Group driving lessons

[230TE]

On the way into work this morning I came up behind a driving school car being driven very slowly and erratically. Clipped a kerb, wandering across the white lines etc. Presumably a driver having his first or second lesson. Nothing unusual except there were four people in the car. Instructor, learner driver and two passengers (looked late teens) in the back seat.

I am struggling to think how this could possibly be a good idea. Presumably a lot cheaper than a solo lesson, but if I had kids there is no way on earth that I would let them be driven by someone who is still struggling to master the basics of car control. Added peer pressure from having two of your mates in the back surely cannot be helpful. Has anyone on PH learned to drive through this sort of group lesson?

[rpguk]

It's not uncommon in the US where they have lessons at school. I think it's the same in Australia too. I've also seen intensive courses here which are based on two people alternating between an hour in the driving seat and an hour in the back seat.

I agree it's probably not ideal though the instructor should keep any silliness in check.

[Krikkit]

If anything it's a good experience - the added weight and performance blunt of extra people in a low-powered car, along with that undefinable distraction of people just being there while you drive.

That said, it sounds like they were a bit too low on the learning curve to be doing that if they can't avoid kerbs!

[mk1matt]

I never had two, but occasionally the previous learner would drive to my house as their lesson, then I'd drop them home as part of mine. It makes sense from a time./money perspective for the instructor, and it gave me a bit of experience of having passengers.

[SpeckledJim]

It's a good idea. The two in the back get the benefit of learning without paying. 3 hours company of the instructor, and paying for 1.

[R0G]

I reckon most ADIs can get 6 hours of paid tuition time in an eight hour period when you take in travelling time etc etc between pupils so getting 3 in a car who each pay for 2 hours and then keep swapping with breaks over an eight hour period may work very well especially if all 3 pupils are ok with each other

Each pupil gets 2 hours of driving and 6+ hours of learning for the price of 2 hours

Watching another and learning from their errors is great way to learn