Although we do ask candidates about their driving experience it can be difficult to predict how well the au pair will take to driving in Britain, bearing in mind they will not be used to driving on the left. Budget for some driving lessons for the au pair.
Driving in town can be particularly stressful for the au pair and we feel that where possible it's best to find another solution (e.g. taxis).
From a recruitment and re-recruitment perspective it is worth bearing in mind that while city placements are very popular, only a minority of au pairs are willing to drive.
English lessons
Virtually all au pairs want to attend English lessons. A couple of hours 2-3 times a week is usually adequate. If this turns out not to be possible (and reasonably convenient) the post isn't suitable.
Surprisingly, in some areas the low-cost courses are for daily attendance (it could even be that such a course is the only one available). If it is at all possible to fit such a course around the au pair's duties this is likely to be highly motivating for the au pair and benefit all concerned.
Even in a large city it is always worth checking out likely courses beforehand (although it will not usually be possible to say in advance which one the au pair will be able to enrol on, as this will depend on the provider's assessment of level of English). Enquiries should, however, give you an idea as to the likelihood of a course being available.
It's important too to find out when the au pair will be able to start lessons. Attending language school can make all the difference during the settling in period. If possible adjust the start date accordingly, but if there is to be a long wait it is only fair to warn the au pair before he or she accepts the post.
Your nearest college of further education might be a good place to start your enquiries.