FAQs

What do I need before starting or booking driving lessons?
Currently in the UK you have to be 17 years of age to obtain a provisional licence to drive a car or ride a motorcycle - unless in receipt of a full disability allowance, when you can obtain a provisional licence at the age of 16 years. You must be in possession of a provisional driving licence before you will be able to drive on a public road. You can obtain a licence application form D1 from any main post office or apply online. Then fill the form in, submit two passport type photos and payment.

When Can I Apply for my Provisional driving licence?
You can apply for your Provisional Licence once you're 15years and 9 Months old. Apply online.

I wear glasses occasionally, do I need to wear them when driving?
You should be able to read a car registration plate from 20metres (about 5 car lengths) in good daylight. So, bring them to your first lesson and if you can read a number plate without them you can leave them at home next time. It’s important to have regular sight tests as driving below the required standard of eyesight can lead to prosecution.

How many driving lessons will I need?
There is no exact figure as to how many driving lessons you will need, as this varies from person to person and their driving skills. A rough guide to how many driving lessons you will need is set out by the DSA, who say on average a student requires a minimum of 47 hours of professional tuition, plus 20 hours in their own car to pass their driving test first time round. So around 67 hours is the average.

Can I practice in a family member’s car also?
Yes. If your family member has held a FULL UK/EEA driving licence for 3 years for the category of vehicle you are driving and are at least 21 years of age. You must display L plates at the front and reverse of the vehicle and have insurance. You can then practise what you learn in your lessons. Remember you cannot drive on Motorways.

When can I have my lessons?
We try our best to fit around your lifestyle and offer driving lessons all days of the week from 8.30am – 8pm.

Can I start driving lessons before passing my theory test?
Yes. However, you must pass a theory test before you can take the practical test. Also, your theory test expires after 2 years and you need to pass your practical driving test within this time, otherwise you will have to sit the theory test again.

What will I do on my first driving lesson?
If this is your first time driving a car on the public highway you will learn about how to use and control the vehicle, moving off and stopping. If you have driven before, the lesson will vary depending upon your previous experience and skills.

Could I be collected from my school/college/place of work?
If you arrange this with us when booking your lesson.

What's changing in the Theory Test, and when?
From 23rd January 2012, the Driving Standards Agency is making changes to the UK driving Theory Test. From this date onwards, the DSA will add new multiple-choice Theory Test questions to the test. The DSA will not let anyone publish these new Theory Test questions, so they will not appear in any product, nor on any website. However, the DSA will continue to release official DSA Theory Test revision questions, and these will be published in all Driving Test Success products.

Why do you charge for using your car on the driving test?
Because if you’re using my car I can’t teach someone else. It will also need insurance and petrol during your test and unfortunately these are not free. Some instructors charge more than the cost of a normal lesson. I do not. Your usual lesson rate applies.

Is it better to have a 1 hour lesson or 2 hours lesson?
This depends on your ability to acquire skills/knowledge. Driving is a skill that increases the more you use it. So the more you drive, the better you should become. However, you may not wish to drive for 2 hours as it can be draining as it requires a lot of concentration. You can decide which you prefer.

Will I be driving for the whole of the lesson?
The majority of your time will consist of you driving. The lesson will have a recap/briefing session to start, looking back at what you did and what you’ll be doing during the lesson. Then you’ll practise what was discussed in the briefing. Finally, before the end of the lesson you will need to talk through what you did well and what you need to work on. The best teaching can only happen if you know what you’ll be doing and getting feedback about what you did. Driving instructors that simply sit and have a tour of the local area are not teaching you anything. Also, those that charge a lot less will have you sat by the kerb for long periods of time listening to loads of theory.

What do I need to bring to my first lesson?
You need to bring BOTH PARTS of your provisional driving licence - and any proof of your entitlement to discounts (student identity card) if you want to take advantage of these. Please also bring any glasses or contact lenses if you need them for driving - if you're in any doubt, bring them anyway.