​1. Do I need to do anything before I start driving?​
You must be at least 17 years of age and hold a Provisional Driving Licence. You can apply for one quickly and easily online by clicking here or by completing the D1 application form available from most post offices.​



​2. How much does it cost to get your provisional licence?​
The Driving Vehicle Standards Agency publishes the cost of obtaining a driving licence on their website.​

​
3. I have a non UK licence. How can I find out if I can exchange it for a UK one?​
Driving licences from many countries can be exchanged for British licences, but the process varies depending on which country you are from. See the DVSA's advice on how to exchange your licence for a British one.​

​
4. How many driving lessons will I need to take?​
Driving is a skill that some learn much quicker than others so it is difficult for me to say exactly how many hours of driving lessons you will require.  An instructor should monitor your progress at the end of each lesson and should be able to advise how near test standard you are.  The Driving Standards Vehicle Agency (DVSA) currently say a person should require about 45 hrs of driving lessons and 22hrs of private practice.​

​
5. Can I have evening and weekend lessons?​
Yes. I offer driving lessons in the evening and at weekends, although these are the most popular times and I tend to get booked up in advance.  The best way to secure these times is to buy lessons in bulk.​

​​
6. Can a friend or family member teach me how to drive?​
The DVSA strongly recommend that you take driving lessons from an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI).  If a friend or relative teaches you, then they must be over the age of 21 and have held a Full British Driving Licence for at least 3 years.

I do offer a 2 hour coaching course for parents and family members.  This course will aid an adult in supplementing the training that I provide to the pupil. coaching course for friends and family can be viewed here.

​
7. Will my instructor expect me to know the basics?​
No, don't worry, I cater for all abilities.​

​
8. Do you provide tuition in Automatic Cars?​
No, unfortunately I do not have any automatic tuition cars.

​
9. What is the cheapest way to book my driving lessons?
You can cut the cost of learning to drive by taking advantage of the block booking discounts I offer. This will make the hourly price you pay cheaper, the more driving  lessons you book.  See driving lesson prices for details or complete the contact form that is at the bottom of this page.

​
10. Do I need to pass the Theory Test before I can start my driving lessons?​
No. Some people think it is a good idea to learn the theory whilst you are learning the practical side as it can make it easier to understand and remember. However, you should remember that no two people are the same so you must decide for yourself how you wish to go about your learning for both parts of the test. Remember, you must pass your Theory Test before you are allowed to apply for your Practical Test.​

​

​​11. What should I study in order to pass my Theory Test?

To prepare for the theory test the DSA recommend that all candidates study the Highway Code, Know Your Traffic Signs and the relevant books from DSA's Driving Skills series.

The driving theory test has two parts, part one is a multiple choice test of 50 questions and part two is a hazard perception test of 14 video clips in which you will have to identify 15 developing hazards.

12. What happens on the day of my test?​
The Practical Driving Test lasts approximately 40 minutes and is conducted by a Driving Vehicle Standards Agency Examiner.
Your driving test will start with an eyesight check and some vehicle safety questions. You will then start your practical driving test which will include some specific manoeuvres.

Throughout the test your examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving, including when you are carrying out the set exercises. You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. On your test, relax and try to remember what you have been taught. 

​
13. When I pass my test, do you provide any further courses?
Once you have passed your test you can undertake a PASS PLUS course. This is a training scheme for new drivers, designed by the DVSA. It consists of six practical modules and you can take it at any time within the first 12 month of passing your test.

​
14. Do you offer driving lessons to people who passed their driving test some time ago?
Yes,  I offer refresher driving lessons on any aspects that you require assistance with.  Please contact me for more information.

 

15. Do driving instructors get graded on their abilities?

Yes, Driving Instructors do get graded on their instructional ability.  Standards checks are carried out periodically to ensure that standards are being met or exceeded.  Instructors used to be graded on a number scale but this has recently changed.  There are now 3 grades, Grade A, Grade B and Fail.

 

Grade A       A high overall standard of instruction demonstrated

Grade B       Sufficient competence demonstrated to permit or retain entry on the Register of Approved Driving Instructors

Fail              Unsatisfactory performance. Will need to resit the standards check again. You only get 3 chances to pass.

​

If you have any questions or want some general information then please contact me either by email or telephone and I will endeavour to reply as soon as possible.