Learner driver here! Any other learners on here? Just wanted to find out what people think of BSM (British School of Motoring) as I?m thinking of joining them for lessons?
I read they?ve just done a deal with Fiat so you get to learn to drive in Fiat 500s! Am a big fan of this car ? would quite like one when I eventually pass and they are also giving discounts on it as well?so seems like a good idea to me?
Did anyone else learn or is anyone else learning with BSM? Would be good to know your thoughts?
Edited by Honestjohn on 18/08/2009 at 17:10
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Just remember every lesson you have with BSM will cost you 15% more due to VAT. Ensure you have a fully qualiifed instructor and not one who is using BSM just to get the full badge.
Edited by Honestjohn on 18/08/2009 at 17:11
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I learned with BSM many years ago. Our two sons also had lessons with them.
So they are a good school but the actual instructor you get will vary - some are better than others. Also some may suit an individual but may not be so good for someone else - we all learn differently.
Mine was a little eccentric but suited me - he also taught Richard and Judy's children at the time.
I don't think they will have any/many FIAT 500's yet though. They will still have quite an extensive fleet of Vauxhall Corsas and Astras. It will take time to replace the fleet for cost grounds - they won't throw away decent cars.
Also, if you're a student and can prove this you are eligible for a discount on the cost of lessons with BSM.
Edited by Honestjohn on 18/08/2009 at 17:10
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....he also taught Richard and Judy's children at the time.
Recent events are perhaps not the best advert, then.
news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8206027.stm
Edited by Honestjohn on 18/08/2009 at 17:10
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I would have thought you would be better using a local, independent and long standing driving instructor rather than a franchised driving school.
If you ask around you will probably find at least one such driving instructor given a solid recommendation.
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I wonder if they teach pupils that if you leave a car in gear along with applying the handbrake - that It`s then got `parking brakes` on all four wheels? (obviously not RWD)
It was a revelation to SWMBO when I taught her that after professional lessons - although, not with BSM. No one seems to be taught that you can shove it in first and heave it off the road on the starter in a potential life saving move either.. (stuff the CAT heave it out of harms way ;-)
Why?
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I would have thought you would be better using a local independent and long standing driving instructor rather than a franchised driving school. If you ask around you will probably find at least one such driving instructor given a solid recommendation.
Like he said, although judging by my experience 20 odd years ago it depends significantly on how well you get on with the instructor as to how fast you can make progress.
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I learnt with BSM back in 1993, and was most pleased with my instructor. Passed first time 26 days after turning 17.
Strangely enough, the guy left BSM and went to the AA shortly after. That not withstanding, I think that probably 20 of my friends, relatives and acquaintances ended up passing with him as he was so good. word of mouth is definitely the best solution - I had pretty much no contact with BSM - it's all about the instructor.
Chap called Steve Finley if you are in the Oxford area, although I have no idea if he still teaches.
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I had 10 lessons in an Austin 1100 @ £2.00 a time as a 'bundle deal' from their Sutton Coldfield branch in the Spring/early Summer of 1972.
Graduated art college in June then went back up to Yorksher where (after a few evening's going out with my old man) I managed to get a cancellation test slot and passed first time.
Can you get a single lesson for £20 quid these days I wonder?
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Can you get a single lesson for £20 quid these days I wonder?
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If you can it will be a special 1 off offer or the instructor will be desperate for business
going rate around us was £23 - £27 when my daughter learned last year with a very good local instructor.
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In general franchised driving instructors have either not been in the business for very long or are incapable of surviving on their own reputation. Why pay £250 - £300 per week to a driving school when you can run your own business for just a fraction of that?
That doesn't mean to say you won't find a good instructor with a big school, but you are far more likely to if you search for an independant who's been round for a while. As already stated, recommendations are the way to go.
Edited by Robin Reliant on 18/08/2009 at 19:58
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Not all pay the driving school (like BSM) the same. Some take advantage of the school, get the car etc. but find their own pupils and set their own prices.
Regardless who you choose, ask what level they were assessed at when they were last checked as an instructor. I went on some free lessons with mine when he was being assessed (learning a new area for both of us in north Manchester) and I think he was a 4 out of 5. He was pleased.
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if i was 4 out of 5 i would be looking for the other bit
does he know where he lost it?
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Yes he did and so do I. It was an area where we didn't know so we ended up going down a road that ended up with me having to reverse around a blind bend which was on a hill. As I turned around to look behind I got all nervous when I could mostly see the "big" examiner sat in the back of the car.
... What he got pulled up on was he could have had be reverse to the left into an empty set of parking bays instead! But he was pleased with the 4. Meant he didn't get tested again for a few years.
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Regardless who you choose ask what level they were assessed at when they were last checked as an instructor. I went on some free lessons with mine when he was being assessed (learning a new area for both of us in north Manchester) and I think he was a 4 out of 5. He was pleased.
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ADI's are graded 1 to 6 on their check tests. 1,2 and 3 are fails, 4 and above are passes with grade 4 being deemed as "Adequate". I wouldn't have boasted about that.
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I thought it was up to 5. So he probably got a 5 then. He got one less than maximum. This was in 1994 I think.
Edited by rtj70 on 18/08/2009 at 21:21
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I thought it was up to 5. So he probably got a 5 then. He got one less than maximum. This was in 1994 I think.
I also got a five in 1994. They forgot about me then and when I packed up in 04 Ihad gone ten years without a check, the maximum time should be four years.
God bless beauracratic inefficiency.
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support your indipendant !
someone who has worked hard to keep HIS buisness running , not working for a franshise , and not giving two hoots , coz the next job is there.
an indipendant guy , goes off word and mouth recomendations , if he,s crap he doesnt get more work.
regarding discounts on new fiat 500s , prob better get a better deal without them and being "locked" by having to take there insurance out etc etc
most (but not all) BSM instructors hav,nt got the bottle or buisness acruments to go alone even when it states on there website "earn upto 35k a year"
blimy after 12 mths i,d be on my own with a new learner car.
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