Can you request a female driving instructor?

Before you start learning to drive, you have a few choices to consider. The first of these is whether you sign up with an independent instructor or enlist with a driving school.

If you go independent and want a female instructor, it’s simply a matter of finding your favourite choice. But what about the second option?

At driving schools, they’ll usually assign an instructor to you. That doesn’t mean you can’t make requests, however.

It is perfectly fine to request a female driving instructor, and most driving schools will accept these appeals. Unfortunately, they can’t always accommodate you.

According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), there are approximately 40,000 approved driving instructors in the UK. Of that group, roughly a quarter are female.

For this reason, driving schools will not always manage to connect you with a female driving instructor. 

There’s no need to panic, though. Despite the lower numbers, it’s still possible to find female-led driving courses in your local area.

There are many reasons why a learner might prefer a female instructor. Driving schools want to give you the best possible learning experience, so they will do their utmost to help.

Both male and female instructors can create a learning environment that will help you pass your driving test. Still, there are several valid reasons learners might feel more at ease with female instruction, such as:

• Personal preference

The average learner needs roughly 45 hours before they’re ready for their practical test. You’ll be spending a lot of time with your instructor, so it makes sense to find a good fit.

Some people just find female instruction more comfortable. If this is simply your personal preference, that’s good enough.

• Bad experiences

While the vast majority of male driving instructors behave professionally, it’s possible that you’ve had a negative experience before.

If that’s the case, choosing a female driving instructor is the sensible choice. This will ensure you feel safe, and since you feel more comfortable, your learning will benefit too.

• Religious and cultural reasons

At times, choosing a male or female instructor isn’t a choice at all.

There are certain cultures and religions where a woman should not spend time alone with a man who is not a relative.

In situations like these, a female instructor is the only option.

Whether you’re signing up for an intensive driving course, automatic driving lessons, or regular lessons, your comfort matters.

The choice is yours to make. If you’d prefer a female driving instructor, don’t be afraid to ask for one. Requesting a female instructor is allowed and not uncommon. You don’t need to justify your decision, communicating your preference is enough.

Ready to start learning how to drive? Get the latest driving instruction tips and tricks, delivered by the expert. Once you're set, browse the best female driving instructors near you or post a free enquiry to hear from local instructors directly. Then, take the first step towards passing your test.