Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I learn to drive with you
How old do I have to be before I can book my first lesson
Do I have to have passed my theory test before my first lesson
What do I need to do before my first lesson
What do I need to bring with me on my first lesson
What is involved in learning to drive
How much will it cost to learn to drive
How and when do I pay for my lessons
How long will it take before I can take my test
Can I have evening & weekend lessons
Can I be picked up and dropped off in different places
What happens if I need to cancel a lesson
What do I have to do to pass my test
What are "manoeuvres" and what will I have to do
Why should I learn to drive with you
Because you need the best tuition available to be able to cope safely with today's busy roads. I am a fully qualified, licensed, experienced instructor, unlike many other instructors who are still training, and all my lessons are conducted in a professional manor complying with a strict code of conduct, in a modern, reliable car. I have a high pass rate because all my lessons are fun, professional, informative, safe and above all the best value for money you will get. Don't just take my word for it, click on the "Testimonials" link in the left hand column to see what past pupils have said.
How old do I have to be before I can book my first lesson
You can book your lesson before your 17th birthday however you cannot legal drive on public roads until you are 17, so you will not be able to have your first lesson until your 17th birthday.
Do I have to have passed my theory test before my first lesson
No, you can do your theory before you start driving if you want but most people prefer to do the theory and practical in parallel as the two compliment each other.
Click on the "Contact" link in the left hand column to contact me by phone, text, or email and we can arrange your first lesson at a time convenient to both of us. However as I am out on the road a lot of the time you may not always be able to contact me directly so please leave a name and contact number or email address and I will call you back to discuss your requirements and arrange your first lesson.
What do I need to do before my first lesson
Ensure you have obtained your provisional license
Ensure your eyesight meets the minimum standard required to drive
What do I need to bring with me on my first lesson
You will need your provisional licence, glasses (or contact lenses) if you wear them, and your payment for the lesson (or block of lessons). Click on the "Prices" link in the left hand column to see how much this will be.
What is involved in learning to drive
At the beginning of each lesson there will be a short recap session where I can assess what knowledge you already have or what you can remember from your previous lesson, it will then be explained to you exactly what subject you will be learning and how you will go about it, so you always know what you are doing and are not just driving around aimlessly
On the first lesson you will have various safety issues explained to you then you will be shown how all the controls work. After that you will be shown how to get the car moving and then it will be your turn to practise what you have been taught, you will definitely get to do some driving on your first lesson. Over the following weeks you will learn about systems that need to be put into place to negotiate basic junctions, turns, roundabouts, etc. You will then gradually move onto busier roads and learn how to interact with other road users and be taught about traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, planning, anticipation, town driving, etc. When you are proficient in these areas you will move onto faster roads and dual carriageways. While you are learning the basis of driving you will also be taught how to do various manoeuvres. (For a fuller explanation of what is involved see the question below about manoeuvres)
At the end of each lesson you will get a full explanation of all the good bits and all the bad bits and what needs more work. We will also work out what will happen next lesson so as you will know what to expect and can do some research and prepare yourself for it.
How much will it cost to learn to drive
This is obviously different for each pupils so is hard to give an accurate answer but the DSA say that, on average, you will need approx 2hrs professional tuition for every year of your age, i.e. the "average" 20 year old will need 40 hrs. This of course can vary according to the quality of your instruction, remember 30 quality hours @ £25 /hr is cheaper that £20 /hr for 40 hrs of sat by the side of the road and driving round aimlessly. Click on the "Prices" link in the left hand column to see the price of each lesson, but you will need to budget approximately £1000
By booking blocks of 10 or more lessons
By introducing friends or relatives and earning free lessons
By getting as much private practise as possible
Click on the "Lesson Notes" page in the left hand column and check out all the links to ensure you have fully understood your last lesson
How and when do I pay for my lessons
All lessons must be paid for in advance and are usually sorted out at the begging of the lesson. Click on the "Prices" link in the left hand column to see what types of payment are accepted.
How long will it take before I can take my test
This is obviously different for each pupils so is hard to give an accurate answer but the DSA say that, on average, you will need approx 2hrs professional tuition for every year of your age, i.e. the "average" 20 year old will need 40 hrs. I will discuss you of your progress at the end of each lesson and then advise you as to when to apply for your test. The more practise and research you can do will also help to reduce these hours. (See the above question "How can I reduce these costs")
Quite simply, introduce me to your friends or relatives who need driving lessons. For a more detailed explanation click on the "Free Lessons" link in the left hand column.
Can I have evening & weekend lessons
Yes, and at no extra cost.
Can I be picked up and dropped off in different places
Yes, if required it can usually be arranged that the drop off point is a different location than pick-up. Ideal for pick-up from work, drop off at home or pick-up from home drop off in town, etc. This must be within the working area and will be dependant on my next lesson so must be arranged beforehand.
What happens if I need to cancel a lesson
You need to give 48 hrs notice of any cancellation otherwise, unless I can fill that slot, (which is unlikely at such short notice) you will unfortunately be charged for that lesson. In the case of emergency or illness, if it is not a regular occurrence, then you may not be charged.
What do I have to do to pass my test
Firstly you have to pass your theory test before you can book your practical test. During the practical driving test you will be expected to drive for about 40 minutes in various road situations. You will be asked to perform two of the four manoeuvres that you have been taught. You may also be required to perform an emergency stop. You must drive without committing any serious or dangerous fault or without committing more than 15 driving errors of a less serious nature. For a more detailed explanation of what the test involves click on the "Test Info" link in the left hand column.
What are "manoeuvres" and what will I have to do
During your lessons you will be taught how to do 4 reversing manoeuvres, these are reversing around a corner, turn in the road, parallel parking and bay parking. On your test you will be required to do 2 of these which must be done safely with good observation and under full control, you could fail your test if these are not performed correctly.
You have to book your test with the DSA, this is the government department responsible for carrying out all driving tests in England, Scotland and Wales. This can be done by phone, letter, or online. For a more detailed explanation of how to do this and a link to the DSA website click on the "Test Info" link in the left hand column. Before you book your test it is essential that you discuss it with me, partly to ensure you are ready to take your test and also to agree a date that is suitable for both of us.
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