, such is the case with driving schools. With the AA at least you are guaranteed a FULLY qualified instructor. A certain well known school makes much use of, for want of a better phrase, learner instructors.
Check the instructors badge, is it green? they are fully qualified, is it pink? they have not yet passed their final exams and are not qualified.
Do you want an old banger to learn to drive in or a modern new car, do you want a back up service, should your instructors car break down, how soon before he gets a new one or gets it repaired? Such things cost money, why does a Rolls Royce cost more than a Mini?
Should you have a complaint with your instructor DON'T sit there and do nothing call the head office, it will be sorted out.
Any worth while instructor will operate to the driving school code of conduct, will usually be a member of one of the professional bodies and carry full public liability insurance. You should also be shown an instruction syllabus showing what you will be learning, and how well you are progressing.
How do you know if you are ready for your test? can you do everything you have covered on your lessons WITHOUT help or is your instructor still prompting you to do things? If they are, then you are not ready to take your test.