A: No. You can start learning to drive and learn for your theory test at the same time. On my lessons I provide free theory tuition which will help you to pass the test and there are lots of books and CD ROMs in the shops available for you to practice the theory questions and the hazard perception part of the theory test.
Q. How many lessons will it take for me to pass my driving test?
A. The amount of lessons you will need varies for each individual but the average is 40 hours although in some cases people are not ready to take their test after 40 hours and will need extra tuition and some may be ready sooner.
Q. Other than my instructor who is allowed to teach me to drive?
A. If you would like to gain extra experience with your driving and you have someone willing to teach you in between your lessons with your instructor then they must have held a full EC/EEA driving licence for at least 3 years and be at least 21 years of age.
Q. Can I learn in any car?
A. The car you intend to learn to drive in must be insured for you as a learner driver. Fitted with ’L’ plates to both the front and rear of the car and be in a safe and roadworthy condition.
Q. On my first lesson will I be driving on the main road?
A. In some cases learners on their first lesson do get to go onto a main road although this is not every case as every individual varies so how quickly you get onto the main road would depend on your progress. You will only be put onto the main road when I think you are ready and you feel able to. On the first lesson for someone who is learning from scratch I will take you to a quiet road where there will be little or no traffic and this is both for safety and to help you with your confidence.
Q. I have received my provisional Driving Licence and I am 17. What do I do now?
A. That’s simple just give me a call or contact me via email and I will arrange a date and time for your first lesson to suite you.
Q. I work full time when can I do my lessons?
A. I am flexible and have many students who work full time. We can arrange your lessons around your working hours regardless of what shifts you work. You can have the same slot every week or it can change from week to week which ever is best suited to you. You can even start your lesson at home and finish at work or the other way around. All I ask is that you inform me of this when your lesson is booked so I can work my diary around you.
Q. How long do my lessons last?
A. This all depends on you. I do 1hr, 1hr & half and 2hr lessons. I suggest people have an hour and half as this allows you more time to get settled into your lesson and go further a field. But it is entirely up to you how long you have.
Q. What do I need to bring with me on my first lesson?
A. On your first lesson you will need to bring with you your Provisional Driving Licence which includes both the paper part and the card or if you have the old style licence then you will need to bring proof of identity for example a passport or any other photo ID. Most importantly yourself.
Q What is the best clothing to wear when learning to drive?
A. Importantly you should come to your driving lesson in clothes that you are comfortable in I don’t have any competition for the best dressed pupil so what ever you are comfortable in will do. What you wear on your feet is most important as your feet will be doing a lot of the work so you need to make sure you are wearing appropriate footwear. Appropriate footwear would be trainers or flat shoes/boots. Inappropriate footwear would be slippers or high heels.
Q. When will I know that I am ready for my driving test?
A. You will know when you are ready and that is when you can drive safely and independently as this is what is required of you on your test. At the end of your lessons I will do a progress sheet with you which will show you how well you are doing and the areas if any that may need more attention. The progress sheets will help you to see when you will be ready to take your driving test.
Q. How do I book my driving test?
A. You can either book your practical driving test online at dsa.gov.uk or send off an application form which you can get from your local post office.
Q What car will I use for my practical driving test?
A You can use my car for your driving test or you can use your own but it must be insured for you as a learner to drive it and have ’L’ plates on both the front and rear and be in a roadworthy condition. Most students use their instructors car this is advisable as this is the car you will be most familiar with.
Q. When I have passed my test what do I do then?
A. What you do next is up to you. When you have passed your test you will be allowed to drive a car that is insured for you as a driver unaccompanied. Most of my students come back to me to do Pass Plus which helps you gain experience on other areas of driving that you will not have been able to learn before you passed one of these areas is motorways. Not only do you get more experience and therefore learn how to be a safer driver but most insurance companies offer reduced premiums for people who have completed their pass plus. For more detailed information on Pass Plus please contact me.