Are you comparing driving schools and looking for the best driving instructors in Altrincham, Hale or Timperley?

When you’re searching for the best driving instructor, you’ll see both large National companies and local Independent Instructors like me. Quite often there can be a big difference in the service you think you will receive. I am often asked what makes my service different to the large National companies and the table below shows you what you might want to consider in your decision.

Feature	AIM Driving (Elaine Frattasi)	Large National Driving Schools
Instructor’s Qualifications	I am a Grade A Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) with a score of 50/51—the highest grade possible. You’re learning from the very best.	They might use PDI (Provisional Driving Instructors) who are still in training and not fully qualified.
Experience	I have provided 24,000 hours of lessons over 19 years in the Altrincham, Hale, Sale, Bowdon and Timperley areas. My experience is unmatched.	Instructors might have far less experience and the company may have no long-term connection to the local community.
Instructor Continuity	You get the same dedicated, friendly and experienced instructor for every single lesson. This allows us to build a trusting relationship with each other.	You could be assigned a new instructor mid-way through your course, which could disrupt your learning and confidence.
Testimonials & Reviews	All testimonials are for me. You know exactly what you’re getting based on real, local reviews.	Testimonials are often for the company as a whole and could be for an instructor you will never meet.
Local Knowledge	As a local independent driving school, I have expert, in-depth knowledge of test routes, tricky junctions and common challenges in Altrincham, Hale, Sale, Bowdon and Timperley areas.	Their instructors may have only a generic understanding of local roads and test centres.
Pricing Transparency	My prices are clear, upfront and remain consistent. My hourly rate therefore remains the same throughout your training from day one.	Companies often use low introductory prices for the first few hours but the standard hourly rate could change and be significantly higher.
Block Bookings	You can book as few or as many lessons as you like, whatever suits you.	You may be required to “block book” a minimum number of hours before starting your training.
Booking & Communication	You communicate with me directly and personally. I always respond to any enquiry or message promptly 7 days a week.	You may have to deal with a national call centre or an impersonal app to make or change bookings.
Lesson Quality	Lessons are structured and personalised to your unique learning style and pace. We only move on when you’re confident.	Lessons might follow a rigid, ‘one-size-fits-all’ curriculum that doesn’t adapt to individual needs.
Your Vehicle	You will always learn in the same well-maintained manual car. This means you get familiar and comfortable with the controls from day one.	The car you learn in could change, potentially requiring you to adjust to different vehicles.
Post-Test Support	After you pass, I’m always here for you. Some of my clients may choose to take a break from driving and then contact me again for some refresher lessons. Or you may have a question that you would like answered months or years after our lessons together and I would be delighted to help in any way I can.	Post-test training is often a separate service, which may or may not be available with your original instructor.

About my teaching style: Watch my short video

Next Step: Contact me below for a quick initial chat

If you’re looking for driving lessons in the Altrincham area, I’d be happy to support you or your child on the journey to passing the test. Don’t hesitate to get in touch—I’m here to help. Contact me today to discuss how we can get started. You can call or whatsapp me on 07826 051010 or fill in the enquiry form below